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 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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 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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 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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
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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 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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 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proclaim_v the_o power_n and_o greatness_n of_o a_o god_n and_o so_o consequent_o lead_v we_o into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o in_o who_o all_o thing_n live_v move_v and_o have_v their_o be_v for_o as_o prick_n and_o quaver_n in_o music_n do_v commend_v the_o cunning_a of_o the_o artist_n as_o well_o as_o loud_o and_o long_a note_n or_o as_o the_o least_o pin_n or_o wheel_n in_o a_o watch_n both_o by_o its_o use_n and_o ornament_n do_v set_v forth_o the_o art_n of_o the_o watchmaker_n even_o so_o the_o mean_a and_o least_o of_o god_n creature_n do_v sufficient_o proclaim_v the_o power_n wisdom_n and_o virtue_n of_o their_o maker_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o snow_n and_o hail_n be_v by_o the_o psalmist_n bring_v in_o praise_v of_o god_n psalm_n 148._o 8._o the_o whole_a world_n what_o be_v it_o else_o say_v cusanus_fw-la but_o god_n paraphase_v and_o express_v here_o be_v the_o only_a difference_n between_o the_o small_a and_o great_a creature_n that_o in_o the_o one_o god_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o character_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o other_o in_o more_o great_a and_o capital_a leter_n but_o thus_o much_o concern_v the_o first_o point_n which_o be_v to_o show_v in_o general_a that_o god_n be_v every_o where_o proclaim_v and_o set_v forth_o by_o his_o creature_n we_o shall_v now_o second_o show_v you_o how_o and_o in_o what_o way_n god_n may_v be_v know_v by_o his_o creature_n theodoret_n say_v there_o be_v five_o way_n by_o which_o we_o may_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n the_o first_o be_v by_o consider_v the_o heaven_n the_o moon_n and_o the_o star_n which_o he_o have_v ordain_v the_o various_a motion_n design_n and_o influence_n the_o rank_n and_o battaly_n as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v of_o that_o heavenly_a host_n do_v abundant_o show_v that_o there_o be_v some_o supreme_a general_n and_o commander_n by_o who_o wisdom_n and_o conduct_n they_o be_v thus_o manage_v his_o second_o way_n be_v by_o consider_v the_o element_n below_o that_o the_o 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of_o art_n and_o science_n which_o doubtless_o be_v from_o god_n as_o be_v only_o the_o author_n of_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n his_o five_o and_o last_o way_n be_v from_o the_o command_n and_o rule_n which_o man_n have_v over_o other_o creature_n for_o doubtless_o it_o be_v god_n alone_o and_o not_o chance_v that_o cause_v beast_n of_o far_o great_a strength_n than_o any_o man_n patient_o to_o submit_v unto_o his_o yoke_n and_o dominion_n these_o be_v the_o five_o way_n of_o theodoret_n by_o the_o which_o say_v he_o we_o may_v come_v to_o know_v god_n but_o i_o dare_v not_o trespass_v so_o much_o upon_o you_o as_o particular_o to_o explain_v they_o i_o shall_v only_o therefore_o in_o general_a show_n by_o what_o degree_n and_o step_n or_o rather_o by_o what_o kind_n of_o working_n the_o understanding_n may_v argue_v from_o the_o creature_n to_o the_o creator_n and_o the_o first_o way_n by_o which_o we_o may_v thus_o know_v god_n be_v per_fw-la viam_fw-la negationis_fw-la by_o deny_v that_o be_v such_o thing_n to_o the_o creator_n which_o we_o find_v to_o be_v imperfection_n and_o defect_n in_o the_o creature_n for_o when_o a_o natural_a mind_n shall_v consider_v that_o corruption_n which_o the_o creature_n be_v subject_a unto_o those_o blemish_n which_o it_o be_v sully_v withal_o it_o must_v needs_o conclude_v some_o high_a be_v which_o be_v not_o incident_a to_o any_o of_o these_o as_o errata_n and_o fault_n in_o printing_n do_v suppose_v a_o more_o perfect_a copy_n so_o likewise_o the_o imperfection_n and_o defect_n of_o the_o creature_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o very_a transcript_n of_o god_n himself_o may_v put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o a_o more_o perfect_a original_a and_o exact_a platform_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o psalmist_n psal_n 115._o 8._o say_v of_o idol_n that_o they_o that_o make_v they_o be_v like_a unto_o they_o that_o be_v as_o vain_a mutable_a and_o perish_v as_o themselves_o whereby_o likewise_o it_o imply_v on_o the_o 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notwithstanding_o from_o its_o be_v a_o creature_n finite_a and_o limit_v conclude_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o this_o finitenesse_n and_o limitednesse_n but_o be_v a_o infinite_a incomprehensible_a god_n bless_v for_o ever_o the_o second_o way_n by_o which_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n by_o the_o creature_n be_v per_fw-la viam_fw-la causalitatis_fw-la by_o way_n of_o causality_n and_o influence_n as_o i_o may_v so_o term_v it_o for_o when_o a_o man_n shall_v look_v out_o into_o the_o world_n and_o behold_v the_o admirable_a and_o beautiful_a palace_n how_o stately_a it_o be_v roof_v above_o with_o a_o heaven_n every_o where_o spangle_a and_o adorn_v with_o shine_v pearl-like_a star_n how_o curious_o it_o be_v pave_v below_o with_o a_o earth_n always_o teem_v with_o riches_n and_o variety_n how_o strong_o fence_v and_o wall_v about_o with_o a_o ocean_n full_a of_o those_o scaly_a inhabitant_n the_o fish_n thereof_o when_o we_o 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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 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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
the_o gentile_n but_o we_o must_v not_o here_o stand_v too_o long_o upon_o these_o thing_n it_o remain_v that_o since_o the_o scripture_n be_v profitable_a for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n good_a reason_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o all_o people_n be_v thus_o to_o be_v instruct_v shall_v read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n who_o end_n it_o be_v as_o the_o apostle_n go_v on_o that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a and_o thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n by_o compare_v the_o 1_o tim._n 6._o 11._o with_o this_o the_o minister_n or_o interpreter_n of_o god_n such_o as_o timothy_n be_v himself_o that_o he_o may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n that_o he_o namely_o who_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n and_o knowledge_n in_o the_o church_n may_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n furnish_v himself_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o duty_n which_o belong_v unto_o god_n and_o his_o neighbour_n there_o be_v no_o kind_n of_o good_a work_n or_o duty_n which_o can_v be_v think_v upon_o but_o the_o scripture_n do_v prescribe_v and_o prepare_v we_o unto_o and_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n on_o which_o i_o have_v be_v the_o long_o because_o by_o they_o i_o have_v take_v occasion_n to_o resolve_v you_o of_o such_o doubt_n which_o for_o brevity_n sake_n i_o can_v at_o large_a and_o distinct_o handle_v from_o the_o word_n themselves_o you_o may_v note_v these_o three_o common_a observation_n 1._o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a authority_n for_o they_o be_v inspire_v of_o god_n 2._o that_o they_o be_v most_o perspicuous_a and_o in_o the_o main_a most_o easy_o to_o be_v understand_v for_o otherwise_o how_o can_v they_o be_v profitable_a for_o our_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n 3._o that_o they_o be_v most_o perfect_a for_o if_o the_o minister_n himself_o can_v draw_v out_o of_o they_o all_o thing_n necessary_a unto_o his_o duty_n it_o will_v follow_v doubtless_o that_o they_o contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o our_o salvation_n and_o that_o they_o be_v most_o perfect_a 1._o then_o we_o shall_v show_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a authority_n what_o these_o scripture_n be_v none_o here_o i_o suppose_v can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o for_o you_o must_v needs_o conclude_v from_o what_o have_v be_v speak_v that_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o holy_a book_n write_v by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o god_n to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n so_o that_o in_o the_o very_a frontispeice_n as_o it_o be_v of_o the_o definition_n you_o may_v discover_v from_o whence_o they_o proceed_v god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o that_o be_v certain_a and_o it_o be_v as_o absurd_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o deny_v this_o as_o for_o any_o man_n to_o deny_v that_o beam_n and_o ray_n proceed_v from_o the_o son_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o call_v into_o question_n or_o deny_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v as_o unworthy_a the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a as_o he_o be_v of_o a_o philosopher_n or_o a_o metaphysitian_n that_o disallow_n of_o a_o natural_a body_n or_o entity_n because_o these_o be_v thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v presuppose_v of_o he_o shall_v all_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n unanimous_o conspire_v to_o deny_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o be_v they_o no_o less_o divine_a and_o authentical_a than_o the_o sun_n will_v be_v light_n if_o all_o man_n otherwise_o be_v blind_v let_v turk_n and_o pagan_n say_v what_o they_o will_v yet_o the_o scripture_n will_v be_v still_o god_n word_n and_o there_o be_v such_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o to_o prove_v it_o that_o he_o that_o be_v not_o either_o wilful_o blind_v or_o malicious_o bend_v must_v needs_o confess_v the_o same_o for_o that_o they_o be_v from_o god_n and_o so_o in_o themselves_o of_o divine_a authority_n sundry_a reason_n may_v be_v give_v we_o shall_v only_o for_o brevity_n sakename_v three_o or_o four_o for_o beside_o that_o they_o do_v most_o clear_o reveal_v unto_o we_o the_o nature_n and_o work_n of_o god_n as_o the_o three_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o regeneration_n and_o the_o like_a thing_n altogether_o above_o the_o reach_n and_o contrivance_n of_o man_n beside_o the_o impartialnesse_n and_o candour_n of_o the_o penman_n of_o they_o for_o so_o moses_n set_v down_o the_o incest_n of_o his_o parent_n of_o who_o he_o be_v beget_v ex._n 6._o 2._o and_o his_o own_o disobedience_n numb_a 11._o 11._o jonah_n his_o murmur_a and_o jeremiah_n his_o fret_v which_o undoubted_o show_v that_o they_o be_v not_o bias_v with_o any_o carnal_a respect_n but_o altogether_o overrule_v and_o inspire_v by_o a_o high_a spirit_n beside_o also_o the_o quality_n &_o condition_n of_o the_o penman_n amos_n a_o herdsman_n matthew_n a_o publican_n the_o apostle_n many_o of_o they_o fisherman_n which_o evident_o show_v that_o there_o be_v some_o high_a power_n which_o do_v instill_v into_o they_o that_o profoundness_n of_o wisdom_n which_o all_o the_o art_n and_o philosophy_n in_o the_o world_n can_v never_o reach_v unto_o add_v to_o these_o the_o consent_n and_o holy_a conspiracy_n as_o it_o be_v between_o all_o their_o writing_n notwithstanding_o the_o great_a difference_n of_o time_n they_o write_v in_o the_o remoteness_n of_o place_n and_o the_o diversity_n of_o matter_n whereof_o they_o have_v write_v so_o incredible_a and_o divine_a be_v their_o mutual_a harmony_n that_o you_o will_v rather_o think_v one_o man_n write_v they_o with_o divers_a penn_n than_o that_o divers_a man_n write_v they_o by_o one_o spirit_n beside_o these_o and_o sundry_a other_o reason_n i_o say_v which_o may_v sufficient_o declare_v who_o be_v the_o principal_a author_n of_o this_o holy_a writ_n another_o great_a argument_n &_o testimony_n of_o their_o original_n be_v first_o the_o truth_n and_o event_n of_o scripture_n prophecy_n can_v any_o man_n angel_n or_o create_v be_v foretell_v future_a contingent_a event_n can_v they_o tell_v the_o very_a name_n of_o a_o man_n and_o the_o time_n of_o his_o birth_n a_o hundred_o year_n before_o hand_n as_o the_o spirit_n by_o esay_n do_v concern_v cyrus_n and_o in_o the_o 1_o of_o the_o king_n 13._o concern_v a_o josias_n by_o name_n above_o 300_o year_n say_v annalist_n before_o he_o be_v bear_v can_v ever_o any_o of_o the_o cheat_a oracle_n of_o the_o heathen_n or_o any_o counterfeit_a sibyl_n tell_v of_o a_o messiah_n to_o be_v bear_v 4000_o year_n after_o &_o then_o to_o come_v to_o pass_v just_a as_o it_o be_v foretell_v as_o it_o do_v according_a to_o the_o promise_n make_v to_o adam_n gen._n 3._o 15._o we_o ourselves_o of_o this_o nation_n be_v live_v example_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o holy_a prediction_n &_o succeed_a event_n the_o scripture_n many_o thousand_o year_n ago_o do_v foretell_v the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n for_o in_o he_o say_v they_o shall_v the_o gentile_n trust_v and_o all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v see_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n and_o behold_v the_o prophecy_n accomplish_v in_o ourselves_o we_o who_o heretofore_o sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n do_v now_o lie_v under_o glorious_a light_n who_o before_o be_v not_o a_o people_n but_o be_v now_o a_o people_n it_o be_v endless_a to_o relate_v unto_o you_o all_o the_o prophecy_n which_o be_v exact_o accomplish_v according_a to_o the_o time_n place_n and_o circumstance_n foretell_v 2._o but_o second_o the_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v by_o and_o do_v accompany_v the_o teacher_n and_o writer_n of_o the_o word_n may_v sufficient_o confirm_v our_o faith_n in_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o unless_o we_o be_v worse_o than_o the_o magician_n who_o upon_o the_o miracle_n of_o lice_n can_v cry_v out_o this_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n exod._n 8._o 19_o but_o how_o may_v we_o know_v that_o the_o miracle_n we_o read_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v true_a since_o by_o some_o the_o gospel_n itself_o be_v doubt_v of_o answer_v that_o be_v they_o not_o true_a they_o will_v have_v either_o be_v refute_v or_o reject_v by_o the_o man_n of_o those_o day_n but_o so_o far_o be_v they_o then_o from_o that_o as_o a_o learned_a man_n note_n that_o josephus_n a_o jew_n a_o enemy_n to_o the_o christian_a truth_n do_v acknowledge_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o worker_n of_o many_o miracle_n a_o 3_o main_a argument_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v that_o admirable_a force_n and_o power_n which_o they_o have_v upon_o the_o mind_n and_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o believe_v in_o they_o sometime_o to_o humble_a and_o cast_v down_o sometime_o to_o comfort_n and_o raise_v up_o the_o spirit_n what_o vigour_n do_v it_o
〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o rest_n and_o repose_v of_o the_o soul_n whereas_o natural_a body_n in_o their_o proper_a place_n so_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n rest_v content_v and_o satisfy_v in_o christ_n in_o who_o be_v hide_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n col._n 2._o v._n 3._o there_o be_v enough_o in_o he_o to_o fill_v the_o soul_n up_o to_o the_o brim_n and_o to_o answer_v all_o the_o impatient_a roving_n and_o agitation_n of_o our_o spirit_n after_o knowledge_n in_o he_o dwell_v all_o fullness_n fullness_n of_o grace_n to_o sanctify_v we_o fullness_n of_o righteousness_n to_o justify_v we_o fullness_n of_o glory_n to_o crown_v we_o no_o natural_a object_n can_v satisfy_v the_o soul_n because_o the_o desire_n there_o of_o be_v boundless_a &_o infinite_a it_o present_o digest_v &_o swallow_v up_o all_o finite_a thing_n but_o now_o christ_n both_o in_o his_o nature_n and_o graces_n be_v so_o commensurate_a and_o proportionable_a a_o object_n for_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o may_v eternal_o feed_v upon_o he_o to_o full_a content_n and_o satisfaction_n his_o mercy_n infinite_a his_o love_n infinite_a his_o grace_n be_v inexhaustible_a for_o god_n have_v not_o give_v the_o spirit_n by_o measure_n and_o his_o gift_n and_o grace_n be_v compare_v by_o the_o prophet_n to_o a_o feaest_n of_o marrow_n and_o fat_a thing_n be_v 25_o v._o 6._o because_o as_o these_o do_v satisfy_v the_o sensual_a so_o those_o the_o intellectual_a appetite_n it_o satisfi_v the_o long_a soul_n and_o fill_v the_o hungry_a soul_n with_o goodness_n psal_n 107._o v._n 9_o wherefore_o then_o say_v the_o prophet_n esay_n 55._o v._o 2._o do_v you_o spend_v money_n for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o bread_n and_o your_o labour_n for_o that_o which_o satufy_v not_o harken_v diligent_o unto_o i_o and_o eat_v you_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o let_v your_o soul_n delight_v itself_o in_o fatness_n last_o this_o be_v a_o ever-increasing_a rise_a knowledge_n there_o be_v a_o growth_n in_o it_o 2_o pet._n 3._o 18._o we_o go_v from_o one_o degree_n of_o it_o to_o another_o till_o we_o become_v perfect_a man_n in_o our_o first_o conversion_n we_o be_v but_o child_n and_o babe_n in_o christ_n of_o little_a understanding_n and_o knowledge_n till_o by_o prayer_n temptation_n experience_n often_o supply_v and_o return_n of_o grace_n we_o become_v strong_a in_o faith_n nothing_o doubt_v and_o increase_v in_o wisdom_n and_o all_o spiritual_a understanding_n christ_n do_v not_o discover_v himself_o all_o at_o once_o to_o the_o soul_n but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d peicemeale_o 1._o heb._n 1._o 1._o and_o in_o diverse_a manner_n here_o a_o little_a and_o there_o a_o little_a as_o in_o natural_a science_n the_o mind_n do_v not_o usual_o grasp_v &_o comprehend_v the_o whole_a circumference_n of_o a_o thing_n together_o but_o insensible_o by_o degree_n creep_v upon_o truth_n take_v and_o as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v steal_v off_o that_o veil_n that_o hide_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o from_o we_o thus_o christ_n by_o degree_n irradiate_n and_o shine_v upon_o the_o soul_n and_o so_o we_o may_v be_v the_o more_o sensible_a of_o our_o former_a ignorance_n and_o more_o thankful_a for_o our_o present_a illumination_n he_o never_o so_o clear_o present_v himself_o to_o any_o but_o that_o the_o knowledge_n be_v still_o improveable_a and_o may_v receive_v far_a increase_n for_o at_o the_o best_a in_o this_o world_n we_o do_v view_v but_o in_o a_o glass_n dark_o we_o be_v fain_o to_o borrow_v the_o spectacle_n of_o his_o word_n his_o ordinance_n and_o his_o sacrament_n to_o look_v on_o he_o our_o just_n and_o corruption_n as_o so_o many_o evil_a vapour_n hinder_v we_o from_o a_o full_a prospect_n of_o he_o yet_o general_o we_o see_v he_o clear_a and_o clear_a as_o these_o rag_n of_o flesh_n wear_v and_o rot_v from_o off_o we_o till_o at_o length_n when_o the_o soul_n be_v get_v lose_v of_o this_o prison_n of_o clay_n it_o know_v he_o 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far_o be_v but_o to_o admire_v the_o glitter_a of_o the_o show_n not_o consider_v the_o pearl_n within_o &_o to_o poor_a upon_o a_o picture_n not_o regard_v the_o live_a party_n it_o represent_v faith_n as_o the_o spouse_n in_o the_o canticle_n seem_v to_o be_v please_v even_o with_o the_o outward_a draught_n and_o comeliness_n of_o a_o saviour_n to_o see_v he_o in_o glory_n sitt_v at_o god_n right_a hand_n but_o than_o it_o eye_n he_o chief_o as_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n as_o therefore_o paul_n desire_v to_o know_v nothing_o but_o christ_n and_o he_o crucify_a as_o the_o only_a and_o chief_a concernment_n to_o he_o or_o whether_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n those_o breast_n of_o consolation_n at_o which_o this_o knowledge_n lie_v still_o suck_v and_o delight_v itself_o in_o they_o be_v excellent_a thing_n precious_a promise_n in_o which_o the_o soul_n can_v find_v more_o comfort_n than_o in_o all_o the_o earthly_a joy_n &_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n or_o last_o whether_o we_o consider_v the_o mystery_n it_o contain_v they_o be_v admirable_a mysterye_n and_o without_o controversy_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o tim._n 3._o v._n 16._o great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n justify_v of_o the_o spirit_n see_v of_o angel_n preach_v unto_o the_o gentile_n believe_v on_o in_o the_o world_n receive_v up_o into_o glory_n every_o trade_n and_o profession_n we_o say_v have_v a_o mystery_n in_o it_o something_o that_o be_v which_o be_v not_o know_v to_o every_o one_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o a_o christian_n profession_n be_v altogether_o take_v up_o in_o a_o mystery_n such_o a_o mystery_n that_o have_v the_o angel_n themselves_o pardon_v the_o expression_n be_v bind_v apprentice_n to_o understand_v it_o they_o have_v without_o god_n special_a revelation_n remain_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o it_o for_o the_o 1_o of_o pet._n 1._o 12._o it_o be_v say_v the_o angel_n themselves_o do_v desire_v to_o look_v into_o it_o even_o now_o that_o this_o great_a mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n be_v make_v manifest_a unto_o the_o world_n see_v it_o be_v so_o full_a of_o admirable_a inscrutable_a excellency_n that_o the_o angel_n themselves_o desire_v yet_o to_o be_v pupil_n unto_o it_o and_o be_v curious_a to_o learn_v more_o continual_o of_o it_o 2._o the_o excellency_n of_o this_o knowledge_n may_v be_v discover_v in_o the_o effect_n and_o influence_n of_o it_o which_o be_v first_o to_o discover_v god_n more_o clear_o unto_o we_o second_o to_o discover_v ourselves_o unto_o ourselves_o 1._o it_o discover_v god_n more_o clear_o unto_o we_o for_o christ_n be_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n heb._n 1._o 3._o so_o that_o look_v as_o we_o know_v the_o sun_n by_o its_o light_n and_o a_o natural_a father_n usual_o by_o his_o son_n who_o carry_v his_o substantial_a image_n so_o be_v god_n see_v in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n col._n 1._o v._n 15._o say_v he_o be_v the_o image_n of_o the_o invisible_a god_n god_n himself_o he_o live_v in_o inaccessible_a light_n no_o man_n can_v see_v he_o and_o live_v but_o it_o have_v please_v he_o to_o manifest_v himself_o in_o christ_n in_o who_o dwell_v the_o godhead_n bodily_a whatsoever_o glory_n whatsoever_o wisdom_n whatsoever_o power_n be_v in_o god_n be_v plain_o draw_v forth_o and_o express_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v the_o essential_a substantial_a copy_n if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v with_o reverence_n of_o his_o father_n in_o who_o alone_o he_o be_v most_o legible_o and_o clear_o to_o be_v read_v the_o creature_n indeed_o do_v in_o their_o kind_n represent_v god_n but_o then_o a_o very_a break_a and_o imperfect_a copy_n they_o be_v of_o he_o so_o that_o the_o gentile_n by_o false_o spell_a and_o put_v