THE SCRIPTURES Proved to be the Word of God, And the only foundation of Faith, and Rule for our obedience. OR, A CLEAR CONVICTION Of the Errors of those that are called QUAKERS. Who blasphemously affirm, That the Scriptures are not the Word of God, nor the foundation of Faith, nor the only rule for our Obedience. Against which Errors, these two Propositions are maintained. I. That the Scriptures contained in the Books of the Old and New Testament, commonly called the Bible, is the revealed Will & Word of God. II. That the Scriptures which is the Word of God, is the only foundation for our faith, and the only rule for our obedience. By SAMSON TOUNESEND, Minister of the Gospel, and Pastor of S. Augustine's, and Saviour's Parish in Norwich. Prov. 13.13. Who so despiseth the Word of God shall be destroyed. Jer. 8.9. Lo, they have rejected the Word of the Lord, and what wisdom is in them? Exod. 32.16. And the Tables were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, graven upon the Tables. 2 Pet 1.21. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man, but holy men spoke as they were moved by the holy Ghost. Isa. 8.20. To the Law and to the Testimony, If they speak not according to this Word, it is, because there is no light in them. London, Printed by S.G. for R. Tomlins at the Sun and Bible in Pie-corner. 1654. TO CHRISTOPHER ADKINSON, JAMES LANCASTER, GEORGE WHITEHEAD, and THOMAS SIMONDS: Now in Norwich Gaol, for their blasphemy and miscarriages. IF ever the truth of God were turned into a lie, Rom. 1.25 It is by you that deny the Scriptures to be the truth of God, and pretend immediate revelations to be the rule for your actions. I shall mind you of a passage of a reverend minister now with God: * Mr. Burroughs on Hosea 8.12 pag. 91. he saith, There is a generation of men, rising now, if not risen, that begin to have vile thoughts of the written word of God, and think to understand the mind of God otherwise, etc. But (saith he) when they are rotten, and it may be when their souls are perished in hell, the written word of God shall stand, and be honourable in the eyes of all his Saints. You acknowledge the Scriptures to be the trnth, and yet deny them to be the word of God. A strange paradox; As if the scriptures, which are called the truth of God, And God, which is the God of truth, should not be the author of the truth: 1 King. 17.24. Rom 3.7. Deut. 32.4 Psal. 31.5. Or as if man, which is vanity, yea a , should yet be the only author of the truth. Upon this your error depend your other errors of denying the scriptures to be the only ground of your faith, and the only rule for your obedience: for did you believe the scriptures to be the word of God, they would clearly convince you of the errors of your judgement and practice in many things. Let me reason with you a little; you acknowledge the scripture to be the truth, you must of necessity also grant that whatsoever is contrary to truth is an error: And having granted this, see what will follow upon it by way of trial of your judgement and practice. It is your judgement, that you are perfect and free from all sin: see this to be an error, contrary to the truth, in Eccle. 7.20. 1 John 1.8, 10. You deny the power of the Magistrate in the matters of God, contrary to the truth in Rom. 13.1. to 6. Joh. 31.11, 28. You not only speak evil of governors, but of government also, contrary to the truth in Tit. 3.2. 2 Pet. 2.10. Judas 8. You condemn the ministers of the Church of England, and despise them as false teachers, and say, they know nothing of the true light: although they speak nothing but what is according to the Law and testimony of God in his word, which is the rule to try all teachers by, Isa. 8.20. This your judgement is an error, it being contrary to Tit. 2.15. and know, that in thus doing, ye do not only despise man, but God. I shall not foul paper, 1 Thes. 4.8. Luk. 10.16. in mentioning your judging, censuring, and condemning, of both Magistrates and Ministers; only see how contrary this your practice is to truth, Mat. 7.1, 2. Rom. 14.10, 13. Jam. 4.11. You condemn the ministers of the Church of England for preaching for hire; whereas ye do not know their ends in preaching; and thus you are become judges of evil thoughts; Jam. 2.4. Contrary to the truth in 1 Cor. 4.5.— Judge nothing before the time. And you deny that ministers should take any wages for their work: But your error herein you may easily perceive, If you consider that Christ and the Apostle give strong reasons for their maintenance, Mat. 10.10. Luk. 10.7. 1 Tim. 5.18. 1 Cor. 9.13, 14. note it. Likewise the Apostle himself took wages of the Churches, to do service in the ministry, 2 Cor. 11.8. and laid an injunction upon the people to give him wages, Gal. 6.6. Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth, in all good things. Mark, he doth not say, let him contribute (as an alms) but communicate, as a right, as wages: And in the next verse, Gal. 6.7. he intimates, that God is mocked, when his Ministers are not maintained. But God will not be mocked, neither will he be rob, but they shall hear ye are Cursed. Mal. 3.8.9 Jer. 12.13 I shall mention no more of your errors, My design (according to promise) is, To prove the Scriptures to be the word of God; the only ground of faith, and rule for our obedience: which I have here presented you with. Read it, examine it: if it be not truth, witness by truth against it. If it be truth (as undoubtedly you will find it so) then submit to it, be ruled by it; And doubtless your bodies shall be freed from your deserved imprisonment, and your souls from the threatened damnation against false Prophets, 2 Pet. 2.1, 2, 3. 1 Tim. 5: 12. and such as cast off their first faith. I rest an enemy to error, and A friend to truth, Samson Tounesend. From my study January 29. 1654./ 5 THE EPISTLE To the READER. READER, IF thy heart be not grieved to hear the blasphemy of those that deny God's truth, his messengers, his ordinances, thou hast much cause to suspect thy love to God, his truth, or ordinances. The first step to error, is, to have our love abated towards the truth. You need not marvel, if those that receive not the truth in the love of it, that they may be saved, but deny God to be the author of the truth, 2 Thes. 2.10, 11, 12. that they are carried on by strong delusions to believe a lie, that they might be damned: the judgement is long since threatened. When men forsake the right way, they must needs go astray. When men forsake the fountain of living water, 2 Pet. 2.15 then do they dig to themselves broken cisterns that can hold no water. When sound doctrine will not be endured, 2 Tim. 4.3, 4. than such as turn away from the truth are regarded. Those that deny the scriptures to be the word of God, turn to be filthy dreamers, despising dominion, and speaking evil of dignities, jude 8. (as Judas speaks) they tell their dreams and pretended revelations to the people, and would persuade men, they are the word of God; Jer. 23.25, 26, 27. but as the prophet Jeremiah saith, The Lord is against them that prophesy false dreams, Jer. 23.31, 32. that use their tongues, and say, he saith. Beloved, these are the latter times (prophesied of long since) in which some shall departed from the faith, giving heed unto seducing spirits, and Doctrines of Devils: For if ever there were a Doctrine of Devils, 1 Tim. 4. or a Devilish Doctrine vented on earth, this is one; To persuade men the scriptures are not the word of God, and that they must be guided only by the light within them. If the Devil can but persuade men to believe this doctrine; it will be easy to persuade them, to deny the use of all means of grace, and all principles of religion, & to be led altogether by the suggestions of Satan, while he persuades them it is the light within them, by which only they must be guided: contrary to Isa. 8.20. Yet these men that teach this Devilish Doctrine, with many more, would persuade the world (although they justly suffer for their ungodly practice) that they are persecuted, and suffer for the cause of God. But we know, it is not the suffering, but the cause, that makes the Martyr: and sure I am, Mat. 5.10. they suffer not for righteousness sake; and therefore not for the cause of God: 2 Cor. 4.4. Unless it be the God of this world, who hath blinded their miuds etc. Shall such as poison men's bodies be punished with death? And must those that poison men's souls with Damnable doctrines go unpunished? You may read at your leisure, how severe God is against seducers, in Deut. 13. To conclude, art thou one that standest firm in the faith? pray to God, thou mayst keep thy standing; art thou one that art wavering minded? then adhere to and follow after those teachers that are sound in the faith, whom God hath set over you; And know, 2 Pet. 2.2.14. that unstable souls are they that are beguiled by false teachers: Wherefore harken not to them, and as Christ commands you, Luk. 17.23. go not after them, nor follow them: And make use of his following antidote against them. And art thou one that art already seduced into the error of denying the scriptures to be the word of God, Let me tell thee, that what is written in this book, shall either convince thee, or be a witness against thee. And if any one receive any benefit by these my labours: all that I desire is, they would bless God for it; and let him have a share in your prayers, who is willing to be Your Servant, in and for the truth, Samson Tounesend. THE SCRIPTURES Proved to be the Word of God. DAN. 10.21. I will show thee that which is noted in the Scripture of Truth. HAving undertaken to maintain against the Quakers these two Propositions: I. That the Scriptures contained in the Books of the Old and New Testament, commonly called the Bible, is the revealed Will and Word of God. II. That the Scriptures, which is the Word of God, is the only foundation for our faith, and the only rule for our obedience. I begin with the first: And I shall prove, that the Scriptures is the Word of God; First, by Scripture itself; Secondly, by Reason: He that will not believe the Scriptures, is an Infidel; That will not hear the voice of Reason, is a Beast. The Scriptures ought to convince us as Christians; Reason, as rational men. And I doubt not but by both to clear up to every one (that resolves not to be wilfully blind) that the Scriptures are the revealed Will of God. 1. I shall prove, that the Scriptures are the Word of God, by the testimony of the Scriptures. We find throughout the Scriptures in several places, that God is said, 1. To speak them. 2. To write them: or, 3. To cause them to be written. 4. They bear God's name and title upon them. Lastly, by the titles that are given to the Ministers that declare them. I shall give you several instances in Scripture for all these. 1. The Scriptures declare in a multitude of places, That God said the words that are therein written; I shall give you some few for all: Gen. 1.3. God said, etc. and in several places in that Chapter, and throughout the Book it is often written, God said, and the Lord said; and in Exod. 3.14. And God said unto Moses, I am that I am. And in many places it is said, The Lord spoke to Moses, and it is written what God said to him. Exod. 20.1. God spoke all these words, saying, etc. Leu. 10.3. This is that the Lord spoke, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me. Num. 11.25. And the Lord came down in a Cloud and spoke unto him. Deut. 5.22. These words the Lord spoke unto all your assembly. Josh. 24.2. And Joshua said unto all the people, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel. Josh. 7.13. Thus saith the Lord, There is an accursed thing in the midst of thee O Israel. 1 Sam. 2.30. Wherefore the Lord God of Israel saith, I said indeed, etc. 1 Sam. 15.2. Thus saith the Lord of Hosts. 1 Kin. 8.15. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, which spoke with his mouth unto David my Father, and hath with his hand fulfilled it, saying, etc. 1 Chron. 21.9. And the Lord spoke unto David's Seer, saying, etc. job 1.7, 8. And the Lord said unto Satan. Psal. 50.1. The mighty God, the Lord hath spoken, etc. Psal. 12.5. Now will I arise, saith the Lord. Isa. 24.3. The Lord hath spoken this word. And in many places he saith, Thus saith the Lord. jer. 1.1, 2, 4, 9 The words of jeremiah, etc. to whom the word of the Lord came, etc. The Lord saith unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth; and in many places in that Book he saith, Thus saith the Lord. Ezek. 7.1. The word of the Lord came unto me, saying; and in many places also he saith, Thus saith the Lord. Hos. 1.1. The word of the Lord that came unto Hosea. joel 1.1. The word of the Lord that came to Joel. Amos 3.1. Hear the Word that the Lord hath spoken; and Ver. 8. The Lord hath spoken, who can but prophesy? And in many places he saith, Thus saith the Lord. Obad. 1. The vision of Obadiah, Thus saith the Lord. jonah 1.1. Now the Word of the Lord came to Jonab. Micah 1.1. The Word of the Lord that came to Micah. Nabum 1.12. Thus saith the Lord. Zepha. 1.1. The Word of the Lord which came unto Zephaniah. Hag. 2.1. The Word of the Lord by the Prophet Haggai, saying. Zach. 1.1. The Word of the Lord came unto Zachariah. Mal. 1.1. The burden of the Word of the Lord to Israel by Malachi. Thus have I noted some few of a multitude of Scriptures in the Old Testament, that declare, What is written in the Scriptures, is no other but what God said, and therefore his Word. I shall now also mention a few of the many Scriptures in the New Testament, that declare it to be the Word of God, because the Lord did speak it. Luke 12.20. But God said, Thou fool, etc. Heb. 1.1, 2. God, who at sundry times, and in divers manners spoke in time passed unto the Fathers by the Prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son. And in every place almost throughout the 4 Evangelists, the very words of our Saviour Christ the Son of God, God and Man, are mentioned, Mat. 4.4, 7.10. In all which places, Jesus Christ repels the Devil's temptations, by telling him what God hath written in the Old Testament. I shall not need to mention the say and do of our Saviour Jesus Christ, which are frequently recorded in the New Testament. And hence it is, that it is called the Word of Christ. Col. 3.16. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you. And the Gospel is called the Gospel of Christ. Mark 1.1. The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God. Rom. 1.16. I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ. I shall not need to multiply more Texts of Scripture. It is called the Word of the truth of the Gospel. Col. 1.5. Because Jesus Christ that is the Truth, (John 14 6.) is the Author of it. And thus it appears the Scriptures are the Word of God, because as the Prophet Micah saith, Micah 4.4. The mouth of the Lord of Hosts hath spoken it. For it is all one to say the Scripture saith, and God saith. Heb. 13.5. He (that is God) hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee. And where saith he it? In the Scripture, Josh. 1.5. The word Scripture is put for God speaking in the Scripture. Gal. 3.22. The Scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. And in Rom. 11.32. (it is said) God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. And thus it clearly appears, that the Scriptures are the Word of God, because God hath spoken them. 2. I shall prove, that the Scriptures are the Word of God, because God writ them. The two Tables of stone delivered unto Moses, were written with the finger of God. Exod. 31.18. Deut. 9.10. Exod. 32.16. And the Tables were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, graven upon the Tables. Hos. 8.12. I have written to them the great things of my Law. And thus it appears the Scriptures are the Word of God, because they are written by God. But here arises an Objection, that I must needs resolve before I go any farther, and that is this. Object. How can the Scriptures be the Word of God, when we know the Prophets and Apostles writ much of them? Answ. To which I answer, God is said to have written the Scriptures in these two respects: First, because the Ten Commandments were undoubtedly written by God himself, (as before was proved) and all the rest that is written in the Volume of the Book, is but as it were a Comment or Exposition of those ten Precepts. Secondly, God is said to have written the Scriptures, (though men were the instruments) because that what they writ was by the appointment of God, and by the help and assistance of God; God appointed them to write it, Exod. 17.14. And the Lord said unto Moses, Writ this for a memorial in a Book. Isa. 8.1. Moreover, the Lord said unto me, Take thee a great Roul, and write it with a man's pen, etc. Jer. 30.2. Thus speaketh the Lord God of Israel, saying, Writ thee all the words that I have spoken to thee in a Book. Jer. 36.1, 2. This is the word that came unto jeremiah from the Lord saying, Take unto thee a Roul of a Book, and write therein all the words that I have spoken unto thee, etc. Hab. 2.2. And the Lord answered me, and said, Writ the Vision, and make it plain upon Tables, that he may run that readeth it. And john in the Revelations, is commanded by Christ, to write the things which he had seen, and the things which are, and things which shall be hereafter, Rev. 1.19. And in Rev. 14.13. I heard a voice from Heaven, saying unto me, Writ Blessed, etc. And thus it appears the Scriptures are the written Word of God, because God himself writ them, and caused them be written. 3. I come now in the third place to prove by Scripture, that they are the Word of God, because what the Prophets and Apostles writ, it was written as from the mouth of the Lord, by the help and aslistance of the Spirit of God. Hence it is said, That God spoke by their mouths. Luke 1.70. As he spoke by the mouth of his holy Prophets which have been since the world began. Acts 1.16. This Scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spoke. And Acts 3.18, 21. But those things, etc. which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy Prophets since the world began. Isa. 51.16. I have put my words in thy mouth, jer. 1.9. And saith David, 2 Sam. 23.2. The Spirit of the Lord spoke by me, & his Word was in my tongue; By all which Scriptures it clearly appears, that God helped them to speak, he gave them a mouth, and wisdom to declare his mind. And we find that they spoke by the help of the Spirit of God. Neh. 9 30. Yet many years didst thou forbear them, and testified against them, by thy Spirit in thy Prophets. 2 Pet. 1.21. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. 2 Tim. 3.16. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God. And thus you see the Pen men of the Scriptures were inspired by the Holy Ghost to write them. And they were so assisted by God in that work, as God is said to speak by their mouths; and therefore the Scriptures must needs be the Word of God. 4. I come in the fourth place to prove by Scripture, that it is the Word of God, by the several Epithets or Titles that are given to the Scripture. I shall instance in some few of the many that are throughout the Scriptures. They are called the Law of the Lord, Psa. 1.2. And often in the 119 Psa. David acknowledges it to be God's Law; and Ps. 81.4. The Law of the God of jacob. They are called the Oracles of God Rom 3.2. 1 Pet. 4.11. The Counsel of God, Act. 20.27. Psa. 33.11. Prov. 19.21. The Will of the Lord, Eph. 5.17. the Mystery of God's will, Eph. 1.9. the Gospel of God, 1 Thess. 2.9. the glorious Gospel of the blessed God, 1 Tim. 1.11. the Gospel of Christ, Rom. 1.16. Rom. 15.19. the words of the Lord, jer. 36.8. the words of the living God, jer. 23.36. the words of the Lord Jesus, Acts 20.35. and very frequently they are called the Word of God, Isa. 40.8. Mark 7.13. Rom. 10.17. and very remarkable is that place in 1 Thess. 2.13. For this cause thank we God without ceasing, because when ye received the Word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth the Word of God. And to conclude this, God himself calls the Scriptures his Word. Zach. 1.6. My Word and my Statutes. Micah 2.7. Does not my Word do good to him that walks uprightly? And Ezek. 2.7. Thou shalt speak my words unto them. And saith Christ, Mark 8.38. Whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words. By all which places it clearly appears, that the Scriptures are the Word of God, because they bear the title and name of God upon them, and God himself acknowledges them to be his words. Lastly, in the fifth and last place, I come to prove, that the Scriptures are the Word of God, by the titles that are given to the Ministers that declare the Scriptures: they are called the Messengers of the Lord, Hag. 1.13. then spoke Haggai the Lord's Messenger in the Lord's Message unto the people. Mal. 2.7. The Priest's lips should preserve knowledge, and they should seek the Law at his mouth, for he is the Messenger of the Lord of Hosts. And 2 Chron. 36.15, 16. The Lord God of their Fathers sent to them by his Messengers, etc. But they mocked the Messengers of God, and despised his words. And they are called the Lords Ministers, joel 1.9. and Isa. 61.6. Ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord; men shall call you the Ministers of our God. And the Apostle calls them, Ministers of the New Testament. 2 Cor. 3.6. Ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God, 1 Cor. 4.1. Ambassadors for Christ, 2 Cor. 5.20. Now if the Scriptures be not the Word of God, how can those that declare them, be truly called the Messengers of God, and the Ministers of God and of Christ, and the stewards of the Mysteries of God, and Ambassadors for Christ? but they are thus called in the Scripture; therefore the Scriptures are the Word of God, else the Messengers thereof could not be the Lords Messengers. And thus have I done with the first thing propounded, To prove by the testimony of Scripture itself, that they are the Word of God; and that because God spoke them, writ them, or caused them to be written: And they are frequently in Scripture called the Word of God; and the Messengers that declare them are called the Messengers and Ministers of God, and Ambassadors for Christ, and therefore they must needs be the Word of God. 2. I come now in the second place, to show by Reasons that the Scriptures are the Word of God. I shall lay down several Reasons. Reason 1. The Antiquity of the Scriptures do clearly prove them to be of God: For man could not write of things done before ever he had a being. But the works of the five first days Creation are mentioned in Scripture, and man was not made till the sixth day, Gen. 1. therefore they must needs be the Word of God. Reason 2. They discover those things man could not declare: As that the world was made of nothing; that man was at the first made of the dust of the Earth; that there is but one God in essence, and yet that in this one essence there should be three Persons; that a Virgin should bring forth a Son; that God should take the nature of man upon him, and suffer, etc. these things cannot come into the thoughts of man; but the Scriptures declare these things; therefore they are the Word of God. Reason 3. No word of man can distinguish the true God from the false; but this doth the Scriptures, Isa. 41.20. to 24. therefore they are the Word of God. Reason 4. No word of man can work a change in his heart, and make the stoutest heart to tremble at the hearing thereof: But the Scriptures convert the soul, and work grace, Psal. 19.7. john 15.3. james 4.5.6. and the opening thereof will make the heart burn and tremble, Luke 24.32. Acts 24.25. therefore they are the Word of God. Reason 5. No word of man is able to make a man wise unto salvation. But the holy Scriptures are able to make a man wise unto salvation, 2 Tim. 3.15. therefore they are the Word of God. Reason 6. No man, only by his own writings, can discover Jesus Christ. But the Scriptures discover Jesus Christ, Acts. 18.28. john 1.45. Therefore they are the Word of God. Reason 7. No man can make Laws for men's thoughts: But the Scriptures discover men's thoughts, and make Laws for them, Heb. 4.12. Eccles. 10.20. Therefore they are the Word of God. Reason 8. Men make Laws to bind those that are under them. But the Scriptures make Laws to bind the greatest Rulers upon the Earth. Therefore they are the Word of God. Reason 9 It speaks in a lofty style, to the King, and the subject, and to all men alike. But thus doth not the word of man; for that puts a distinction between persons. Therefore the Scriptures are the Word of God. Reason 10. No writings of man can procure eternal life to them that observe and do them. But to believe and to do what the Scriptures require, will bring eternal life; john 5.24, 29. Deut. 32.46, 47. Ezek. 20.11. john 6.68. john 20.31. Therefore they are the Word of God. Reason 11. No word of man can be truly called righteous, pure, or holy; For who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? job 14.4. But the Scriptures are righteous, pure, and holy, Ps. 19.8, 9 Ps. 119 151, 172. Rom. 7.12. Therefore it is the Word of God. Reason 12. If the Scriptures be not the Word of God, but of man, than Ministers ought to teach nothing contained in the Scriptures, for Doctrines or Rules for God's worship, Mat. 15.9. In vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men, Isa. 29.13. Col. 2.22. But Ministers ought to teach no other doctrine, but what is contained in the Law and in the Gospel, Isa. 8.20. 1 Tim. 1.3, 10, 11. And if any man bring any other Gospel then what is already received, he is accursed, Gal. 1.9. Or any that shall add or diminish from the prophecy of the Book of the Scriptures, Rev. 22.18. Deut. 4.2. Prov. 30.6. And the Scriptures also teach us an holy life, 1 Pet. 1.16. Leu. 11.44. and how we are to worship God, Acts 24.14. Therefore they must needs be the Word of God. Reason 13. The sweet Harmony of the Scriptures prove them to be the Word of God; for no writings of man do so debase man, exalt God, and press men to obedience. But the Penmen of the Scriptures do all agree together in these things; and although there were many Penmen, yet there is no contradiction in their writings, but the Old Testament witnesses to the New, and the New to the Old. It is not thus in the writings of men. Therefore they must needs be the Writings of God. Reason 14. If they were written by man, they were written either by good men or bad men. But they were not written by bad men, for they hate the purity of the Scriptures; and to be sure they were not written by good men, (as the Authors thereof) for they abhor to lie, and say The Lord saith, if the Lord hath not said the Word. Therefore they must needs be the written Word of God. Reason 15. The wonderful calling of Moses, the Prophets, and Apostles, to make known the Scriptures, do manifestly prove them to be the Word of God; see for Moses, how he was called, Exod. 2.7, 10. and 3.2. Acts 7.20, 21. and Amos, and divers of the Apostles were unlearned men, which had not been brought up in the schools of men, Amos 7 14, 15. Mark 1.16. And yet these declared the Scriptures, which manifest more wisdom than all the wise men in the world can declare; yea, the Apostles that were unlearned and ignorant men, spoke in several tongues the wonderful works of God, to the admiration of the hearers, Acts 2.11. and 4.13. this could not come from man. Therefore it must needs be the Word of God. Reason 16. No writings of man could declare the heavy wrath of God against sin, and the remedy how to get rid of that wrath. But this doth the Scriptures, Psa. 9.17. Rom. 5.9. 1 Thess. 5.9 Luke 21.36. therefore they are the Word of God. Reason 17. If the Scriptures were not the Word of God, but of man, then certainly God would not have wrought so many miracles to confirm the truth of man's say. But there are many miracles both in the Old and New Testament, to confirm the truth of the Scriptures. Therefore they are the Word of God. Reason 18. No creature, Angels, men or Devils, if all were put together, could ever be able to declare before hand, what particular persons should be born, and what should be their names, and what they should do, some thousand and hundred years before their parents were born. But this do the Scriptures, as we read of the Messiah Gen. 3.15. Isa. 9.6, 7. and josiah, 1 Kings 13.2. 2 Kings 23.16, 17. Therefore it is the Word of God. Reason 19 No man will write and declare to the world their own failings and infirmities. But many of the Penmen of the Scriptures do declare their own failings and infirmities, which they would never have done, had they not been moved thereunto by the Spirit of God. Therefore the Scriptures must be the Word of God. Reason 20. All the prophecies of the Scripture from time to time have been punctually performed and fulfilled. But so are not all man's prophecies. Therefore they are the Word of God. Reason 21. The word of man is often broken. But the Scripture cannot be broken, john 10.35. Therefore it is the Word of God. Reason 22. If the Scriptures were not the Word of God, the Churches of God would long before this time have found them out to be only the word of man; as Jeremiah found out Hannaniah, Jer. 28.15, 16. and as the Church of Ephesus found out the false Apostles, Rev. 2.2. But the truth of God's Word in the Scriptures hath ever been held forth by the Churches of God, as a Proclamation upon a pillar, 1 Tim. 3.15. Now as a Proclamation receives not its authority from the pillar, nor the light from the Candlestick that bears it: So neither do the truths of the Scriptures receive their authority from the Church, or any member thereof, but from God which is the only Author thereof, and so all Christian Churches acknowledge. And thus you see, that the Scriptures are the Word of God, 1. Reason shows it. 2. The Spirit of God persuades it, Isa. 59.21. 3. The Scriptures themselves affirm it; and 4. The Churches of God have ever received it as the Word of God. Therefore it must needs be the Word of God. To conclude this: If the Scriptures be not the Word of God, but of man only; then 1. Man should teach himself his duty towards God. 2. We should have no certain rule for our Faith and Religion. 3. There should be no necessity of reading and hearing the Scriptures. 4. If we deny the Scriptures to be the Word of God, we cast off all means which God hath appointed for eternal life, john 5.39. And lastly, doubting of this, exposes us to all Atheism, and contempt of Religion and Justice. Therefore, seeing (as hath been fully proved) the Scriptures themselves, and Reason also make it apparent, that the Scriptures are the Word of God, let us believe they are so; And as the Apostle exhorts, Phil. 3.16. Let us walk by the same rule, and mind the same thing. And thus have I done with the first Proposition, That the Scriptures contained in the Books of the Old and New Testament, commonly called the Bible, is the revealed Will and Word of God. Prop. II. I come now to the second Proposition; That the Scriptures which is the Word of God, is the only foundation for our faith, and the only rule for our obedience. This Proposition falls into these two parts: 1. That the Scriptures is the only foundation for our faith. 2. That it is the only rule for our obedience. I shall very briefly speak to both these things. First, That the Scriptures is the only foundation of our faith. 1. The Scriptures are the means by which faith is wrought, Rom. 10.17. Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God, Eph. 1.13. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the Gospel of your salvation. And saith Christ, John 5.24. He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life. And the Word is called the word of Faith, Rom. 10.8. The mystery of Faith, 1 Tim. 3.9. The faith of the Gospel, Phil. 1.27. And all this to teach us, that all true faith is wrought by and founded upon the Word of God. 2. It is the very end why the Scriptures are written, John 20.31. That we might make them the foundation of our faith and hope in God, 1 John 5.13. These things have I written, etc. that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. Rom. 15.4. Whatsoever things were written afore time, were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures, might have hope. 3. The Scriptures must needs be the only foundation to build faith on, because we find the faithful in Scripture did ever make it the only foundation of their faith. Abraham the father of the faithful, he believed according to that which was spoken, Rom. 4.18. and David, Psal. 119.42. I trust in thy Word. And the Disciples, john 2.22. they believed the Scriptures, and the Word which Jesus had said. And observe S. Paul's Confession, Acts 24.14, 15. I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call Heresy, so worship. I the God of my Fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and the Prophets, and have hope towards God, etc. And the Bereans, Acts 17.11, 12. searched the Scriptures, whether those things were so; therefore many of them believed. And thus you see, they made the Scriptures the only foundation for their faith. 4. They cannot have faith in Christ, that believe not the Scriptures; this is clearly proved by these Scriptures, joh. 5.46, 47. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me, for he wrote of me; But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words? Luke 16 31. If they hear not Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rise from the dead. And saith Christ, joh. 5.39 Search the Scriptures, for in them ye look to have eternal life, and they are they which testify of me. By these Scriptures it is clear, that those that believe not the Scriptures, cannot have faith in Christ by any other means. And therefore the Scriptures must needs be the only foundation of faith. 5. It is only faith in the written Word of God, that will fill the soul with spiritual joy, Rom. 15 12.13. and hence it is, that David saith, Psal. 119.162. I rejoice in thy Word, as one that findeth great spoil; and saith the Apostle, 1 john 1.4 These things have I written unto you, that your joy may be full. There can be no spiritual joy in those that build not their faith in the written Word and promises of God. It is by faith in the Word, that believers of old (and at all times) obtained promises, Heb. 11.33. And Christ, when he was upon the Earth, prayed for such as should believe on him through the Word (written by the Apostles and Evangelists) John 17.20. Therefore the written Word of God must needs be the only foundation of faith. Lastly, we are commanded to make the Word of God the ground of our faith; and it is condemned as a sin, not to believe the Word of God, 2 Chro. 20.20. Believe in the Lord your God, so shall you be established; Believe his Prophets, so shall ye prosper. Ps. 106.24. They believed not his Word. Heb. 4.2. The Word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. And thus you see God commands we should build our faith upon the Scriptures: therefore they must needs be the only foundation of faith. Before I conclude this, take this Caution: Although the Word of God be the only foundation for us to build our faith on; Caution. yet the Word as it consisteth of letters and syllables, hath no strength to beget faith in men's hearts, for many hear, but do not believe, Isa. 6.9, 10 And therefore it is only from the Spirits working, together with the Word, that faith is wrought, 1 Thess. 1.5. Our Gospel came not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Ghost. The Word works not faith without the Spirit, neither doth the Spirit work faith without the Word; but the Spirit by the Word, works sanctification, and a lively faith founded upon the Word, as ye may see in these Scriptures, John 17.17. John 6.63. Isa. 59.21. Hag. 2.5. And thus have I proved the first part of the Proposition, That the Scriptures is the only foundation of faith. Secondly, I come now to the second; That the Scriptures which are the Word of God, are the only rule for our obedience. I might for proof of this give you many testimonies of Scripture; but I shall name a few for all. Deut. 5.32, 33. Ye shall observe to do therefore, as the Lord hath commanded you; ye shall not turn aside to the right hand nor to the left; ye shall walk in all the ways which the Lord your God hath commanded you. Deut. 6.25. And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these Commandments before the Lord, as he hath commanded us. Josh. 23.6. Keep and do all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses. The Word of God in the Old and New Testament, is a perfect Law, Ps. 19.7. James 1.25. Rom. 8.2. And hence it is the Scriptures are said to be able to make the man of God perfect, 2 Tim. 3.17. And it must needs be so, because where there is no transgression of the Law of God, there is no sin; for all sin is the transgression of the Law of God, 1 joh. 3.4. And therefore God promises to all those he enters into Covenant with, To write his Law in their hearts, jer. 31.33. Heb. 8.10. And of every righteous man it is said, The Law of God is in his heart, Ps. 37.31. By all which, it appears the Word of God is the only rule for our obedience. It may also yet farther appear, if ye consider, 1. The Lord is the only Lawgiver, jam. 4.12. and his Word is the only right rule for our obedience, Ps. 33.4. and therefore it is called the sure Word, 2 Pet. 1.19. it will never fail. 2. It is an everlasting rule so long as we live on Earth, 1 Pet. 1.25 The Word of the Lord endureth for ever. 3. No man can be blameless in his life, unless his conversation be ordered according to the Word of God, Psal. 119. 9 Luke 1.6. Titus 2.5. 4. Every man shall be judged according to what is written in the Book of God's Word, john 12.48. Rev. 20.12. Lastly, there are many promises made to the keeping of God's Word, and many threaten denounced against such as walk contrary to the rules of God's Word, Gal. 6.16. Rev. 22.14. Luke 11.28. And for threaten read Deut. 28.15. etc. Before I conclude, take these two Cautions: Caution 1. Although the written Word of God be a perfect rule of righteousness, and the only rule for our obedience; yet know, that no man can, or does perfectly fulfil the Law of God, for, james 3.2. In many things we offend all; and Prov. 20.9. Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from sin? The most eminent believer sins in many things; but the unbeliever sins in all things, Heb. 11.6. Yet every godly man hath respect to all, and desires and endeavours to keep all the Commandments of God, Ps. 119.5, 6. and do not willingly allow himself in any constant violation of God's Law, but delights in it in the inward man, Rom. 7.15, 16. and the 22 verse. Caution 2. Take this Caution; although believers are freed from the condemning power of the Law, yet are they not freed from the commanding or directing power thereof, 1 Cor. 9.21. 1 Tim. 1.8. To conclude, they that make not the Word of God the rule for their actions, are led either by their own fancies, or the Devil's temptations, or both. FINIS.