The principle of all principles concerning religion. Or The summe of certaine sermons prooving the scriptures to be the very VVord of God. Byfield, Adoniram, d. 1660. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription B11278 of text S115754 in the English Short Title CatalogTextual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 72 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 35 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2018 B11278 STC 1021.5 ESTC S115754 99850972 99850972 176979 2248550307

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 Early English books online text creation partnership. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 2, no. B11278) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 176979) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 737:11, 1165:04) The principle of all principles concerning religion. Or The summe of certaine sermons prooving the scriptures to be the very VVord of God. Byfield, Adoniram, d. 1660. [12], 57, [1] p. Printed by I. D[awson] for Nicholas Bourne, at the south entrance of the Royall Exchange, London : 1624. By Adoniram Byfield. Printer's name from STC. Formerly STC 4209. Identified as STC 4209 on UMI microfilm. Reproduction of the original in the Bodleian Library. eng Bible -- Inspiration -- Early works to 1800. eebo The principle of all principles concerning religion. Or The summe of certaine sermons : prooving the scriptures to be the very VVord of God. n/a 1624 69 12680 101 0 0 0 0 0 79.65 D The rate of 79.65 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the D category of texts with between 35 and 100 defects per 10,000 words. 2013-12 Assigned for keying and markup 2013-12 Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2014-02 Sampled and proofread 2014-02 Text and markup reviewed and edited 2014-03 Batch review (QC) and XML conversion

THE PRINCIPLE OF ALL PRINCIPLES Concerning RELIGION . OR THE SVMME OF certaine SERMONS : Prooving The Scriptures to be the very Word OF GOD.

Ioh. 5.39 .

Search the Scriptures ; For in them yee thinke to haue eternall life .

LONDON Printed by I. D. for Nicholas Bourne , At the South entrance of the Royall Exchange . 162●

TO THE WORSHIPFVL , Mr HVMPHREY BROWNE , Increase of Grace , and the saving knowledge of Iesus Christ .

AMongst other Doctrines heretofore gathered from my Text , viz Act. 24.14.15.16 . We learned , that , Wee are to ground our Faith onely vpon the Word written . Which Doctrine arose out of this Observation , That Paul doth not say , He beleeved all things whatsoever as directions of his worshipping the God of his Fathers ; but Beleeving all things written in the Law , & the Prophets , so worship I , &c. This point is worthy due consideration , in these prevaricating times , wherein Papists doe so fearefully decline the Word written , and runne vnto Traditions , which they call Vnwritten Verities ; though indeede Traditionall very lyes ; they runne ( I say ) vnto these , as vnto the rocke of their refuge . For if they could , but in shew , iustifie their Antichristian Idolatry , and Superstitions by the Word written , how boasting they would then be , may appeare by their catching at syllables thereof , which sound , in phantasticall eares , to some of their purposes . So that Christ his censure vpon the Scribes and Pharises , may be iustly layd vpon them , viz: Yee haue made the Word a a Mat. 15.1.6 . written of none authoritie by your Traditions : But whosoever speaketh not according to this Word , it is because there is no light in them b b Isa. 8.20 . . For the whole Scripture that is , The Word written ) is given by Inspiration of God , and is profitable to teach , to convince , to correct , and to instruct in righteousnesse , that the man of God may be absolute , being made perfect vnto all good works c c 2 Tim. 3.15.16.17 . .

Amongst other Vses of the sayd Doctrine , this was one , If we are to ground our faith only vpon the Word written , then all , who are wise vnto Salvation , must diligently read the same ; or , If they cannot reade , diligently heare them read in publique Congregations , & els-where , as they may . For to what ende was the Word of God committed to Writing ; but that Gods people should reade , or heare it read diligently ? Therefore let vs religiously take to heart , and consider the wise exhortation of our Master Christ , viz: Search the Scriptures , For in them yee thinke to haue eternall life d d Ioh. 5.39 . . Wherein obserue , that He calleth the word of God Scriptures , that is , Writings , and not onely so , but The Scriptures , that is , Writings incomparably excelling all other . For ( indeed ) they are given by inspiration of God . Therefore we are to search them . Which word Search , implieth Diligence . As where we are exhorted e e Pro. 2.3 . ● to Search for the Knowleage of God as for Treasures . But how are Writings searched otherwise , than by diligent reading ? Thus did the Nobly-minded Baereans f f Acts. 17 . 1● Search the Scriptures daily . So that Christ his exhortation is this in effect . If ye thinke ( indeed ) to haue eternall life in the Scriptures , then shew your selues wise vnto salvation by your diligence in reading , or hearing them read . This point requireth much pressing in these times , wherein too many are like those , whom Isaiah taxeth . g g Isa. 29.10 . Who , being covered with a spirit of slumber , dreame of eating , but when they are awake their soules are emptie ; Yet when a Booke is offered them to be read , they refuse , saying either The Booke is Sealed , as doe the Papists ; or , They cannot Reade , as doe thousands of irreligious people , whose carelesnesse to heare the Scriptures read , ( discovered by their late comming to the Church , where the Scriptures be read , and their readinesse to heare the reading of vaine Bookes and Ball●des ) doth manifest their want of religious zeale , to supply their disability to reade the Scriptures , by diligence in giuing attendance to the reading thereof . But there may come a time of tryall , when the Deafe shall heare the words of the Booke , as ISAIAH Prophecieth in the same Chapter . Vers. 17 . 1● Which Prophecie implieth , that he , who sayd , He could not reade , should ( yet ) haue signified desire to heare the Booke read . To prevent which tryall ( if it may so please our most gracious God ) let 's imitate , yea , emulate the religious Iewes , h h Acts. 13.14.15 . And 15.21 . who so diligently heard the olde Testament read in their Synagogues every Sabbath day , that Christ , and his Apostles saw it not necessary to quote Chapter , and Verse , when they preached , or wrote . And why ? Because , by diligent hearing the Scriptures read , their memory was so confirmed , that they could presently acknowledge every allegation to be conteined in the Scriptures . To which ende , viz: the confirmation of memory by reading , was the Word of God written ; Yea so , That the children of Israel were commanded i i Deut. 11.19.18 . as well to write Gods words vpon the posts of their houses , and vpon their gates , as to be speaking of them , when they sit , walke , &c. that they might lay them vp in their hearts . These things I now write , that thereby I may stirre you , and others vp , by reading , to renew , and confirme your memory , that it may , vnto your farther edification , reflect vpon this ground of Religion . The Scriptures be the very Word of God . Which ( indeed ) is , The Principle of all Principles concerning Religion , and therefore is ( as it ought to be ) esteemed accordingly of all that doe the Truth k k Ioh. 3 . 2● Deut. 17.19 , that is , Obey God in Sinceritie , so as they come to the light thereof , that their deeds may be made manifest , that they be wrought according to God . Therefore not onely David a King , and an olde man , professed l l ●●al . 37.25 . ●●9 . 105.9 . Gods Word to haue beene a Light to his paths , but the Spirit also , by way of a Question , doth , with a strong asseveration , affirme , That young men ( if they feare God ) must redresse their wayes in taking heede to them according to Gods Word . To which our most holy God , and to the Word of his grace , m m ●ct 20.32 . which is able to build further , and to giue you an inheritance amongst all them which are sanctified , I heartily commend you .

THE PRINCIPLE OF ALL PRINCIPLES concerning Religion . Act. 24.14.15.16 .

14. But this I confesse vnto thee , that after the way which they call heresie , so worship I the God of my Fathers , beleeving all things which are written in the Law and the Prophets .

15. And haue hope towards God , which they themselues also allow , that there shall be a resurrection of the dead , both of the iust , and vniust .

16. And herein doe I exercise my selfe , to haue alwayes a Conscience voyde of offence towards God , and toward men .

IN these three Verses may be observed 4. grounds of Religion , whereof every one is prooved by the other three , and is of that powerfull truth , that if it be beleeved indeed , it perswadeth the beleever to make conscience of sinne , therefore all are worthy of due consideration , Viz. ( 1. ) There is a God ( by name , The God of Abraham , Isaac , and Iacob ) to be worshipped . ( 2. ) There is a Word of God ( Viz. The Bible , that is , the Booke of Bookes , consisting of the olde , and new Testament ) to be beleeved . ( 3. ) There is a Resurrection both of iust , and vniust to be expected . And ( 4. ) There is a Conscience to be tendered . The first ground hath beene layd as surely as I can . For none can be religious , who doth not beleeue it . The second is likewise to be surely layd . For if there be no such Word , there can be no true religion , but superstition . The Samaritans a a 〈◊〉 . 4.20.22 . and Athenians b b 〈◊〉 . 17.22.23 . were superstitious , because they worshipped God not according to his Word . That therefore we may haue true spirituall comfort in our Christian Religion , in which we worship God , let vs be well perswaded , that the Bible is the Word of God . That imposter Mahomet , to make the Turkes superstitiously to regard his Alchoran , Compiled by himselfe , a Iew , and a Nestorian heretique , so plotted with his Complices , that having tolde the Turkes that God would send his vndoubted Word about a Camels necke out of the Wildernesse , before the Sermon was ended , a Camell came into the Church with the Alchoran about the necke . Were not the Bible the vndoubted Word of God , we Christians are the most absurd in our Religion of all other . For we make him a God , and our onely Saviour , whom we acknowledge to haue beene a man , and crucified . But if it be , then may wee , with comfort , avow our Religion , against Iewes , Turkes , and Papists .

That we may be well grounded in this point , I haue determined to proue it not onely by the other three grounds , but also by imitating an order of proofes which Christ observeth , Ioh. 5.31 . to 39. With which I will begin as being most worthy in regard of the Author , and as shewing , that the Bible , which is the Word written , may be prooved to be the Word of God , by like Arguments as Christ prooveth himselfe to be the Eternall Word ●●oh . 1.1.14 . made flesh , that is , the Messiah . Which he prooveth by 4. testimonies . 1. Of Iohn Baptist . 2. Of his owne Workes . 3. Of his Father ; And 4. Of the Scriptures . In imitatition therefore , let our first proofe be , The Testimony of the Church , which , throughout all ages , hath avowed the Bible to be the vndoubted Word of God . Now all true Christians reioyce in the Church , as the Iewes did in Iohn Baptist . For it is The Pillar of truth d d Tim. 3.15 . . Not because the Church supporteth the Scriptures , so as to be the Word of God , as Papists would make vs to beleeue . Nay , The Scriptures support the Church , so as to be the Church of God . Indeed , if there be no other vse of a Pillar but to support , then that place of 1 Tim. 3.15 . might seeme to make for the Papists : but there is another vse of a Pillar , viz. To haue that written , or engraven therevpon , which is to be remembred for ever . As in Rev. 3.12 . Revel. 3.12 . Christ sayth , Him that overcommeth , I will make a Pillar in the Temple of my God . How ? I will write vpon him the Name of my God , and my new Name . Indeed , The true sense of that to Timothie is this ; As a Pillar doth preferue the memory of those things which are written thereon ; So the Church preserveth Truth commended therevnto . This sense the place it selfe doth intimate ; For ( saith Paul ) These things I write , that , if I tarry long , thou mayst know how to behaue thy selfe in the house of God , that it being the Church of the living God ( therefore ever-living ) may , as a Pillar , preserue Truth which it learneth of thee . Hence it is that Aust in sayth , ●ntra Epist. ●●md . cap. 5. I had not beleeved the Scriptures to haue beene the Word , had I not beene mooued with the Churches credite . Thus was he mooved indeed , when he first turned from his Manichisme : But when he was setled in Religion , thus he writeth to Maximinus . Contra Maxim . ●ib. 3. cap. 14. Neither must I alledge the Councell of Nice in preiudice of the matter , nor you the Councell of Ariminum , Let matter striue with matter , cause with cause , reason with reason , by authoritie of the Scriptures . And in another place . Reade this out of a Prophet , De Pastor . cap. 14. out of a Psalme , out of the Law , out of the Gospel , out of an Apostle ; Thence recite I the Church disperst over the whole world ; and our Lord saying . My sheepe heare my voyce . So that Austin did like the Samaritans , who , at the first , beleeved Christ to be the Messiah for the saying of the Woman , but afterward , they professed . e e Ioh. 4.39.42 . Now wee beleeue , not because of thy saying ; For wee haue heard him our selues .

Now then let vs proceede to the second Testimony from the proper workes of the Scriptures , which is greater then the former , as was the second Testimony , which Christ pleaded . I will now take knowledge but of two proper works of the Scriptures . The former is ; Though they be , for the most part , very simple , & plaine , yet ( like God ) they be mighty in operation . For the word of God simply preached is the power of God f f 2 Cor. 12.9 . 1 Cor. 3.4 . ● . . It being like fire , and an hammer , g g Ier. 23.29.22 . converteth the soule , h h Psal. 19.7 . being not carnall , casteth downe imaginations exalted , and bringeth every thought to the obedience of Christ i i 2 Cor. 10.4 . ● . For it is the sword of the Spirit k k Eph. 6.17 . ; because the Spirit of God , being authour thereof l l Pet. 1.21 . by it worketh mightily vpon the spirit of man . Heb. 4.12 . For it accompanieth the same , Isa. 59.21 . so as a man is compelled to acknowledg the power of Gods word , when it is faithfully preached , 1 Cor. 4. ● .

The other is , They prophecy many great things , which are accomplished in due time . As the bondage of Israell in Egypt , Ezod. 12.41 . Captivity in Babilon , Ier. 29.10 . The succession of foure Monarches , Dan. 2.37 . to 40. Comming of the Messiah , Dan 9.24.25.26 . Calling of the Gentiles , Isa. 2.2.3 . And revealing of Antichrist , 2 Thess. 2.7.8 . that is , the Pope revealed after the removall of the Emperour from Rome . So that , as God was acknowledged so to be , because he , by Daniel , opened secrets m m Dan. 2.47 . and a Prophet is to be acknowledged so to be , if his Prophecy come to passe n n De●t. 18.18 . &c. , I may conclude , that , because so many , and great Prophecies in the Scriptures are duly fulfilled , they are therfore the vndoubted word of God

Our third Testimony is from the Father that is God , Gal. 1. I who hath given testimony to the scriptures , viva voce , & by his wonderfull works . He gaue testimony viva voce to the old Testament , when he gaue the Decalogue o o Deut. 5 . 2● . Whereof the Prophets , and the rest of the Scriptures are explanations , so that as Law , and Prophets is here ( per Synchdochen ) put for the whole old Testament , so else wher is Prophets onely p p Acts. 26.27 . Ephc. 2.20 . . So that , as the whole lumpe , and branches be holy , if the first fruites , & roote be holy q q Rom. 11.16 . : So the testimony given viva voce to the Decalogue , is an authorizing of the whole olde Testament , God likewise viva voce gaue Testimony to the new Testament , when , by a voyce out of a cloud r r Mat. 17. ● . , he sayd This is my beloved Sonne , in whom I am well pleased , heare him . Wherein should we heare him ? To wit , In the Gospell , which is The word of Reconciliation s s 2 Cor. 5.19 . by forgiuenesse of our sinnes , and is therefore worthily called The word of Christ t t Colos. 3.16 . , Which reconciliation is intimated in these words . In whom I am well pleased . This word of Christ is contayned in the new Testament ; Therefore , by this voyce , testimonie is thereunto given . This inference is confirmed by the Apostle Peter u u 2 Pet. 1.16.17 . . Who by this voyce , proveth , that the Apostles followed not deceiveable fables , but opened the power , & comming of Christ . God also gaue testimony therunto by wonderful works . For ) if Antiquity may be beleeved x x Iren. lib. 3 ●ap 25. ) He confirmed the old Testament by this miracle . Ptolomy King of Egypt , hearing the books of the Iewes highly exalted , set 70. learned Iewes in so many places , so as they could not conferre , to translate those bookes out of Hebrew into Greeke . When they had done , the 70. translations so agreed word for word , as if all had conferred , & agreed vpon one translation . The number of the bookes being thirtie nine , The puacitie , and ambiguity of Hebrew wordes , and experience of diversity in translating farre more intelligible languages , considered , this is a great miracle . Touching the new Testament , the Text sayth plainly that y y Mark 16 . 2● the Apostles preached every where ; And the Lord confirmed the word with signes that followed : therefore God gaue testimonie to the new Testament by wonderfull workes . Here Papists may be answered , who require vs to shew by what miracles , we confirme our new Gospell , I answere ; Indeede , if the Gospell , which we preach , were new , as they ( like Iewes z z Mark 1.27 . ) doe terme it , then it is to be confirmed with new miracles , or not to be received : But being the same which Christ , & his Apostles preached , it is so sufficiently confirmed by the miracles which Christ , & his Apostles wrought , that wee , with Austin a a Aug de Civi● . Dei . l. 22. call him a wonder of men who now requireth miracles to that ende .

God gaue testimony both to the old , and new Testament by preserving them miraculously . Touching the former it is to be considered , that Israell was for a long season , without the true God , without Priest to teach and without Law b b Chro. 15.3 . Is it not a speciall worke of God , that the Scriptures then being were preserved , and that in purity ? And the rather , if we consider how despitefully Iehoiakim , cut and burnt Ieremies roule , Ier. 36.23 . It is yet more remarkeable that the people of God were captiues . 70. yeares in Babylon c c Iere : 29.10 . and 27.22 . , whether also the holy vessels were carried . How were the Scriptures preserved al this while otherwise than by the wonderfull providence of God ? But it is most admirable , that Ierusalem , and the Temple were twice destroyed , once by Nebuchadnezzars servant d d 2 King 25. , and againe after Christ his ascension , e e Luke 19.41 to 44 and yet the holy Books kept in the Temple are preserved . Touching the latter ; It is not vnknown , that in the first ages of the Church * * Acts & Mo●ments , p. 30. there were grievous persecutions for three hundred yeares , by ten Tyrannicall Heathen Emperours of Rome , whereof ( it may be ) Christ prophecyed , when he told the Churches they should haue tribulation f f Revel. 2. ● ten dayes , or times . How were the Scriptures preserved all this terrible time , other-wise than by the wonderfull providence of God ? Againe ; Since those ten persecutions , Antichrist the Pope hath exercised his tyranny over the Churches for the space of about . 900. yeares . Vnder a type of a King , Daniel g g Dan. 11.31.36.37 . prophecyeth of him , which is to be considered . For it is sayd ; His heart shall be against the holy Covenant ; So the Popes heart is against the new Testament in Christ his bloud , to establish his merits by workes . It is also sayd , On that King's part armes shall stand , as now they doe on the Popes part ; and they shall pollute the Sanctuary , and set vp the abhominable desolation : So doth the Pope , pollute the Churches , and setteth vp his abhominable Masse . That King , Did what he listed , cared not for any God , but magnified himselfe aboue all . Doth not the Pope all this ? Lastly ; That King , In place of the God of his Fathers , honoured the God , Mauzzim : Doth not the Pope honour in the Masse a God of bread in place of the true God ? But what may induce vs to suppose that King to be a type of the Pope ? Besides the many agreements noted , It is to be observed , that howsoever all things , written of that King were true according to the letter : yet Christ sayth h h Mat. 24.15 . When yee see the abhomination of desolation spoken of by Daniell , stand in the holy places &c , Whereby hee applieth this Prophecy to the destruction of Ierusalem , and the Temple by the Romane Emperour , as doth more plainly appeare in Luke 21.20 . conferred with Dan. 9.26.27 . Divines , not without Analogy , apply this prophecy to the Masse , that abhomination ( indeede ) of Desolation . Againe , It is to be observed , that the Roman Emperour was the first beast i i ●evel . 13.1 . 〈◊〉 7.11.12 . that the Pope is another beast , which doth all that the first beast did ; And that the Church of Christ is the House of God , k k 1 Tim. 3. as was the Temple . So then , as the Romane Emperour destroyed the Temple , so the Pope hath persecuted , and stil persecuteth the true Church of Christ . How did the new Testament , so opposite to Popery , escape so long a rage , and reigne ? This is the more strange these things considered . The old Testament in Hebrew , and the new Testament in Greeke , were strangers in Israel ever since the Pope was , before the Gospell was renewed . The Pope will not suffer the Scriptures to bee read to the people in their mother tongue , & the second Commaundement condemning the worshipping of Images is in popish Catechismes thrust out of the Decalogue . So that I may conclude that as Nebuchadnezzar l l Dan. 3. ● acknowledged Shadrach , Meshach , and Abednego to haue beene the servants of God , because they escaped the fiery furnace : so God giveth a remarkeable testimony to the Scriptures , that they bee his vndoubted word , by his so wonderfull preservation .

Now it is time to proceede to the testimony of Scriptures . But first I will answer this question . Is the testimony which the Scriptures giue to themselues of sufficient credit ? Yes ; For the same reasons , wherewith Christ m m ●ohn 1.13.14.17.18 . iustified the record which he bare of himselfe . ( 1 ) We know from whence the Scriptures came , even from Gods spirit n n Pet. 1.20.21 . ( 2 ) The Father ( as we haue proved ) is a witnesse , therefore the testimony of two is true , and consequently of credit . Now Christ saith o o ●hn 5.39 . The Scriptures , ( that is the old Testament , which were before Christ ) testifie of me . If of Christ , then of his Word , that is , his Gospell . For the woman of Samaria could tell p p ●●hn 4.25 . that the Messiah , that is , Christ , when he came should tell vs all things . It may be she had heard , that Moses prophecyed of Christ , who was to be heard in all things q q Acts 7. ●● Besides , Christ is the corner stone of the foundation , ( that is , doctrine ) as of the Apostles , so of the Prophets . Therefore the Prophets giue testimony to Christ , and his word . As Moses and the Prophets ( that is , the old Testament ) giue testimony to Christ , and his word , which is the doctrine of the new Testament : So Christ in those words , Iohn 5.39 . doth giue an honourable testimony to the old Testament , saying , In them ye thinke to haue eternall life . And two of the chiefe Apostles giue likewise testimony to the old Testament . For Peter sayth r r 2 Pet. 1. ● Wee haue a most sure word of the Prophets . Here Prophets ( as Eph: 2.20 . is put for the whole old Testament . And Paul sayth s s 2 Tim. 3● The whole Scripture is given by inspiration . Whereby the old Testament , without doubt , is signified , & the new Testament may be vnderstood .

Having finished this course of Testimonies to the word by way of imitation as well as I can , I am now to shew how the other three grounds doe proue this . ●●ason 5. The first is , There is a God to be worshipped , therefore there is a word of God to be beleeved . There be many Gods , so called t t Cor. 8.5 . Every one hath his prescribed worship , whereby he is honoured according to his owne minde , as Saturne had his Saturnalia , and drunken Bacchus his Bacchanalia . Yea , the Scriptures intimate as much , u u ●cts 7.43 . Moloch had his tabernacle , and Remphan his Starre . So that the true God forbiddeth his people x x ●eut . 12.30 to enquire how other Nations serue their Gods . Now can we think that our great , and onely true God is lesse zealous of his glory , then false Gods be of their supposed honour ? Heathen men concluded otherwise , For when they heard that the Samaritans were devoured by Lyons , they deemed the cause was , Not worshipping the God of the Land after his owne manner y y 2 King . 17.25.26 . . God hath made all things for his owne sake , yea even the wicked for the day of evill z z Prov. 16. , that he may be glorified , as by all things made , so by the lust condemnation of the wicked . Therefore he hath given a Word , that by holy Worship , according to it , he may be glorified . For by such worship especially is He glorified a a Levn . 10.2.3 . , and therefore the Glory departed from Israel , when the Arke , before which Israel worshipped , was taken by the Philistims b b 1 Sam. 4. ● Exod. 33. : So that God did iustly forsake the Gentiles , because , when they knew him by his Workes of Creation c c Rom. 1. &c. , they did not glorifie him as God , by worshipping him according to his will . That this consequence may yet better appeare to be good , it is to be duely observed , that immediately after God , in the Decalogue d d Exod. 20 . 3● , required Worship as due to him onely , he commandeth that worship to be according to his word , and not by mans inventions : And that , where God forbiddeth to inquire how other Nations serue their Gods , e e Deut. 12.30.32 . he commandeth to take heed to his Word . And lastly , that when God commanded his people to sanctifie him , he presently commanded to binde vp the Testimony f f Isa. 8.13.16 . , and to seale vp the Law among his Disciples . For ( indeed ) no Booke doth so glorifie God , as doth the Bible , therefore it is the true Word of God g g Ioh. 7.18 . . All that is said , being well considered , this consequence is good . There is a God , to wit , Iehovah , therefore there is a Word of God , viz: The olde and new Testament .

The other ground , and consequence is this . There is a Resurrection of the iust , and vniust to be expected , therefore there is a Word of God , that is , the Scriptures , to be beleeved . For howsoever Cicero held the Immortalitie of the soule ; yet the Athenian Philosophers deemed the resurrection of the bodie to be an vnheard of point h h Act. 17 . 1●.32 . . For , indeed , it is an Article of Christian faith , and not a Tenet of naturall reason . So that the Sadduces ( though Iewes ) reiected it i i Mat. 22.33 . . Therfore if it be an Article of Faith , then the Scriptures , being the only booke , that doth clearely avouch , and proue it , must needs be the word of Faith . Againe ; Why must there be a Resurrection ? That the iust may arise vnto life , and the vniust vnto condemnation k k Ioh. 5.29 . . For the last day is , The day of the generall declaration of the iust iudgement of God l l Rom. 2.5 . Dan. 12 . 2● . . Now that God may appeare iust when he iudgeth , it is requisite , that he make his Will knowne by his Word ; For where no Law is , there is no transgression m m Rom. 4.15 . Therefore saith Christ , If I had not come , and spoken to them , they should not haue had sinne n n Ioh. 15.22 . : but now they haue no cloake for sinne . The Gentiles had not the Law o o Rom. 2.12.14.15 . , how can they be iudged ? Yes , because they haue the effect of the Law written in their hearts .

The third ground , and consequence is this . There is a Conscience to be tendered , therefore there is a Word of God to be beleeved . For the Spirit of God , which speaketh in the Scriptures , so inlightneth the mindes of Gods people , that the Word worketh vpon their Consciences . That as face answereth face in Water p p Prov. 27.19 . . So where the Spirit of the Lord is , there is such libertie q q Cor. 3.17 . , that is , Freedome from the vaile over our hearts , that we behold , as in a glasse , the glory of the LORD with open face , and are changed into the same image . So that the Apostle doth presently affirme , r r And 4.1.2 . That having this Ministry , he did not handle the Word deceitfully , but in declaration of the truth , he approoved himselfe to every mans Conscience . In another place , s s ● T●es. 4.8 . he thus writeth , He that despiseth these things , despiseth not man but God , who hath even given you his holy Spirit . Which is as if he should say , The Spirit of God , in your reading , cannot but acknowledg the same Spirit in me writing , therefore take heede how yee despise those things . It may be obserued , that the more godly any is , the more readily doth his Conscience reflect vpon the Word . Which is intimated by the Apostle , saying , t t 1 Cor. 2.6 . I speake Wisedome among them that are perfect . Nay ; the Consciences of them , who are not perfect , are mooved by the Word . The vnlearned man , the secrets of whose heart are made manifest by Prophecy u u 1 Cor 14.24.25 . , ( that is , powerfull Preaching the Word ) is compelled , in Conscience , to say , God is in the Preacher indeede : And Agrippa was by Pauls Preaching , ( though he a prisoner ) compelled , in conscience , to say x x Acts. 16.27.28 . ; Almost thou perswadest me to become a Christian . So that the conscience giueth an evident testimony to the Word of God . All then duely considered , we may collect , and conclude , &c.

First , if the Church of God , throughout all ages , haue avouched the olde , and new Testament to be the Word of God . Secondly , if , howsoever the Scriptures be for the most part , simple , and plaine , yet , Gods Spirit working by them , they be mightie in operation . Thirdly , if the Scriptures conteine many Prophecies of great things , which accordingly came to passe in due time . Fourthly , if God gaue testimony to the olde , and new Testament , by a voyce from heaven . Fiftly , if he confirmed them by miracles . Sixtly , if he haue wonderfully preserved them vnto this time . Seventhly , if the olde Testament giue testimony to the new , and the new to the olde ; as Moses to Christ , and Christ to Moses . Eightly , if it follow , that , If there be a God to be worshipped , viz. The God of Israel , there must needes be a Word , viz: the Scriptures , that according to them he may be worshipped . Ninthly , if it be a good consequence , A Resurrection of the iust , and vniust is to be expected , therefore there is a Word of God , viz. the Scriptures , that God may appeare iust , when he iudgeth in the last day ; And tenthly , if this be a sound Enthymeme , There is a Conscience , therfore the Scriptures be the Word of God ; Because the Conscience , both of perfect Christians , and other , doth giue an evident testimony to them ; then , There is a Word of God , viz. the olde , and new Testament , to be beleeved .

Here ( perhaps ) some would expect a resolution of the question betweene the Papists , and vs , touching the Apocryphall Writings , viz. Esdras , Tobit , &c. Whether they be parts of the Canonicall Scriptures , or no. I told you , when I first entred vpon this Text , that it offereth iust occasion of discussing many points of Religion , fitter for the Schooles , than for this Auditory : Yet because many take occasion to deeme those Writings to be Canonicall , because they are ordinarily bound in the midst of them , ( notwithstanding the wall of separation , prudently and providently set , by Authoritie , betweene the Bookes of the olde Testament , and them , I meane , the title [ Apocrypha ] with a declaration of the meaning therof , I will shew you my iudgment in a few words . I deeme them , or most of them , Writings worthy of reverend estimation for their antiquitie , and many things worthy diligent reading : But I deny them to be Canonicall , that is , the wordes of God , or Rules , whereby our Faith is to be squared . For we are to be builded onely vpon the foundation of the Apostles , and Prophets , Christ himselfe being the corner stone y y Ephes. 2.20 . . For reverence to those Writings , and for my words sake , I forbeare to note obliquities in them , such as are sufficient to demonstrate that they be not endited by the Spirit of God . I therefore desire you to consider but this one Argument . If they be parts of Canonicall Scriptures , they are parts either of the olde , or of the new Testament : But they are parts of neither ; Therefore they are no parts of the Canonicall Scriptures . I never heard that any Papist affirmed them to be parts of the new Testament . And ( indeed ) their antiquitie , and contents doe manifest that they were written before any part of the new Testament was written . To prooue that they be not parts of the olde Testament , I will not vrge a reason of Hierom z z In Prolog●● Galeato . , viz: They are not in the Register of divine Bookes , which the Iewes preserved : but desire this to be considered , that they be in Greeke , whereas all the Bookes of the olde Testament be in Hebrew . So ( without doubt ) had these beene likewise , had they beene written by inspiration of the Holy Ghost . For the Oracles of God , the giving of the Law , the service of God , and the promises pertained to the Israelites a a 〈…〉 . . If these were amongst them , should they not haue beene in the same Language ? Againe ; The Law , and the Prophets were read in the Synagogues of the Iewes b b 〈…〉 ●1 . ●7 . . If these Writings were amongst them , should not they also haue beene read ? But surely Popery had not then prevailed , to perswade the Scriptures to be read in a strange language to the people assembled on the Sabbath day . Therefore I may conclude , that the Apocryphall Writings are no parts of the Canonicall Scriptures .

Now am I to proceede on to Vses to be builded vpon this ground of Religion . There is a Word of God , viz: The Bible , consisting of the olde and new Testament , to be beleeved . If this be true indeed , then the holy Scriptures are to be highly esteemed , as the vndoubted Word of God . For , as when we know God , if we doe not glorifie him as God c c Rom. 1 . 2● , he will not be better pleased with vs , than he was with the Gentiles : so if we acknowledge the truth of this Doctrine , and doe not esteeme the Word as the Word of God , wee shall be iudged as despisers of it . For not to regard , as we should , is to despise . As Timothy had beene despised d d 1 Cor. 1● . 10.11 . , if ( notwithstanding his youth ) the Corinthians had not convoyed him on his Iourney towards Paul , seeing he wrought the worke of the Lord , as Paul did . And Christ maketh not hearing , and despising the Word Preached by the seventie e e Luk. 10.16.11 . to be aequivalent . How indignely this despising is taken , shaking of dust , and lessening of the iudgments of Tyrus , and Sidon , in comparison doe demonstrate . Therefore let vs imitate David , who esteemed the Word better than Gold , yea than much fine Gold f f ●al. 19.10 . ; and the Merchant , who solde all he had to buy a Pearle of price g g ●●at . 13.45 . ●6 . . And let vs deserue the commendations which Paul giveth to the Thessalonians h h Thes. 2.13 . , for receiving the Word , not as the Word of men , but as the Word of God . Suppose a true religious man had the onely Bible in the world , would he part with it , thinke yee , for the richest Iewel in the World ? If a Booke being the Workmanship of a man be worthily so to be esteemed for the Contents sake , how highly are we to esteeme the doctrine of the Bible , being the Word of God ? But how are we to manifest our high estimation of the Word of God ? Not chiefely by binding the Bible faire , though that sheweth some good respect thereof : Nor by setting it handsomely in the Window , or some eminent place , and never , or seldome reade therein : But by hearing , beleeving , and obeying it as the Word of God .

In such hearing , two things are required , Readie diligence , and Religious reverence . Touching the former it is Prophecied ; That in the last dayes , Christ his people shall come willingly at the time of Assembly , as an Army in holy beautie i i Psal. 110● : and , That many people shall flow to the house of the Lord k k Isa. 2.2 . , inciting one another . And why ? Because the Word of the Lord goeth from Ierusalem . This is to seeke after the knowledge of Gods will in his Word , as for treasure l l Prov. 2. . According to those Prophecies . The Kingdome of God was Preached , and every man pressed vnto it m m Luk. 16. after the comming of Iohn Baptist . The Apostles would not goe from Christ n n Ioh. 6.67.68 . , ( as some Disciples did ) because He had the words of eternall life . And Cornelius a Captaine , when he heard that Peter should tell him what he ought to doe , sent immediately for him , and having called together his kinsmen , and speciall friends , waited for him o o ●ct . 10.5.6.7 ●4 . 33 . , and were ready to heare whatsoever he should say from God . Hereby are condemned such as haue small zeale in repairing to the Word , but absent themselues vpon small occasions , as prooving of Oxen p p ●uk. 14.19 . ●1 . , with whom God is angry . Such as remember not the Sabbath day , so as to dispose of their businesse , that they may be ready in due time to attend the Word . They will remember , and pleade , that it is a day of rest , & sleepe the longer that day : But they forget that the rest must be holy to the Lord q q ●od . 31.15 . . Yea such are hereby condemned , who though they seeme to haue some mind to heare the Word Preached , and therefore cast to come to that betime , yet are not diligent to come to heare the Word read . As if the Word read be not to be regarded as the Word of God , and , As if it be not necessary that Gods people should know , in some measure , the letter , and body of the Scriptures ; Wherevnto they cannot attaine by hearing onely those small Texts wherevpon Preachers Discourse . Therefore Christian Churches haue well imitated the auncient people of God r r Act. 13.1 . & 15 . 21● , in appointing the Scriptures to be read in the great Congregations , especially on the Lords day , so as the body thereof may be read over againe , and againe in time . Wherevnto if the people doe not diligently resort , especially such as want learning , leisure , or Bibles to reade , doe they esteeme the Word read as the Word of God ?

A second thing required in hearing the word , as the word of God , is religious reverence . When we pray we speake to God , & then we kneele s s Psal. 95● , or should doe : when the word is read , or preached , God speaketh to vs , and shall we not heare him with religious reverence ? We heare the Iudge giving a charge in the Assises , with vncovered heads , and all civill reverence , and shall not our demeanure be religiously reverent , when God speaketh vnto vs in his word ? Moses was to put off his shooes because of the presence of God speaking out of a burning bush : t t ●od . 3.4.5.9.10.11.17 . And the people were to be sanctified when they were to meete with God speaking the tenne Commaundements . When we heare the word preached wee are in Gods speciall presence , therefore wee are exhorted by the Spirit u u ●●cles . 5.1 . to looke to our feete before we enter into the house of God , and bee more ready to heare , than to offer the sacrifice of fooles . And Christ stood when he read his text x x ●●ke 4.16.20 . : but he sat after , when he preached . All this doth shew , that the word is to be heard with religious reverence . Yea there be some learned Divines , who hold that men ought to be vncovered , that is , put off their hatts the whole Sermon while . But for my part , I dare not precisely binde the conscience of any man to this , or that particular demonstration of religious reverence . Though I graunt that a Sermon is to be heard with religious reverence as well as the word read : For Ministers of the Gospell are the messengers of God ( as were the Priests of the Law z z Mal. 2.7 . 2 Cor. 5. ● 1 Cor. 4. 〈◊〉 ) and it is to be presumed , that their lips also preserue knowledge , therefore people must , with religious reverence , hearken to the word from their mouth . Heereby are condemned such as come to Wisedomes feast a a Prou 9.3 . without a wedding garment b b Math. 22. , that is , due preparation and fitnesse . As also such as sleepe , talke , gaze about , or otherwise haue their minds drawne from hearing the word . Is this to haue either their eyes fastned c c Luke 4 . 2● vpon the Preacher , or to haue hearts opened by the Lord d d Acts 16. 〈◊〉 to hearken to his word ?

It is not a sufficient estimation of the Word to repaire therevnto with diligence , and to heare it with reverence , except we beleeue it as the Word of God . For if the Word be not mixed with Faith in those that heare it e e Hebr. 4.2 . , it will not profit them vnto either reformation , aedification , or consolation , which are the effects of Prophecy f f 1 Cor. 14.3.24.25 . , that is , of powerfull Preaching . Againe ; He , who beleeveth the Word so as to receiue g g Ioh. 1.12 . , that is , to beleeue the testimony thereof , doth seale that God is true h h 〈◊〉 & 3.33.34 . : But God is true ( I may adde , Absolutely ) and to be iustified in his wordes i i Rom. 3.4 . ; I may adde , because they be absolutely true as God is . Therfore they are to be heard with Faith , resting vpon them absolutely without all doubting of their truth . For the Word of God is called the Faith of God k k Rom. 3.3 . : Which intimateth , that if we beleeue Faith to be in God , we must beleeue his Word accordingly . This is a maine difference betweene the Word of God ( which is to be heard with Faith howsoever it crosse our iudgement ; for Faith surmounteth Reason ) and the Word of man , which is no further to be beleeved , than it agreeth with the Word , which is , Truth it selfe l l Ioh. 17 . 1● : For every man is by nature , a Lyar m m Rom. 3. ● , and therefore is not to be iustified in all his wordes . So that , Gods people may lawfully ( so it be with Discretion , and Humilitie ) examine the Doctrine , by what Preacher soever delivered , whether it be warranted by the Scriptures , or no , if the truth thereof be not evident to them , as did the nobly-minded Beraeans n n Acts. 17 . 1●.11 . . But if the truth of the Word be delivered to their Consciences , then must they beleeue it without any demurring . So the Apostles beleeved that Christ his flesh is meat indeed , and his bloud drinke indeed o o Ioh. 6.55 . ●● . 61.66.67.6● , and followed him without any offence , because he had the words of eternall life , whereas other seeming Disciples were offended , and gaue over following Christ , because it seemed to their naturall reason to be an hard saying . So Abraham p p ●om. 4.18.19.20.21 . aboue hope , in regard of his olde age , and his wife's barrennesse , but vnder hope in regard of Gods power , beleeved the Word of God , promising to make him a Father of many Nations . So Hezekiah q q ●sa. 39.5.6 . ● . 8 . ( though a King ) was not angry with the Prophet , prophecying most grievous things to him , but beleeved his Prophecy ( so crossing natural affections ) as the Word of God , and sayd , The Word of the Lord is good . Here I suppose , it will be some comfort to know how yee may iudge of your selues in the time of hearing , whether the Word be mixed with faith ; I 'le shew you . If your hearts answer Gods Word , as did Davids , when God sayd r r Psal. 27.8 . , Seeke yee my face , his heart answered , O Lord , I will seeke thy face . For Faith is such an assent to every Word of God , as produceth affections , and actions answerable to the Word , wherevnto the heart assenteth . So that when Iohn Baptist Preacheth Repentance s s Math. 11 . 1.16.17.18.1● . , we grieue in the sense of sinne : and when Christ Preacheth the Gospell , we are comforted in hope of forgiuenensse .

Hereby are condemned such as are like those proud men t t Iere. 43.2 . , who tolde Ieremy , that he spake falsely when he delivered the Word of God which crossed their purposes . Secondly , Such as be like the Prince u u 2 King . 7.1.2.17 . , who contraried the Word of God touching suddaine cheapnesse of Corne , because it was contrary to his sensuall reason : But the Word was fulfilled , and he perished . And thirdly , Mockers x x 2 Pet. 3.3.4 . , which , in these last dayes , will walke after their lusts , not beleeving the promise of Christ his comming to iudgement , because it is deferred . Yea , fourthly , those weake ones , who are like to David y y Psal. 116.11 . , who sayd in his feare , All men be lyars , meaning especially Samuel , who annointed him to be King z z Sam. 16.13 : But before he got the Crowne , Saul so persecuted him , that he doubted of the word which Samuel had spoken . Fiftly , Much more are they hereby condemned , who , out of an humour troubled by the Word , doe cavill against it , contrary to the Apostle Iames his exhortation , a a Tam. 1.21.19 That we should receiue the Word with meeknesse , and therefore should be swift to heare slow to speake , & slow to wrath . For Wrath , because the Word crosseth our mind , stirreth vp the tongue vnto gain-saying , and therefore the Word is not beleeved as the Word of God . Sixtly , Hereby are condemned such as despayre in the time of affliction , and doe not liue by Faith b b Hab. 2.3.4 . , waiting for the appointed time when the vision will speake comfort . And seaventhly , such as like the Elders of Israel c c Ezek. 14.1.3 . , set vp Idols in their hearts , which are stumbling blockes of iniquitie , stopping the way betweene the Word , and Faith , so as they cannot be mixed in them that heare , I meane those who heare the Word with preiudicate opinions , Papists or other , who will stop their eares , and not heare the Word , so as to beleeue it as the Word of God , charme the charmer never so wisely d d Psal. 58.5 . .

The third thing required to manifest our high estimation of the Word , is , To obey it as the Word of God . For to heare the Word , and not to obey it , is deemed by God a casting it away e e 1 Sam. 15.22.23 . . Therefore wee deceiue our selues , though we be hearers , if we be not doers also of the Word f f Iam. 1.22 . : But what is required of vs that we may obey the Word as the Word of God ? I answere , many things . Among the rest especially , Absolute obedience to whatsoever the Word commandeth , without making any question , or difficultie . For God is of absolute authoritie , and therfore we pray , g g Math. 6.10 . Thy will be done on earth , as it is in heaven : and , His Word is perfect , and right h h Psal. 19.7.8 . , Therefore our absolute obedience is not blinde , as is the obedience of Iesuites to their superiours , whom they must obey , though they command the killing of Princes , not inquiring after the lawfulnesse of such a Commandement : But their superstitious , and blinde obedience condemneth vs , if we yeeld not absolute obedience to the Word of God , which is of absolute authoritie , and altogether without errour . So be not the Commandements of the Pope , or of any humane Superiour whomsoever Let vs consider some few examples of obedience to the Word , as to the Word of God . That vnmatchable example of Abraham , may well be Instar omnium , who obeying the Word of God , spared not Isaac his onely sonne i i Gen. 22.1.2 . ● . 9.10.16 . , begotten in his olde age k k And 21.2 . , and in both these respects dearely beloved ; Yea , the Sonne of Promise l l Gal. 4.28 . ; with whom , and his seede , God promised to establish an everlasting Covenant m m Gen. 17.19 . : But without pleading any of these things n n Zach. 12. , arose early to goe to sacrifice him , with his owne handes . Now wheras Abraham is the Father of all o o Rom. 4.1 , who walke in the steps of his Faith , I will tell you one other example of his obedience to the Word of God , which is remarkeable too , the rather because the Spirit of God taketh speciall notice thereof p p Heb. 11. , shewing vs that Abraham obeyed God commanding him to goe he knew not whither . Which last words imply , that he obeyed readily without questioning whether dangers were in the way , and what commodious dwelling was in the place wherevnto he should goe ; therefore it is said , that by Faith he obeyed . So also it is written in the same Chapter , Verse 17. that Abraham offered vp Isaac by Faith . Whereby the Spirit of God intimateth , that in both these obediences , Abraham esteemed the Commandements , as the words of God . I shall expresse this point yet more plainely by an example of Peters walking vpon the Sea at Christ his bidding q q ●at. 14.34 . ●● . 36.37 . ●8 . 39 . . But note , that Peter perceiving that it was Christ , and not a Spirit , as he , and his fellowes feared , who walked on the Sea in the night , sayd , Master , if it be thou , bid me come vnto thee on the water . Which sheweth how highly he esteemed of Christ his Word , perswaded that obeying it he should neither tempt God r r 〈◊〉 4.5.6.7 . , nor perish by going on the water . I will adde but another example , wherein yee may see both the Wisdome of the flesh , and obedience of Faith . Naaman was directed s s King . 5.10 12.13.14 . by a messenger from Elisha , to wash himselfe in Iordan for cure of his leprosie ; He went away murmuring ; But perswaded by his servants to haue due regard of the Prophets word , he obeyed , and was cured .

Hereby are condemned ( 1 ) rebellious hearers of the word , who say , The word which thou hast spoken vnto vs in the name of the Lord , wee will not heare t t Ier. 44.16 . : but we will doe what we thinke good , and as our Princes , and Fathers before vs haue done . ( 2 ) Presumptuous hearers , who blesse themselues in their hearts u u Deut. 29 . 1●.2● , when they heare iudgements out of the word against their sinnes , and so adde drunkennesse to thirst : but God will not be mercifull to such . ( 3 ) Hypocriticall hearers , who call one vpon another x x Ezek. 33.30.31 . to heare the word , and sit before the Preacher , as reverently as others , but they make a iest of it , and will not obey it . And ( 4 ) such as pretend obedience to the word out of a sudden flash of zeale , like the young man y y Mark . 10.17.21.22 . who came running , and kneeling to Christ , to know what he might doe for eternall life : But when Christ bad him sell , and giue all to the poore , and follow him , hee went away sorrowfull ; for he was rich : So , many , when the word reprooveth them for drunkennesse , are grieved for the present , confesse it is their sinne , and wish they could leaue it , but they doe not .

I haue told you of some to be condemned for not beleeving , and of others , for not obeying the word as the word of God ; Now I must tell you of the Antichristian Synagogue of Rome , which shamefully offendeth in both those respects , in taking the second Commaundement out of the Decalogue , as hath beene said , contrary to the expresse word of God ; who giveth this peremptorie charge a a Deut. 12.32 . , Whatsoever I commaund you , take heede you doe it . Thou shalt put nothing thereto , nor take ought there-from . If the Papists did beleeue the word , as the word of God , durst they thus abuse ignorant people ? God deliver vs from vnreasonable , and evill men b b Thes. 3.2 . : for all men haue not faith . Now ; why doe they this ? Even because they are so addicted to Idolatry , that despising the censure of Christ , Mat. 5.19 . they will neither obey this word of God themselues c c Mat. 5 . 1● , nor suffer the people to obey it , in not worshipping Images . For they feare , that if it were published in their Catechismes , the people would , in time , abhorre that babish , and Babylonish Idolatry , observing how precisely that commandement forbiddeth the worshipping of Images , and how iealous God is thereof . And the more , when they know and consider , that the whole Decalogue was written twice in Tables of Stone d d Exod. 3.18 . and 3● and 20 . 1● , with the finger of God ; which argueth the perpetuitie thereof , and that the Commandement forbidding worshipping of Images is twice recorded by the Spirit e e Deut. 5. , as the second of the ten Commandements spoken by God himselfe . But I pray you take knowledge of most damnable cousenage , viz. Because the Scriptures say expressely , that God wrote ten Commandements in the two Tables ●eut . 10.4 . , and the people generally know that there must be ten Commandements , they divide the tenth Commandement , and make Thou shalt not covet thy neighbours wife , the ninth ; and Thou shalt not covet thy neighbours house , &c. the tenth . Note further , I pray you , as cousenage , so grosse absurditie ; For the Commandement consisteth onely in these words , Thou shalt not covet ; So that it is absurd to say that there be so many Commandements as there be obiects of coveting mentioned , as Oxe , Asse , &c. Were it not absurd to make two Commandements of the fifth , because therein be mentioned two obiects , ( viz. Father , and Mother ) of Honour , the dutie commanded . If it be sayd , that Honour is but once commanded , whereas Coveting is twice forbidden , yea so , as that Coveting a neighbours wife is first forbidden , as if there were a kinde of respect to the seaventh Commandement : and Coveting a neighbours house , is forbidden afterward , as if there were a kinde of respect to the eight Commandement : I answer . All ( yet ) is but Coveting ; which is twice vrged , because more knowledge should be taken of the Commandement : For if Paul had not knowne Lust to be a sinne g g Rom. 7. ● , had not this Commandement forbidden it , how would others haue knowne it ? But further , I answere ; That howsoever , indeed , not-coveting a wife be first set downe Deut. 5.21 . yet not-coveting an house is first set downe Exod. 20.17 . Which sheweth that not-coveting house , wife , &c. is forbidden by one , and the same Commandement . Haue not we cause to thanke God , that we are delivered from Popery , which is the Mystery of iniquitie ?

Here ( it may be ) some will grant that the Word spoken by God , or Christ , who was God as well as man h h ●ath . 1.23 . , is to be beleeved , and obeyed absolutely without any doubting , or questioning : But they thinke , that the doctrine of others is not so to be beleeved , and obeyed . Let such remember that God approoved the minde of the people , desiring that GOD would speake to them no more himselfe i i 〈◊〉 5.25.26.27.28 . , and promising to heare , and doe whatsoever God shall speake vnto them by his servant . It may be it will be replied . Yea , we grant that Moses , Prophets , and Apostles sent immediately from God , or Christ , their words are to be beleeved , and obeyed absolutely : But so are not the Sermons of Preachers in these times . Indeed , the Persons of ordinary Pastors , and Teachers , are not sent immediately from God , or Christ , as were the persons of Prophets , and Apostles : But their Ministery it selfe was immediately k k 1 Cor. 12. ● . ordeined by Christ , wherevnto they having fit gifts for the same , are called by the voyce of the Church l l Acts. 14 . 2● , and therefore to be esteemed as Ministers of Christ m m 1 Cor. 16.10.11 . . For they performe the same ordinary worke of the Ministery , in disposing the Mysteries of God vnto the aedification of the Church , which the Apostles did . Therefore the Apostle exhorteth Gods people n n Heb. 13 . 1● to obey ( which implyeth hearing , and beleeving ) such as had the charge of their soules . If then people are to esteeme their Pastors , and Teachers , as the Ministers of Christ , they must , as did Cornelius o o Acts. 10.3.33 . , presume , that they will Preach the Word of GOD , and be prepared accordingly to heare , which implyeth beleeving and obeying . I grant , that the doctrine of Pastors , and Teachers , be they never so learned , and faithfull , is subiect to errour ; whereas the Prophets , and Apostles delivered an infallible truth , therefore people may the more diligently ( so it be with humilitie ) try the Spirits . ● Ioh. 4.1 . But if the truth of Gods Word be declared to their Consciences , let them remember what Christ sayth p p Luk. 10.1.16 . , speaking ( not of the Apostles , but ) of the seaventie Disciples ; He that heareth you , heareth me , and he that despiseth you , despiseth me . Lastly , let it be considered , Whether Naaman could haue excused his not-washing in Iordan q q 2 King . 5.10 , by saying , He was commanded so to doe by a messenger , and not by the Prophet Elisha ; seeing that , which the Messenger commanded , was the Word of God as well , as if Elisha had spoken it .

If then Gods people are to say one to another , much more to their owne hearts , as did the people in Ezechiels time r r Ezek. 33.30 . , ( but with better mindes ) Let vs goe , and heare what is the Word that commeth from the Lord . When they goe to heare their Pastors , and Teachers , they must not bring with them eares , either Antichristian to hearken after Doctrines strange , or not grounded vpon the Word ( For Christ his Sheepe know his voyce , and follow him s s Ioh. 10.4 . : They know not the voyce of a stranger , nor follow him ) or itching t t 2 Tim. 4.3 . , to hearken after the enticing speech of mans wisedome u u 1 Cor. 2.4.5 . , as if their faith dependeth thereon : But let them be of Davids minde , who professed that he loued Gods Word x x Ps. 116.113 . , but hated vaine inventions . Much lesse are they to be so obstinate , and wicked , as to say , either in their hearts , or with their mouthes y y Isa 30.10 . ; Let not our Seers Prophecy right things , but errours , and flattering things .

Againe , if people must come to Sermons with minds expecting onely Doctrine grounded vpon Gods Word , such as they must beleeue , and obey as the Word of God , then the Preacher must be wise to seeke out the wordes of truth z z ●ccles. 12.9 . ●0 . , and faithfull to Preach them as the wordes of God * * Pet. 4 11. , that is , with all authoritie a a Tit. 2.15 . , in the plaine evidence of the Spirit b b Cor. 2.4 . For if any man Preach not according to the Word , what reading soever he make shew of , he hath no light in him c c Isa. 8.20 . : And howsoever his affected humane eloquence be applauded by itching eares , yet he doth but make Merchandize of the Word of God d d 2 Cor. 2.17 . . Let Ministers therefore speake ( as God himselfe admonisheth e e Ier. 23.28 . ) the Word faithfully ; For what is chaffe to the wheate ?

Lastly ; Whereas I haue sayd that every one of the afore-mentioned grounds of religion is of that powerfull truth , that if it be beleeved indeed , it perswadeth the beleever to make Conscience of sinne , I must make it good touching this ground , viz. There is a Word of God , to wit , the Bible , to be beleeved . This is soone done , both these Propositions being prooved ; 1. Whosoever beleeveth the Word , as the Word of God , maketh Conscience of sinne ; and 2. Whosoever maketh not Conscience of sinne , beleeveth not the Word , as the Word of God . Touching the former . What other cause can be supposed why the Word was as a fire in Ieremy f f Ier. 20.7.9.10 . , compelling him to speak in the name of God , though in a strong passion he had said , he would not , but that he verily beleeved , that it was the Word of GOD which he was commanded to speake , & which commanded him to speake ? The answer which Abraham gaue to the rich man in hell torments desiring that Lazarus might be sent vnto his brethren to prevent their torments ( viz. g g Luk. 16 . 2●.28.29 . They haue Moses , and the Prophets , let them heare them , that is , their doctrine ) sheweth plainely , that whosoever heareth the words of God as the Words of God , cannot but make conscience of sinne : And Paul telleth the Romanes h h Rom. 6.17 . , that howsoever they had beene servants of sin , yet after they were delivered vnto the forme of doctrine , that is , heard the Word as the Word of God , they obeyed that forme from the heart , that is , made conscience of sinne . 2. That whosoever maketh not Conscience of sinne , beleeveth not the Word to be the Word of God , whatsoever he pretend , briefely thus appeareth . That wicked one who hath Gods Word in his mouth i i Psal. 50.16.17 . , and yet will not be reformed , is iudged by God himselfe to cast his words behinde him . The remnant of the people of Iudah , and their Chieftaines prayed Ieremiah k k Ier. 42.1.2.3 6.19.20.21 . ●● . 43.1.2 . to enquire of God whether they might not fly into Egypt to saue themselues from the Caldeans , protesting to obey the Word of God whatsoever it should be : Yet , when the Word crossed their purpose to fly into Egypt , they would not beleeue it . And when the rich man in hell , further pressed Abraham to send Lazarus , he had this further answere ; l l Luk. 16 . 3● If they heare not ( with Faith ) Moses , and the Prophets , neither will they be perswaded though one rise from the dead againe . Both the Propositions are confirmed by these wordes of Christ m m Ioh. 3.20.21 . . He that doth evill hateth the light , that is , doth not beleeue the Word as the Word of God : But he that doth the truth commeth to the light , that his deedes might be made manifest , that they be wrought according to God . To whom be glory by all men in their obedience of FAITH . Amen .

FINIS .