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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
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
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 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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 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invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o and_o since_o this_o light_n of_o we_o be_v further_o improve_v by_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o understand_a soul_n let_v we_o not_o be_v as_o the_o psalmist_n call_v they_o brutish_a man_n that_o know_v not_o these_o thing_n as_o beast_n which_o common_o look_v upon_o this_o palace_n and_o no_o more_o but_o when_o we_o view_v these_o body_n of_o we_o let_v we_o endeavour_v to_o see_v a_o god_n who_o cover_v we_o in_o our_o mother_n womb_n and_o who_o still_o uphold_v these_o mud-wal_n of_o clay_n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o word_n when_o we_o walk_v into_o the_o field_n &_o there_o look_v upon_o the_o corn_n the_o herb_n and_o the_o grass_n let_v we_o meditate_v upon_o the_o god_n of_o they_o who_o once_o say_v let_v the_o earth_n bring_v forth_o grass_n the_o herb_n yield_v flower_n and_o the_o fruit-tree_n yield_v fruit_n after_o his_o kind_n and_o it_o do_v so_o and_o if_o so_o be_v god_n so_o clothe_v the_o grass_n of_o the_o field_n which_o to_o day_n be_v and_o to_o morrow_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o oven_n shall_v he_o not_o much_o more_o clothe_v thou_o o_o thou_o of_o little_a faith_n when_o thou_o look_v up_o into_o heaven_n meditate_v upon_o that_o god_n which_o ordain_v the_o moon_n and_o the_o star_n and_o which_o make_v arcturus_n orion_n and_o pleyade_n and_o the_o chamber_n of_o the_o south_n when_o thou_o view_v any_o creature_n consider_v who_o stamp_n it_o bear_v and_o who_o goodness_n be_v show_v in_o the_o create_a and_o preserve_v of_o it_o last_o let_v we_o be_v exhort_v to_o study_v god_n in_o his_o work_n of_o providence_n and_o in_o his_o dispensation_n towards_o mankind_n there_o be_v many_o even_o among_o we_o christian_n who_o see_v thing_n happen_v contrary_a to_o their_o desire_n and_o carnal_a reason_n as_o the_o godly_a to_o be_v deject_v and_o the_o wicked_a advance_v do_v implicit_o deny_v a_o god_n or_o at_o least_o wise_a with_o the_o epicurean_o think_v that_o he_o sit_v idle_a in_o heaven_n without_o 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be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n etc._n etc._n we_o be_v now_o to_o speak_v concern_v the_o perspicuity_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n concern_v which_o i_o shall_v be_v more_o brief_a as_o i_o tell_v you_o because_o they_o have_v be_v so_o large_o handle_v already_o by_o sundry_a learned_a man_n unto_o the_o substance_n of_o who_o writing_n there_o can_v indeed_o scarce_o any_o thing_n be_v add_v unless_o perhaps_o far_o illustration_n and_o a_o more_o practical_a handle_n of_o they_o the_o perspicuity_n of_o scripture_n may_v be_v infer_v from_o the_o use_n of_o it_o here_o set_v down_o by_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n say_v he_o for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n four_o use_n be_v here_o make_v mention_n of_o in_o scripture_n the_o two_o doctrinal_a teach_v of_o truth_n and_o confute_v error_n the_o two_o last_o practical_a correction_n of_o vice_n and_o instruction_n of_o holy_a conversation_n from_o whence_o i_o infer_v that_o since_o it_o do_v thus_o teach_v thus_o convince_v it_o must_v needs_o carry_v with_o it_o such_o a_o light_n and_o evidence_n of_o truth_n that_o neither_o its_o doctrine_n may_v be_v reject_v through_o their_o obscurity_n nor_o its_o argument_n gainsayd_v for_o want_n of_o clearness_n and_o since_o also_o it_o be_v useful_a for_o reformation_n of_o manner_n and_o direction_n in_o a_o holy_a life_n needs_o must_v its_o rule_n for_o this_o purpose_n be_v so_o plain_o set_v down_o that_o every_o one_o concern_v in_o such_o duty_n may_v be_v thereby_o instruct_v unto_o holiness_n the_o scripture_n may_v be_v term_v the_o first_o element_n of_o a_o christian_a a_o child_n may_v go_v to_o school_v unto_o they_o for_o say_v the_o apostle_n they_o be_v profitable_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v as_o the_o word_n imply_v for_o instruction_n of_o child_n even_o a_o child_n may_v spell_v out_o the_o scripture_n what_o be_v his_o duty_n towards_o god_n and_o his_o neighbour_n and_o doubtless_o if_o a_o child_n may_v read_v and_o understand_v the_o scripture_n they_o be_v not_o so_o obscure_a so_o intricate_a so_o perplex_v as_o some_o conceive_v they_o to_o be_v in_o prosecution_n therefore_o of_o this_o point_n we_o shall_v show_v 1._o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v in_o themselves_o perspicuous_a 2._o that_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o perspicuous_a according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o subject_n entertain_v they_o 3._o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v some_o reason_n why_o god_n have_v leave_v some_o place_n more_o obscure_a than_o other_o 1._o first_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v in_o themselves_o perspicuous_a may_v appear_v by_o several_a text_n ps_n 19_o 8._o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v pure_a enlighten_v the_o eye_n they_o be_v pure_a and_o therefore_o not_o alloy_v with_o any_o muddinesse_n or_o cloud_v with_o any_o obscurity_n they_o 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man_n knowledge_n and_o discretion_n prov._n 1._o 4._o there_o be_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n such_o innate_a plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n that_o the_o simple_a man_n may_v thereby_o be_v enlighten_v the_o young_a instruct_v but_o here_o when_o we_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v we_o must_v distinguish_v concern_v fundamental_n and_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o circumstantial_o or_o such_o thing_n who_o exact_a knowledge_n be_v not_o so_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n those_o matter_n which_o belong_v unto_o a_o save_a knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v plain_o set_v down_o such_o as_o be_v the_o commandment_n and_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o apostle_n creed_n but_o now_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n which_o either_o relate_n
salvation_n to_o instruct_v to_o reprove_v to_o correct_v and_o since_o it_o have_v so_o admirable_a perfection_n in_o it_o as_o to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a &_o thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n good_a reason_n then_o my_o son_n timothy_n that_o be_v the_o time_n what_o they_o will_v be_v error_n never_o so_o plausible_o entertain_v and_o truth_n never_o so_o violent_o oppose_v that_o thou_o notwithstanding_o shall_v continue_v in_o the_o thing_n which_o thou_o have_v learn_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o thou_o have_v receive_v and_o this_o be_v the_o drift_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o chapter_n the_o well_o understand_v of_o which_o together_o with_o the_o word_n read_v unto_o you_o will_v much_o conduce_v to_o the_o open_n of_o this_o my_o present_a doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o shall_v therefore_o expound_v the_o word_n themselves_o more_o distinct_o and_o in_o the_o open_n of_o they_o brief_o touch_v upon_o some_o thing_n which_o i_o can_v handle_v at_o large_a and_o then_o i_o shall_v come_v to_o what_o i_o main_o intend_v well_o then_o here_o be_v the_o subject_n speak_v of_o the_o scripture_n set_v forth_o by_o its_o author_n god_n by_o its_o use_n it_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n etc._n etc._n by_o its_o end_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 all_o scripture_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d all_o writing_n for_o so_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v call_v scripture_n by_o way_n of_o eminency_n it_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o all_o other_o writing_n which_o be_v so_o far_o account_v good_a or_o bad_a as_o they_o come_v near_o to_o or_o decline_v from_o this_o but_o here_o say_v beza_n when_o the_o apostle_n say_v all_o scripture_n we_o must_v take_v heed_n lest_o we_o understand_v any_o beside_o that_o which_o we_o call_v canonical_a that_o be_v such_o book_n which_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o antiquity_n their_o argument_n and_o divine_a 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also_o they_o contain_v many_o thing_n absurd_a and_o contrary_a one_o to_o another_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o suspect_v that_o they_o be_v never_o give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d all_o scripture_n be_v inspire_v of_o god_n or_o as_o the_o word_n imply_v breathe_v from_o god_n those_o notion_n word_n and_o phrase_n which_o may_v every_o where_o occur_v in_o holy_a writ_n be_v dictate_v unto_o the_o penman_n thereof_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o so_o that_o prophecy_n come_v not_o of_o old_a time_n by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v 2_o pet._n 1._o 21._o wherefore_o we_o read_v not_o thus_o say_v jeremiah_n or_o thus_o say_v isaiah_n but_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v it_o but_o what_o may_v some_o say_v be_v all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o word_n of_o god_n why_o then_o those_o imposture_n and_o calumny_n of_o satan_n set_v down_o in_o the_o 3._o of_o gen._n and_o 4._o of_o matthew_n those_o erroneous_a say_n of_o job_n wife_n unto_o he_o to_o curse_v god_n and_o die_v with_o the_o like_a be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o answer_v that_o these_o and_o the_o like_a say_n only_o historical_o set_v down_o be_v abstract_o in_o themselves_o consider_v be_v not_o from_o god_n but_o then_o consider_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v set_v down_o so_o they_o be_v as_o we_o may_v say_v that_o tacitus_n be_v the_o author_n of_o that_o whole_a book_n though_o many_o thing_n in_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v speak_v from_o other_o man_n and_o as_o the_o same_o wax_n though_o of_o little_a worth_n in_o itself_o yet_o seal_v and_o put_v in_o a_o bond_n may_v be_v of_o great_a concernment_n and_o value_n in_o like_a manner_n those_o speech_n of_o heathen_a author_n cite_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o that_o of_o aratus_n act._n 17._o 28._o and_o that_o of_o epimenides_n titus_n 1._o 12._o though_o of_o little_a worth_n as_o they_o come_v from_o such_o man_n yet_o be_v insert_v into_o holy_a writ_n receive_v divine_a authority_n and_o may_v be_v of_o great_a moment_n unto_o our_o salvation_n many_o thing_n there_o be_v also_o in_o scripture_n which_o quoad_fw-la praeceptum_fw-la may_v have_v great_a authority_n than_o other_o but_o ratione_fw-la authoris_fw-la be_v equal_a as_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o first_o table_n be_v more_o severe_o enjoin_v then_o those_o of_o the_o second_o yet_o the_o same_o god_n write_v they_o both_o thus_o gold_n may_v be_v more_o precious_a than_o gold_n in_o weight_n and_o shape_n though_o not_o in_o purity_n it_o remain_v then_o that_o all_o scripture_n some_o way_n or_o other_o be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o say_v the_o scripture_n say_v and_o god_n say_v as_o may_v far_o appear_v from_o the_o 9_o of_o the_o roman_n 25._o verse_n and_o gal._n 4_o 30._o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a many_o be_v the_o commodity_n of_o the_o write_a word_n for_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v a_o stand_a rule_n whereby_o we_o may_v try_v all_o other_o doctrine_n as_o the_o barean_o try_v paul_n doctrine_n by_o search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o act._n 17._o 11._o and_o therefore_o as_o those_o that_o carry_v false_a and_o adulterate_a coin_n about_o they_o can_v endure_v to_o hear_v of_o a_o touchstone_n so_o likewise_o those_o cheat_n in_o religion_n the_o papist_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v read_v lest_o thereby_o their_o imposture_n shall_v be_v lay_v open_a and_o their_o folly_n appear_v unto_o all_o man_n beside_o this_o commodity_n i_o say_v the_o apostle_n say_v that_o it_o be_v profitable_a 1._o for_o instruction_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o discover_v that_o be_v of_o such_o thing_n unto_o we_o which_o without_o it_o we_o can_v never_o have_v know_v there_o be_v mystery_n of_o godliness_n and_o abscondite_fw-la hide_a thing_n of_o god_n which_o humane_a reason_n can_v never_o unveil_v or_o fathom_n that_o a_o infinite_a god_n shall_v be_v cloister_v up_o in_o a_o virgin_n womb_n that_o he_o shall_v leave_v heaven_n and_o lie_n in_o a_o manger_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o the_o like_a be_v above_o the_o reach_n and_o disquisition_n of_o a_o natural_a understanding_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v far_o enlighten_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n before_o we_o attain_v unto_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v profitable_a also_o for_o instruction_n of_o we_o in_o the_o fall_n &_o restauration_n of_o man_n in_o the_o sacrament_n yea_o in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a unto_o salvation_n it_o instruct_v and_o teach_v we_o how_o wretched_a we_o be_v by_o nature_n how_o happy_a by_o grace_n how_o to_o beat_v down_o principality_n and_o power_n how_o to_o want_v and_o how_o to_o abound_v how_o final_o to_o be_v wise_a unto_o salvation_n 2._o it_o be_v profitable_a say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o reproof_n there_o be_v no_o error_n so_o plausible_o broach_v so_o strong_o fortify_v and_o maintain_v by_o humane_a reason_n but_o may_v be_v beat_v down_o and_o vanquish_v by_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n he_o that_o be_v spiritual_a judge_v all_o thing_n yet_o he_o himself_o be_v judge_v of_o no_o man_n 1_o cor._n 2_o 18._o he_o that_o be_v right_o inform_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n he_o to_o who_o the_o spirit_n have_v reveal_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o who_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n may_v without_o the_o assistance_n of_o foreign_a tradition_n testimony_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o like_a not_o
put_v into_o a_o man_n enable_v he_o to_o resist_v even_o his_o own_o desire_n to_o fight_v against_o his_o own_o flesh_n and_o blood_n to_o suffer_v and_o bear_v all_o affliction_n and_o tribulation_n for_o christ_n his_o sake_n show_v i_o any_o humane_a eloquence_n that_o can_v alter_v and_o change_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o man_n that_o can_v over-awe_n keep_v under_o hatch_n the_o rebellion_n mutiny_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o can_v put_v a_o felix_n into_o a_o tremble_a a_o stubborn_a pharaoh_n into_o a_o relent_a that_o can_v give_v light_n unto_o the_o simple_a stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o gainsayer_n that_o can_v divide_v between_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o world_n between_o a_o man_n self_n and_o his_o self_n humane_a eloquence_n that_o can_v only_o move_v and_o persuade_v this_o force_n and_o command_v it_o come_v with_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thus_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o exact_v obedience_n add_v to_o all_o these_o the_o testimony_n of_o all_o time_n concern_v the_o scripture_n their_o antiquity_n moses_n be_v bear_v before_o the_o very_a god_n of_o the_o heathen_n the_o late_a of_o the_o prophet_n match_v the_o ancient_a of_o the_o philosopher_n add_v also_o their_o constant_a preservation_n and_o continuance_n even_o till_o now_o maugre_o all_o the_o fury_n and_o rage_n of_o tyrant_n the_o malice_n of_o devil_n and_o devilish_a man_n who_o have_v do_v and_o do_v still_o oppose_v these_o holy_a writing_n add_v final_o unto_o all_o these_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o army_n of_o martyr_n maintain_v even_o to_o death_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n man_n of_o all_o sort_n ignorant_a who_o though_o they_o can_v not_o dispute_v can_v yet_o die_v for_o the_o truth_n wise_a rich_a poor_a of_o all_o age_n and_o sex_n woman_n child_n age_a folk_n endure_v all_o manner_n of_o torment_n with_o all_o manner_n of_o torment_n with_o all_o patience_n and_o constancy_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o god_n word_n and_o the_o truth_n therein_o contain_v these_o with_o many_o other_o reason_n may_v sufficient_o demonstrate_v that_o god_n alone_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o now_o as_o there_o may_v be_v many_o witness_n unto_o a_o bond_n and_o yet_o still_o all_o be_v of_o little_a moment_n unless_o the_o seal_n be_v put_v on_o too_o in_o like_a manner_n all_o these_o witness_n and_o argument_n here_o produce_v will_v be_v of_o little_a concernment_n unto_o our_o salvation_n unless_o they_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o promise_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v ephes_n 1._o 13._o we_o may_v be_v convict_v by_o the_o forego_n argument_n that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o yet_o they_o can_v never_o per_fw-mi se_fw-mi work_n faith_n nor_o a_o full_a assurance_n of_o they_o unless_o the_o spirit_n which_o bear_v witness_n unto_o our_o spirit_n joint_o cooperate_v and_o open_v our_o eye_n more_o full_o to_o see_v this_o light_n for_o as_o hagar_n gen._n 21._o 19_o can_v not_o see_v the_o fountain_n that_o be_v near_o she_o until_o god_n have_v open_v her_o eye_n so_o neither_o can_v we_o perfect_o discern_v or_o saving_o know_v the_o holy_a scripture_n until_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v open_v our_o eye_n as_o david_n speak_v to_o behold_v the_o marvellous_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n we_o have_v therefore_o occasion_n here_o to_o inquire_v how_o it_o may_v appear_v unto_o we_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o how_o a_o man_n may_v save_o and_o true_o know_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o divine_a authority_n the_o papist_n they_o say_v that_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o believe_v the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v because_o the_o church_n say_v so_o we_o say_v that_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o believe_v they_o so_o to_o be_v be_v because_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o worthy_a of_o all_o belief_n and_o because_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n witness_v and_o seal_v unto_o our_o spirit_n that_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o whether_o the_o witness_n of_o man_n or_o the_o witness_n of_o god_n be_v great_a judge_v you_o however_o it_o have_v be_v a_o point_n very_o much_o controvert_v and_o canvas_v on_o both_o side_n therefore_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v brief_o and_o clear_o to_o state_n it_o and_o to_o make_v you_o understand_v the_o absurdity_n and_o vanity_n of_o their_o position_n our_o thesis_fw-la on_o which_o i_o shall_v ground_v my_o discourse_n shall_v be_v this_o namely_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o esse_fw-la cognito_fw-la and_o quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la do_v not_o so_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 spirit_n within_o we_o the_o term_n of_o this_o thesis_n be_v explain_v you_o will_v easy_o understand_v the_o whole_a matter_n i_o say_v then_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o esse_fw-la cognito_fw-la and_o quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la for_o though_o some_o of_o the_o papist_n have_v be_v so_o impudent_a as_o to_o affirm_v that_o the_o scripture_n have_v no_o more_o divine_a authority_n in_o they_o without_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n than_o aesop_n fable_n or_o ovid_n metamorphosis_n have_v yet_o some_o of_o the_o modern_a and_o ingenuous_a of_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o in_o themselves_o indeed_o they_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n yet_o this_o can_v say_v they_o otherwise_o appear_v unto_o we_o then_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n we_o say_v then_o that_o they_o may_v otherwise_o appear_v unto_o we_o to_o be_v god_n word_n then_o by_o the_o church_n as_o we_o may_v know_v that_o light_n be_v light_a and_o gold_n be_v gold_n by_o their_o own_o quality_n and_o lustre_n without_o any_o man_n tell_v of_o we_o that_o they_o be_v so_o beside_o if_o they_o be_v as_o they_o confess_v of_o divine_a authority_n in_o themselves_o by_o what_o law_n then_o can_v their_o church_n usurp_v authority_n over_o they_o unless_o as_o needs_o it_o must_v come_v to_o pass_v they_o account_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o church_n above_o that_o of_o god_n and_o so_o become_v no_o less_o blasphemer_n then_o absurd_a 2._o i_o say_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o esse_fw-la cognito_fw-la and_o quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la do_v not_o so_o much_o depend_v upon_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 spirit_n within_o we_o do_v not_o so_o much_o i_o say_v for_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o the_o church_n be_v a_o great_a confirmer_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o it_o do_v execute_v many_o good_a office_n towards_o they_o as_o first_o it_o be_v a_o witness_n unto_o they_o and_o a_o keeper_n and_o preserver_n of_o they_o but_o now_o will_v any_o one_o be_v so_o absurd_a to_o say_v that_o the_o record_n or_o writing_n of_o a_o king_n do_v receive_v authority_n from_o their_o notary_n or_o register_n because_o he_o keep_v they_o second_o the_o church_n may_v discern_v and_o judge_v between_o true_a and_o false_a suppositition_n scripture_n and_o that_o by_o examine_v they_o according_a to_o the_o original_a canon_n and_o platform_n of_o moses_n his_o law_n for_o my_o sheep_n say_v our_o saviour_n john_n 10._o hear_v my_o voice_n and_o so_o can_v distinguish_v it_o from_o another_o but_o now_o as_o a_o goldsmith_n may_v by_o his_o weight_n and_o touchstone_n distinguish_v gold_n from_o copper_n &_o yet_o not_o be_v say_v to_o make_v the_o gold_n yea_o or_o to_o make_v it_o so_o unto_o we_o but_o only_o to_o make_v we_o the_o more_o easy_o believe_v that_o gold_n it_o be_v in_o like_a manner_n the_o church_n in_o its_o examine_n &_o distinguish_v of_o scripture_n can_v be_v only_o say_v to_o confirm_v unto_o we_o the_o divinity_n of_o they_o not_o in_o any_o wise_a either_o in_o themselves_o or_o unto_o we_o to_o make_v they_o divine_a the_o three_o thing_n that_o the_o church_n do_v be_v to_o preach_v and_o divulge_v the_o scripture_n but_o now_o as_o we_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o proclamation_n of_o a_o king_n not_o because_o such_o a_o one_o proclaim_v it_o but_o for_o itself_o so_o likewise_o we_o obey_v and_o believe_v the_o scripture_n not_o for_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v own_o sake_n four_o the_o church_n do_v expound_v and_o interpret_v scripture_n but_o now_o as_o a_o faithful_a interpreter_n of_o a_o ambassador_n do_v not_o either_o add_v or_o take_v from_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o he_o so_o likewise_o neither_o do_v or_o ought_v the_o true_a church_n to_o add_v or_o diminish_v any_o thing_n of_o holy_a writ_n and_o therefore_o much_o less_o have_v it_o power_n to_o make_v it_o in_o any_o wise_a of_o any_o great_a