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require_v your_o humble_a veneration_n second_o the_o scripture_n be_v suit_v to_o every_o capacity_n it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v common_o express_v a_o ford_n wherein_o a_o lamb_n may_v wade_v and_o a_o elephant_n swim_v and_o herein_o be_v the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n see_v in_o wreathe_v together_o plain_a truth_n with_o obscure_a that_o he_o may_v gain_v the_o more_o credit_n to_o his_o word_n by_o the_o one_o instruct_v the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o weak_a by_o the_o other_o puzzle_v and_o confound_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o wise_a this_o also_o add_v a_o beauty_n and_o ornament_n to_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o world_n be_v set_v off_o by_o a_o graceful_a variety_n of_o hill_n and_o valley_n so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v sublime_a truth_n that_o the_o most_o aspire_a reason_n of_o man_n can_v overtop_n and_o there_o be_v more_o plain_a and_o easy_a truth_n in_o which_o the_o weak_a capacity_n may_v converse_v with_o delight_n 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promise_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o illuminate_v you_o 1_o cor._n 2.10_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o to_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n for_o the_o spirit_n search_v all_o thing_n yea_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n have_v we_o not_o his_o minister_n who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o instruct_v we_o and_o lead_v we_o into_o the_o inmost_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n nay_o have_v we_o not_o the_o scripture_n itself_o which_o be_v the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o its_o own_o meaning_n usual_o if_o it_o speak_v more_o dark_o in_o one_o place_n it_o speak_v the_o same_o truth_n more_o clear_o in_o another_o now_o compare_v scripture_n with_o scripture_n you_o will_v find_v it_o hold_v a_o light_n unto_o its_o self_n the_o often_o you_o read_v and_o the_o more_o you_o ponder_v on_o those_o passage_n that_o be_v abstruse_a the_o more_o you_o will_v find_v they_o clear_v up_o to_o your_o understanding_n so_o that_o neither_o be_v this_o any_o reasonable_a discourgement_n from_o study_v the_o 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scripture_n misunderstand_v and_o misapply_v be_v not_o scripture_n indeed_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o discern_v truth_n from_o error_n but_o only_o by_o the_o scripture_n right_o understand_v and_o there_o be_v no_o way_n right_o to_o understand_v it_o but_o diligent_o to_o search_v it_o but_o to_o say_v that_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o read_v the_o scripture_n because_o some_o wrest_v it_o to_o their_o own_o destruction_n be_v alike_o reasonable_a as_o to_o say_v that_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o eat_v nor_o drink_v because_o that_o some_o eat_v to_o gluttony_n and_o other_o drink_v to_o giddiness_n and_o madness_n the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n tell_v we_o epist_n 1_o chap._n 3._o v._n 16._o that_o in_o st._n paul_n epistle_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o the_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a wrist_n as_o they_o do_v also_o the_o other_o sripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n shall_v we_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o neither_o 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that_o the_o people_n will_v employ_v their_o time_n and_o thought_n in_o revolve_v they_o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o most_o certain_a sign_n that_o that_o church_n have_v false_a ware_n to_o put_v off_o which_o be_v of_o nothing_o more_o careful_a than_o to_o darken_v the_o shop_n and_o assure_o the_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n by_o some_o who_o read_v they_o can_v occasion_v the_o destruction_n of_o more_o than_o that_o damnable_a idolatry_n and_o those_o damnable_a heresy_n have_v do_v which_o have_v be_v bring_v into_o and_o be_v general_o own_v and_o practise_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n through_o the_o not_o read_v of_o they_o thus_o you_o see_v as_o it_o be_v in_o josiah_n time_n how_o much_o dust_n and_o rubbish_n this_o book_n of_o the_o law_n lie_v under_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o remove_v it_o and_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o those_o argument_n that_o
unto_o other_o that_o they_o may_v observe_v and_o admire_v they_o with_o we_o and_o give_v unto_o god_n that_o holy_a veneration_n which_o be_v due_a unto_o he_o thus_o we_o see_v what_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v and_o what_o it_o be_v to_o sanctify_v or_o hallow_v this_o name_n three_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v what_o be_v contain_v in_o this_o petition_n hallow_a be_v thy_o name_n and_o here_o first_o in_o that_o christ_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o make_v this_o the_o first_o petition_n in_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n we_o may_v learn_v that_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v by_o we_o before_o all_o other_o thing_n whatsoever_o and_o indeed_o that_o which_o god_n have_v make_v the_o last_o and_o utmost_a of_o all_o his_o end_n and_o have_v appoint_v to_o be_v the_o high_a and_o utmost_a of_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o first_o of_o all_o our_o thought_n and_o endeavour_n and_o prefer_v before_o whatsoever_o else_o be_v dear_a unto_o we_o yea_o before_o our_o very_a life_n themselves_o this_o be_v our_o saviour_n practice_n john_n 12.27_o 28._o father_n save_v i_o from_o this_o hour_n but_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o unto_o this_o hour_n father_n glorify_v thy_o name_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v though_o life_n be_v natural_o dear_a and_o the_o cup_n which_o i_o be_o to_o drink_v very_o bitter_a and_o the_o wrath_n that_o i_o be_o to_o undergo_v heavy_a and_o infinite_a yet_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o so_o considerable_a to_o i_o as_o thy_o glory_n and_o therefore_o though_o it_o be_v by_o agony_n by_o death_n by_o the_o cross_n yet_o father_n glorify_v thy_o name_n the_o same_o mind_n shall_v dwell_v in_o we_o likewise_o and_o we_o shall_v hereby_o be_v instruct_v to_o desire_v and_o pray_v for_o other_o thing_n with_o limitation_n and_o restriction_n but_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n absolute_o and_o simple_o father_n glorify_v thy_o name_n and_o if_o in_o the_o counsel_n of_o thy_o will_n and_o the_o course_n of_o thy_o providence_n it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o than_o by_o my_o suffer_v or_o sorrow_n yea_o or_o death_n itself_o yet_o father_n even_o in_o this_o glorify_v thy_o name_n and_o out_o of_o my_o very_a ruin_n erect_v thou_o a_o trophy_n and_o monument_n to_o thy_o praise_n be_v thou_o hallow_v and_o sanctify_v although_o at_o my_o cost_n and_o with_o the_o loss_n of_o all_o second_o in_o that_o this_o petition_n be_v place_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n it_o intimate_v to_o we_o that_o in_o the_o very_a beginning_n and_o entrance_n of_o our_o prayer_n we_o ought_v to_o beg_v assistance_n from_o god_n so_o to_o perform_v holy_a duty_n that_o god_n may_v be_v glorify_v and_o his_o name_n sanctify_v by_o we_o in_o it_o it_o be_v a_o good_a and_o needful_a request_n to_o beg_v of_o god_n the_o aid_n and_o help_v of_o his_o spirit_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o hallow_v his_o name_n in_o the_o succeed_a request_n we_o be_v to_o make_v three_o observe_v that_o when_o we_o present_v this_o petition_n before_o god_n we_o beg_v three_o thing_n of_o he_o first_o such_o grace_n for_o ourselves_o as_o may_v enable_v we_o to_o sanctify_v and_o glorify_v he_o second_o grace_n likewise_o for_o other_o to_o enable_v they_o thereunto_o three_o that_o god_n will_v by_o his_o almighty_a providence_n direct_a and_o over-rule_v all_o thing_n both_o good_a and_o evil_n to_o the_o advancement_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n first_o we_o beg_v of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v bestow_v upon_o we_o such_o grace_n as_o be_v requisite_a to_o glorify_v he_o in_o the_o world_n we_o beg_v knowledge_n and_o understanding_n of_o he_o of_o his_o nature_n of_o his_o will_n and_o of_o his_o work_n for_o we_o can_v glorify_v that_o god_n who_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o we_o beg_v likewise_o patience_n and_o contentment_n in_o all_o estate_n thankfulness_n for_o every_o providence_n grace_n that_o do_v high_o tend_v to_o the_o promote_a of_o god_n honour_n and_o glory_n we_o beg_v faith_n likewise_o whereby_o we_o give_v the_o high_a and_o great_a glory_n to_o god_n that_o mortal_a man_n be_v able_a to_o ascribe_v for_o to_o trust_v upon_o his_o word_n and_o to_o build_v upon_o his_o promise_n be_v to_o honour_v his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v that_o expression_n rom._n 4.20_o that_o abraham_n be_v strong_a in_o faith_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n we_o beg_v also_o that_o our_o speech_n may_v be_v savoury_a and_o such_o as_o may_v minister_v grace_n to_o the_o hearer_n and_o last_o a_o humble_a blameless_a and_o exemplary_a life_n for_o by_o our_o good_a work_n we_o be_v to_o glorify_v our_o heavenly_a father_n i_o can_v stand_v to_o insist_v upon_o these_o thing_n particular_o because_o my_o design_n be_v only_o to_o give_v you_o brief_o and_o summary_o a_o account_n of_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o this_o most_o excellent_a prayer_n that_o you_o may_v understand_v what_o you_o pray_v for_o when_o you_o present_v these_o petition_n before_o god_n second_o we_o herein_o beg_v of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v so_o over-rule_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o that_o his_o glory_n may_v be_v secure_v nay_o promote_v by_o they_o and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o fall_v out_o we_o ought_v to_o say_v hallow_a be_v thy_o name_n by_o it_o hereby_o we_o pray_v that_o the_o gift_n and_o eminent_a grace_n of_o god_n child_n may_v redound_v unto_o his_o glory_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o they_o nor_o ascribe_v the_o credit_n of_o they_o to_o themselves_o that_o the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n may_v turn_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o outward_a mercy_n may_v not_o make_v they_o careless_a and_o forgetful_a of_o his_o service_n and_o honour_n that_o the_o sin_n and_o fail_n of_o god_n people_n may_v eventual_o turn_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o seem_v direct_o to_o blot_v and_o stain_v it_o and_o that_o by_o their_o repentance_n and_o confession_n they_o may_v give_v glory_n to_o he_o who_o they_o have_v offend_v and_o satisfaction_n to_o they_o who_o they_o have_v scandalize_v that_o all_o the_o affliction_n and_o trouble_n of_o his_o people_n may_v in_o the_o end_n tend_v unto_o his_o glory_n as_o well_o as_o their_o good_a by_o declare_v his_o power_n in_o support_v they_o and_o his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n in_o deliver_v they_o that_o all_o the_o device_n and_o conspiracy_n the_o rage_n and_o fury_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o his_o church_n may_v contrary_a to_o their_o intention_n be_v oversway_v to_o advance_v his_o honour_n and_o that_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n may_v praise_v he_o by_o show_v forth_o his_o power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n either_o in_o restrain_v or_o overturning_a it_o and_o final_o that_o all_o creature_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n yea_o all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n hand_n shall_v glorify_v god_n in_o the_o several_a station_n in_o which_o he_o have_v set_v they_o some_o by_o be_v the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o attribute_n and_o some_o the_o manifester_n of_o they_o brute_n and_o senseless_a creature_n passive_o declare_v the_o glory_n of_o their_o great_a creator_n and_o rational_a and_o intelligent_a creature_n show_v it_o forth_o active_o and_o all_o concur_v in_o this_o great_a work_n for_o which_o all_o be_v make_v even_o the_o glory_n and_o praise_n of_o god_n thus_o we_o see_v what_o a_o large_a and_o copious_a request_n we_o present_v before_o god_n when_o we_o pray_v that_o his_o name_n shall_v be_v hallow_v which_o that_o it_o may_v be_v let_v we_o ourselves_o endeavour_v to_o be_v holy_a for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o unholy_a heart_n or_o life_n shall_v sanctify_v a_o holy_a god_n whilst_o we_o persevere_v in_o our_o wicked_a conversation_n we_o do_v but_o mock_v god_n and_o ourselves_o when_o we_o desire_v to_o sanctify_v that_o name_n of_o he_o which_o we_o daily_o profane_v and_o pollute_v nay_o indeed_o we_o do_v but_o pray_v for_o our_o own_o destruction_n even_o that_o god_n will_v sanctify_v his_o name_n part_v whereof_o be_v his_o just_a and_o dreadful_a severity_n upon_o all_o those_o and_o consequent_o upon_o ourselves_o who_o defile_v and_o profane_v it_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v finish_v the_o first_o petition_n hallow_a be_v thy_o name_n the_o second_o petition_n follow_v thy_o kingdom_n come_v this_o now_o very_o apt_o succeed_v upon_o the_o former_a because_o this_o be_v the_o best_a way_n and_o mean_n to_o hallow_n god_n name_n by_o enlarge_a his_o kingdom_n and_o bring_v in_o many_o to_o submit_v to_o his_o sceptre_n and_o government_n for_o praise_n wait_v for_o god_n in_o zion_n psal_n 65.1_o and_o his_o name_n be_v great_a in_o israel_n psal_n 76.1_o now_o here_o for_o our_o clear_a proceed_v we_o must_v distinguish_v of_o god_n
for_o ever_o and_o it_o be_v a_o incommunicable_a attribute_n of_o his_o divine_a essence_n to_o be_v so_o but_o because_o all_o the_o perfection_n and_o property_n of_o god_n be_v god_n himself_o therefore_o this_o everlastingness_n here_o in_o the_o doxology_n ascribe_v to_o his_o kingdom_n his_o power_n and_o his_o glory_n be_v say_v to_o be_v for_o ever_o yet_o not_o only_o these_o but_o whatsoever_o be_v in_o god_n be_v absolute_o eternal_a his_o righteousness_n be_v a_o everlasting_a righteousness_n psal_n 119.142_o his_o truth_n endure_v for_o ever_o psal_n 117.2_o his_o mercy_n be_v for_o ever_o psal_n 136.1_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o which_o be_v there_o make_v the_o burden_n of_o that_o most_o excellent_a song_n and_o the_o sweet_a close_a of_o every_o verse_n in_o it_o his_o love_n be_v for_o ever_o jer._n 31.3_o i_o have_v love_v thou_o with_o a_o everlasting_a love_n now_o in_o treat_v of_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o what_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a notion_n of_o eternity_n be_v second_o that_o god_n be_v eternal_a three_o what_o encouragement_n our_o faith_n may_v have_v from_o this_o attribute_n of_o god_n eternity_n that_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o pray_v unto_o he_o for_o shall_v be_v grant_v unto_o we_o first_o let_v we_o see_v what_o eternity_n be_v and_o here_o though_o it_o be_v altogether_o impossible_a exact_o to_o describe_v what_o be_v boundless_a and_o infinite_a yet_o to_o help_v our_o weak_a and_o shallow_a conception_n we_o may_v take_v this_o notion_n of_o it_o eternity_n be_v a_o duration_n which_o have_v neither_o beginning_n nor_o end_n nor_o succession_n of_o part_n or_o according_a to_o the_o common_a description_n of_o boethius_n est_fw-la interminabilis_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la tota_fw-la simul_fw-la &_o perfecta_fw-la possessio_fw-la it_o be_v the_o complete_a possession_n of_o a_o endless_a life_n all_o at_o once_o so_o that_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o duration_n whatsoever_o first_o in_o that_o other_o duration_n have_v have_v their_o beginning_n for_o all_o thing_n be_v create_v either_o in_o time_n or_o with_o time_n but_o eternity_n be_v before_o all_o time_n and_o shall_v be_v after_o it_o second_o in_o that_o all_o temporal_a duration_n be_v successive_a measure_v by_o the_o motion_n of_o heavenly_a body_n by_o year_n day_n and_o hour_n but_o eternity_n be_v permanent_a it_o be_v but_o one_o abide_v instant_a and_o have_v no_o part_n follow_v one_o after_o another_o and_o though_o it_o comprehend_v all_o time_n within_o its_o infinite_a circle_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o move_v along_o with_o time_n for_o as_o river_n be_v contain_v within_o their_o bank_n and_o flow_v along_o by_o they_o part_n after_o part_n without_o any_o motion_n of_o the_o bank_n themselves_o so_o time_n be_v contain_v within_o eternity_n and_o flow_v along_o in_o it_o without_o any_o motion_n or_o succession_n of_o eternity_n itself_o this_o i_o confess_v be_v hard_a if_o not_o altogether_o impossible_a to_o be_v form_v into_o a_o idea_n yet_o conceive_v reason_n will_v infallible_o demonstrate_v that_o be_v which_o neither_o have_v beginning_n nor_o end_n can_v have_v no_o succession_n in_o its_o duration_n for_o wherever_o there_o be_v succession_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o priority_n and_o wherever_o there_o be_v a_o priority_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o beginning_n and_o if_o eternity_n do_v consist_v and_o be_v make_v up_o of_o such_o part_n as_o be_v equal_a and_o commensurate_a to_o our_o year_n and_o day_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o these_o part_n themselves_o must_v be_v infinite_a for_o if_o they_o be_v but_o finite_a we_o shall_v come_v to_o a_o beginning_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v grant_v in_o eternity_n and_o if_o they_o be_v infinite_a then_o in_o eternity_n there_o must_v be_v as_o many_o million_o of_o year_n as_o of_o minute_n and_o consequent_o a_o minute_n will_v be_v equal_a to_o a_o million_o of_o year_n yea_o the_o least_o part_n of_o a_o minute_n will_v be_v equal_a to_o it_o which_o be_v gross_o absurd_a but_o i_o shall_v not_o detain_v you_o with_o these_o philosophical_a speculation_n only_o when_o we_o say_v that_o god_n be_v from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a we_o ought_v not_o to_o conceive_v that_o there_o be_v any_o succession_n in_o his_o duration_n that_o he_o grow_v old_a or_o that_o he_o have_v continue_v long_o this_o day_n than_o he_o be_v yesterday_o for_o though_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o god_n we_o be_v force_v to_o use_v such_o expression_n and_o denote_v succession_n in_o his_o be_v as_o that_o he_o be_v from_o everlasting_a and_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v to_o everlasting_a yet_o to_o say_v that_o god_n be_v or_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v be_v only_o allowable_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o penury_n of_o our_o conception_n but_o in_o strict_a propriety_n these_o be_v derogatory_n to_o he_o for_o god_n neither_o be_v nor_o shall_v be_v but_o only_o be_v and_o enjoy_v his_o eternal_a essence_n immutable_o and_o unsuccessive_o and_o therefore_o when_o moses_n demand_v his_o name_n that_o he_o may_v inform_v the_o israelite_n who_o that_o god_n be_v that_o will_v take_v pity_n of_o their_o suffering_n he_o tell_v he_o thou_o shall_v say_v unto_o they_o i_o be_o have_v send_v i_o to_o you_o exod._n 3.14_o and_o this_o indeed_o be_v the_o best_a and_o fit_a expression_n of_o his_o eternity_n and_o unchangableness_n yea_o and_o the_o scripture_n have_v give_v we_o one_o more_o high_a and_o lofty_a expression_n of_o it_o psal_n 90.4_o a_o thousand_o year_n in_o thy_o sight_n be_v but_o as_o yesterday_o when_o it_o be_v past_a what_o be_v yesterday_o to_o this_o day_n but_o a_o mere_a nothing_o so_o a_o thousand_o year_n yea_o all_o the_o thousand_o year_n and_o all_o the_o time_n that_o ever_o the_o orb_n of_o heaven_n shall_v spin_v out_o to_o the_o world_n be_v all_o to_o god_n but_o as_o yesterday_o when_o it_o be_v past_a he_o live_v not_o by_o it_o nor_o be_v his_o be_v measure_v out_o by_o day_n or_o year_n but_o it_o be_v a_o perpetual_a now_o a_o stand_a moment_n a_o indivisible_a and_o permanent_a instant_n without_o flux_n or_o vicissitude_n indeed_o it_o be_v whole_o inconsistent_a with_o eternity_n and_o a_o infinite_a duration_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o thing_n past_a or_o any_o thing_n to_o come_v in_o it_o for_o what_o be_v already_o past_a can_v be_v infinite_a because_o it_o be_v already_o end_v and_o what_o be_v to_o come_v can_v be_v eternal_a because_o there_o be_v something_o go_v before_o it_o and_o from_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o a_o duration_n which_o be_v eternal_a must_v be_v without_o beginning_n without_o end_n and_o without_o any_o succession_n of_o part_n now_o second_o that_o god_n be_v thus_o eternal_a appear_v both_o from_o clear_a evidence_n of_o scripture_n and_o invincible_a demonstration_n of_o reason_n itself_o first_o the_o scripture_n bear_v abundant_a witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o attribute_n psal_n 102.25_o 26_o 27._o the_o heaven_n be_v the_o work_n of_o thy_o hand_n they_o shall_v perish_v but_o thou_o shall_v endure_v yea_o all_o of_o they_o shall_v wax_v old_a as_o a_o garment_n but_o thou_o be_v the_o same_o and_o thy_o year_n shall_v have_v no_o end_n psal_n 90.2_o before_o the_o mountain_n be_v bring_v forth_o or_o ever_o thou_o have_v form_v the_o earth_n and_o the_o world_n even_o from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a thou_o be_v god_n isa_n 43.10_o before_o i_o be_v there_o no_o god_n form_v neither_o shall_v there_o be_v after_o i_o 1._o tim._n 1.17_o now_o to_o the_o king_n eternal_a and_o immortal_a the_o only_a wise_a god_n be_v honour_n and_o glory_n but_o i_o can_v stand_v to_o cite_v all_o the_o testimony_n that_o may_v be_v allege_v second_o the_o eternity_n of_o god_n may_v be_v demonstrate_v by_o clear_a and_o irrefragable_a reason_n and_o that_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o in_o these_o several_a gradation_n first_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o there_o be_v some_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v which_o be_v not_o itself_o make_v or_o produce_v by_o any_o for_o the_o series_n of_o cause_n be_v not_o infinite_a otherwise_o no_o effect_n can_v be_v produce_v since_o what_o be_v infinite_a can_v be_v pass_v through_o and_o if_o all_o being_n that_n be_v be_v cause_v by_o some_o pre-existent_a be_v then_o there_o be_v not_o nor_o ever_o be_v a_o be_v before_o which_o there_o be_v not_o another_o and_o so_o this_o gross_a absurdity_n will_v follow_v that_o before_o there_o be_v a_o be_v there_o be_v a_o be_v which_o be_v a_o contradiction_n therefore_o we_o must_v necessary_o rest_v in_o some_o first_o cause_n from_o which_o all_o thing_n have_v their_o origin_n and_o be_v itself_o cause_v by_o no_o other_o second_o
angel_n now_o these_o the_o scripture_n propound_v unto_o we_o not_o only_o to_o pose_v but_o to_o perfect_v our_o understanding_n for_o that_o little_a knowledge_n we_o can_v attain_v unto_o in_o these_o thing_n be_v far_o more_o excellent_a than_o the_o most_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o all_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o world_n and_o where_o our_o scanty_a apprehension_n fall_v short_a of_o fathom_v these_o deep_a mystery_n the_o apostle_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o seek_v it_o out_o with_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rom._n 11.33_o o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n both_o of_o the_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n how_o unreasearchable_a be_v his_o judgement_n and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o three_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o inexhaustible_a fountain_n of_o knowledge_n the_o more_o you_o draw_v from_o it_o the_o more_o still_o spring_v up_o it_o be_v a_o deep_a mine_n and_o the_o far_o you_o search_v into_o it_o still_o the_o rich_a you_o find_v it_o it_o be_v tedious_a to_o read_v the_o work_n and_o writing_n of_o man_n often_o over_o because_o we_o be_v soon_o at_o the_o bottom_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v and_o our_o understanding_n have_v nothing_o new_a to_o refresh_v it_o but_o in_o read_v the_o scripture_n it_o fare_v with_o we_o as_o it_o do_v with_o those_o who_o christ_n miraculous_o feed_v the_o bread_n multiply_v under_o their_o tooth_n and_o increase_v in_o the_o very_o chew_v of_o it_o so_o here_o while_o we_o ruminate_v and_o chew_v on_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o multiply_v and_o rise_v up_o thick_a under_o our_o meditation_n one_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o neglect_n that_o many_o be_v guilty_a of_o in_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o fear_n that_o they_o shall_v but_o meet_v with_o the_o same_o thing_n again_o which_o they_o have_v already_o read_v and_o know_v and_o this_o they_o account_v tedious_a and_o irksome_a indeed_o if_o they_o read_v it_o only_o superficial_o and_o slight_o it_o 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study_v all_o his_o life_n time_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o childhood_n to_o decrepit_a age_n nothing_o else_o but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n yet_o they_o be_v so_o compact_v and_o thick_o set_v with_o truth_n that_o he_o may_v daily_o learn_v something_o which_o before_o he_o know_v not_o god_n have_v as_o it_o be_v study_v to_o speak_v compendious_o in_o the_o scripture_n what_o a_o miracle_n of_o brevity_n be_v it_o that_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n relate_v both_o to_o god_n and_o his_o neighbour_n shall_v be_v all_o comprise_v in_o ten_o word_n not_o a_o word_n but_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o draw_v out_o be_v enough_o to_o fill_v whole_a volume_n and_o therefore_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 119.96_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 broad_a when_o we_o have_v attain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n there_o yet_o remain_v such_o depth_n of_o wisdom_n both_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o scripture_n expression_n and_o in_o the_o mysteriousness_n of_o thing_n express_v that_o after_o our_o utmost_a industry_n still_o there_o will_v be_v leave_v new_a truth_n to_o become_v the_o discovery_n of_o a_o new_a search_n four_o the_o scripture_n exhibit_v to_o we_o that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o eternal_a salvation_n this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o 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 john_n 17.3_o and_o this_o knowledge_n the_o scripture_n alone_o can_v afford_v we_o john_n 5.39_o so_o 2_o tim._n 3.15_o we_o need_v not_o therefore_o inquire_v after_o blind_a tradition_n or_o expect_v any_o whimsical_a enthusiasm_n the_o write_a word_n contain_v whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v in_o order_n to_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o whosoever_o be_v wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v be_v wise_a only_a in_o impertinence_n now_o have_v god_n contract_v whatever_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v and_o sum_v it_o up_o in_o one_o book_n and_o shall_v not_o we_o be_v diligent_a and_o industrious_a in_o study_v that_o which_o do_v so_o necessary_o concern_v we_o other_o knowledge_n be_v only_o for_o the_o adorn_v and_o embellishment_n of_o nature_n this_o be_v for_o the_o necessity_n of_o life_n of_o life_n eternal_a i_o have_v before_o speak_v enough_o concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o knowledge_n unto_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o far_o enlarge_v therefore_o as_o st._n peter_n say_v to_o christ_n lord_n whither_o shall_v we_o go_v thou_o have_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n so_o let_v we_o answer_v whatsoever_o may_v seem_v to_o call_v we_o off_o from_o the_o diligent_a study_n of_o the_o scripture_n whither_o shall_v we_o go_v to_o this_o we_o must_v cleave_v with_o this_o we_o will_v converse_v for_o here_o alone_o be_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n five_o the_o knowledge_n that_o the_o scripture_n disclose_v be_v of_o undoubted_a certainty_n and_o perpetual_a truth_n it_o depend_v not_o upon_o probability_n or_o conjecture_n but_o the_o infallible_a authority_n of_o christ_n himself_o he_o have_v dictate_v it_o for_o who_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o lie_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o veracity_n or_o truth_n be_v the_o conformity_n of_o our_o speech_n to_o the_o existency_n of_o thing_n but_o divine_a truth_n and_o veracity_n have_v no_o other_o rule_n beside_o the_o will_n of_o he_o that_o speak_v it_o he_o must_v needs_o speak_v infallible_a truth_n who_o speak_v thing_n into_o their_o being_n such_o be_v the_o omnipotent_a speech_n of_o god_n whatsoever_o he_o declare_v be_v therefore_o true_a because_o he_o declare_v it_o never_o matter_n how_o strange_a and_o impossible_a scripture-mystery_n may_v seem_v to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n to_o the_o corrupt_a and_o captious_a understanding_n of_o natural_a man_n when_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v undertake_v for_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v as_o much_o impiety_n to_o doubt_v of_o they_o as_o it_o be_v folly_n to_o question_v the_o reality_n of_o what_o we_o see_v with_o our_o very_a eye_n nay_o the_o information_n of_o our_o sense_n what_o we_o see_v what_o we_o hear_v what_o we_o feel_v be_v not_o so_o certain_a as_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n reveal_v and_o testify_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n 2_o pet._n 1.18_o 19_o speak_v of_o that_o miraculous_a voice_n that_o sound_v from_o heaven_n matth._n 17.5_o this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v we_o say_v the_o apostle_n hear_v this_o voice_n when_o we_o be_v with_o he_o in_o the_o holy_a mount_n but_o we_o have_v also_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n or_o as_o the_o greek_a may_v well_o be_v render_v we_o account_v more_o sure_a the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n unto_o which_o you_o do_v well_o that_o you_o take_v heed_n what_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n than_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n when_o god_n himself_o shall_v vocal_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n yes_o we_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n and_o that_o be_v the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n record_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o because_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v christ_n may_v seem_v somewhat_o obscure_a in_o comparison_n with_o this_o audible_a voice_n from_o heaven_n therefore_o the_o testimony_n of_o obscure_a scripture_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o testimony_n of_o clear_a sense_n now_o therefore_o if_o you_o will_v know_v thing_n beyond_o all_o danger_n either_o of_o falsehood_n or_o hesitation_n be_v conversant_a in_o the_o scripture_n where_o we_o may_v take_v all_o for_o certain_a upon_o the_o word_n and_o authority_n of_o that_o god_n who_o neither_o can_v deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v six_o the_o scripture_n alone_o give_v we_o the_o true_a and_o unerring_a knowledge_n