Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n know_v speak_v word_n 9,131 5 4.2861 4 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A96858 Gnōston tou Theou, k[a]i gnōston tou Christou, or, That which may be knovvn of God by the book of nature; and the excellent knowledge of Jesus Christ by the Book of Scripture. Delivered at St Mary's in Oxford, by Edward Wood M.A. late proctor of the University and fellow of Merton Coll. Oxon. Published since his death by his brother A.W. M.A. Wood, Edward, 1626 or 7-1655.; Wood, Anthony à, 1632-1695. 1656 (1656) Wing W3387; Thomason E1648_1; ESTC R204118 76,854 234

There are 13 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

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
γνωστόν_fw-gr το_n θεο_n καί_n γνωστόν_fw-gr το_n ξριστο_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
yet_o there_o be_v a_o light_n within_o you_o and_o there_o be_v creature_n without_o you_o that_o will_v easy_o confute_v your_o fond_a opinion_n it_o be_v not_o for_o gentile_n to_o plead_v ignorance_n 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 the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o etc._n etc._n so_o than_o you_o may_v have_v here_o the_o gentile_n plea_n refute_v they_o secret_o seem_v to_o plead_v not_o guilty_a to_o the_o apostle_n charge_v of_o their_o withhold_a the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n their_o plea_n seem_v to_o be_v take_v from_o their_o ignorance_n of_o god_n and_o can_v they_o have_v maintain_v this_o they_o may_v easy_o have_v elude_v that_o wherefore_o saint_n paul_n to_o take_v away_o all_o shift_n and_o evasion_n from_o they_o and_o the_o better_a to_o confirm_v his_o charge_n bring_v in_o two_o bill_n of_o reply_n against_o they_o the_o first_o be_v ground_v upon_o that_o natural_a light_n which_o god_n have_v manifest_v unto_o they_o concern_v himself_o the_o second_o upon_o the_o creature_n which_o with_o a_o dumb_a kind_n of_o eloquence_n do_v every_o where_n proclaim_v the_o power_n of_o their_o maker_n and_o which_o be_v as_o a_o conduct_n and_o guidance_n unto_o they_o into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o godhead_n which_o they_o vain_o pretend_v to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o ground_n i_o shall_v speak_v at_o present_a and_o only_o more_o distincly_a handle_n what_o i_o have_v heretofore_o in_o a_o private_a congregation_n represent_v in_o gross_a take_v the_o word_n as_o they_o lie_v in_o themselves_o and_o you_o shall_v find_v in_o they_o aliquid_fw-la allegatum_fw-la &_o aliquid_fw-la probatum_fw-la a_o allegation_n and_o a_o proof_n or_o reason_n of_o this_o allegation_n the_o gentile_a seem_v to_o plead_v ignorance_n the_o apostle_n allege_v the_o contrary_a because_o say_v he_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o they_o and_o lest_o he_o shall_v seem_v to_o stick_v here_o he_o bring_v in_o further_a evidence_n and_o proof_n for_o what_o he_o have_v say_v in_o these_o word_n for_o god_n have_v show_v it_o unto_o they_o in_o both_o you_o may_v be_v please_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o first_o the_o matter_n allege_v their_o knowledge_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n or_o that_o which_o be_v knowable_a of_o god_n namely_o by_o nature_n discovery_n not_o by_o extraordinary_a revelation_n and_o evangelicall_n dispensation_n as_o vorstius_n and_o other_o without_o reason_n conceive_v for_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o precede_a verse_n which_o according_a unto_o beza_n and_o the_o best_a expositor_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o good_a and_o evil_a the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n necessary_o imply_v or_o at_o least_o upon_o inevitable_a consequence_n bring_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a 2._o second_o you_o may_v observe_v the_o qualification_n or_o manner_n of_o this_o their_o knowledge_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v manifest_a as_o the_o light_n which_o shine_v in_o they_o and_o be_v so_o clear_a that_o do_v what_o they_o can_v they_o can_v never_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o it_o or_o whole_o blot_v it_o out_o 3._o three_o here_o be_v the_o subject_n in_o who_o this_o knowledge_n reside_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o they_o viz._n in_o the_o gentile_n which_o some_o translate_v among_o they_o and_o so_o refer_v this_o knowledge_n to_o their_o learned_a one_o and_o philosopher_n who_o have_v leave_v every_o where_n in_o their_o writing_n evident_a testimony_n thereof_o but_o our_o own_o translation_n as_o i_o conceive_v be_v most_o proper_a &_o near_o the_o original_n and_o so_o in_o they_o will_v be_v as_o much_o as_o in_o their_o mind_n and_o conscience_n as_o you_o will_v further_o hear_v anon_o four_o here_o be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o knowledge_n in_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d god_n usher_v in_o with_o the_o rational_a particle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o god_n have_v show_v it_o unto_o they_o god_n that_o be_v partly_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n in_o their_o conscience_n and_o partly_o by_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o creature_n have_v so_o plain_o declare_v and_o show_v himself_o unto_o the_o gentile_n that_o they_o can_v pretend_v their_o ignorance_n of_o he_o or_o of_o their_o duty_n towards_o their_o neighbour_n from_o the_o word_n thus_o open_v you_o may_v gather_v this_o observation_n that_o there_o be_v &_o ever_o have_v be_v in_o all_o man_n even_o in_o the_o gentile_n a_o natural_a light_n whereby_o they_o have_v be_v direct_v unto_o god_n and_o natural_a goodness_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o first_o what_o be_v mean_v more_o full_o by_o this_o natural_a light_n second_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v and_o ever_o have_v be_v in_o all_o man_n even_o in_o the_o gentile_n three_o i_o shall_v inquire_v whether_o or_o no_o this_o natural_a light_n be_v sufficient_a unto_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o last_o i_o shall_v deduce_v some_o practical_a inference_n from_o what_o shall_v be_v say_v for_o our_o own_o use_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o first_o point_n namely_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o this_o natural_a light_n or_o light_n of_o nature_n we_o must_v note_v that_o man_n may_v be_v consider_v either_o in_o his_o primitive_a creation_n or_o in_o his_o corrupt_a sinful_a estate_n if_o we_o consider_v man_n first_o in_o his_o create_a integrity_n so_o without_o doubt_n this_o light_n be_v a_o clear_a distinct_a penetrative_a and_o unerring_a light_n for_o god_n frame_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o that_o exact_a platform_n and_o idea_n which_o be_v eternal_o in_o himself_o do_v according_o bestow_v upon_o his_o creature_n all_o thing_n requisite_a unto_o their_o several_a species_n and_o condition_n and_o therefore_o man_n be_v the_o masterpiece_n as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v of_o all_o his_o work_n be_v by_o he_o primitive_o invest_v with_o more_o noble_a endowment_n than_o any_o other_o creature_n whatsoever_o for_o whereas_o other_o thing_n be_v either_o by_o instinct_n or_o immediate_a direction_n of_o god_n order_v unto_o their_o several_a end_n and_o his_o glory_n man_n alone_o among_o the_o rest_n do_v clear_o and_o rational_o apprehend_v the_o will_n and_o greatness_n of_o his_o maker_n other_o creature_n do_v blind_o serve_v he_o in_o their_o several_a rank_n and_o order_n but_o man_n be_v far_o enlighten_v with_o a_o understanding_n and_o reasonable_a soul_n do_v free_o and_o with_o choice_n cleave_v unto_o he_o as_o his_o chief_a good_a so_o that_o adam_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o excellent_a light_n which_o god_n have_v infuse_v unto_o he_o do_v know_v god_n and_o his_o will_n save_o and_o with_o such_o a_o perfection_n as_o be_v most_o proper_a for_o his_o condition_n for_o though_o it_o may_v be_v true_a what_o the_o schoolman_n say_v that_o this_o concreated_a light_n and_o knowledge_n in_o our_o first_o parent_n may_v have_v be_v further_o increase_v by_o rational_a discourse_n and_o supervenient_a grace_n yet_o doubtless_o in_o itself_o without_o any_o further_a addition_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o lead_v they_o into_o a_o save_a knowledge_n of_o the_o will_n and_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n these_o divine_a ray_n so_o enlighten_v the_o whole_a man_n that_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o god_n and_o salvation_n be_v as_o distinct_o impress_v upon_o his_o soul_n as_o the_o image_n of_o the_o sun_n ever_o be_v upon_o the_o most_o pure_a and_o crystalline_a glass_n but_o now_o second_o as_o the_o most_o beautiful_a picture_n be_v sully_v and_o daub_v over_o do_v loose_a much_o of_o its_o form_n and_o grace_n so_o likewise_o that_o excellent_a image_n of_o god_n in_o man_n be_v once_o besmear_v over_o with_o sin_n do_v loose_a very_o much_o of_o its_o pristine_a glory_n and_o goodness_n and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o the_o same_o light_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o man_n which_o before_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o distinct_a in_o we_o be_v now_o through_o sin_n become_v dull_a confuse_a and_o faint_a for_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o sin_n always_o to_o overcast_v and_o unite_v the_o soul_n with_o ignorance_n as_o you_o may_v every_o where_o read_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o blindness_n darkness_n and_o ignorance_n of_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n sin_n then_o interpose_v between_o god_n and_o we_o this_o glorious_a light_n suffer_v a_o very_a fearful_a eclipse_n and_o as_o the_o faint_a glimmering_n of_o a_o lamp_n or_o candle_n in_o the_o socket_n be_v mingle_v with_o very_a much_o darkness_n and_o confusion_n for_o though_o through_o sin_n it_o be_v not_o quite_o
extinguish_v in_o we_o as_o plain_o appear_v by_o the_o text_n yet_o so_o far_o be_v it_o dull_v that_o we_o can_v by_o the_o remainder_n thereof_o either_o read_v the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o from_o it_o derive_v any_o comfort_n unto_o ourselves_o for_o as_o by_o a_o dull_a and_o obscure_a taper_n we_o may_v perhaps_o view_v a_o body_n in_o gross_a whereas_o we_o can_v through_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o light_n scan_v each_o particular_a part_n of_o it_o why_o so_o here_o by_o this_o light_n of_o nature_n we_o may_v apprehend_v indeed_o god_n &_o his_o worship_n in_o general_a but_o we_o can_v never_o thereby_o dive_v more_o particular_o into_o his_o will_n or_o those_o his_o attribute_n of_o grace_n pardon_v mercy_n love_v unto_o we_o in_o christ_n and_o the_o like_a which_o none_o can_v full_o understand_v without_o faith_n in_o christ_n in_o who_o alone_o be_v hide_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n col._n 2._o vers_fw-la 3._o well_o then_o to_o draw_v to_o a_o head_n by_o compare_v these_o our_o two_o estate_n together_o you_o may_v easy_o conceive_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o this_o natural_a light_n or_o light_n of_o nature_n for_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o those_o common_a ordinary_a notion_n and_o conceit_n remain_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n concern_v god_n and_o natural_a goodness_n in_o the_o first_o verse_n it_o be_v call_v the_o truth_n because_o of_o those_o plain_a conviction_n it_o have_v upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o natural_a man_n and_o therefore_o they_o that_o resist_v this_o light_n and_o walk_v not_o according_a unto_o its_o dictate_v be_v say_v to_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n that_o be_v unjust_o to_o stifle_v and_o keep_v under_o those_o apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o goodness_n from_o appear_v in_o their_o life_n or_o action_n and_o in_o the_o second_o of_o this_o epistle_n and_o the_o thirteen_o it_o be_v call_v the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n from_o the_o command_n &_o awful_a power_n it_o have_v over_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n in_o which_o it_o be_v engrave_v as_o with_o the_o point_n of_o a_o diamond_n and_o therefore_o jamblicus_n a_o eminent_a author_n call_v it_o a_o inbred_a and_o immovable_a notion_n we_o style_v this_o light_n of_o nature_n common_a ordinary_a notion_n and_o conceit_n common_a they_o be_v because_o they_o be_v congenial_a and_o imbred_a in_o all_o man_n and_o ordinary_a because_o though_o all_o man_n natural_o have_v some_o slight_a and_o catch_a conceit_n at_o god_n yet_o they_o neither_o know_v aright_o who_o or_o what_o kind_n of_o god_n this_o be_v and_o therefore_o you_o may_v read_v act._n 17._o vers_fw-la 23._o of_o a_o altar_n among_o the_o athenian_n inscribe_v unto_o the_o unknown_a god_n and_o christ_n say_v the_o samaritan_n worship_v they_o know_v not_o what_o joh._n 4._o 22._o second_o we_o say_v that_o these_o notion_n remain_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n for_o first_o in_o the_o mind_n reside_v those_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d those_o speculative_a prime_a and_o fundamental_a truth_n namely_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o all_o effect_n have_v dependence_n upon_o some_o cause_n and_o the_o like_a and_o second_o because_o in_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n reside_v those_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d those_o practical_a and_o moral_a principle_n by_o which_o we_o conclude_v within_o ourselves_o that_o since_o there_o be_v a_o god_n he_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v unto_o other_o as_o we_o will_v have_v they_o do_v unto_o we_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o deal_v just_o with_o all_o man_n and_o the_o like_a from_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o the_o gentile_n that_o they_o do_v by_o nature_n the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n even_o the_o gentile_n have_v a_o natural_a law_n imprint_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o which_o they_o be_v carry_v unto_o those_o common_a general_a duty_n which_o concern_v god_n and_o their_o neighbour_n which_o will_v further_o be_v clear_v unto_o you_o if_o you_o consider_v with_o i_o the_o second_o point_n namely_o that_o this_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v in_o all_o man_n or_o rather_o thus_o that_o there_o be_v some_o common_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o goodness_n imprint_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n even_o of_o the_o gentile_n there_o be_v no_o man_n so_o over_o daub_v with_o sin_n and_o filthynesse_n so_o benight_a and_o overcloud_v with_o wretched_a ignorance_n but_o have_v oftentimes_o the_o flash_n and_o immediate_a representation_n of_o the_o deity_n dart_v in_o upon_o he_o and_o there_o be_v no_o man_n of_o so_o debauch_v and_o loose_a a_o life_n so_o benumb_v and_o freeze_a affection_n but_o have_v ever_o and_o anon_o the_o secret_a whip_n and_o gird_n of_o a_o conscience_n to_o restrain_v he_o together_o also_o with_o natural_a impression_n of_o goodness_n to_o thaw_v and_o melt_v he_o into_o more_o ingenuity_n now_o than_o that_o this_o light_n of_o nature_n first_o as_o it_o relate_v unto_o god_n be_v in_o all_o may_v appear_v both_o by_o scripture_n and_o by_o reason_n as_o for_o scripture_n be_v there_o no_o other_o my_o text_n will_v be_v sufficient_a proof_n that_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o they_o that_o be_v in_o the_o gentile_n and_o so_o consequent_o in_o all_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n whereby_o be_v employ_v that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n concern_v god_n above_o the_o pitch_n and_o ken_v of_o this_o natural_a light_n the_o mystery_n indeed_o of_o the_o trinity_n of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o like_a be_v riddle_n unto_o nature_n neither_o can_v they_o ever_o be_v reach_v unto_o by_o humane_a disquisition_n yet_o it_o still_o remain_v certain_a that_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n namely_o his_o be_v his_o omnipotence_n and_o the_o like_a be_v manifest_a in_o they_o in_o the_o 17._o of_o the_o act_n vers_fw-la 26_o 27_o 28._o you_o may_v have_v another_o proof_n for_o the_o apostle_n there_o in_o his_o sermon_n unto_o the_o athenian_a heathen_n show_v that_o god_n be_v not_o so_o far_o from_o they_o but_o that_o he_o may_v even_v palpando_fw-la inveniri_fw-la as_o beza_n translate_v it_o be_v grope_v after_o and_o easy_o find_v out_o by_o that_o little_a natural_a light_n that_o be_v in_o they_o they_o may_v track_n the_o footstep_n of_o divinity_n and_o haply_o find_v out_o in_o who_o they_o live_v move_v and_o have_v their_o be_v and_o so_o in_o the_o act_n chap._n 14._o vers_fw-la 17._o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n leave_v not_o himself_o without_o witness_n there_o be_v within_o we_o a_o inbred_a light_n as_o a_o domestic_a chaplain_n continual_o to_o teach_v we_o and_o without_o we_o rain_n from_o heaven_n and_o fruitful_a season_n as_o so_o many_o visible_a witness_n to_o take_v away_o ignorance_n and_o all_o excuse_n from_o we_o wherefore_o that_o of_o the_o psalmist_n the_o fool_n have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n psal_n 14._o 1._o must_v not_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o a_o wicked_a man_n for_o he_o be_v the_o fool_n here_o can_v quite_o obliterate_v and_o put_v out_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o he_o for_o atheism_n can_v never_o find_v a_o perfect_a and_o continual_a assent_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n but_o only_o that_o he_o so_o work_v and_o life_n without_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n as_o if_o he_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n at_o all_o the_o reason_n then_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v in_o all_o man_n natural_o may_v be_v many_o i_o shall_v name_v only_o two_o or_o three_o and_o let_v pass_v the_o common_a consent_n of_o all_o nation_n nulla_fw-la gens_fw-la tam_fw-la barbara_fw-la est_fw-la say_v tully_n there_o be_v no_o nation_n so_o barbarous_a and_o destitute_a of_o common_a reason_n as_o not_o to_o acknowledge_v a_o god_n to_o let_v pass_v also_o the_o natural_a discourse_n and_o ultimate_a resolution_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n into_o some_o supreme_a cause_n and_o first_o mover_n of_o all_o thing_n 1._o first_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o do_v sufficient_o evidence_n the_o truth_n it_o be_v paul_n way_n of_o argue_v with_o the_o athenian_n as_o certain_a also_o of_o your_o own_o poet_n have_v say_v we_o be_v also_o his_o offspring_n act_v 17._o 28._o he_o infer_v their_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o worship_n from_o their_o own_o mouth_n and_o so_o may_v we_o also_o plato_n call_v a_o man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o creature_n natural_o religious_a and_o a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n yea_o himself_n have_v write_v so_o divine_o and_o reverent_o of_o god_n that_o many_o of_o the_o
there_o be_v no_o such_o impossibility_n for_o then_o how_o come_v job_n and_o other_o gentile_n into_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o church_n and_o according_a to_o some_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v sufficient_a to_o discover_v unto_o they_o a_o christ_n though_o this_o savour_n too_o much_o of_o pelagianisme_n again_o second_o what_o though_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o bare_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o believe_v yet_o shall_v we_o tax_v god_n of_o tie_v his_o creature_n to_o impossibility_n certain_o we_o can_v for_o it_o be_v not_o god_n fault_n but_o man_n who_o by_o his_o sinful_a fall_n contract_v unto_o himself_o and_o his_o posterity_n such_o a_o impossibility_n but_o i_o must_v hasten_v three_o this_o may_v further_o be_v make_v good_a unto_o you_o by_o consider_v the_o vast_a disproportion_n and_o enmity_n that_o be_v between_o a_o natural_a understanding_n and_o spiritual_a mystery_n the_o natural_a man_n say_v the_o apostle_n receive_v not_o the_o not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v 1_o corin._n 2._o 14._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v say_v some_o expositor_n from_o the_o narrowness_n and_o incapacity_n of_o the_o intellective_a faculty_n to_o receive_v those_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o text_n indeed_o they_o be_v say_v to_o know_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o good_a reason_n to_o for_o it_o for_o as_o water_n can_v ascend_v no_o high_o than_o just_a the_o spring_n or_o fountain_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v derive_v even_o so_o the_o knowledge_n which_o flow_v from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n can_v mount_v no_o further_o then_o into_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v proportion_v and_o level_v with_o the_o same_o light_n shall_v you_o tell_v a_o pagan_a of_o three_o distinct_a person_n unite_v in_o the_o same_o nature_n of_o a_o infinite_a god_n wrap_v up_o and_o cloister_v in_o finite_a humane_a flesh_n of_o be_v twice_o bear_v before_o he_o can_v become_v a_o child_n of_o god_n will_v he_o not_o think_v you_o rather_o laugh_v at_o then_o believe_v the_o discourse_n and_o suppose_v you_o rather_o go_v about_o to_o puzzle_v then_o instruct_v he_o doubtless_o a_o bat_n may_v as_o soon_o face_v the_o sun_n at_o noon_n day_n or_o a_o purblind_a man_n read_v the_o small_a print_n at_o a_o mile_n distance_n as_o a_o carnal_a man_n can_v dive_v into_o or_o discover_v such_o abstruse_a sublime_a mystery_n it_o be_v the_o word_n alone_o and_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o unlock_v unto_o we_o these_o hide_a thing_n of_o god_n which_o blockish_a nature_n can_v never_o understand_v much_o less_o discover_v and_o therefore_o when_o paul_n speak_v unto_o the_o athenian_n concern_v the_o resurrection_n the_o text_n say_v some_o of_o they_o mock_v and_o the_o same_o apostle_n in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 7._o 2._o say_v the_o gospel_n be_v unto_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n even_o the_o most_o learned_a of_o the_o gentile_n count_v these_o mystery_n ridiculous_a and_o absurd_a thing_n unto_o these_o reason_n i_o may_v add_v many_o more_o and_o answer_v some_o objection_n but_o i_o be_o afraid_a i_o shall_v be_v tedious_a give_v i_o leave_v now_o but_o in_o a_o word_n or_o two_o particular_o to_o apply_v of_o this_o point_n unto_o ourselves_o what_o have_v be_v doctrinal_o speak_v as_o touch_v the_o gentile_n and_o so_o i_o shall_v conclude_v first_n then_o this_o shall_v make_v we_o bewail_v the_o sad_a loss_n we_o sustain_v by_o adam_n apostasy_n we_o i_o say_v for_o we_o be_v all_o by_o nature_n gentiles_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o man_n bear_v a_o christian_a as_o then_o when_o the_o sun_n be_v in_o a_o very_a great_a eclipse_n every_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v strike_v with_o horror_n and_o amazement_n so_o likewise_o when_o we_o consider_v how_o strange_a a_o eclipse_n this_o primitive_a glorious_a light_n have_v suffer_v through_o sin_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v smite_v through_o with_o grief_n and_o serious_o to_o bewail_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o when_o a_o man_n look_v upon_o the_o venerable_a ruin_n of_o some_o ancient_a stately_a edifice_n how_o apt_a be_v he_o to_o weep_v and_o melt_v over_o its_o desolation_n and_o shall_v man_n that_o admirable_a fabric_n and_o masterpiece_n of_o his_o creator_n fall_v into_o such_o confusion_n and_o darkness_n and_o we_o be_v insensible_a of_o his_o ruin_n and_o as_o nero_n once_o do_v upon_o rome_n look_v merry_o upon_o his_o destruction_n certain_o be_v not_o a_o man_n whole_o engulph_v in_o carnal_a pleasure_n be_v not_o his_o heart_n so_o deep_o steep_v in_o worldly_a delight_n he_o will_v sometime_o let_v fall_v a_o tear_n or_o two_o upon_o the_o sad_a relic_n of_o his_o primitive_a glory_n and_o mourn_v over_o his_o former_a happiness_n now_o entoumb_v in_o nothing_o but_o misery_n and_o darkness_n for_o doubtless_o great_a matter_n there_o will_v be_v of_o sorrow_n unto_o we_o to_o see_v that_o glorious_a fabric_n and_o beautiful_a image_n of_o god_n sully_v over_o with_o sin_n and_o ugliness_n that_o understanding_n which_o be_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n prov._n 20._o 27._o now_o so_o overcharge_v with_o ignorance_n unbelief_n and_o falsehood_n with_o ignorance_n in_o be_v not_o able_a to_o fathom_n either_o natural_a cause_n or_o supernatural_a mystery_n with_o unbelief_n in_o its_o backwardness_n to_o assent_v unto_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o purblind_a nature_n and_o with_o falsehood_n in_o its_o misapprehend_n and_o misjudge_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o see_v likewise_o what_o rebellious_a tumult_n and_o disorder_n there_o be_v in_o those_o affection_n which_o original_o be_v quiet_o subordinate_v unto_o the_o dictate_v and_o guidance_n of_o reason_n how_o mad_o they_o cast_v off_o the_o reins_o and_o rush_v into_o sin_n as_o a_o horse_n rush_v into_o the_o battle_n how_o wild_o they_o rage_n and_o tyrannize_v over_o the_o discursive_a rational_a faculty_n either_o bribe_v it_o to_o assent_v unto_o such_o thing_n which_o upon_o deliberation_n it_o must_v needs_o disapprove_v off_o or_o else_o violent_o tug_v and_o hale_v it_o to_o give_v way_n unto_o the_o execution_n of_o they_o to_o consider_v also_o how_o that_o conscience_n which_o primitive_o do_v enjoy_v a_o sweet_a tranquillity_n and_o peace_n be_v now_o lash_v with_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n affright_v with_o the_o glaring_n and_o preapprehension_n of_o hell_n fire_n yea_o and_o become_v a_o very_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o bugbear_n unto_o we_o a_o speculum_fw-la and_o look_a glass_n to_o reflect_v unto_o we_o both_o our_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a misery_n i_o may_v here_o make_v a_o anatomy_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n and_o show_v unto_o you_o how_o in_o every_o part_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o glorious_a light_n which_o god_n original_o imprint_v in_o our_o first_o parent_n be_v now_o dim_a and_o almost_o quite_o extinguish_v through_o sin_n such_o be_v the_o strange_a malignity_n of_o it_o to_o deface_v and_o blur_v the_o clear_a character_n of_o god_n and_o goodness_n in_o man_n and_o therefore_o it_o shall_v mighty_o humble_v every_o one_o of_o we_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o light_n whereby_o we_o primitive_o be_v direct_v unto_o heaven_n and_o so_o sweet_a a_o communion_n with_o god_n himself_o be_v now_o so_o obscure_a in_o we_o that_o we_o be_v fain_o to_o grope_v after_o he_o in_o the_o dark_a with_o who_o before_o we_o have_v so_o familiar_a acquaintance_n and_o then_o it_o shall_v cause_v we_o to_o pray_v unto_o god_n to_o enlighten_v our_o mind_n to_o repair_v this_o decay_a lump_n with_o the_o oil_n of_o his_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o seek_v after_o he_o in_o the_o way_n that_o he_o will_v be_v find_v to_o bring_v we_o out_o of_o darkness_n into_o his_o marvellous_a light_n out_o of_o the_o darkness_n of_o ignorance_n that_o we_o may_v right_o know_v he_o and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v send_v out_o of_o the_o darkness_n of_o error_n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o truth_n and_o discern_v thing_n that_o differ_v and_o out_o of_o the_o darkness_n of_o unbelief_n that_o believe_v on_o he_o we_o may_v not_o see_v death_n but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n but_o now_o second_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v humble_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o our_o great_a loss_n so_o ought_v we_o likewise_o since_o god_n have_v manifest_v it_o unto_o we_o and_o it_o be_v his_o gift_n to_o be_v thankful_a for_o the_o remainder_n and_o spark_n of_o this_o light_n that_o now_o remain_v in_o we_o for_o whereas_o god_n may_v have_v wrap_v we_o up_o in_o eternal_a darkness_n and_o have_v make_v we_o as_o brutish_a and_o irrational_a as_o the_o beast_n we_o former_o have_v dominion_n over_o yet_o such_o be_v
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 any_o respect_n or_o care_n have_v unto_o mankind_n whereas_o do_v we_o not_o measure_v the_o depth_n of_o god_n dispensation_n by_o our_o own_o shallow_a carnal_a reason_n we_o may_v even_o in_o the_o great_a huddle_n and_o confusion_n of_o thing_n see_v a_o god_n steer_v and_o direct_v they_o all_o to_o his_o own_o glory_n though_o then_o thou_o see_v sin_v every_o where_o even_o in_o the_o street_n to_o abound_v know_v also_o that_o there_o be_v no_o evil_a in_o the_o city_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o do_v though_o thou_o see_v the_o ungodly_a to_o flourish_v like_o a_o green_a bay-tree_n and_o with_o david_n be_v puzzle_v with_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o yet_o with_o he_o enter_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o then_o thou_o shall_v see_v the_o end_n of_o these_o man_n namely_o how_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o set_v they_o in_o slippery_a place_n and_o who_o only_o feed_v they_o for_o the_o day_n of_o slaughter_n well_o then_o to_o conclude_v both_o in_o the_o work_v of_o creation_n and_o providence_n we_o ought_v to_o study_v god_n because_o that_o in_o they_o we_o may_v read_v those_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o both_o of_o they_o be_v as_o spectacle_n unto_o we_o to_o help_v we_o in_o the_o view_n of_o this_o invisible_a god_n and_o though_o indeed_o in_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o scripture_n we_o may_v read_v he_o far_o more_o distinct_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v in_o these_o our_o earthly_a tabernacle_n we_o ought_v to_o make_v use_n of_o these_o representation_n of_o his_o majesty_n till_o the_o time_n come_v when_o we_o shall_v not_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o these_o spectacle_n when_o this_o glaste_n of_o the_o creature_n shall_v vanish_v in_o the_o general_n conflagration_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v behold_v he_o face_n to_o face_n and_o enjoy_v a_o most_o glorious_a prospect_n of_o his_o divinity_n in_o those_o new_a heaven_n for_o evermore_o finis_fw-la 2_o tim._n 3._o 16_o 17._o all_o scripture_n 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 enlighten_v the_o eye_n and_o therefore_o carry_v along_o with_o they_o such_o evident_a plainness_n that_o he_o who_o be_v not_o quite_o blind_v may_v easy_o perceive_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o so_o ps_n 119._o 105._o thy_o word_n be_v a_o lamp_n unto_o my_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n unto_o my_o path_n it_o do_v that_o be_v by_o its_o perspicuity_n and_o clearness_n both_o as_o a_o lamp_n and_o light_n direct_v i_o in_o all_o my_o go_n hence_o also_o it_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v call_v 2_o pet._n 1._o 19_o a_o light_n that_o shine_v in_o dark_a place_n denote_v out_o unto_o we_o that_o the_o word_n not_o only_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v light_a but_o also_o that_o wheresoever_o it_o come_v it_o dispel_v darkness_n as_o the_o sun_n at_o his_o appearance_n force_v away_o the_o night_n the_o fog_n and_o mist_n as_o solomon_n a_o man_n of_o the_o profound_a wisdom_n that_o ever_o live_v say_v that_o he_o write_v to_o give_v subtlety_n to_o the_o simple_a to_o the_o young_a 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
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
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
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 doctrine_n they_o treat_v of_o their_o efficacious_a and_o lively_a manner_n and_o method_n of_o their_o discourse_n be_v the_o canon_n yea_o rule_n and_o touchstone_n by_o which_o all_o doctrine_n and_o write_n whatever_n be_v to_o be_v try_v for_o there_o be_v other_o book_n which_o either_o because_o the_o name_n of_o their_o author_n be_v unknown_a to_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v call_v apocryphal_a or_o hide_a which_o though_o otherwise_o contain_v many_o useful_a &_o profitable_a instruction_n be_v yet_o notwithstanding_o to_o be_v hide_v and_o lay_v aside_o when_o any_o truth_n come_v to_o be_v try_v and_o therefore_o when_o our_o apostle_n say_v that_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n we_o must_v exclude_v those_o apocryphal_a book_n for_o since_o they_o be_v neither_o write_v in_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n nor_o by_o any_o prophet_n of_o which_o malachy_n be_v the_o last_o nor_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n since_o 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
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