be_v leave_v only_o to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n within_o we_o and_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o creature_n without_o we_o we_o may_v have_v eternal_o grope_v in_o darkness_n and_o never_o have_v come_v unto_o salvation_n for_o though_o these_o may_v direct_v we_o unto_o a_o god_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o proper_o unto_o a_o christ_n nature_n can_v never_o thorough_o discover_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o right_a mean_n unto_o salvation_n and_o though_o god_n be_v delineate_v and_o draw_v out_o as_o it_o be_v in_o his_o creature_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o in_o dark_a colour_n see_v he_o may_v be_v and_o understand_v in_o they_o but_o never_o exact_o worship_v and_o serve_v through_o they_o there_o must_v be_v then_o some_o high_a principle_n and_o fountain_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v draw_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n his_o grace_n and_o goodness_n towards_o mankind_n his_o love_n unto_o we_o from_o all_o eternity_n in_o design_v his_o son_n to_o die_v for_o we_o and_o to_o reveal_v unto_o we_o all_o those_o high_a mystery_n of_o religion_n which_o otherwise_o nature_n can_v never_o reach_v unto_o now_o that_o which_o do_v these_o thing_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o instruct_v heretofore_o the_o old_a patriarch_n either_o by_o oracle_n or_o vision_n be_v at_o length_n by_o moses_n proclaim_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o set_v down_o in_o writing_n that_o so_o all_o may_v plain_o see_v who_o he_o be_v what_o kind_n of_o worship_n he_o do_v approve_v of_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v he_o will_v bring_v they_o unto_o heaven_n so_o that_o as_o christ_n say_v unto_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n joh._n 4._o 22._o that_o both_o she_o and_o her_o nation_n worship_v they_o know_v not_o what_o we_o say_v likewise_o of_o the_o gentile_n they_o worship_v they_o know_v not_o what_o god_n or_o the_o true_a one_o in_o a_o false_a manner_n for_o before_o christ_n time_n god_n word_n be_v consign_v &_o closet_v within_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n no_o wonder_v that_o the_o gentile_n without_o the_o pale_a become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n and_o worship_v the_o creature_n more_o than_o the_o creator_n and_o now_o after_o christ_n many_o nation_n either_o through_o malice_n reject_v the_o scripture_n or_o through_o negligence_n be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o no_o wonder_n that_o they_o be_v give_v up_o to_o worship_v the_o host_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o follow_v after_o idol_n and_o lie_v vanity_n for_o as_o old_a and_o dim_a eye_n though_o they_o may_v behold_v a_o fair_a volume_n yet_o they_o can_v speak_v or_o read_v perhaps_o two_o word_n together_o without_o the_o help_n of_o spectacle_n or_o some_o other_o glass_n in_o like_a manner_n though_o a_o purblind_a natural_a man_n a_o gentile_a may_v see_v god_n in_o the_o large_a volume_n of_o his_o creature_n yet_o without_o the_o light_n and_o help_v of_o holy_a scripture_n he_o can_v never_o discover_v his_o will_n and_o the_o true_a manner_n wherein_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v the_o scripture_n alone_o be_v the_o cannon_n and_o rule_n unto_o which_o we_o must_v square_v ourselves_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n the_o principium_fw-la cognoscendi_fw-la that_o instrument_n and_o ladder_n whereby_o we_o may_v climb_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o have_v a_o more_o intimate_a and_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o god_n then_o possible_o we_o can_v attain_v unto_o either_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o conduct_v of_o the_o creature_n wherefore_o leave_v the_o two_o former_a book_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o creature_n we_o must_v enter_v now_o into_o a_o high_a form_n as_o it_o be_v and_o learn_v the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o shall_v be_v my_o task_n therefore_o at_o present_a to_o open_v unto_o you_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n out_o of_o these_o word_n in_o prosecution_n of_o which_o as_o of_o all_o other_o head_n ensue_v i_o shall_v as_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o endeavour_v to_o couch_v my_o matter_n in_o as_o short_a a_o room_n as_o i_o can_v that_o so_o i_o may_v the_o more_o speedy_o go_v over_o the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v the_o intent_n of_o this_o exercise_n and_o then_o i_o shall_v with_o all_o plainness_n perspicuity_n and_o method_n both_o open_a and_o apply_v the_o doctrine_n familiar_o illustrate_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v knotty_a and_o hard_a without_o ramble_v and_o fetch_v in_o of_o thing_n which_o will_v not_o consist_v with_o my_o intend_a brevity_n and_o method_n as_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v a_o beat_a path_n i_o shall_v with_o less_o pain_n go_v over_o these_o word_n as_o i_o conceive_v be_v the_o most_o pertinent_a whereon_o i_o may_v build_v it_o which_o be_v bring_v in_o as_o a_o argument_n to_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v the_o doctrine_n which_o timothy_n have_v suck_v in_o even_o from_o his_o youth_n and_o receive_v from_o paul_n for_o he_o show_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n the_o danger_n of_o the_o latter_a time_n and_o the_o error_n of_o evil_a man_n and_o seducer_n do_v give_v his_o son_n timothy_n a_o antidote_n against_o their_o poison_n exhort_v he_o in_o the_o 14._o verse_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o time_n indeed_o be_v very_o evil_a error_n very_o rife_o persecution_n every_o where_o offer_v to_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o say_v he_o continue_v thou_o in_o the_o thing_n which_o thou_o have_v learned_a etc._n etc._n this_o exhortation_n he_o seem_v to_o press_v by_o several_a argument_n thou_o must_v continue_v in_o sound_a doctrine_n 1._o because_o thou_o have_v learn_v it_o it_o be_v to_o that_o purpose_n deposit_v with_o thou_o and_o instill_v into_o thou_o that_o thou_o may_v continue_v in_o it_o 2._o because_o thou_o have_v be_v assure_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o will_v argue_v want_n of_o judgement_n and_o folly_n in_o thou_o to_o fall_v from_o it_o and_o because_o thou_o know_v of_o who_o thou_o have_v learn_v it_o not_o from_o any_o impostor_n or_o seducer_n but_o from_o a_o paul_n a_o apostle_n act_v by_o the_o spirit_n &_o teach_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o have_v from_o christ_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o who_o authority_n ought_v to_o bind_v thou_o to_o persevere_v in_o the_o thing_n thou_o have_v learn_v 3._o o_o timothy_n thou_o must_v continue_v in_o those_o thing_n thou_o have_v learn_v because_o from_o a_o child_n thou_o have_v know_v the_o holy_a scripture_n v._o 15._o thou_o have_v be_v so_o long_o verse_v in_o the_o sacred_a truth_n so_o long_o learn_v and_o receive_v it_o that_o now_o it_o will_v be_v a_o most_o base_a thing_n for_o thou_o to_o recede_v from_o it_o read_v it_o thou_o have_v from_o thy_o child_n hood_n and_o therefore_o hold_v it_o fast_o thou_o shall_v in_o thy_o ripe_a year_n this_o argument_n he_o back_v on_o 4._o from_o the_o perfection_n and_o profitable_a effect_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v thou_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n through_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n thou_o must_v therefore_o continue_v in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o word_n of_o god_n because_o if_o thou_o believe_v in_o that_o it_o be_v able_a to_o instruct_v thou_o unto_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n these_o argument_n he_o put_v down_o in_o the_o 14_o &_o 15._o verse_n now_o he_o go_v on_o in_o these_o word_n read_v unto_o you_o to_o persuade_v he_o to_o persevere_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o say_v he_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n the_o authority_n therefore_o of_o it_o shall_v bind_v thou_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o maintenance_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n and_o therefore_o the_o great_a profit_n of_o it_o in_o instruct_v thou_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o tend_v to_o religion_n or_o well_o live_v and_o also_o its_o perspicuity_n in_o lay_v down_o all_o manner_n of_o thing_n plain_o which_o make_v either_o for_o doctrine_n or_o for_o decision_n of_o controversy_n or_o for_o regulate_v man_n manner_n either_o in_o public_a or_o private_a and_o then_o in_o the_o 17._o verse_n the_o apostle_n confirm_v his_o exhortation_n from_o the_o end_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a etc._n etc._n it_o be_v perfect_a in_o itself_o and_o therefore_o it_o do_v make_v man_n perfect_a and_o thorough_o instruct_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n since_o then_o say_v paul_n the_o doctrine_n which_o thou_o have_v learn_v have_v so_o noble_a a_o author_n of_o it_o as_o god_n have_v so_o profitable_a a_o use_n as_o to_o make_v man_n wise_a unto_o
γνωστόν_fw-gr το_n θεο_n καί_n γνωστόν_fw-gr το_n ξÏιστο_n or_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_a of_o god_n by_o the_o book_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o excellent_a knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n deliver_v at_o st_n mary_n in_o oxford_n by_o edward_z wood_n m._n a._n late_a proctor_n of_o the_o university_n and_o fellow_n of_o merton_n coll._n oxon._n publish_a since_o his_o death_n by_o his_o brother_n a._n w._n m._n a._n 1_o cor._n 2._o 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d oxford_z print_v by_o h._n h._n printer_n to_o the_o university_n for_o jos._n godwin_n &_o edw._n forrest_n 1656._o ornatissimo_fw-la nobili_fw-la necnon_fw-la clarissimo_fw-it viro_fw-la d._n jonathani_fw-la goddard_n medicinae_fw-la doctori_fw-la et_fw-la inclyti_fw-la collegii_fw-la mertonensis_n custodi_fw-la in_o antiquissima_fw-la universitate_fw-la oxoniensi_fw-la antonius_n wood_n collegii_fw-la per_fw-la prudentiam_fw-la svam_fw-la optime_fw-la gubernati_fw-la alumnus_n have_v primitias_fw-la modo_fw-la fratris_fw-la defuncti_fw-la svo_fw-la patrocinio_fw-la humiliter_fw-la that_o dicat_fw-la dedicat._n the_o publisher_n to_o the_o courteous_a reader_n the_o author_n of_o these_o sermon_n be_v late_o fall_v asleep_o and_o have_v have_v no_o admission_n while_o he_o be_v live_v to_o be_v recommend_v to_o public_a view_n the_o persuasion_n and_o importunity_n since_o his_o death_n of_o some_o of_o my_o friend_n and_o such_o as_o may_v challenge_v no_o small_a interest_n in_o i_o have_v though_o unwilling_a induce_v i_o to_o adventure_v to_o exhibit_v this_o little_a volume_n to_o look_v out_o and_o do_v service_n in_o the_o world_n he_o himself_o whilst_o he_o live_v write_v it_o and_o doubtless_o he_o have_v finish_v it_o if_o god_n have_v lend_v he_o long_o life_n but_o it_o fare_v so_o with_o he_o as_o once_o with_o hezekiah_n esay_n 37._o 3._o the_o child_n be_v come_v to_o the_o birth_n and_o there_o be_v not_o strength_n to_o bring_v forth_o i_o have_v as_o a_o brother_n though_o not_o as_o a_o skilful_a midwife_n do_v what_o i_o can_v to_o bring_v it_o forth_o by_o collect_v it_o out_o of_o his_o paper-book_n and_o some_o other_o loose_a write_n from_o his_o private_a study_n which_o be_v the_o only_a remora_n to_o its_o more_o sudden_a and_o much_o desire_a birth_n some_o errata_n since_o have_v pass_v the_o press_n which_o perhaps_o will_v not_o so_o well_o relish_v with_o thy_o palate_n but_o i_o whole_o rely_v upon_o thy_o courteous_a ingenuity_n to_o pass_v they_o over_o with_o silence_n thou_o may_v here_o expect_v that_o i_o shall_v speak_v something_o in_o commendation_n of_o this_o work_n which_o be_v not_o happy_o so_o fit_v it_o be_v both_o hard_a for_o one_o brother_n to_o praise_v another_o without_o boast_v moreover_o for_o i_o to_o seek_v thy_o approbation_n of_o it_o by_o any_o fair_a and_o plausible_a induction_n be_v altogether_o to_o distrust_n if_o not_o impair_v the_o worth_n of_o it_o i_o know_v the_o work_n itself_o will_v sufficient_o praise_v he_o especial_o if_o thou_o will_v vouchsafe_v to_o peruse_v it_o charitable_o i_o mean_v without_o any_o detract_n calumny_n or_o cynical_a censure_n which_o if_o thou_o do_v thou_o shall_v find_v his_o spirit_n in_o they_o and_o in_o a_o manner_n hear_v he_o although_o dead_a yet_o speak_v unto_o thou_o and_o shall_v hereby_o much_o persuade_v the_o publisher_n to_o leave_v off_o at_o least_o in_o some_o measure_n grieve_v for_o and_o lament_v over_o his_o once_a live_n and_o always_o love_v brother_n and_o shall_v rather_o divert_v the_o stream_n of_o his_o affection_n into_o a_o strong_a current_n of_o haleluiah_n for_o the_o hope_n that_o he_o have_v especial_o from_o those_o that_o willing_o entertain_v a_o dead_a man_n work_n and_o retain_v his_o word_n in_o their_o live_a heart_n of_o do_v good_a by_o this_o his_o publication_n which_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o thy_o servant_n a._n w._n rom_n 1._o 19_o 20._o because_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o they_o for_o god_n have_v show_v it_o unto_o they_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 there_o be_v three_o book_n wherein_o the_o deity_n may_v be_v plain_o read_v and_o discover_v the_o book_n of_o nature_n the_o book_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n this_o latter_a be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o jew_n the_o two_o former_a common_a both_o to_o jew_n and_o gentile_n for_o unto_o the_o jew_n be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v his_o peculiar_a people_n unto_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o use_v of_o the_o scripture_n because_o they_o both_o be_v man_n and_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o world_n now_o out_o of_o these_o three_o book_n our_o apostle_n labour_v to_o convince_v of_o unrighteousness_n the_o two_o great_a enemy_n of_o our_o justification_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n the_o self-conceited_a jew_n and_o the_o idolatrous_a gentile_n for_o however_o the_o one_o may_v pretend_v unto_o salvation_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o inherent_a righteousness_n and_o the_o other_o hope_n to_o escape_v damnation_n by_o their_o ignorance_n of_o the_o law_n which_o threaten_v death_n to_o the_o breaker_n thereof_o yet_o our_o apostle_n in_o this_o his_o epistle_n do_v plain_o demonstrate_v that_o neither_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o one_o be_v so_o commensurate_a and_o answerable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o to_o attain_v heaven_n and_o avoid_v the_o curse_n and_o that_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o other_o be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o that_o thereby_o they_o may_v become_v inexcusable_a and_o without_o offence_n towards_o god_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v sinful_a for_o there_o be_v none_o that_o do_v good_a no_o not_o one_o and_o therefore_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v liable_a unto_o damnation_n the_o jew_n because_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o keep_v the_o law_n from_o the_o observance_n of_o which_o they_o expect_v life_n the_o gentile_a because_o they_o be_v not_o obedient_a unto_o those_o common_a notion_n and_o implant_v truth_n they_o have_v of_o god_n and_o moral_a honesty_n for_o however_o they_o pretend_v not_o to_o know_v god_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n as_o it_o be_v evident_o show_v they_o do_v in_o the_o foregoing_a verse_n yet_o our_o apostle_n do_v by_o force_n of_o argument_n take_v away_o their_o false_a pretence_n and_o plain_o convince_v they_o of_o both_o in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n which_o as_o i_o suppose_v be_v bring_v in_o to_o prevent_v a_o secret_a objection_n that_o the_o gentile_a may_v frame_v against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o precedent_a verse_n for_o the_o apostle_n be_v about_o to_o prove_v our_o justification_n only_o by_o faith_n do_v in_o the_o 18._o verse_n dispute_v negative_o &_o show_v that_o work_n in_o which_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n trust_v can_v never_o justify_v they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v we_o appear_v righteous_a before_o god_n that_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v against_o they_o for_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n the_o best_a work_n of_o natural_a man_n can_v free_v they_o from_o be_v guilty_a of_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n from_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o first_o and_o second_o table_n and_o therefore_o be_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n reveal_v from_o heaven_n even_o against_o the_o best_a work_n of_o man_n but_o what_o kind_n of_o man_n be_v these_o that_o stand_v thus_o charge_v with_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n why_o such_o say_v saint_n paul_n who_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n but_o you_o gentile_n do_v thus_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n it_o be_v you_o that_o suppress_v smother_v and_o imprison_v those_o truth_n that_o be_v in_o you_o concern_v god_n and_o your_o neighbour_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v you_o primary_o who_o stand_v guilty_a of_o unrighteousness_n and_o ungodliness_n and_o here_o you_o may_v suppose_v the_o froward_a gentile_a mutter_n within_o himself_o and_o thus_o cavil_v at_o the_o apostle_n minor_a what_o saint_n paul_n will_v you_o say_v we_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n whereas_o we_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o god_n the_o jew_n indeed_o be_v without_o excuse_n because_o in_o the_o scripture_n god_n be_v plain_o reveal_v unto_o they_o but_o as_o for_o we_o we_o sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n without_o the_o least_o glimmer_a or_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o pray_v forbear_v so_o hard_a a_o censure_n no_o say_v the_o apostle_n say_v what_o you_o will_v
other_o mystery_n they_o be_v dark_o and_o emblematical_o as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v hint_v only_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n god_n thus_o order_v it_o that_o his_o people_n may_v more_o eager_o desire_v and_o pray_v for_o their_o full_a revelation_n but_o now_o to_o we_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n these_o thing_n be_v more_o clear_o lay_v open_a unto_o we_o so_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o expect_v far_a revelation_n of_o they_o than_o what_o we_o have_v in_o the_o word_n already_o for_o say_v the_o apostle_n all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n in_o he_o be_v yea_o and_o amen_o that_o be_v they_o be_v thorough_o accomplish_v and_o perfect_v in_o he_o and_o therefore_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v more_o plain_a and_o evident_a unto_o we_o now_o than_o they_o be_v unto_o the_o father_n of_o old_a time_n the_o old_a testament_n then_o and_o the_o matter_n therein_o contain_v be_v not_o altogether_o so_o perspicuous_a unto_o the_o faithful_a before_o christ_n as_o now_o it_o be_v unto_o we_o after_o he_o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v for_o the_o second_o point_n and_o so_o much_o also_o shall_v suffice_v brief_o for_o the_o perspicuity_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o shall_v now_o speak_v something_o concern_v the_o perfection_n of_o they_o as_o the_o scripture_n be_v perspicuous_a so_o also_o they_o be_v most_o perfect_a that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v of_o we_o in_o relation_n both_o to_o our_o faith_n &_o manner_n this_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o end_n of_o they_o here_o set_v down_o namely_o that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v make_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o if_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o he_o be_v the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n furnish_v himself_o with_o all_o thing_n necessary_a both_o for_o his_o salvation_n &_o his_o office_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o they_o be_v full_o perfect_a for_o instruction_n of_o all_o man_n both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n this_o will_v far_o appear_v from_o ps_n 19_o 7._o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v perfect_a convert_v the_o soul_n and_o ps_n 119._o 96._o i_o have_v see_v a_o end_n of_o all_o perfection_n but_o thy_o commandment_n be_v exceed_o large_a and_o so_o luk._n 16._o 29._o abraham_n there_o show_v in_o the_o parable_n that_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v sufficient_a to_o keep_v man_n from_o damnation_n even_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n contain_v in_o it_o all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o man_n salvation_n whoever_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o point_n must_v of_o necessity_n say_v that_o either_o first_o god_n do_v not_o perfect_o and_o full_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n which_o how_o absurd_a it_o be_v the_o scripture_n teach_v for_o joh._n 14._o 26._o it_o be_v say_v there_o that_o the_o spirit_n shall_v teach_v they_o all_o thing_n and_o joh._n 16._o 13._o the_o spirit_n will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n or_o else_o they_o must_v say_v that_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n do_v not_o set_v down_o the_o full_a and_o perfect_a substance_n of_o what_o be_v reveal_v unto_o they_o which_o saint_n paul_n do_v plain_o seem_v to_o contradict_v for_o act._n 20._o 27._o i_o have_v not_o shun_v say_v he_o to_o declare_v unto_o you_o all_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n or_o else_o thirdl_o he_o must_v be_v force_v to_o say_v that_o it_o seem_v not_o good_a to_o the_o spirit_n full_o and_o perfect_o to_o reveal_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o so_o in_o writing_n to_o transmit_v it_o unto_o posterity_n for_o thus_o the_o papist_n say_v in_o defence_n of_o their_o tradition_n that_o god_n indeed_o do_v reveal_v to_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n his_o whole_a will_n concern_v our_o salvation_n but_o yet_o all_o be_v not_o write_v but_o some_o thing_n be_v communicate_v say_v they_o viva_fw-la voce_fw-la unto_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n which_o never_o be_v write_v but_o still_o be_v derive_v unto_o posterity_n but_o do_v not_o this_o opinion_n plain_o accuse_v the_o scripture_n of_o falsehood_n when_o it_o be_v say_v deut._n 12._o 32._o whatsoever_o thing_n i_o command_v you_o observe_v to_o do_v it_o thou_o shall_v not_o add_v thereto_o nor_o diminish_v from_o it_o &_o gal._n 1._o 9_o if_o any_o man_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o then_o that_o you_o have_v receive_v let_v he_o be_v accurse_v which_o two_o text_n be_v compare_v with_o that_o of_o exod._n 24._o 4._o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o moses_n write_v all_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o with_o that_o forementioned_a place_n of_o the_o act_n where_o paul_n say_v that_o he_o do_v not_o shun_v to_o declare_v unto_o they_o all_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n these_o place_n i_o say_v compare_v with_o one_o another_o do_v evident_o show_v that_o all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o salvation_n be_v write_v &_o that_o this_o write_a word_n alone_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n &_o canon_n of_o our_o faith_n for_o since_o by_o they_o we_o attain_v unto_o eternal_a life_n we_o be_v make_v wise_a unto_o salvation_n since_o by_o they_o also_o the_o man_n of_o god_n be_v make_v perfect_a and_o thorough_o furnish_v without_o controversy_n they_o contain_v in_o they_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v know_v of_o we_o either_o in_o regard_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o manner_n all_o thing_n necessary_a i_o say_v for_o otherwise_o many_o other_o thing_n there_o may_v be_v traditional_o convey_v unto_o the_o church_n such_o as_o be_v the_o perpetual_a virginity_n of_o mary_n the_o name_n of_o janne_n and_o jambres_n mention_v by_o paul_n only_o the_o prophecy_n of_o enoch_n judas_n 14._o part_n of_o the_o gencology_n of_o christ_n luk._n 3_o satan_n strive_v for_o moses_n body_n judas_n 9_o and_o other_o the_o like_a which_o thing_n they_o may_v be_v know_v or_o not_o know_v without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o our_o salvation_n and_o be_v not_o doctrinal_a may_v very_o well_o be_v receive_v from_o hand_n to_o hand_n and_o not_o mention_v in_o scripture_n but_o how_o say_v the_o papist_n can_v you_o know_v canonical_a book_n from_o apocryphal_a but_o by_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n we_o answer_v that_o these_o may_v be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o other_o by_o that_o innate_a light_n majesty_n and_o truth_n that_o be_v in_o they_o beside_o though_o a_o new_a convert_n and_o beginner_n may_v first_o learn_v it_o from_o the_o church_n yet_o afterward_o they_o know_v it_o upon_o ground_n of_o scripture_n thus_o a_o ignorant_a man_n may_v be_v tell_v of_o the_o king_n coin_n but_o it_o be_v not_o that_o tell_n but_o the_o king_n stamp_n that_o make_v it_o currant_n &_o good_a coin_n again_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o unwritten_a tradition_n they_o urge_v that_o of_o the_o 2_o thes_n 2._o 15._o therefore_o brethren_n stand_v fast_o &_o hold_v the_o tradition_n which_o you_o have_v be_v teach_v whether_o by_o word_n or_o our_o epistle_n than_o which_o say_v whitaker_n nullum_fw-la probabiliorem_fw-la papistae_fw-la locum_fw-la inveniunt_fw-la but_o unto_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o they_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o paul_n speak_v and_o write_v so_o that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o signify_v a_o diverse_a doctrine_n from_o that_o which_o afterward_o be_v write_v and_o so_o also_o the_o particle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v not_o always_o a_o note_n of_o disjunction_n but_o sometime_o also_o of_o conjunction_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o compare_v the_o original_a of_o the_o 1_o cor._n 13._o 8._o beside_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o yet_o establish_v yea_o say_v the_o same_o whitaker_n i_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v no_o book_n unless_o it_o be_v the_o gospel_n of_o matthew_n before_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o thessalonian_o wherefore_o though_o the_o apostle_n do_v bid_v the_o thessalonian_o hold_v fast_o that_o doctrine_n or_o those_o tradition_n which_o he_o deliver_v unto_o they_o yet_o they_o may_v very_o well_o be_v &_o indeed_o according_a to_o substance_n be_v set_v down_o in_o write_v afterward_o by_o the_o same_o apostle_n wherefore_o brief_o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n since_o these_o scripture_n be_v purposely_o write_v for_o our_o learning_n and_o to_o be_v be_v witness_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o teach_v the_o way_n unto_o everlasting_a life_n doubtless_o god_n will_v have_v no_o doctrine_n receive_v of_o we_o but_o what_o be_v in_o they_o or_o consonant_n unto_o they_o tradition_n then_o however_o in_o point_n of_o ceremony_n discipline_n or_o other_o less_o substantial_a matter_n may_v be_v receive_v yet_o in_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n they_o be_v in_o no_o wise_a to_o be_v obtrude_v upon_o
price_n or_o value_n then_o real_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o true_a power_n that_o the_o church_n can_v challenge_v in_o relation_n unto_o the_o holy_a scripture_n wherefore_o the_o true_a church_n we_o honour_v in_o respect_n of_o these_o thing_n but_o we_o do_v not_o adore_v it_o and_o make_v it_o of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o wherefore_o 3._o we_o say_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o depend_v on_o the_o church_n as_o on_o their_o own_o innate_a light_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n within_o we_o their_o own_o innate_a light_n i_o say_v for_o say_v chamier_n there_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n a_o peculiaris_fw-la genius_fw-la and_o strain_n whereby_o they_o may_v upon_o examination_n be_v easy_o discover_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o a_o critic_n will_v know_v by_o the_o phrase_n and_o stile_n and_o the_o like_a that_o such_o a_o book_n be_v lyvies_n such_o a_o one_o juvenal_n so_o also_o will_v a_o christian_a upon_o the_o due_a search_n &_o trial_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o their_o matter_n heavenly_a by_o their_o stile_n deep_a and_o by_o their_o divine_a phrase_n mystical_a present_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o can_v have_v no_o other_o author_n than_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n and_o then_o far_o i_o say_v there_o be_v require_v a_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n within_o we_o which_o spirit_n be_v as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v the_o seal_n unto_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o peculiar_a only_o to_o god_n child_n a_o man_n may_v by_o the_o hearsay_n of_o the_o church_n historical_o know_v the_o scripture_n but_o this_o will_v no_o more_o comfort_v his_o heart_n then_o the_o discourse_n concern_v honey_n and_o sweetmeat_n will_v the_o stomach_n a_o man_n may_v also_o be_v convict_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n from_o those_o argument_n i_o press_v even_o now_o and_o yet_o he_o may_v be_v no_o more_o convert_v by_o they_o then_o the_o jew_n be_v at_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o know_v be_v wrought_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n well_o than_o what_o be_v it_o that_o must_v ultimate_o persuade_v we_o and_o assure_v a_o child_n of_o god_n certitudine_fw-la fidei_fw-la with_o a_o assurance_n of_o faith_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o church_n that_o can_v for_o how_o can_v that_o infuse_v faith_n which_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o set_v forth_o to_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n what_o then_o be_v it_o that_o assure_v we_o doubtless_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n coworking_a with_o we_o and_o upon_o our_o prayer_n and_o diligent_a read_n and_o examine_v of_o the_o word_n assure_v we_o that_o this_o word_n which_o be_v thus_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n thus_o verify_v by_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o prophecy_n contain_v in_o it_o this_o word_n that_o have_v so_o perfect_a a_o consent_n within_o its_o self_n that_o have_v so_o admirable_a efficacy_n upon_o the_o hearer_n and_o reader_n thereof_o that_o have_v be_v so_o wonderful_o preserve_v in_o all_o age_n that_o this_o word_n and_o this_o word_n only_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o divine_a authority_n so_o then_o the_o church_n that_o can_v only_o report_v unto_o we_o the_o spirit_n that_o do_v firm_o persuade_v we_o the_o church_n that_o can_v ministerial_o only_o ingenerate_v a_o opinion_n in_o we_o the_o spirit_n a_o faith_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o then_o man_n may_v hear_v a_o very_a great_a report_n of_o another_o worth_n learning_n and_o counsel_n and_o yet_o be_v never_o full_o satisfy_v concern_v it_o till_o they_o find_v it_o so_o to_o be_v by_o their_o own_o experience_n or_o as_o those_o samaritan_n who_o do_v believe_v in_o part_n on_o christ_n for_o the_o say_n of_o the_o woman_n be_v yet_o notwithstanding_o further_o confirm_v &_o establish_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o he_o when_o they_o hear_v his_o own_o word_n john_n 4._o 24._o in_o like_a manner_n though_o we_o may_v historical_o believe_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o the_o church_n say_v so_o yet_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n do_v minister_v little_a assurance_n or_o satisfaction_n unto_o a_o child_n of_o god_n until_o it_o be_v far_o back_v on_o and_o establish_v by_o a_o far_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o undoubted_o must_v be_v the_o firm_a assurance_n a_o man_n can_v have_v because_o it_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o do_v open_v the_o eye_n to_o behold_v the_o wondrous_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n psal_n 119._o 18._o it_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o lead_v into_o all_o truth_n joh._n 16._o 13._o it_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o inseparable_o accompany_n the_o faithful_a in_o the_o scripture_n my_o spirit_n which_o be_v upon_o thou_o and_o my_o word_n which_o i_o have_v put_v in_o thy_o mouth_n shall_v not_o depart_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n isa_n 59_o 21._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o give_v strong_a evidence_n unto_o its_o self_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n if_o you_o receive_v the_o witness_n of_o man_n the_o witness_n of_o god_n be_v great_a say_v s._n paul_n the_o witness_n of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o the_o witness_n of_o man_n therefore_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v great_a but_o say_v they_o the_o spirit_n speak_v by_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v believe_v the_o church_n only_o when_o it_o testifyes_n of_o the_o scripture_n whitaker_n answer_v for_o i_o that_o if_o so_o be_v the_o spirit_n do_v thus_o speak_v by_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o then_o have_v the_o church_n this_o assurance_n but_o from_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o our_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n must_v ultimate_o resolve_v of_o necessity_n into_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n again_o they_o say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v before_o the_o scripture_n we_o answer_v no_o by_o no_o mean_n for_o then_o how_o can_v the_o word_n be_v call_v the_o everlasting_a wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o immortal_a seed_n of_o which_o the_o church_n be_v bear_v the_o church_n be_v before_o the_o write_a word_n but_o not_o before_o the_o unwritten_a ask_v a_o papist_n how_o they_o know_v that_o the_o church_n be_v of_o such_o authority_n and_o they_o will_v prove_v it_o by_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o the_o authority_n prove_v must_v needs_o be_v of_o great_a esteem_n and_o before_o the_o authority_n prove_v but_o be_v not_o the_o church_n call_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n yes_o but_o what_o do_v a_o candle_n receive_v any_o light_n from_o the_o candlestick_n because_o it_o stick_v in_o it_o what_o though_o the_o church_n be_v the_o seat_n and_o mansion_n place_n of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o there_o be_v no_o church_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o be_v not_o the_o scripture_n of_o less_o authority_n than_o now_o it_o be_v the_o church_n than_o be_v only_o a_o ministerial_a pillar_n to_o preserve_v keep_v and_o set_v forth_o the_o word_n not_o a_o fundamental_a one_o to_o uphold_v and_o give_v be_v unto_o it_o and_o here_o i_o may_v wade_v far_o into_o a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o scripture_n but_o it_o have_v be_v so_o full_o handle_v already_o and_o answer_v by_o multitude_n of_o eminent_a man_n i_o shall_v go_v no_o far_o it_o remain_v that_o i_o shall_v practical_o apply_v what_o have_v be_v already_o speak_v but_o this_o together_o with_o the_o other_o propertye_n of_o scripture_n their_o perspicuity_n and_o perfection_n i_o shall_v leave_v to_o the_o next_o part_n this_o be_v the_o authors_n last_o sermon_n that_o ever_o he_o preach_v which_o be_v at_o s._n mary_n in_o oxon._n march_n 20._o 1655._o phil._n c._n 3._o v._n 8._o first_o part_n yea_o doubtless_o and_o i_o count_v all_o thing_n but_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n my_o lord_n in_o this_o chapter_n the_o apostle_n arm_n his_o philippian_n against_o their_o false_a teacher_n by_o oppose_v his_o own_o judgement_n and_o example_n to_o their_o erroneous_a and_o lie_a suggestion_n there_o be_v a_o company_n of_o profane_a person_n start_v up_o in_o the_o church_n of_o philippi_n who_o paul_n count_v no_o better_a than_o dog_n evil_a worker_n and_o of_o the_o concision_n verse_n 2._o who_o instead_o of_o circumcise_n their_o heart_n go_v about_o rather_o to_o cut_v and_o rend_v asunder_o the_o church_n these_o man_n now_o be_v leave_v to_o be_v bring_v from_o their_o old_a fleshly_a confidence_n the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n do_v vaunt_n much_o of_o their_o outward_a privilege_n and_o will_v fain_o slink_v into_o circumcision_n and_o other_o ceremonial_a performance_n and_o join_v
they_o with_o christ_n teach_v that_o these_o be_v necessary_a to_o justification_n as_o well_o as_o faith_n in_o he_o the_o apostle_n therefore_o in_o zeal_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o better_a to_o quell_v these_o false_a doctor_n deal_v with_o they_o at_o their_o own_o weapon_n and_o because_o he_o must_v needs_o glory_n when_o they_o force_v he_o to_o it_o he_o fall_v upon_o they_o with_o his_o own_o privilege_n and_o show_v wherein_o he_o may_v boast_v as_o well_o nay_o more_o than_o the_o best_a of_o they_o if_o any_o man_n think_v he_o have_v whereof_o he_o may_v trust_v in_o the_o flesh_n i_o more_o v._o 4_o 5_o 6_o but_o well_o say_v he_o do_v you_o think_v that_o either_o you_o or_o i_o be_v the_o better_a for_o these_o thing_n or_o a_o jot_n the_o near_a heaven_n certain_o in_o no_o wise_a and_o therefore_o i_o will_v have_v you_o philippian_n to_o who_o i_o write_v take_v notice_n for_o your_o own_o example_n that_o i_o be_o of_o a_o contrary_a judgement_n to_o these_o seducer_n for_o what_o thing_n be_v gain_v to_o i_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o say_v saint_n paul_n before_o my_o conversion_n i_o very_o think_v circumcision_n outward_a privilege_n and_o my_o own_o legal_a righteousness_n a_o great_a gain_n and_o vantage_n to_o i_o i_o soothe_v myself_o up_o vain_a pharisee_n as_o i_o be_v and_o think_v heaven_n be_v my_o due_a and_o right_n but_o when_o once_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n daw_v in_o upon_o i_o those_o thing_n which_o in_o my_o judgement_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d gain_n profitable_a to_o i_o that_o be_v and_o meritorious_a in_o order_n to_o my_o salvation_n i_o present_o think_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thing_n that_o i_o be_v like_a to_o loose_v by_o shall_v i_o trust_v in_o they_o rather_o hinderer_n than_o promoter_n of_o my_o salvation_n yea_o doubtless_o and_o at_o this_o present_a time_n now_o that_o i_o be_o a_o grow_v christian_a root_v and_o settle_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n yet_o i_o count_v my_o present_a good_a work_n and_o righteousness_n yea_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d quaecunque_fw-la in_o mundo_fw-la sunt_fw-la say_v ambrose_n all_o my_o learning_n and_o part_n every_o thing_n beside_o but_o loss_n pernicious_a raw_a empty_a thing_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n my_o lord_n the_o more_o i_o know_v christ_n the_o less_o still_o of_o good_a i_o know_v by_o myself_o after_o all_o thing_n i_o find_v it_o best_a to_o rely_v upon_o his_o impute_a righteousness_n so_o that_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n be_v a_o confirmation_n or_o if_o you_o will_v a_o far_a amplification_n of_o what_o he_o say_v in_o the_o precede_a verse_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d yea_o doubtless_o in_o good_a truth_n what_o i_o say_v verse_n 7._o be_v true_a at_o my_o first_o conversion_n be_v much_o more_o true_a now_o viz._n that_o i_o count_v all_o thing_n as_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n my_o lord_n so_o that_o here_o paul_n pass_v his_o vote_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n against_o all_o thing_n beside_o in_o this_o there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d excellency_n admirable_a virtue_n in_o those_o nothing_o but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d loss_n and_o dog_n meat_n fit_v only_o for_o such_o dog_n as_o false_a teacher_n to_o seduce_v and_o delight_v in_o the_o word_n in_o themselves_o and_o in_o their_o relation_n to_o the_o former_a will_v afford_v many_o observation_n 1._o obs_n that_o no_o outward_a privilege_n be_v of_o any_o profit_n to_o salvation_n paul_n circumcise_v the_o eight_o day_n of_o the_o stock_n of_o israel_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o benjamin_n a_o hebrew_n of_o the_o hebrew_n when_o he_o come_v to_o know_v christ_n count_v all_o these_o but_o loss_n 2._o no_o righteousness_n of_o our_o own_o either_o before_o or_o after_o conversion_n can_v justify_v we_o before_o god_n those_o outward_a good_a work_n by_o which_o paul_n think_v in_o his_o pharisaical_a condition_n to_o have_v gain_v heaven_n by_o before_o his_o conversion_n he_o count_v loss_n yea_o doubtless_o and_o all_o thing_n beside_o he_o mean_v his_o goodness_n also_o after_o conversion_n this_o he_o count_v no_o better_a for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n 3._o that_o there_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a excellency_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n above_o all_o thing_n beside_o or_o if_o you_o please_v that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a knowledge_n that_o be_v i_o may_v prosecute_v all_o these_o but_o i_o shall_v pitch_v only_o on_o the_o latter_a as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o place_n and_o company_n i_o speak_v to_o in_o prosecution_n of_o the_o point_n i_o shall_v show_v unto_o you_o first_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n second_o i_o shall_v show_v unto_o you_o what_o qualification_n there_o be_v in_o this_o knowledge_n that_o may_v denominate_v it_o so_o excellent_a three_o i_o shall_v more_o particular_o show_v unto_o you_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o this_o knowledge_n be_v so_o excellent_a four_o apply_v the_o point_n 1._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n there_o be_v a_o twofold_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n first_o a_o bare_a historical_a and_o speculative_a the_o second_o a_o practical_a experimental_a knowledge_n the_o first_o be_v only_o a_o superficial_a view_n and_o glance_n of_o the_o understanding_n upon_o the_o truth_n and_o be_v of_o thing_n thus_o the_o devil_n do_v believe_v &_o thus_o even_o reprobate_n may_v know_v christ_n as_o a_o man_n may_v know_v a_o country_n in_o a_o map_n or_o table_n which_o yet_o he_o be_v never_o like_a to_o see_v so_o may_v the_o most_o debauch_v wicked_a wretch_n in_o the_o world_n have_v some_o scantling_n book-knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o never_o enjoy_v he_o in_o heaven_n hereafter_o he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o draw_v a_o scholastic_a metaphysical_a scheme_n of_o christ_n his_o nature_n his_o office_n his_o state_n of_o humility_n exaltation_n and_o the_o like_a he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o discourse_v profound_o of_o his_o incarnation_n the_o hypostatical_a union_n and_o whole_a mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o yet_o with_o all_o his_o learning_n sink_v deep_a into_o hell_n though_o his_o brain_n may_v be_v full_a of_o notionall_a truth_n yet_o his_o heart_n may_v be_v empty_a of_o any_o comfortable_a experience_n of_o his_o lord_n and_o saviour_n he_o can_v with_o thomas_n say_v my_o lord_n and_o my_o god_n but_o as_o the_o greck_n that_o come_v up_o to_o worship_n at_o the_o feast_n joh._n 12._o will_v feign_v see_v jesus_n yet_o more_o out_o of_o curiosity_n then_o desire_v to_o be_v instruct_v by_o he_o so_o do_v such_o seek_v after_o and_o study_v christ_n more_o in_o order_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o their_o understanding_n than_o conversion_n of_o their_o soul_n but_o 2._o there_o be_v a_o practical_a experimental_a knowledge_n where_o the_o truth_n that_o we_o know_v have_v a_o strong_a impression_n upon_o our_o soul_n so_o as_o to_o work_v and_o transform_v they_o into_o the_o same_o image_n with_o the_o thing_n know_v when_o we_o do_v not_o rest_v in_o the_o bare_a contemplation_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o perfect_o love_v and_o be_v ravish_v with_o the_o excellencye_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v that_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n that_o paul_n prefer_v in_o the_o text_n he_o count_v all_o thing_n as_o loss_n and_o dung_n in_o comparison_n of_o it_o the_o more_o he_o know_v christ_n the_o less_o he_o regard_v other_o thing_n the_o more_o he_o be_v take_v with_o he_o the_o more_o willing_a be_v he_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o he_o as_o his_o lord_n to_o obey_v his_o precept_n to_o be_v answerable_a to_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n now_o this_o practical_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n include_v therefore_o these_o three_o thing_n as_o i_o suppose_v in_o it_o first_o assent_n to_o his_o doctrine_n word_n and_o promise_v every_o science_n before_o it_o be_v perfect_o get_v suppose_v a_o assent_n to_o some_o undemonstrable_a principle_n which_o be_v foundation_n of_o it_o thus_o for_o one_o instance_n before_o the_o understanding_n can_v build_v far_o in_o the_o mathematics_n it_o presume_v this_o as_o a_o ground_n that_o totum_fw-la est_fw-la majus_fw-la sva_fw-la parte_fw-la so_o that_o even_o in_o these_o thing_n faith_n seem_v to_o be_v principium_fw-la intellectus_fw-la as_o cusanus_fw-la speak_v the_o prime_a engine_n that_o set_v the_o understanding_n a-work_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o knowledge_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v never_o come_v to_o a_o distinct_a save_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n unless_o we_o first_o believe_v in_o his_o word_n and_o doctrine_n a_o
turk_n may_v know_v christ_n so_o far_o as_o by_o hear-say_n and_o history_n yet_o he_o can_v be_v say_v save_o to_o know_v he_o because_o he_o deny_v his_o assent_n unto_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o discover_v he_o to_o a_o man_n as_o when_o those_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v disciple_n of_o any_o great_a philosopher_n or_o scholar_n do_v whole_o submit_v themselves_o to_o his_o dogmata_fw-la writing_n and_o opinion_n as_o for_o example_n the_o peripatetic_n to_o aristotle_n the_o scotist_n to_o scotus_n the_o thomist_n to_o thomas_n his_o doctrine_n insomuch_o that_o they_o do_v even_o swear_v to_o resign_v up_o their_o judgement_n to_o the_o word_n of_o their_o master_n why_o so_o much_o more_o ought_v christian_n to_o give_v their_o assent_n unto_o the_o word_n of_o their_o lord_n &_o master_n christ_n therefore_o john_n 10._o it_o be_v say_v that_o his_o sheep_n hear_v his_o voice_n and_o follow_v he_o they_o present_o adhere_v to_o his_o word_n and_o according_o obey_v he_o in_o it_o he_o that_o hear_v my_o word_n and_o believe_v on_o he_o that_o send_v i_o have_v everlasting_a life_n joh._n 5._o 24._o we_o must_v first_o hearken_v to_o his_o word_n before_o we_o can_v believe_v on_o he_o and_o have_v everlasting_a life_n second_o it_o imply_v affection_n to_o christ_n for_o as_o god_n know_v his_o people_n imply_v his_o love_n towards_o they_o in_o scripture_n the_o lord_n know_v the_o way_n of_o the_o righteous_a psal_n 1._o v._n 6._o so_o his_o people_n know_v of_o god_n imply_v also_o affection_n towards_o he_o hence_o christ_n say_v that_o he_o know_v his_o sheep_n and_o be_v know_v of_o they_o john_n 10._o 14._o which_o imply_v on_o both_o side_n a_o mutual_a love_n to_o each_o other_o for_o so_o express_o v._o 15._o he_o say_v he_o will_v lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o his_o sheep_n hence_o ignorance_n be_v every_o where_o in_o holy_a writ_n make_v the_o ground_n of_o man_n hatred_n and_o disaffection_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o people_n have_v they_o know_v it_o they_o will_v not_o have_v crucify_v the_o lord_n of_o glory_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 8._o and_o john_n 15._o 21._o and_o c._n 16._o v._n 3._o all_o these_o thing_n mean_v persecution_n say_v christ_n they_o will_v do_v unto_o you_o because_o they_o have_v not_o know_v the_o father_n nor_o i_o do_v a_o man_n thorough_o and_o save_o know_v christ_n he_o will_v be_v more_o in_o love_n with_o he_o for_o there_o be_v such_o a_o intimacy_n and_o union_n between_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o divine_a object_n that_o whosoever_o right_o understand_v the_o one_o will_v present_o embrace_v the_o other_o so_o that_o be_v sure_a that_o be_v but_o a_o vain_a empty_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n where_o the_o character_n of_o it_o be_v not_o imprint_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o affection_n even_o in_o common_a discourse_n when_o we_o say_v i_o know_v such_o a_o one_o be_v of_o excellent_a part_n of_o a_o sweet_a and_o good_a disposition_n this_o imply_v our_o secret_a esteem_n and_o respect_n unto_o the_o person_n and_o how_o can_v we_o be_v say_v true_o to_o know_v he_o as_o the_o fair_a of_o ten-thousand_o as_o our_o saviour_n reconciler_n lord_n and_o god_n unless_o our_o heart_n be_v carry_v forth_o in_o a_o high_a esteem_n and_o love_n of_o he_o it_o be_v say_v jam._n 2._o 19_o the_o devil_n do_v believe_v and_o therefore_o tremble_v certain_o do_v they_o know_v there_o be_v any_o mercy_n in_o store_n for_o they_o as_o now_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o vengeance_n as_o they_o now_o tremble_v and_o fear_v so_o they_o will_v then_o love_v and_o admire_v christ_n and_o do_v we_o but_o just_o understand_v the_o admirable_a goodness_n and_o excellency_n of_o christ_n we_o shall_v be_v more_o take_v with_o he_o we_o shall_v keep_v his_o commandment_n with_o more_o observance_n and_o fear_v more_o to_o displease_v he_o then_o we_o do_v o_o let_v we_o never_o say_v we_o know_v christ_n that_o we_o have_v intimacy_n and_o acquaintance_n with_o he_o when_o our_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o when_o we_o have_v a_o idea_n of_o he_o in_o our_o brain_n and_o not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o lust_n crucify_a by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o death_n not_o one_o grace_n the_o more_o implant_v by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o resurrection_n when_o we_o pretend_v to_o know_v he_o yet_o grieve_v his_o spirit_n wound_v his_o glory_n trample_v under_o foot_n his_o blood_n disobey_v his_o precept_n and_o prefer_v a_o barrabas_n a_o robber_n a_o sin_n that_o dispoile_v he_o of_o his_o glory_n before_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n believe_v it_o this_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n be_v scientia_fw-la affectiva_fw-la it_o must_v sink_v deep_a than_o so_o into_o our_o affection_n and_o transform_v the_o whole_a man_n into_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n otherwise_o it_o be_v but_o a_o counterfeit_n not_o a_o real_a knowledge_n of_o he_o three_o this_o practical_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n imply_v a_o particuliar_a application_n of_o he_o to_o our_o own_o soul_n what_o good_a will_v it_o do_v i_o to_o know_v there_o be_v gold_n in_o the_o indies_n unless_o i_o have_v it_o in_o my_o coffer_n or_o to_o know_v when_o i_o be_o hungry_a that_o there_o be_v in_o such_o a_o place_n honey_n and_o food_n unless_o i_o do_v taste_v it_o myself_o no_o more_o good_a will_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n do_v we_o unless_o we_o do_v eat_v he_o and_o drink_v he_o by_o faith_n and_o can_v say_v with_o paul_n in_o the_o text_n i_o know_v he_o to_o be_v my_o lord_n that_o have_v redeem_v i_o and_o will_v save_v i_o you_o will_v not_o count_v he_o a_o good_a physician_n that_o know_v only_o the_o name_n figure_n and_o shape_n of_o a_o herb_n in_o gerhard_n or_o mathiolus_n and_o not_o the_o use_n and_o application_n of_o the_o same_o and_o so_o neither_o can_v you_o call_v he_o a_o know_a christian_n that_o can_v discourse_v only_o of_o christ_n in_o general_a be_v in_o the_o mean_a while_n ignorant_a of_o the_o benefit_n and_o the_o comfortable_a application_n of_o they_o he_o may_v still_o for_o all_o this_o lay_n under_o the_o curse_n under_o the_o pang_n of_o conscience_n the_o sense_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n the_o tyranny_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n unless_o he_o can_v feel_v christ_n spirit_n as_o thomas_n do_v corporal_o and_o say_v my_o lord_n and_o my_o god_n joh._n 20._o 28._o in_o all_o true_a knowledge_n the_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v reflexive_a the_o soul_n will_v start_v back_o and_o rebound_v upon_o its_o self_n it_o will_v first_o go_v out_o unto_o christ_n its_o direct_a object_n and_o then_o turn_v in_o upon_o its_o self_n and_o examine_v its_o own_o interest_n in_o he_o hence_o say_v saint_n paul_n in_o the_o 2_o cor._n 13._o v._n 5._o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n let_v your_o soul_n retire_v into_o themselves_o and_o there_o diligent_o examine_v the_o matter_n and_o you_o will_v quick_o find_v whether_o you_o believe_v in_o christ_n or_o have_v any_o communion_n with_o he_o which_o can_v be_v right_o know_v unless_o you_o so_o examine_v yourselves_o and_o so_o much_o shall_v suffice_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o first_o point_n the_o second_o be_v the_o qualification_n of_o this_o knowledge_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o reveal_v supernatural_a knowledge_n flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v it_o unto_o thou_o say_v christ_n of_o himself_o to_o simon_n peter_n but_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n mat._n 16._o v._n 17._o neither_o carnal_a reason_n nor_o humane_a wisdom_n can_v ever_o suggest_v christ_n unto_o we_o it_o be_v god_n alone_o that_o reveal_v his_o son_n in_o we_o gal._n 1._o v._n 16._o nature_n can_v rise_v no_o high_o than_o thing_n within_o its_o own_o bound_n and_o sphere_n as_o water_n can_v run_v above_o its_o own_o fountain_n now_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n do_v much_o exceed_v the_o reach_n of_o natural_a disquisition_n it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o a_o mystery_n hide_a wisdom_n which_o none_o of_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n know_v 1_o cor._n 2._o we_o attain_v usual_o unto_o natural_a knowledge_n by_o much_o industry_n &_o turmoil_v of_o body_n &_o mind_n when_o our_o understanding_n do_v out_o of_o some_o imperfect_a hinte_n and_o blush_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o thing_n by_o degree_n hack_v and_o hew_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o by_o much_o labour_n and_o toil_n we_o get_v and_o serve_v out_o of_o nature_n the_o small_a knowledge_n that_o we_o have_v whereas_o now_o all_o the_o toil_n and_o study_v in_o the_o world_n will_v never_o advance_v a_o mere_a natural_a man_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n because_o i_o suppose_v he_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o hint_n
from_o nature_n to_o set_v he_o a_o work_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o it_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v three_o person_n in_o the_o essence_n that_o the_o second_o of_o these_o person_n god_n the_o son_n shall_v be_v make_v man_n and_o be_v degrade_v to_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n die_v and_o in_o death_n get_v a_o victory_n over_o death_n and_o the_o like_a be_v such_o riddle_n to_o a_o natural_a man_n that_o he_o can_v possible_o receive_v they_o as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 15._o neither_o can_v he_o in_o his_o most_o extravagant_a and_o rove_a apprehension_n fasten_v or_o light_v upon_o they_o which_o make_v i_o think_v that_o trismegistus_n and_o plato_n have_v be_v peep_v into_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n when_o they_o speak_v so_o emphatical_o of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d yea_o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o they_o be_v quote_v by_o lud._n vives_z &_o morney_n in_o their_o book_n de_fw-fr veritate_fw-la religionis_fw-la so_o that_o the_o mere_a historiall_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n do_v original_o arise_v from_o revelation_n how_o much_o more_o than_o do_v the_o true_a save_a knowledge_n of_o he_o descend_v immediate_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n enlighten_v our_o understanding_n to_o see_v he_o open_v our_o heart_n to_o embrace_v he_o and_o guide_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o our_o pore_v upon_o a_o body_n of_o divinity_n our_o run_v over_o the_o schoolman_n and_o spend_v our_o oil_n and_o labour_n in_o the_o bare_a speculation_n of_o these_o truth_n that_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o save_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n but_o we_o must_v be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n and_o wait_v upon_o the_o bless_a influence_n of_o his_o spirit_n with_o a_o humble_a soul_n with_o prayer_n and_o tear_n and_o fast_v and_o weep_v and_o mourn_v for_o our_o ignorance_n that_o god_n will_v come_v from_o above_o into_o we_o and_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o excellent_a knowledge_n of_o he_o who_o indeed_o to_o they_o that_o perish_v be_v foolishness_n but_o to_o they_o that_o be_v call_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n 2_o this_o be_v the_o alone_a save_a knowledge_n that_o be_v this_o be_v life_n eternal_a that_o they_o may_v know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v joh._n 17._o 3._o there_o be_v no_o other_o name_n give_v under_o heaven_n by_o who_o we_o can_v be_v save_v and_o he_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n and_o the_o door_n by_o who_o alone_o we_o have_v entrance_n into_o heaven_n how_o can_v we_o enter_v into_o life_n but_o by_o the_o way_n by_o the_o door_n how_o can_v we_o see_v the_o father_n but_o by_o the_o son_n who_o reveal_v he_o so_o that_o to_o assign_v salvation_n to_o such_o as_o never_o so_o much_o as_o dream_v of_o christ_n be_v a_o presumption_n not_o justifiable_a by_o scripture_n or_o reason_n i_o can_v conceive_v how_o the_o dim_a snuff_n of_o natural_a light_n shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o guide_v a_o man_n to_o heaven_n it_o be_v only_o that_o light_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o evangelist_n say_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o sun_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o the_o father_n style_v he_o that_o show_v we_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n since_o without_o faith_n in_o he_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n and_o all_o the_o best_a righteousness_n of_o natural_a man_n be_v but_o menstruous_a rag_n splendid_a abomination_n a_o corrupt_a tree_n can_v bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n neither_o do_v we_o gather_v grape_n of_o thorn_n we_o may_v in_o charity_n hope_n we_o can_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n conclude_v that_o any_o be_v save_v without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n neither_o the_o jew_n simple_o by_o their_o law_n nor_o the_o gentile_n by_o their_o philosophy_n can_v ever_o reach_v heaven_n though_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n and_o many_o of_o the_o schoolman_n &_o zuinglius_fw-la seem_v to_o teach_v the_o contrary_a perhaps_o more_o out_o of_o charity_n to_o so_o many_o poor_a soul_n that_o otherwise_o they_o think_v must_v inevitable_o perish_v than_o any_o solid_a ground_n they_o have_v from_o scripture_n for_o it_o and_o serious_o who_o can_v without_o tremble_a think_v of_o the_o sad_a condition_n of_o those_o poor_a wretch_n that_o the_o reveal_v word_n of_o god_n conclude_v they_o under_o be_v it_o not_o for_o this_o that_o god_n have_v unsearchable_a way_n to_o save_v those_o that_o we_o most_o despair_n of_o that_o the_o insinite_a merciful_a creator_n can_v by_o mean_n altogether_o unknown_a to_o we_o display_v his_o son_n even_o to_o those_o that_o sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o the_o region_n of_o death_n but_o to_o hasten_v 3._o this_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o pleasant_a knowledge_n all_o knowledge_n as_o the_o philosopher_n note_n carry_v a_o secret_a content_n and_o pleasure_n along_o with_o it_o and_o therefore_o videre_fw-la &_o speculari_fw-la quaerimus_fw-la ut_fw-la gaudeamus_fw-la as_o delightful_a colour_n be_v unto_o the_o eye_n so_o be_v truth_n unto_o the_o understanding_n a_o comfortable_a refresh_a thing_n now_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v pleasant_a in_o its_o very_a first_o dawn_n to_o a_o benight_a soul_n for_o the_o entrance_n of_o it_o give_v light_a and_o understanding_n to_o the_o simple_a ps_n 119._o v._o 130._o must_v not_o the_o approach_n of_o light_n be_v needs_o be_v pleasant_a to_o those_o under_o the_o pole_n after_o half_a a_o year_n darkness_n or_o unto_o such_o as_o be_v bear_v blind_a or_o have_v be_v keep_v in_o a_o dungeon_n all_o their_o day_n before_o and_o can_v the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n think_v you_o be_v otherwise_o when_o he_o rise_v in_o a_o poor_a soul_n that_o have_v lay_v thirty_o forty_o perhaps_o fifty_o year_n together_o in_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n o_o how_o comfortable_a a_o thing_n will_v it_o then_o be_v unto_o he_o to_o see_v himself_o translate_v out_o of_o darkness_n into_o marvellous_a light_n to_o find_v the_o eye_n of_o his_o understanding_n open_v the_o veil_n take_v off_o and_o his_o sin_n pardon_v which_o be_v as_o a_o thick_a cloud_n to_o hinder_v he_o from_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o saviour_n all_o the_o way_n of_o wisdom_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o her_o path_n peace_n prov._n 3._o 17._o what_o more_o pleasant_a than_o light_n why_o christ_n be_v the_o true_a light_n joh._n 1._o what_o more_o delightsome_a to_o the_o taste_n then_o honey_n his_o statute_n be_v sweet_a than_o the_o honey_n or_o honeycomb_n psal_n 19_o what_o more_o take_v we_o then_o ease_n and_o rest_v his_o very_a yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n mat._n 11._o it_o be_v ignorance_n of_o christ_n that_o make_v his_o way_n seem_v unpleasant_a to_o we_o for_o no_o man_n ever_o take_v any_o pleasure_n in_o that_o which_o he_o understand_v not_o hence_o those_o inward_a loathe_n of_o his_o word_n those_o rise_n and_o heartburning_n against_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o profane_a person_n these_o be_v people_n of_o no_o understanding_n they_o never_o know_v what_o belong_v to_o the_o inward_a comfort_n and_o refreshment_n of_o the_o spirit_n what_o delight_n there_o be_v in_o keep_v god_n law_n what_o pleasure_n it_o be_v for_o a_o thirsty_a soul_n to_o drink_v of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n for_o a_o hungry_a soul_n to_o feed_v upon_o manna_n and_o the_o bread_n that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n they_o know_v what_o comfort_n there_o be_v in_o the_o kiss_n of_o his_o mouth_n in_o his_o love_n that_o be_v better_a than_o wine_n in_o his_o abode_n and_o sup_v with_o you_o and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n that_o all_o their_o delight_n be_v to_o dowze_v themselves_o in_o carnal_a pleasure_n to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o rise_v up_o to_o play_v that_o they_o be_v so_o averse_a from_o duty_n so_o sad_a and_o heavy_a in_o spiritual_a performance_n that_o they_o so_o much_o loath_a his_o word_n his_o people_n his_o ambassador_n his_o gracious_a motion_n and_o invitation_n the_o truth_n of_o all_o be_v this_o they_o know_v not_o christ_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o 4._o this_o knowledge_n be_v a_o satisfy_a knowledge_n other_o knowledge_n be_v like_o some_o sance_fw-fr which_o when_o you_o receive_v into_o you_o beget_v a_o fresh_a and_o new_a appetite_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o one_o thing_n do_v set_v the_o tooth_n on_o edge_n as_o here_o and_o make_v we_o thirst_v after_o more_o whereas_o christ_n be_v a_o object_n fit_v and_o suit_v to_o the_o most_o vast_a and_o boundless_a desire_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o therefore_o what_o the_o phylospher_n say_v of_o natural_a knowledge_n we_o may_v more_o proper_o say_v of_o divine_a that_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d
together_o their_o letter_n read_v god_n in_o a_o monstrous_a prodigious_a manner_n and_o become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n and_o their_o foolish_a heart_n be_v darken_v rom._n 1._o as_o man_n that_o read_v in_o a_o old_a moth-eaten_a break_a manuscript_n may_v easy_o mistake_v the_o original_a meaning_n so_o methinks_v the_o gentile_n have_v nothing_o to_o study_n god_n in_o but_o the_o dull_a and_o dark_a print_n of_o the_o creature_n present_o fall_v into_o gross_a mistake_n and_o multitude_n of_o error_n concern_v he_o for_o they_o change_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o incorruptible_a god_n into_o a_o image_n make_v like_a unto_o coruptible_a man_n and_o to_o bird_n and_o fourfooted_a beast_n and_o creep_a thing_n rom._n 1._o v._n 23._o but_o now_o christ_n be_v so_o clear_a a_o representation_n of_o his_o father_n that_o if_o we_o know_v he_o aright_o we_o can_v mistake_v god_n at_o all_o he_o and_o his_o father_n be_v one_o so_o that_o you_o may_v comprehend_v and_o know_v he_o as_o it_o be_v for_o he_o that_o see_v he_o seethe_v the_o father_n and_o he_o that_o come_v to_o he_o come_v to_o the_o father_n as_o in_o st_n john_n it_o be_v every_o where_o express_v 2._o this_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n discover_v ourselves_o also_o unto_o ourselves_o the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o divine_a knowledge_n that_o be_v ecaelo_fw-la descendit_fw-la the_o heathen_a can_v say_v now_o we_o can_v know_v christ_n aright_o but_o we_o must_v know_v ourselves_o also_o know_v in_o what_o a_o miserable_a and_o wretched_a estate_n we_o be_v without_o he_o how_o vile_a and_o loathsome_a we_o be_v in_o our_o own_o nature_n how_o base_a and_o worthless_a our_o best_a performance_n how_o ugly_a and_o deform_a our_o person_n and_o our_o service_n be_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n as_o when_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n come_v into_o a_o room_n they_o discover_v all_o the_o dust_n and_o filthiness_n in_o the_o room_n so_o when_o christ_n beam_n in_o upon_o the_o soul_n the_o filthiness_n and_o corruption_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n do_v straight_o way_n appear_v we_o then_o see_v what_o a_o horrid_a thing_n sin_n be_v that_o put_v so_o bless_v a_o saviour_n to_o so_o cruel_a a_o death_n we_o see_v what_o a_o curse_a slavery_n we_o be_v all_o in_o by_o nature_n to_o the_o law_n to_o sin_n to_o satan_n till_o the_o son_n do_v make_v we_o free_a before_o we_o know_v christ_n the_o devil_n do_v cast_v a_o mist_n before_o our_o eye_n &_o so_o hoodwinks_a our_o soul_n that_o we_o can_v see_v where_o we_o be_v what_o we_o be_v or_o whither_o we_o be_v go_v till_o he_o take_v the_o veil_n from_o off_o our_o eye_n and_o then_o by_o our_o present_a light_n we_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v in_o darkness_n through_o grace_n we_o know_v what_o sin_n be_v how_o to_o debase_v ourselves_o and_o advance_v christ_n first_o be_v it_o so_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o use_n christ_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a knowledge_n more_o to_o be_v desire_v then_o gold_n yea_o then_o most_o fine_a gold_n more_o precious_a than_o ruby_n be_v it_o the_o glory_n of_o a_o christian_n to_o be_v more_o perfect_a in_o this_o to_o teach_v this_o to_o learn_v this_o then_o it_o shall_v reprove_v all_o those_o who_o make_v not_o this_o the_o main_a end_n &_o scope_n of_o their_o study_n and_o endeavour_n as_o 1._o such_o carnal_a dispenser_n of_o the_o word_n that_o use_v rather_o to_o speak_v in_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n then_o in_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n and_o that_o dress_v their_o discourse_n in_o the_o apish_a &_o foolish_a conception_n of_o man_n wit_n neglect_v in_o the_o mean_a while_o the_o sacred_a word_n which_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o make_v both_o themselves_o and_o their_o auditor_n wise_a unto_o salvation_n such_o in_o the_o language_n of_o s._n paul_n do_v make_v the_o cross_n of_o christ_n of_o none_o effect_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 17._o whilst_o they_o labour_v to_o possess_v man_n with_o the_o love_n of_o their_o affect_a strain_n more_o than_o with_o the_o naked_a and_o simple_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o the_o good_a apostle_n profess_v that_o he_o do_v determine_v to_o know_v nothing_o among_o the_o corinthian_n save_v jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_a he_o can_v have_v flaunt_v as_o well_o as_o the_o best_a of_o those_o seducer_n and_o have_v trim_v his_o speech_n with_o as_o much_o elegancy_n as_o any_o but_o say_v he_o away_o with_o such_o trash_n to_o the_o herd_n of_o mankind_n that_o have_v rather_o feed_v upon_o such_o husk_n than_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n let_v other_o vaunt_v as_o they_o please_v and_o you_o expect_v what_o you_o will_v from_o i_o yet_o this_o be_v my_o resolution_n not_o to_o know_v any_o thing_n save_v jesus_n christ_n and_o therefore_o exceed_o to_o be_v blame_v be_v all_o they_o that_o contrary_a to_o his_o word_n preach_v to_o the_o ear_n and_o not_o unto_o the_o heart_n &_o seek_v rather_o to_o gratify_v the_o sensual_a corrupt_a affection_n of_o man_n then_o to_o implant_v in_o they_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n o_o belove_a we_o be_v to_o deal_v with_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o rescue_v they_o from_o hell_n and_o to_o pluck_v they_o out_o of_o the_o paw_n of_o the_o devil_n by_o who_o they_o be_v lead_v captive_a we_o meet_v again_o too_o too_o often_o with_o poor_a ignorant_a wretch_n to_o instruct_v who_o scarce_o know_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o christ_n any_o holy_a ghost_n moreov_a we_o be_v not_o to_o deal_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o with_o principalitye_n and_o power_n the_o lust_n of_o man_n they_o be_v to_o be_v blast_v and_o beat_v down_o by_o we_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o and_o satisfy_v sin_n to_o be_v convict_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v press_v the_o cross_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v foolishness_n to_o the_o world_n to_o be_v preach_v this_o be_v our_o labour_n this_o our_o work_n &_o what_o need_n we_o then_o to_o daub_v with_o untempered_a mortar_n and_o to_o mix_v humane_a invention_n with_o sacred_a truth_n why_o be_v that_o zealous_a thirst_n after_o applause_n and_o to_o set_v up_o ourselves_o more_o than_o our_o saviour_n why_o be_v it_o then_o man_n desire_v oftentimes_o more_o to_o display_v their_o own_o read_n then_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v not_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o use_n of_o humane_a learning_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o word_n paul_n himself_o make_v use_v of_o a_o poet_n to_o convince_v the_o athenian_n act._n 17._o nor_o do_v we_o speak_v this_o to_o countenance_v those_o that_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n negligent_o and_o bring_v the_o lame_a sapless_a undigested_a notion_n to_o this_o sacrifice_n doubtless_o god_n that_o require_v the_o whole_a man_n require_v the_o brain_n as_o well_o as_o the_o heart_n in_o this_o service_n and_o he_o give_v we_o talent_n not_o to_o lay_v up_o in_o a_o napkin_n but_o to_o bring_v themforth_o as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v for_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o church_n good_a we_o all_o know_v by_o sad_a experience_n into_o what_o disorder_n and_o inconvenience_n the_o contempt_n of_o secular_a learning_n have_v bring_v many_o giddy_a soul_n of_o this_o nation_n and_o how_o prostitute_v and_o disregard_v the_o careless_a management_n and_o wanton_a itch_n of_o preach_v have_v make_v the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n o_o that_o god_n will_v be_v please_v to_o convince_v all_o of_o we_o especial_o the_o forward_a youth_n of_o this_o university_n of_o the_o tremendous_a burden_n that_o lie_v upon_o the_o shoulder_n of_o a_o minister_n opus_n angelis_n formidandum_fw-la but_o to_o return_v i_o say_v we_o do_v not_o hereby_o discountenance_v learning_n or_o learned_a and_o painful_a preach_n especial_o in_o due_a place_n and_o time_n but_o only_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v heed_n that_o hagar_n do_v not_o justle_v out_o sarah_n that_o the_o handmaid_n secular_a learning_n do_v not_o take_v place_n in_o our_o affection_n above_o the_o free_a woman_n the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n that_o our_o sermon_n savour_v not_o more_o of_o learning_n then_o of_o grace_n and_o that_o our_o design_n be_v not_o to_o get_v more_o admirer_n of_o our_o part_n than_o disciple_n of_o christ_n 2._o this_o will_v reprove_v all_o those_o in_o general_a that_o be_v more_o in_o love_n with_o humane_a knowledge_n then_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n be_v more_o take_v with_o a_o aristotle_n a_o plato_n perhaps_o a_o romance_n or_o playbook_n than_o a_o prophet_n or_o a_o apostle_n suffer_v in_o the_o mean_a while_n poor_a illiterate_a man_n to_o rise_v up_o and_o carry_v away_o heaven_n from_o they_o whilst_o they_o