church_n can_v give_v authority_n unto_o it_o the_o second_o use_n serve_v to_o admonish_v we_o to_o receive_v the_o scripture_n for_o themselves_o for_o their_o own_o authority_n and_o not_o for_o any_o man_n authority_n whatsoever_o not_o for_o any_o man_n person_n nor_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n for_o if_o we_o do_v so_o we_o can_v have_v true_a save_a faith_n every_o man_n ought_v to_o receive_v the_o scripture_n for_o its_o own_o authority_n not_o that_o any_o man_n shall_v condemn_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n but_o he_o may_v not_o depend_v only_o upon_o it_o no_o not_o upon_o saint_n paul_n himself_o but_o must_v search_v the_o scripture_n to_o see_v whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o no_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o receive_v the_o testimony_n of_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n except_o it_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o scripture_n we_o will_v use_v that_o which_o aquinas_n say_v of_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n we_o may_v use_v the_o help_n of_o a_o enemy_n when_o she_o tell_v they_o what_o thing_n christ_n do_v they_o believe_v but_o when_o they_o come_v to_o christ_n himself_o they_o believe_v not_o for_o her_o say_n but_o because_o they_o hear_v he_o themselves_o so_o we_o use_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n as_o a_o mean_n to_o come_v to_o believe_v but_o when_o we_o believe_v let_v we_o not_o believe_v for_o the_o say_n of_o the_o church_n but_o for_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o use_v 3_o this_o be_v to_o admonish_v every_o man_n when_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o word_n to_o know_v it_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o to_o labour_v to_o make_v it_o the_o cannon_n of_o his_o faith_n for_o the_o authority_n it_o have_v in_o itself_o we_o ought_v to_o examine_v ourselves_o by_o this_o word_n have_v thou_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o have_v not_o this_o ground_n repent_v of_o it_o and_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v labour_v to_o make_v this_o the_o cannon_n of_o thy_o life_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o thy_o obedience_n be_v thou_o tempt_v by_o thy_o own_o corruption_n or_o by_o any_o other_o ask_v they_o be_v there_o any_o such_o word_n that_o will_v give_v leave_n if_o not_o thou_o must_v believe_v and_o hold_v to_o this_o for_o this_o be_v the_o cannon_n by_o which_o thou_o ought_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n hierome_n complain_v of_o some_o in_o his_o time_n who_o do_v wrest_v the_o law_n to_o their_o own_o will_n and_o not_o their_o will_n to_o the_o law_n but_o we_o must_v be_v far_o from_o this_o for_o whosoever_o walk_v after_o this_o rule_n gal._n 6._o mercy_n and_o peace_n shall_v be_v to_o he_o but_o if_o he_o walk_v not_o after_o this_o rule_n he_o shall_v have_v judgement_n merciless_a quest_n the_o next_o question_n be_v what_o be_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o this_o word_n answ_n the_o answer_n be_v that_o it_o be_v that_o by_o which_o it_o be_v perfect_v concern_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n that_o place_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v 2_o tim._n 3.17_o do_v prove_v this_o it_o be_v able_a to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v sufficient_a so_o deut._n 12.32_o thou_o shall_v keep_v all_o these_o commandment_n thou_o shall_v add_v naught_o thereto_o nor_o take_v aught_o therefrom_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v perfect_a that_o to_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v add_v and_o from_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v take_v must_v needs_o be_v perfect_a also_o psal_n 19.7_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v perfect_a revel_v 22._o whosoever_o shall_v add_v unto_o this_o book_n god_n shall_v add_v unto_o they_o the_o plague_n that_o be_v write_v in_o this_o book_n thus_o the_o word_n testify_v of_o itself_o and_o therefore_o see_v the_o word_n be_v true_a it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n quest_n what_o reason_n do_v you_o show_v for_o further_a proof_n of_o this_o answ_n first_o because_o it_o be_v the_o write_a will_n and_o testimony_n of_o god_n second_o because_o after_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v the_o law_n in_o writing_n the_o jew_n be_v never_o guide_v by_o any_o unwritten_a word_n three_o because_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n never_o prove_v their_o doctrine_n by_o any_o unwritten_a word_n to_o explain_v these_o first_o it_o be_v the_o write_a will_n and_o testimony_n of_o god_n therefore_o we_o call_v these_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n a_o man_n will_n after_o it_o be_v confirm_v no_o estate_n will_v admit_v to_o be_v alter_v therefore_o if_o we_o may_v not_o alter_v man_n will_n much_o less_o may_v we_o alter_v go_n second_o it_o be_v sufficient_a because_o that_o after_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v his_o law_n in_o writing_n the_o jew_n be_v never_o guide_v by_o tradition_n before_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n the_o truth_n go_v from_o hand_n to_o hand_n but_o after_o that_o god_n have_v write_v the_o law_n they_o never_o come_v to_o he_o but_o upon_o some_o especial_a occasion_n as_o for_o the_o blasphemer_n etc._n etc._n bellarmine_n confess_v this_o that_o there_o be_v some_o catholic_n speak_v with_o great_a probability_n that_o the_o jew_n after_o god_n have_v write_v the_o law_n have_v no_o tradition_n austin_n say_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o gospel_n be_v hide_v but_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v make_v more_o plain_a if_o god_n will_v teach_v the_o jew_n by_o nothing_o but_o by_o the_o write_a word_n when_o it_o be_v more_o obscure_a much_o less_o we_o who_o have_v it_o more_o clear_a three_o because_o whatsoever_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v they_o prove_v by_o the_o write_a word_n thus_o say_v a_o prophet_n and_o thus_o say_v the_o psalm_n nay_o certain_o christ_n oppose_v tradition_n when_o he_o find_v that_o their_o authority_n corrupt_v the_o law_n mat._n 5._o but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o reject_v those_o tradition_n the_o true_a word_n of_o god_n be_v this_o therefore_o the_o conclusion_n be_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n contain_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o do_v use_v 1_o the_o first_o use_n teach_v we_o that_o then_o must_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n all_o unwritten_a tradition_n the_o ground_n of_o all_o which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_a than_o tradition_n have_v nothing_o to_o lean_v upon_o but_o it_o be_v blasphemy_n to_o think_v that_o god_n will_v not_o perfect_v that_o word_n he_o begin_v and_o therefore_o tradition_n be_v nothing_o oh_o say_v they_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o contain_v all_o fundamental_a point_n for_o faith_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v if_o they_o have_v say_v the_o scripture_n do_v not_o contain_v all_o the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o their_o faith_n i_o will_v willing_o subscribe_v to_o it_o the_o word_n of_o god_n no_o where_o speak_v of_o saint_n peter_n successor_n the_o word_n no_o where_o speak_v of_o invocation_n of_o saint_n prayer_n for_o the_o dead_a indulgence_n and_o pardon_n these_o thing_n the_o scripture_n do_v not_o contain_v but_o these_o be_v all_o of_o they_o contrary_a to_o the_o foundation_n but_o we_o believe_v nothing_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n beside_o the_o scripture_n we_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o saint_n keep_v many_o excellent_a speech_n and_o say_n of_o christ_n as_o that_o in_o the_o act_n as_o the_o lord_n say_v it_o be_v a_o more_o bless_a thing_n to_o give_v then_o to_o receive_v but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o tradition_n that_o be_v not_o for_o substance_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o word_n that_o we_o reject_v because_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o conclusion_n we_o will_v end_v with_o a_o speech_n of_o st._n austin_n i_o seek_v in_o the_o gospel_n if_o i_o find_v it_o not_o there_o where_o shall_v i_o find_v it_o so_o may_v i_o say_v if_o we_o find_v not_o tradition_n in_o the_o word_n where_o shall_v we_o find_v they_o use_v 2._o this_o teach_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n that_o they_o must_v prove_v the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v unto_o the_o people_n where_o shall_v they_o have_v that_o light_n no_o where_o but_o from_o the_o word_n they_o must_v not_o follow_v the_o vision_n of_o any_o man_n but_o only_o the_o word_n wherein_o god_n have_v comprise_v every_o thing_n that_o he_o will_v have_v his_o people_n teach_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o creation_n the_o light_n be_v at_o large_a before_o the_o sun_n be_v create_v but_o after_o that_o be_v create_v god_n enclose_v all_o light_n in_o the_o sun_n so_o some_o time_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v teach_v from_o hand_n to_o hand_n god_n inform_v some_o and_o they_o teach_v other_o but_o after_o that_o god_n have_v write_v the_o scripture_n all_o be_v to_o receive_v their_o light_n
ask_v he_o desire_v two_o day_n more_o then_o the_o tyrant_n ask_v he_o why_o he_o do_v so_o because_o say_v he_o the_o more_o i_o seek_v after_o he_o the_o far_o off_o i_o be_o from_o find_v he_o so_o that_o nature_n be_v obscure_a and_o second_o it_o be_v imperfect_a because_o that_o knowledge_n of_o nature_n without_o the_o word_n know_v but_o a_o piece_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o because_o god_n will_v have_v his_o church_n know_v he_o perfect_o he_o add_v his_o word_n to_o his_o work_n and_o in_o this_o reveal_v himself_o more_o full_o and_o discover_v those_o wonder_n which_o nature_n can_v not_o only_o not_o discover_v but_o not_o comprehend_v be_v reveal_v as_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n etc._n etc._n 2._o the_o knowledge_n of_o nature_n be_v not_o a_o save_a knowledge_n for_o though_o it_o know_v god_n as_o creator_n yet_o it_o know_v he_o not_o as_o redeemer_n john_n 5.39_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o find_v eternal_a life_n and_o they_o be_v they_o that_o testify_v of_o i_o and_o therefore_o god_n add_v his_o word_n that_o he_o may_v be_v know_v as_o a_o redeemer_n and_o reconciler_n etc._n etc._n 3._o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o word_n be_v not_o effectual_a without_o the_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 3.5_o 6._o it_o be_v neither_o paul_n nor_o apollo_n etc._n etc._n but_o god_n that_o give_v the_o increase_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o word_n be_v outward_a but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v inward_a and_o man_n can_v teach_v inward_o and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v such_o a_o knowledge_n without_o the_o spirit_n for_o man_n can_v but_o speak_v to_o the_o ear_n yea_o though_o he_o may_v press_v it_o vehement_o yet_o without_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v nothing_o god_n therefore_o have_v join_v the_o word_n and_o spirit_n together_o and_o so_o the_o answer_n be_v clear_v in_o these_o three_o thing_n use_v 1_o see_v that_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o nature_n a_o man_n can_v come_v to_o save_a knowledge_n he_o must_v therefore_o labour_v for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n he_o must_v not_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o the_o word_n nor_o the_o word_n a_o stranger_n to_o he_o that_o he_o may_v know_v god_n if_o a_o man_n can_v be_v partaker_n of_o true_a happiness_n but_o by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o if_o all_o save_a knowledge_n be_v by_o the_o word_n than_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o he_o must_v be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o word_n if_o he_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o the_o word_n and_o the_o word_n a_o stranger_n to_o he_o sure_o he_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o the_o life_n of_o god_n i_o will_v not_o stand_v to_o show_v how_o the_o devil_n bewitch_v many_o wise_a man_n that_o be_v careful_a to_o provide_v for_o their_o child_n and_o bring_v they_o up_o in_o natural_a knowledge_n but_o scorn_v this_o which_o we_o must_v most_o labour_n for_o to_o have_v the_o word_n familiar_a we_o must_v hearken_v to_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o apostle_n col._n 3.16_o to_o let_v the_o word_n of_o god_n dwell_v plentiful_o in_o we_o in_o all_o wisdom_n chrysostome_n press_v this_o place_n let_v the_o word_n dwell_v in_o you_o rich_o etc._n etc._n say_v thus_o it_o be_v not_o let_v the_o word_n come_v into_o you_o as_o a_o stranger_n for_o a_o night_n but_o let_v it_o dwell_v in_o you_o as_o a_o familiar_a friend_n why_o sir_n we_o may_v know_v a_o sentence_n or_o two_o no_o but_o the_o apostle_n say_v let_v the_o word_n dwell_v plentiful_o in_o you_o if_o a_o man_n have_v learn_v some_o sentence_n by_o heart_n as_o child_n have_v learned_a whole_a book_n this_o be_v not_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n mean_v but_o let_v it_o dwell_v in_o you_o in_o all_o wisdom_n where_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v we_o diligent_a to_o understand_v the_o word_n why_o so_o because_o there_o god_n have_v reveal_v himself_o pro._n 2.5_o if_o thou_o apply_v thy_o heart_n to_o instruction_n it_o be_v not_o if_o thou_o will_v read_v a_o chapter_n or_o two_o but_o thou_o must_v beat_v thy_o head_n about_o it_o and_o apply_v thy_o heart_n unto_o it_o for_o what_o say_v the_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o 5._o verse_n if_o thou_o search_v for_o she_o as_o for_o silver_n and_o gold_n than_o thou_o shall_v understand_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o find_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v get_v by_o carelessness_n but_o as_o christ_n say_v search_v the_o scripture_n as_o man_n do_v when_o they_o have_v lose_v any_o thing_n as_o the_o woman_n that_o lose_v the_o groat_n it_o argue_v a_o diligent_a search_n this_o be_v that_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n speak_v of_o about_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v our_o wit_n exercise_v through_o long_a custom_n brother_n it_o be_v inexcusable_a if_o not_o damnable_a idleness_n in_o many_o man_n that_o they_o have_v no_o heart_n to_o read_v the_o scripture_n whatsoever_o you_o pretend_v that_o you_o can_v for_o your_o calling_n i_o tell_v you_o that_o neither_o your_o calling_n nor_o the_o work_n of_o your_o calling_n will_v excuse_v you_o in_o that_o day_n when_o the_o secret_n of_o all_o heart_n shall_v be_v disclose_v you_o do_v abuse_n god_n you_o ought_v to_o afford_v yourselves_o time_n and_o you_o must_v afford_v yourselves_o so_o much_o time_n you_o have_v time_n enough_o to_o spend_v in_o court_v and_o in_o wantonness_n and_o in_o other_o idle_a vanity_n will_v you_o have_v christ_n to_o know_v you_o and_o acknowledge_v you_o when_o your_o calling_n and_o all_o other_o vanity_n be_v go_v and_o cease_v what_o a_o question_n be_v this_o who_o will_v not_o have_v that_o willing_o then_o must_v you_o take_v care_n to_o know_v christ_n here_o or_o else_o he_o will_v not_o know_v you_o hereafter_o use_v 2._o see_v that_o this_o be_v so_o than_o every_o man_n shall_v labour_v for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o profit_v by_o the_o word_n preach_v or_o read_v without_o he_o a_o man_n may_v have_v a_o knowledge_n but_o not_o a_o save_a knowledge_n it_o be_v a_o excellent_a benefit_n for_o a_o man_n to_o have_v good_a teacher_n but_o it_o be_v no_o benefit_n in_o comparison_n of_o this_o that_o the_o spirit_n become_v our_o teacher_n for_o who_o teach_v like_o he_o job_n 36.22_o therefore_o labour_n for_o this_o teacher_n saint_n augustine_n say_v the_o teacher_n be_v without_o but_o he_o sit_v in_o heaven_n that_o must_v teach_v the_o heart_n therefore_o look_v to_o he_o we_o can_v but_o make_v a_o noise_n in_o your_o ear_n by_o any_o our_o most_o earnest_a expression_n and_o vehement_a cry_n but_o it_o must_v be_v the_o spirit_n that_o make_v all_o effectual_a i_o pray_v you_o tell_v i_o say_v the_o same_o father_n what_o do_v the_o husbandman_n can_v he_o do_v any_o thing_n but_o the_o outward_a work_n do_v he_o do_v any_o thing_n inward_o can_v he_o make_v a_o apple_n can_v he_o make_v a_o leaf_n he_o can_v it_o be_v god_n that_o do_v that_o ask_v the_o apostle_n saint_n paul_n and_o he_o will_v tell_v you_o it_o be_v paul_n that_o plant_n and_o apollo_n that_o water_n but_o it_o be_v god_n that_o give_v the_o increase_n therefore_o labour_n that_o you_o may_v have_v that_o anoint_v you_o may_v not_o be_v negligent_a of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v the_o mean_n that_o god_n will_v have_v use_v who_o will_v not_o give_v effectual_a knowledge_n without_o it_o therefore_o minister_n must_v plant_v but_o if_o you_o will_v have_v fruit_n by_o the_o ministry_n you_o must_v labour_v to_o have_v the_o spirit_n that_o which_o make_v the_o word_n unprofitable_a be_v that_o man_n look_v so_o much_o upon_o the_o husbandman_n therefore_o god_n do_v oftentimes_o send_v a_o bad_a harvest_n origen_n say_v it_o be_v somewhat_o in_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o ground_n and_o somewhat_o in_o the_o husbandman_n if_o the_o harvest_n be_v good_a but_o save_v knowledge_n be_v not_o where_o to_o be_v look_v for_o but_o from_o god_n therefore_o every_o man_n must_v labour_v earnest_o to_o have_v the_o inward_a teacher_n it_o be_v say_v in_o gen._n 30.1_o that_o rachel_n be_v barren_a while_o she_o look_v upon_o the_o husband_n but_o when_o she_o go_v to_o prayer_n in_o verse_n 22._o then_o she_o conceive_v so_o many_o of_o you_o look_v too_o much_o upon_o your_o minister_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v little_a profit_n but_o lift_v up_o yourselves_o in_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o he_o will_v make_v you_o profit_n so_o that_o you_o shall_v have_v the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o this_o life_n and_o after_o this_o life_n salvation_n itself_o even_o life_n eternal_a etc._n etc._n chap._n iii_o john_n 5.39_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v to_o have_v
eternal_a life_n and_o they_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o we_o have_v hear_v of_o a_o twofold_a knowledge_n of_o god_n the_o one_o by_o nature_n the_o other_o by_o revelation_n and_o that_o be_v by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n by_o which_o you_o have_v hear_v how_o a_o man_n may_v come_v to_o save_a knowledge_n now_o to_o proceed_v the_o next_o question_n be_v quest_n in_o what_o word_n be_v this_o knowledge_n to_o be_v seek_v answ_n it_o be_v to_o be_v seek_v in_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n see_v god_n have_v reveal_v himself_o in_o his_o word_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o sufficient_a knowledge_n to_o be_v find_v in_o it_o though_o not_o effectual_a without_o the_o spirit_n i_o think_v this_o seem_v reasonable_a that_o before_o we_o speak_v of_o god_n himself_o we_o speak_v something_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o fountain_n of_o knowledge_n in_o which_o god_n have_v reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n that_o we_o may_v know_v with_o what_o warrant_v we_o may_v ground_v our_o faith_n upon_o they_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o know_v first_o what_o this_o word_n be_v and_o then_o what_o author_n it_o have_v answer_n be_v make_v that_o this_o save_a knowledge_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v and_o find_v in_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n this_o be_v warrant_v upon_o that_o which_o i_o have_v read_v search_v the_o scripture_n for_o they_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o this_o be_v further_a confirm_v isa_n 8.20_o to_o the_o law_n &_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o question_n arise_v concern_v god_n where_o shall_v we_o find_v answer_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n go_v to_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n of_o this_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o 2_o tim._n 3.15_o that_o it_o be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o man_n wise_a to_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o it_o carry_v in_o it_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n by_o which_o a_o man_n must_v be_v save_v saint_n peter_n also_o 1_o pet._n 1.19_o call_v it_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n make_v opposition_n between_o it_o and_o the_o word_n they_o hear_v from_o heaven_n in_o the_o holy_a mount_n to_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v heed_n as_o to_o a_o light_n shine_v etc._n etc._n final_o our_o saviour_n christ_n speak_v of_o this_o in_o the_o parable_n to_o the_o rich_a man_n they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n if_o they_o will_v know_v any_o thing_n concern_v god_n faith_n repentance_n etc._n etc._n what_o need_v one_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a so_o then_o these_o testimony_n show_v that_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v have_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n this_o question_n bring_v another_o and_o that_o be_v this_o quest_n why_o be_v knowledge_n to_o be_v seek_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n answ_n first_o because_o this_o be_v the_o perfect_a rule_n contain_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v second_o because_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a and_o a_o sure_a rule_n three_o it_o be_v a_o infallible_a rule_n that_o neither_o deceive_v nor_o can_v be_v deceive_v to_o explain_v this_o reas_n 1._o because_o it_o be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n therefore_o this_o knowledge_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v there_o deut._n 4.2_o thou_o shall_v add_v nothing_o to_o it_o nor_o take_v any_o thing_n from_o it_o add_v to_o it_o and_o thou_o make_v it_o imperfect_a take_v from_o it_o and_o thou_o make_v it_o not_o less_o imperfect_a because_o it_o be_v of_o itself_o a_o absolute_a and_o full_a rule_n the_o apostle_n say_v 2_o tim._n 3.16_o the_o word_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n to_o instruct_v rebuke_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v able_a to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a etc._n etc._n it_o be_v full_a for_o all_o purpose_n for_o instruction_n correction_n etc._n etc._n and_o for_o all_o person_n it_o perfect_v the_o minister_n in_o his_o work_n and_o calling_n and_o if_o he_o then_o much_o more_o every_o other_o man_n second_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a know_a rule_n that_o which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o salvation_n must_v be_v a_o certain_a know_a rule_n if_o it_o be_v unknown_a it_o be_v no_o rule_n to_o those_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v the_o word_n sometime_o from_o adam_n to_o moses_n be_v whole_o unwritten_a yet_o than_o no_o doubt_n but_o god_n reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o faithful_a but_o when_o the_o church_n be_v grow_v up_o to_o be_v a_o nation_n and_o mix_v with_o unfaithful_a and_o faithful_a god_n that_o he_o may_v make_v a_o certain_a rule_n by_o moses_n write_v his_o word_n and_o that_o the_o word_n be_v write_v for_o this_o end_n it_o appear_v luke_n 1.3_o 4._o these_o thing_n have_v i_o write_v unto_o thou_o most_o noble_a theophilus_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v certain_a of_o these_o thing_n there_o go_v a_o report_n of_o christ_n what_o he_o do_v and_o what_o he_o suffer_v these_o thing_n have_v i_o write_v that_o thou_o may_v be_v certain_a and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v ask_v the_o question_n in_o the_o gospel_n what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v to_o inherit_v eternal_a life_n he_o answer_v how_o read_v thou_o luk._n 10.26_o will_v thou_o be_v certain_a then_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o they_o will_v manifest_o and_o sure_o declare_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v and_o give_v a_o perfect_a answer_n to_o such_o question_n three_o we_o be_v to_o come_v now_o to_o the_o write_a word_n because_o the_o write_a word_n be_v a_o infallible_a rule_n a_o infallible_a rule_n be_v such_o a_o rule_n as_o can_v be_v deceive_v nor_o deceive_v for_o if_o it_o can_v do_v either_o it_o be_v not_o infallible_a but_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v such_o that_o it_o can_v deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v i_o manifest_a it_o thus_o because_o god_n and_o his_o word_n be_v one_o truth_n therefore_o it_o can_v deceive_v john_n 17.17_o sanctify_v they_o with_o thy_o truth_n thy_o word_n be_v truth_n as_o light_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o darkness_n so_o the_o word_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o error_n this_o be_v a_o right_a rule_n say_v s._n augustine_n thy_o write_n be_v my_o delight_n by_o they_o i_o shall_v never_o be_v deceive_v and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o point_n use_v 1_o if_o this_o be_v so_o here_o be_v overthrow_v all_o humane_a tradition_n which_o be_v by_o man_n add_v to_o the_o scripture_n all_o tradition_n that_o be_v either_o write_v or_o carry_v from_o hand_n to_o hand_n be_v reject_v whatsoever_o be_v teach_v without_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v abhor_v for_o the_o word_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o he_o that_o bring_v any_o other_o doctrine_n let_v he_o be_v accurse_v use_v 2._o this_o serve_v to_o provoke_v man_n to_o labour_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o word_n here_o i_o will_v take_v a_o occasion_n to_o speak_v of_o it_o because_o i_o see_v the_o carelessness_n of_o this_o age_n if_o there_o be_v any_o among_o we_o that_o desire_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n than_o we_o shall_v labour_v for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o word_n why_o because_o we_o can_v know_v god_n unless_o we_o know_v his_o word_n this_o be_v ingratitude_n against_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v vouchsafe_v his_o word_n and_o we_o not_o labour_v to_o know_v it_o this_o be_v impiety_n against_o ourselves_o that_o look_v to_o be_v save_v and_o yet_o neglect_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o word_n that_o bring_v salvation_n there_o be_v a_o knowledge_n of_o god_n by_o nature_n but_o the_o remainder_n of_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o man_n nature_n be_v marvellous_a dark_a though_o the_o foolish_a heathen_n say_v if_o a_o man_n follow_v nature_n he_o can_v err_v we_o know_v that_o nature_n be_v stark_o blind_a in_o matter_n appertain_v to_o god_n therefore_o man_n shall_v labour_v to_o know_v the_o word_n that_o it_o may_v dwell_v in_o they_o in_o all_o wisdom_n saint_n bernard_n say_v this_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o have_v the_o letter_n only_o and_o so_o the_o portion_n of_o all_o heretic_n and_o not_o of_o christian_n saint_n augustine_n say_v oh_o unhappy_a heretic_n which_o regard_v nothing_o but_o the_o outward_a sound_n of_o the_o letter_n have_v a_o body_n without_o a_o soul_n therefore_o man_n that_o will_v have_v a_o body_n and_o a_o soul_n together_o must_v labour_v to_o have_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o place_n that_o they_o read_v and_o to_o this_o end_n they_o must_v add_v meditation_n to_o their_o read_n and_o constant_a and_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n to_o their_o meditation_n that_o he_o will_v give_v his_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o search_v out_o hide_v and_o secret_a thing_n that_o be_v not_o
if_o the_o stile_n do_v not_o agree_v to_o this_o of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n they_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v if_o we_o will_v know_v all_o true_a authority_n we_o must_v know_v it_o by_o the_o stile_n for_o howsoever_o a_o false_a writer_n may_v take_v to_o he_o the_o name_n and_o frame_v of_o another_o man_n yet_o he_o can_v take_v his_o stile_n for_o as_o every_o man_n have_v his_o several_a countenance_n and_o several_a colour_n that_o though_o two_o be_v never_o so_o like_a yet_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v discern_v so_o the_o writing_n of_o other_o man_n may_v be_v know_v from_o the_o scripture_n on_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v set_v such_o a_o stile_n as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o all_o or_o any_o the_o writing_n of_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o reas_n 3._o the_o three_o ground_n be_v the_o consent_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n with_o the_o prophet_n that_o go_v before_o they_o the_o latter_a prophet_n consent_n with_o the_o former_a and_o the_o former_a agree_v with_o they_o therefore_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v from_o a_o divine_a direction_n for_o among_o man_n who_o have_v write_v of_o the_o same_o subject_n we_o may_v find_v often_o variance_n but_o these_o do_v never_o real_o contradict_v one_o another_o there_o be_v no_o discrepance_n in_o they_o to_o be_v find_v there_o be_v some_o thousand_o of_o year_n between_o the_o first_o prophet_n writing_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o some_o thousand_o of_o mile_n between_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n that_o write_v at_o the_o same_o time_n yet_o all_o do_v agree_v together_o the_o ground_n be_v this_o because_o truth_n as_o god_n be_v ever_o constant_a to_o itself_o therefore_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n reprove_v hanani_n jer._n 28._o because_o he_o do_v not_o consent_v to_o the_o prophet_n that_o go_v before_o he_o and_o the_o apostle_n pronounce_v a_o anathema_n against_o himself_o or_o a_o angel_n or_o whosoever_o shall_v teach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n all_o which_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o marvellous_a consent_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v write_v by_o god_n and_o not_o by_o man_n quest_n what_o other_o internal_a argument_n be_v there_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o prove_v the_o scripture_n the_o word_n of_o god_n answ_n it_o be_v prove_v first_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o witness_v the_o same_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o elect_a second_o by_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o work_n it_o have_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o explain_v this_o first_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n witness_v this_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o elect_n god_n be_v the_o best_a witness_n of_o himself_o so_o be_v the_o spirit_n the_o best_a witness_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v not_o believe_v until_o it_o be_v settle_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n by_o the_o spirit_n that_o write_v it_o for_o till_o then_o we_o reject_v it_o some_o apply_v that_o of_o the_o prophet_n isa_n 59.21_o my_o spirit_n that_o i_o have_v put_v upon_o thou_o and_o my_o word_n that_o i_o have_v put_v in_o thy_o mouth_n etc._n etc._n in_o this_o manner_n the_o spirit_n and_o the_o word_n must_v agree_v together_o and_o continual_o bear_v witness_v each_o to_o other_o whatsoever_o be_v suggest_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o agree_v not_o with_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v reject_v whatsoever_o be_v express_v in_o the_o word_n be_v not_o believe_v till_o witness_v by_o the_o spirit_n i_o add_v to_o these_o christ_n own_o speech_n to_o the_o jew_n john_n 8.42_o 43._o who_o brag_v that_o god_n be_v their_o father_n if_o god_n be_v your_o father_n why_o do_v you_o not_o believe_v my_o word_n for_o if_o god_n be_v your_o father_n than_o you_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o you_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n because_o you_o believe_v not_o my_o word_n and_o therefore_o god_n be_v not_o your_o father_n john_n 10.27_o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n that_o be_v they_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o this_o be_v my_o voice_n ver._n 16._o i_o have_v other_o sheep_n that_o be_v not_o of_o this_o fold_n they_o also_o i_o must_v bring_v in_o and_o they_o shall_v hear_v my_o voice_n and_o ver_fw-la 3_o 4._o the_o shepherd_n call_v his_o sheep_n by_o name_n and_o they_o follow_v he_o and_o a_o stranger_n will_v they_o not_o follow_v where_o he_o show_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o they_o whereby_o they_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o writing_n of_o god_n from_o other_o writing_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n give_v they_o a_o clear_a understanding_n to_o see_v and_o a_o persuasion_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o such_o a_o persuasion_n as_o no_o man_n know_v out_o of_o himself_o but_o in_o himself_o it_o be_v true_a as_o we_o say_v before_o that_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o stile_n and_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o writer_n be_v great_a argument_n to_o prove_v the_o scripture_n god_n word_n but_o yet_o they_o give_v a_o man_n no_o assurance_n but_o only_o breed_v in_o he_o a_o kind_n of_o reverence_n as_o salvian_n say_v but_o if_o a_o man_n be_v once_o enlighten_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n he_o rest_v not_o on_o his_o own_o judgement_n nor_o on_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o the_o world_n because_o he_o have_v inward_a judgement_n in_o himself_o which_o be_v the_o spirit_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o internal_a argument_n the_o second_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o from_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n that_o the_o word_n have_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o all_o man_n it_o have_v a_o power_n to_o convert_v they_o to_o god_n to_o terrify_v and_o awaken_v they_o and_o also_o to_o comfort_v they_o in_o distress_n to_o wound_v they_o and_o to_o make_v they_o whole_a which_o no_o other_o writing_n can_v do_v therefore_o it_o can_v be_v humane_a but_o divine_a this_o be_v manifest_a psalm_n 19_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v perfect_a convert_v the_o soul_n no_o philosopher_n can_v convert_v the_o heart_n though_o he_o may_v bring_v man_n to_o outward_a civility_n like_v unto_o this_o the_o word_n give_v wisdom_n to_o the_o simple_a and_o therefore_o be_v divine_a it_o be_v that_o which_o make_v s._n paul_n to_o know_v that_o he_o be_v dead_a for_o before_o the_o law_n come_v he_o be_v alive_a but_o when_o the_o law_n come_v he_o be_v dead_a this_o the_o apostle_n saint_n peter_n press_v to_o the_o gentile_n act._n 2.27_o 28._o by_o which_o he_o wound_v they_o and_o with_o the_o same_o word_n he_o heal_v they_o no_o other_o word_n can_v ever_o bring_v they_o to_o despair_v of_o their_o own_o righteousness_n no_o other_o can_v sustain_v they_o despair_v this_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n rom._n 1.16_o final_o it_o be_v powerful_a in_o operation_n heb._n 4.11_o it_o be_v mighty_a to_o make_v a_o man_n at_o variance_n with_o himself_o the_o father_n against_o his_o son_n the_o mother_n against_o the_o daughter_n nothing_o be_v ever_o able_a to_o do_v this_o but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n quest_n what_o external_a proof_n be_v there_o answ_n first_o the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o prophecy_n in_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o the_o same_o circumstance_n in_o the_o same_o time_n and_o in_o the_o same_o person_n thing_n many_o hundred_o year_n before_o foretell_v be_v so_o accomplish_v as_o foretell_v this_o therefore_o can_v be_v but_o a_o divine_a prediction_n isa_n 41.22_o the_o prophet_n speak_v of_o the_o idol_n come_v and_o let_v they_o tell_v we_o what_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v hereafter_o argue_v that_o to_o do_v so_o must_v be_v a_o divine_a thing_n the_o devil_n can_v foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v he_o may_v guess_v at_o they_o but_o he_o have_v always_o his_o shift_a hole_n but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v set_v down_o in_o plain_a term_n the_o time_n and_o the_o person_n and_o other_o circustance_n as_o 1_o reg._n 13.2_o isa_n 45.1_o gen._n 15.13_o etc._n etc._n therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o divine_a wisdom_n that_o do_v indite_v and_o inspire_v they_o second_o the_o second_o external_a argument_n be_v the_o antiquity_n of_o these_o they_o be_v ancient_a than_o any_o other_o writing_n whatsoever_o the_o egyptian_n indeed_o brag_v that_o they_o have_v writing_n before_o moses_n but_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o brag_v and_o untruth_n three_o the_o great_a opposition_n that_o have_v be_v make_v against_o they_o and_o their_o preservation_n it_o be_v true_a that_o aristotle_n burn_v the_o book_n of_o his_o master_n plato_n a_o great_a philosopher_n that_o himself_o may_v be_v the_o more_o observe_v
but_o he_o can_v never_o burn_v they_o all_o he_o be_v but_o one_o and_o many_o oppose_v he_o but_o when_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o country_n even_o the_o whole_a world_n have_v violent_o for_o a_o long_a time_n and_o many_o age_n set_v themselves_o against_o these_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v preserve_v the_o preservation_n of_o they_o argue_v a_o special_a divine_a care_n of_o they_o as_o of_o divine_a writing_n mac._n 1.7_o antiochus_n burn_v this_o book_n and_o make_v a_o law_n that_o whosoever_o have_v this_o book_n shall_v die_v the_o death_n yet_o it_o be_v preserve_v that_o not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o syllable_n of_o it_o be_v want_v write_n and_o whatsoever_o else_o be_v of_o man_n may_v be_v destroy_v by_o man_n may_v fail_v of_o themselves_o as_o say_v gamaliel_n but_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o divine_a writing_n shall_v abide_v for_o ever_o see_v this_o difference_n in_o the_o writing_n of_o solomon_n those_o of_o his_o own_o wisdom_n be_v lose_v those_o inspire_v by_o god_n abide_v till_o this_o day_n etc._n etc._n four_o the_o persecution_n that_o have_v be_v make_v at_o all_o time_n against_o the_o professor_n of_o this_o book_n their_o constancy_n in_o believe_v it_o obey_v it_o and_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o it_o which_o none_o can_v have_v do_v have_v not_o the_o writing_n be_v divine_a indeed_o a_o few_o desperate_a man_n have_v lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o their_o own_o writing_n but_o not_o any_o that_o have_v so_o valiant_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n as_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n all_o these_o be_v sufficient_a proof_n for_o this_o point_n use_v 1_o this_o must_v first_o teach_v we_o that_o the_o word_n be_v clear_a and_o plain_a because_o the_o write_n of_o god_n for_o the_o instruction_n of_o man_n certain_o god_n will_v never_o write_v obscure_o and_o in_o the_o dark_a 2_o pet._n 1.13_o it_o be_v a_o light_n in_o a_o dark_a place_n when_o we_o say_v it_o be_v plain_a and_o clear_a it_o be_v so_o in_o itself_o though_o the_o natural_a man_n discern_v it_o not_o and_o to_o the_o regenerate_a man_n it_o may_v be_v hard_a chrysostome_n say_v the_o saint_n never_o pray_v to_o god_n make_v thy_o law_n easy_a but_o give_v we_o understanding_n and_o open_v our_o eye_n that_o we_o may_v see_v thy_o law_n the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v many_o difficulty_n in_o it_o but_o there_o be_v nothing_o difficult_a which_o in_o other_o place_n be_v not_o make_v plain_a if_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n the_o scripture_n as_o saint_n gregory_n say_v be_v both_o meat_n and_o drink_n drink_v needs_o no_o chew_v some_o place_n be_v easy_a that_o they_o need_v no_o chew_v and_o some_o place_n be_v hard_a to_o stir_v up_o man_n to_o seek_v they_o out_o 2_o pet._n 3.16_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o saint_n paul_n epistle_n that_o be_v hard_a but_o to_o who_o to_o the_o ignorant_a they_o be_v easy_a in_o themselves_o and_o to_o the_o regenerate_a therefore_o say_v one_o what_o need_n have_v we_o of_o commentary_n add_v to_o the_o word_n if_o commentary_n add_v not_o light_v to_o the_o word_n but_o the_o word_n make_v commentary_n light_a use_v 2._o this_o teach_v we_o that_o because_o the_o word_n be_v write_v to_o every_o man_n therefore_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o study_v it_o and_o to_o read_v it_o and_o see_v the_o word_n be_v inspire_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n therefore_o when_o a_o man_n go_v about_o to_o read_v it_o and_o hear_v it_o he_o ought_v to_o pray_v for_o understanding_n and_o for_o god_n spirit_n by_o which_o he_o write_v it_o for_o they_o that_o write_v it_o do_v it_o not_o without_o god_n spirit_n man_n shall_v pray_v that_o god_n will_v give_v they_o his_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n to_o open_v their_o understanding_n sure_o the_o great_a light_n in_o the_o world_n can_v make_v a_o blind_a man_n see_v in_o the_o midday_n a_o eye_n that_o have_v not_o internal_a light_n can_v see_v the_o scripture_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o two_o great_a light_n that_o god_n have_v ordain_v to_o rule_v the_o church_n which_o though_o they_o shine_v never_o so_o bright_o yet_o there_o be_v require_v a_o internal_a light_n in_o man_n that_o they_o may_v be_v see_v a_o man_n may_v look_v up_o to_o the_o heaven_n say_v saint_n chrysostome_n where_o god_n do_v sit_v and_o yet_o not_o know_v god_n nor_o see_v he_o shut_v up_o in_o heaven_n so_o many_o man_n read_v the_o scripture_n and_o yet_o see_v not_o god_n shut_v up_o in_o they_o no_o man_n know_v what_o be_v in_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n and_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v give_v we_o of_o god_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v give_v the_o spirit_n to_o man_n whereby_o he_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v if_o so_o be_v a_o king_n shall_v write_v a_o letter_n to_o his_o subject_n in_o a_o strange_a language_n and_o not_o send_v his_o secretary_n to_o interpret_v it_o they_o be_v never_o the_o better_a nor_o we_o for_o the_o scripture_n without_o the_o spirit_n justin_n martyr_n say_v that_o ptolemy_n write_v to_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n for_o the_o law_n and_o withal_o he_o desire_v he_o to_o send_v he_o a_o man_n that_o may_v make_v he_o to_o understand_v it_o so_o they_o that_o will_v understand_v the_o language_n of_o the_o scripture_n must_v have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n if_o a_o man_n have_v the_o prophet_n themselves_o to_o preach_v to_o he_o they_o can_v make_v a_o man_n understand_v to_o salvation_n why_o because_o they_o can_v but_o teach_v the_o ear_n they_o can_v teach_v the_o heart_n when_o i_o can_v have_v moses_n to_o tell_v i_o the_o meaning_n say_v saint_n augustine_n give_v i_o that_o spirit_n that_o thou_o give_v to_o moses_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o every_o man_n that_o will_v understand_v must_v pray_v for_o this_o david_n pray_v for_o psal_n 119.18_o open_v thou_o my_o eye_n that_o i_o may_v see_v the_o wonder_n of_o thy_o law_n and_o vers_fw-la 19_o hide_v not_o thy_o commandment_n from_o i_o and_o christ_n say_v if_o you_o be_v evil_a can_v give_v good_a thing_n to_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v of_o he_o luk._n 11.13_o so_o that_o then_o we_o shall_v see_v the_o secret_n of_o god_n use_v 3_o if_o any_o man_n pray_v for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n he_o must_v not_o think_v it_o come_v without_o mean_n and_o therefore_o neglect_v read_v it_o be_v god_n finger_n that_o press_v the_o diligent_a care_n of_o read_v and_o it_o be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v come_v to_o have_v the_o spirit_n you_o must_v not_o look_v to_o have_v the_o spirit_n in_o your_o heart_n unless_o you_o have_v the_o word_n in_o your_o mouth_n that_o be_v the_o continual_a read_n thereof_o neither_o prefer_v a_o little_a ease_n before_o the_o book_n of_o god_n thou_o have_v no_o part_n in_o the_o spirit_n if_o thou_o have_v not_o a_o great_a desire_n to_o have_v a_o great_a part_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n use_v 4._o in_o the_o four_o place_n do_v god_n write_v it_o then_o ought_v we_o to_o make_v application_n of_o every_o part_n of_o it_o of_o the_o promise_n and_o of_o the_o threaten_n and_o of_o the_o commandment_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o promise_n because_o it_o be_v god_n that_o promise_v they_o and_o he_o will_v confirm_v and_o make_v they_o good_a of_o the_o commandment_n because_o if_o thou_o disobey_v they_o he_o be_v a_o just_a god_n and_o he_o will_v be_v revenge_v of_o every_o contemner_n of_o the_o threaten_n because_o if_o they_o have_v be_v write_v by_o man_n a_o man_n word_n may_v have_v be_v contemn_v but_o whither_o shall_v we_o flee_v from_o god_n therefore_o think_v of_o this_o word_n and_o labour_n to_o apply_v it_o and_o give_v obedience_n to_o it_o they_o be_v god_n own_o law_n and_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n therefore_o let_v we_o fear_v and_o obey_v that_o which_o be_v god_n commandment_n lest_o for_o our_o neglect_n he_o throw_v we_o to_o everlasting_a destruction_n chap._n v._n 2_o tim_n 3.16_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a the_o last_o day_n we_o speak_v concern_v the_o scripture_n and_o therein_o we_o handle_v the_o author_n that_o write_v they_o and_o from_o who_o they_o do_v flow_v and_o you_o hear_v it_o be_v from_o god_n himself_o and_o that_o by_o divine_a inspiration_n it_o remain_v then_o that_o we_o shall_v speak_v of_o the_o second_o thing_n that_o we_o have_v think_v fit_a to_o
be_v speak_v of_o viz._n the_o dignity_n of_o the_o word_n which_o have_v two_o part_n the_o first_o the_o authority_n of_o it_o the_o second_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o it_o because_o we_o be_v to_o build_v on_o it_o and_o to_o rest_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o ground_n and_o rule_v of_o faith_n and_o these_o be_v the_o two_o thing_n which_o we_o will_v handle_v at_o this_o time_n for_o the_o former_a of_o these_o quest_n what_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o write_a word_n answ_n it_o be_v that_o by_o which_o it_o be_v authentical_a and_o worthy_a of_o credit_n in_o itself_o be_v the_o divine_a and_o only_a canon_n and_o rule_n for_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o do_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v this_o authority_n this_o verse_n which_o i_o have_v read_v do_v prove_v so_o also_o isa_n 8.20_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o if_o question_n be_v ask_v about_o the_o dead_a to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n whatsoever_o other_o say_v reject_v it_o this_o have_v authority_n of_o itself_o to_o this_o be_v add_v 2_o pet._n 1.19_o we_o have_v also_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n to_o these_o i_o add_v gal._n 6.16_o as_o many_o man_n as_o walk_v after_o this_o rule_n peace_n be_v on_o they_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o all_o thing_n joh._n 2.16_o if_o any_o man_n bring_v any_o other_o doctrine_n bid_v he_o not_o to_o thy_o house_n where_o the_o word_n show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o word_n of_o any_o authority_n but_o this_o word_n thus_o the_o word_n witness_v of_o itself_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v true_a john_n 10.35_o the_o word_n can_v be_v break_v therefore_o it_o must_v be_v of_o that_o authority_n worthy_a of_o credit_n in_o itself_o and_o be_v divine_a we_o must_v believe_v it_o and_o it_o must_v be_v the_o rule_n and_o canon_n by_o which_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v do_v and_o this_o be_v the_o proof_n of_o the_o first_o point_n quest_n what_o ground_n have_v you_o for_o this_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v thus_o authentical_a ans_fw-fr there_o be_v these_o first_o because_o they_o be_v god_n word_n to_o who_o it_o belong_v to_o appoint_v every_o one_o a_o cannon_n and_o rule_n that_o must_v give_v they_o direction_n to_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o do_v second_o because_o god_n have_v write_v they_o for_o this_o end_n that_o they_o may_v be_v such_o a_o rule_n that_o may_v be_v always_o in_o the_o church_n that_o man_n shall_v not_o dare_v to_o swerve_v from_o it_o three_o because_o this_o word_n be_v the_o first_o divine_a truth_n of_o god_n himself_o to_o explain_v these_o first_o they_o be_v god_n word_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v manifest_a of_o itself_o that_o it_o belong_v to_o god_n to_o appoint_v a_o rule_n and_o a_o cannon_n we_o further_o confirm_v this_o thus_o deut._n 7.11_o keep_v my_o commandment_n my_o statute_n and_o my_o judgement_n why_o so_o because_o they_o be_v my_o statute_n i_o command_v you_o the_o word_n be_v a_o lantern_n to_o my_o foot_n say_v david_n psal_n 119.105_o thou_o shall_v keep_v my_o statute_n so_o that_o if_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n what_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v it_o be_v manifest_a it_o be_v authentical_a because_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o shall_v teach_v i_o say_v saint_n ambrose_n the_o thing_n that_o appertain_v to_o heaven_n god_n and_o not_o man_n who_o can_v better_a teach_v i_o concern_v god_n than_o god_n all_o other_o divine_a thing_n have_v need_v of_o testimony_n say_v salvian_n but_o only_o these_o thing_n speak_v by_o god_n need_v no_o more_o testimony_n while_o therefore_o it_o be_v god_n that_o have_v write_v this_o and_o he_o only_o have_v divine_a authority_n therefore_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n the_o second_o answer_n be_v thus_o much_o because_o that_o this_o be_v write_v by_o god_n to_o that_o end_n that_o the_o church_n may_v always_o have_v a_o rule_n from_o which_o it_o shall_v not_o dare_v to_o swerve_v deut._n 5.32_o take_v heed_n to_o my_o statute_n turn_v not_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n nor_o to_o the_o left_a and_o that_o rom._n 15.4_o these_o thing_n be_v write_v that_o we_o through_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v hope_n therefore_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v write_v to_o be_v a_o rule_n three_o because_o that_o this_o be_v the_o first_o divine_a truth_n of_o god_n himself_o therefore_o it_o have_v this_o name_n ephes_n 1.13_o john_n 17.17_o thy_o word_n be_v truth_n with_o a_o emphasis_n that_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n but_o this_o so_o ephes_n 2.20_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n we_o say_v it_o be_v the_o first_o truth_n of_o god_n himself_o because_o it_o must_v be_v first_o believe_v before_o we_o can_v believe_v by_o a_o divine_a faith_n any_o thing_n that_o be_v reveal_v in_o it_o faith_n do_v first_o spring_n out_o of_o it_o and_o be_v last_o of_o all_o resolve_v into_o it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v the_o first_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o principle_n and_o though_o it_o be_v not_o believe_v yet_o it_o have_v the_o same_o authority_n gold_n be_v gold_n though_o no_o man_n have_v it_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o first_o day_n it_o be_v create_v be_v to_o rule_v the_o day_n and_o measure_n time_n though_o there_o be_v neither_o man_n nor_o beast_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o in_o the_o gnomen_fw-la of_o a_o dial_n the_o shadow_n of_o it_o show_v the_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n though_o man_n sleep_v principle_n in_o all_o art_n be_v to_o be_v grant_v be_v not_o deny_v without_o gross_a absurdity_n here_o be_v our_o first_o principle_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o god_n have_v a_o word_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n these_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v assent_v unto_o by_o whosoever_o will_v be_v call_v christian_a the_o deny_v of_o any_o one_o of_o these_o be_v to_o open_v the_o gate_n to_o atheism_n and_o all_o prophanesse_n so_o than_o this_o be_v manifest_a that_o this_o word_n of_o god_n be_v of_o divine_a authority_n the_o first_o use_v then_o teach_v we_o that_o then_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n the_o doctrine_n of_o popery_n that_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o scripture_n have_v no_o authority_n but_o from_o the_o church_n some_o have_v speak_v very_o blasphemous_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n one_o for_o all_o the_o precedent_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n say_v that_o the_o scripture_n have_v no_o more_o authority_n than_o esop_n fable_n without_o authority_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o other_o say_v they_o have_v no_o more_o authority_n than_o any_o other_o profane_a book_n other_o more_o moderate_a say_v they_o have_v no_o more_o authority_n in_o they_o then_o they_o receive_v from_o the_o church_n the_o question_n be_v not_o what_o authority_n the_o church_n do_v give_v to_o the_o scripture_n but_o what_o authority_n they_o have_v in_o themselves_o the_o church_n can_v but_o declare_v their_o authority_n the_o scripture_n have_v it_o in_o themselves_o i_o have_v not_o believe_v the_o scripture_n say_v austin_n we_o never_o deny_v that_o the_o church_n have_v excellent_a office_n concern_v the_o scripture_n as_o first_o it_o be_v to_o keep_v they_o and_o preserve_v they_o therefore_o the_o church_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o public_a notary_n like_v to_o the_o court_n of_o rowles_n the_o master_n of_o the_o roles_n give_v no_o authority_n to_o record_n but_o keep_v they_o second_o the_o church_n be_v to_o publish_v the_o scripture_n therefore_o she_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o crier_n and_o this_o be_v the_o fidelity_n of_o the_o crier_n to_o publish_v the_o speech_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o the_o church_n duty_n be_v to_o publish_v the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o three_o office_n it_o have_v be_v to_o discern_v the_o true_a scripture_n from_o forgery_n and_o apocryphal_a it_o can_v make_v that_o which_o be_v apocrypha_fw-la canonical_a but_o it_o have_v a_o power_n in_o discern_v which_o be_v apocryphal_a which_o canonical_a as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o city_n the_o magistrate_n receive_v a_o letter_n as_o from_o the_o prince_n out_o of_o their_o experience_n be_v able_a to_o discern_v whether_o it_o be_v the_o prince_n letter_n or_o not_o so_o they_o that_o be_v god_n minister_n can_v do_v nothing_o but_o discern_v the_o word_n they_o can_v give_v any_o authority_n to_o it_o we_o conclude_v the_o scripture_n have_v authority_n in_o itself_o ephe._n 2.20_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n than_o the_o