THE PRINCIPLE OF ALL PRINCIPLES Concerning RELIGION. OR THE SUM OF certain SERMONS: Proving The Scriptures to be the very Word OF GOD. joh. 5.39. Search the Scriptures; For in them ye think to have eternal life. LONDON Printed by I. D. for Nicholas Bourne, At the South entrance of the Royal Exchange. 162● TO THE WORSHIPFUL, Mr HUMPHREY BROWNE, Increase of Grace, and the saving knowledge of jesus Christ. AMongst other Doctrines heretofore gathered from my Text, viz Act. 24.14.15.16. We learned, that, We are to ground our Faith only upon the Word written. Which Doctrine arose out of this Observation, That Paul doth not say, He believed all things whatsoever as directions of his worshipping the God of his Fathers; but Believing all things written in the Law, & the Prophets, so worship I, etc. This point is worthy due consideration, in these prevaricating times, wherein Papists do so fearfully decline the Word written, and run unto Traditions, which they call Unwritten Verities; though indeed Traditional very lies; they run (I say) unto these, as unto the rock of their refuge. For if they could, but in show, justify their Antichristian Idolatry, and Superstitions by the Word written, how boasting they would then be, may appear by their catching at syllables thereof, which sound, in fantastical ears, to some of their purposes. So that Christ his censure upon the Scribes and Pharises, may be justly laid upon them, viz: Ye have made the Word a Mat. 15.1.6. written of none authority by your Traditions: But whosoever speaketh not according to this Word, it is because there is no light in them 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 righteousness, that the man of God may be absolute, being made perfect unto all good works c 2 Tim. 3.15.16.17. . Amongst other Uses of the said Doctrine, this was one, If we are to ground our faith only upon the Word written, then all, who are wise unto Salvation, must diligently read the same; or, If they cannot read, diligently hear them read in public Congregations, & elsewhere, as they may. For to what end was the Word of God committed to Writing; but that God's people should read, or hear it read diligently? Therefore let us religiously take to heart, and consider the wise exhortation of our Master Christ, viz: Search the Scriptures, For in them ye think to have eternal life d joh. 5.39. . Wherein observe, that He calleth the word of God Scriptures, that is, Writings, and not only 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 Pro. 2.3. ● to Search for the knowledge of God as for Treasures. But how are Writings searched otherwise, than by diligent reading? Thus did the Nobly-minded Baereans f Acts. 17. 1● Search the Scriptures daily. So that Christ his exhortation is this in effect. If ye think (indeed) to have eternal life in the Scriptures, then show yourselves wise unto 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 Isa. 29.10. Who, being covered with a spirit of slumber, dream of eating, but when they are awake their souls are empty; Yet when a Book is offered them to be read, they refuse, saying either The Book is Sealed, as do the Papists; or, They cannot Read, as do thousands of irreligious people, whose carelessness to hear the Scriptures read, (discovered by their late coming to the Church, where the Scriptures be read, and their readiness to hear the reading of vain Books and Ballads) doth manifest their want of religious zeal, to supply their disability to read the Scriptures, by diligence in giving attendance to the reading thereof. But there may come a time of trial, when the Deaf shall hear the words of the Book, as ISAIAH Prophecieth in the same Chapter. Vers. 17. 1● Which Prophecy implieth, that he, who said, He could not read, should (yet) have signified desire to hear the Book read. To prevent which trial (if it may so please our most gracious God) let's imitate, yea, emulate the religious jews, h Acts. 13.14.15. And 15.21. who so diligently heard the old 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 contained in the Scriptures. To which end, viz: the confirmation of memory by reading, was the Word of God written; Yea so, That the children of Israel were commanded i Deut. 11.19.18. as well to write God's words upon the posts of their houses, and upon their gates, as to be speaking of them, when they sit, walk, etc. that they might lay them up in their hearts. These things I now write, that thereby I may stir you, and others up, by reading, to renew, and confirm your memory, that it may, unto your farther edification, reflect upon 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 do the Truth k joh. 3. 2● Deut. 17.19 , that is, Obey God in Sincerity, so as they come to the light thereof, that their deeds may be made manifest, that they be wrought according to God. Therefore not only David a King, and an old man, professed l ●●al. 37.25. ●●9. 105.9. God's Word to have been a Light to his paths, but the Spirit also, by way of a Question, doth, with a strong asseveration, affirm, That young men (if they fear God) must redress their ways in taking heed to them according to God's Word. To which our most holy God, and to the Word of his grace, m ●ct 20.32. which is able to build further, and to give you an inheritance amongst all them which are sanctified, I hearty commend you. THE PRINCIPLE OF ALL PRINCIPLES concerning Religion. Act. 24.14.15.16. 14. But this 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. 15. And have hope towards God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just, and unjust. 16. And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a Conscience void of offence towards God, and toward men. IN these three Verses may be observed 4. grounds of Religion, whereof every one is proved by the other three, and is of that powerful truth, that if it be believed indeed, it persuadeth the believer to make conscience of sin, therefore all are worthy of due consideration, Viz. (1.) There is a God (by name, The God of Abraham, Isaac, and jacob) to be worshipped. (2.) There is a Word of God (Viz. The Bible, that is, the Book of Books, consisting of the old, and new Testament) to be believed. (3.) There is a Resurrection both of just, and unjust to be expected. And (4.) There is a Conscience to be tendered. The first ground hath been laid as surely as I can. For none can be religious, who doth not believe it. The second is likewise to be surely laid. For if there be no such Word, there can be no true religion, but superstition. The Samaritans a 〈◊〉. 4.20.22. and Athenians b 〈◊〉. 17.22.23. were superstitious, because they worshipped God not according to his Word. That therefore we may have true spiritual comfort in our Christian Religion, in which we worship God, let us be well persuaded, that the Bible is the Word of God. That imposter Mahomet, to make the Turks superstitiously to regard his Koran, Compiled by himself, a jew, and a Nestorian heretic, so plotted with his Complices, that having told the Turks that God would send his undoubted Word about a Camel's neck out of the Wilderness, before the Sermon was ended, a Camel came into the Church with the Koran about the neck. Were not the Bible the undoubted Word of God, we Christians are the most absurd in our Religion of all other. For we make him a God, and our only Saviour, whom we acknowledge to have been a man, and crucified. But if it be, then may we, with comfort, avow our Religion, against jews, Turks, and Papists. That we may be well grounded in this point, I have determined to prove it not only by the other three grounds, but also by imitating an order of proofs which Christ observeth, joh. 5.31. to 39 With which I will begin as being most worthy in regard of the Author, and as showing, that the Bible, which is the Word written, may be proved to be the Word of God, by like Arguments as Christ prooveth himself to be the Eternal Word ●●oh. 1.1.14. made flesh, that is, the Messiah. Which he prooveth by 4. testimonies. 1. Of john Baptist. 2. Of his own Works. 3. Of his Father; And 4. Of the Scriptures. Reason 1 In imitatition therefore, let our first proof be, The Testimony of the Church, which, throughout all ages, hath avowed the Bible to be the undoubted Word of God. Now all true Christians rejoice in the Church, as the jews did in john Baptist. For it is The Pillar of truth d Tim. 3.15. . Not because the Church supporteth the Scriptures, so as to be the Word of God, as Papists would make us to believe. Nay, The Scriptures support the Church, so as to be the Church of God. Indeed, if there be no other use of a Pillar but to support, than that place of 1 Tim. 3.15. might seem to make for the Papists: but there is another use of a Pillar, viz. To have that written, or engraven thereupon, which is to be remembered for ever. As in Rev. 3.12. Revel. 3.12. Christ saith, Him that overcommeth, I will make a Pillar in the Temple of my God. How? I will write upon him the Name of my God, and my new Name. Indeed, The true sense of that to Timothy is this; As a Pillar doth preferue the memory of those things which are written thereon; So the Church preserveth Truth commended thereunto. This sense the place itself doth intimate; For (saith Paul) These things I writ, that, if I tarry long, thou mayst know how to behave thyself in the house of God, that it being the Church of the living God (therefore everliving) may, as a Pillar, preserve Truth which it learneth of thee. Hence it is that Aust in saith, ●ntra Epist. summed. cap. 5. I had not believed the Scriptures to have been the Word, had I not been moved with the Church's credit. Thus was he moved indeed, when he first turned from his Manichisme: But when he was settled in Religion, thus he writeth to Maximinus. Contra Maxim. ●ib. 3. cap. 14. Neither must I allege the Council of Nice in prejudice of the matter, nor you the Council of Ariminum, Let matter strive with matter, cause with cause, reason with reason, by authority of the Scriptures. And in another place. Read this out of a Prophet, De Pastor. cap. 14. out of a Psalm, out of the Law, out of the Gospel, out of an Apostle; Thence recite I the Church dispersed over the whole world; and our Lord saying. My sheep hear my voice. So that Austin did like the Samaritans, who, at the first, believed Christ to be the Messiah for the saying of the Woman, but afterward, they professed. e joh. 4.39.42. Now we believe, not because of thy saying; For we have heard him ourselves. Reason. 2 Now then let us proceed to the second Testimony from the proper works of the Scriptures, which is greater than 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, & plain, yet (like God) they be mighty in operation. For the word of God simply preached is the power of God f 2 Cor. 12.9. 1 Cor. 3.4. ●. . It being like fire, and an hammer, g jer. 23.29.22. converteth the soul, h Psal. 19.7. being not carnal, casteth down imaginations exalted, and bringeth every thought to the obedience of Christ i 2 Cor. 10.4. ● . For it is the sword of the Spirit k Eph. 6.17. ; because the Spirit of God, being author thereof l Pet. 1.21. by it worketh mightily upon the spirit of man. Heb. 4.12. For it accompanieth the same, Isa. 59.21. so as a man is compelled to acknowledge the power of God's word, when it is faithfully preached, 1 Cor. 4. ●. The other is, They prophesy many great things, which are accomplished in due time. As the bondage of Israel in Egypt, Ezod. 12.41. Captivity in Babylon, jer. 29.10. The succession of four Monarches, Dan. 2.37. to 40. Coming 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 removal of the Emperor from Rome. So that, as God was acknowledged so to be, because he, by Daniel, opened secrets m Dan. 2.47. and a Prophet is to be acknowledged so to be, if his Prophecy come to pass n De●t. 18.18. etc. , I may conclude, that, because so many, and great Prophecies in the Scriptures are duly fulfilled, they are therefore the undoubted word of God Reason 3 Our third Testimony is from the Father that is God, Gal. 1. I who hath given testimony to the scriptures, viva voce, & by his wonderful works. He gave testimony viva voce to the old Testament, when he gave the Decalogue 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 where is Prophets only p Acts. 26.27. Ephc. 2.20. . So that, as the whole lump, and branches be holy, if the first fruits, & root be holy q Rom. 11.16. : So the testimony given viva voce to the Decalogue, is an authorising of the whole old Testament, God likewise viva voce gave Testimony to the new Testament, when, by a voice out of a cloud r Mat. 17. ●. , he said This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, hear him. Wherein should we hear him? To wit, In the Gospel, which is The word of Reconciliation s 2 Cor. 5.19. by forgiveness of our sins, and is therefore worthily called The word of Christ t Colos. 3.16. , Which reconciliation is intimated in these words. In whom I am well pleased. This word of Christ is contained in the new Testament; Therefore, by this voice, testimony is thereunto given. This inference is confirmed by the Apostle Peter u 2 Pet. 1.16.17. . Who by this voice, proveth, that the Apostles followed not deceivable fables, but opened the power, & coming of Christ. God also gave testimony thereunto by wonderful works. For) if Antiquity may be believed x Iren. lib. 3 ●ap 25. ) He confirmed the old Testament by this miracle. Ptolemy King of Egypt, hearing the books of the jews highly exalted, set 70. learned jews in so many places, so as they could not confer, to translate those books out of Hebrew into Greek. When they had done, the 70. translations so agreed word for word, as if all had conferred, & agreed upon one translation. The number of the books being thirty nine, The puacitie, and ambiguity of Hebrew words, and experience of diversity in translating fare more intelligible languages, considered, this is a great miracle. Touching the new Testament, the Text saith plainly that y Mark 16. 2● the Apostles preached every where; And the Lord confirmed the word with signs that followed: therefore God gave testimony to the new Testament by wonderful works. Here Papists may be answered, who require us to show by what miracles, we confirm our new Gospel, I answer; Indeed, if the Gospel, which we preach, were new, as they (like jews z Mark 1.27. ) do term it, than 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 we, with Austin a Aug de Civi●. Dei. l. 22. call him a wonder of men who now requireth miracles to that end. God gave testimony both to the old, and new Testament by preserving them miraculously. Touching the former it is to be considered, that Israel was for a long season, without the true God, without Priest to teach and without Law b Chro. 15.3. Is it not a special work of God, that the Scriptures then being were preserved, and that in purity? And the rather, if we consider how despitefully jehoiakim, cut and burnt jeremies' roll, jer. 36.23. It is yet more remarkable that the people of God were captives. 70. years in Babylon c jere: 29.10. and 27.22. , whether also the holy vessels were carried. How were the Scriptures preserved all this while otherwise than by the wonderful providence of God? But it is most admirable, that jerusalem, and the Temple were twice destroyed, once by Nebuchadnezars servant d 2 King 25. , and again after Christ his ascension, e Luke 19.41 to 44 and yet the holy Books kept in the Temple are preserved. Touching the latter; It is not unknown, that in the first ages of the Church * Acts & Mo●ments, p. 30. there were grievous persecutions for three hundred years, by ten Tyrannical Heathen Emperors of Rome, whereof (it may be) Christ prophesied, when he told the Churches they should have tribulation f Revel. 2. ● ten days, or times. How were the Scriptures preserved all this terrible time, otherwise than by the wonderful providence of God? Again; Since those ten persecutions, Antichrist the Pope hath exercised his tyranny over the Churches for the space of about. 900. years. Under a type of a King, Daniel g Dan. 11.31.36.37. prophesyeth of him, which is to be considered. For it is said; His heart shall be against the holy Covenant; So the Pope's heart is against the new Testament in Christ his blood, to establish his merits by works. It is also said, On that King's part arms shall stand, as now they do on the Pope's part; and they shall pollute the Sanctuary, and set up the abominable desolation: So doth the Pope, pollute the Churches, and setteth up his abominable Mass. That King, Did what he listed, cared not for any God, but magnified himself above all. Doth not the Pope all this? last; That King, In place of the God of his Fathers, honoured the God, Mauzzim: Doth not the Pope honour in the Mass a God of bread in place of the true God? But what may induce us 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 saith h Mat. 24.15. When ye see the abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel, stand in the holy places &c, Whereby he applieth this Prophecy to the destruction of jerusalem, and the Temple by the Roman Emperor, as doth more plainly appear in Luke 21.20. conferred with Dan. 9.26.27. Divines, not without Analogy, apply this prophecy to the Mass, that abomination (indeed) of Desolation. Again, It is to be observed, that the Roman Emperor was the first beast 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 1 Tim. 3. as was the Temple. So then, as the Roman Emperor destroyed the Temple, so the Pope hath persecuted, and still persecuteth the true Church of Christ. How did the new Testament, so opposite to Popery, escape so long a rage, and reign? This is the more strange these things considered. The old Testament in Hebrew, and the new Testament in Greek, were strangers in Israel ever since the Pope was, before the Gospel was renewed. The Pope will not suffer the Scriptures to be read to the people in their mother tongue, & the second Commandment condemning the worshipping of Images is in popish Catechisms thrust out of the Decalogue. So that I may conclude that as Nabuchadnezzar l Dan. 3. ● acknowledged Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to have been the servants of God, because they escaped the fiery furnace: so God giveth a remarkable testimony to the Scriptures, that they be his undoubted word, by his so wonderful preservation. Now it is time to proceed to the testimony of Scriptures. Reason 4 But first I will answer this question. Is the testimony which the Scriptures give to themselves of sufficient credit? Yes; For the same reasons, wherewith Christ m ●ohn 1.13.14.17.18. justified the record which he bore of himself. (1) We know from whence the Scriptures came, even from God's spirit n Pet. 1.20.21. (2) The Father (as we have proved) is a witness, therefore the testimony of two is true, and consequently of credit. Now Christ saith o ●hn 5.39. The Scriptures, (that is the old Testament, which were before Christ) testify of me. If of Christ, then of his Word, that is, his Gospel. For the woman of Samaria could tell p ●●hn 4.25. that the Messiah, that is, Christ, when he came should tell us all things. It may be she had heard, that Moses prophesied of Christ, who was to be heard in all things 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 give testimony to Christ, and his word. As Moses and the Prophets (that is, the old Testament) give testimony to Christ, and his word, which is the doctrine of the new Testament: So Christ in those words, john 5.39. doth give an honourable testimony to the old Testament, saying, In them ye think to have eternal life. And two of the chief Apostles give likewise testimony to the old Testament. For Peter saith r 2 Pet. 1. ● We have a most sure word of the Prophets. Here Prophets (as Eph: 2.20. is put for the whole old Testament. And Paul saith s 2 Tim. 3● The whole Scripture is given by inspiration. Whereby the old Testament, without doubt, is signified, & the new Testament may be understood. Having finished this course of Testimonies to the word by way of imitation as well as I can, I am now to show how the other three grounds do prove this. ●●ason 5. The first is, There is a God to be worshipped, therefore there is a word of God to be believed. There be many Gods, so called t Cor. 8.5. Every one hath his prescribed worship, whereby he is honoured according to his own mind, as Saturn had his Saturnalia, and drunken Bacchus his Bacchanalia. Yea, the Scriptures intimate as much, u acts 7.43. Moloch had his tabernacle, and Remphan his Star. So that the true God forbiddeth his people x ●eut. 12.30 to inquire how other Nations serve their Gods. Now can we think that our great, and only true God is less 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 Lions, they deemed the cause was, Not worshipping the God of the Land after his own manner y 2 King. 17.25.26. . God hath made all things for his own sake, yea even the wicked for the day of evil 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 Leun. 10.2.3. , and therefore the Glory departed from Israel, when the Ark, before which Israel worshipped, was taken by the Philistims b 1 Sam. 4. ● Exod. 33. : So that God did justly forsake the Gentiles, because, when they knew him by his Works of Creation c Rom. 1. etc. , they did not glorify him as God, by worshipping him according to his will. That this consequence may yet better appear to be good, it is to be duly observed, that immediately after God, in the Decalogue d Exod. 20. 3● , required Worship as due to him only, he commandeth that worship to be according to his word, and not by man's inventions: And that, where God forbiddeth to inquire how other Nations serve their Gods, e Deut. 12.30.32. he commandeth to take heed to his Word. And lastly, that when God commanded his people to sanctify him, he presently commanded to bind up the Testimony f Isa. 8.13.16. , and to seal up the Law among his Disciples. For (indeed) no Book doth so glorify God, as doth the Bible, therefore it is the true Word of God g joh. 7.18. . All that is said, being well considered, this consequence is good. There is a God, to wit, jehovah, therefore there is a Word of God, viz: The old and new Testament. The other ground, Reason 6 and consequence is this. There is a Resurrection of the just, and unjust to be expected, therefore there is a Word of God, that is, the Scriptures, to be believed. For howsoever Cicero held the Immortality of the soul; yet the Athenian Philosophers deemed the resurrection of the body to be an unheard of point h Act. 17. 1●.32. . For, indeed, it is an Article of Christian faith, and not a Tenet of natural reason. So that the Sadduces (though jews) rejected it i Mat. 22.33. . Therefore if it be an Article of Faith, than the Scriptures, being the only book, that doth clearly avouch, and prove it, must needs be the word of Faith. Again; Why must there be a Resurrection? That the just may arise unto life, and the unjust unto condemnation k joh. 5.29. . For the last day is, The day of the general declaration of the just judgement of God l Rom. 2.5. Dan. 12. 2●. . Now that God may appear just when he judgeth, it is requisite, that he make his Will known by his Word; For where no Law is, there is no transgression m Rom. 4.15 . Therefore saith Christ, If I had not come, and spoken to them, they should not have had sin n joh. 15.22. : but now they have no cloak for sin. The Gentiles had not the Law o Rom. 2.12.14.15. , how can they be judged? Yes, because they have the effect of the Law written in their hearts. The third ground, Reason 7 and consequence is this. There is a Conscience to be tendered, therefore there is a Word of God to be believed. For the Spirit of God, which speaketh in the Scriptures, so inlightneth the minds of God's people, that the Word worketh upon their Consciences. That as face answereth face in Water p Prov. 27.19. . So where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is such liberty q Cor. 3.17. , that is, Freedom from the veil over our hearts, that we behold, as in a glass, the glory of the LORD with open face, and are changed into the same image. So that the Apostle doth presently affirm, r And 4.1.2. That having this Ministry, he did not handle the Word deceitfully, but in declaration of the truth, he approved himself to every man's Conscience. In another place, 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 acknowledge the same Spirit in me writing, therefore take heed how ye despise those things. It may be observed, that the more godly any is, the more readily doth his Conscience reflect upon the Word. Which is intimated by the Apostle, saying, t 1 Cor. 2.6. I speak Wisdom among them that are perfect. Nay; the Consciences of them, who are not perfect, are moved by the Word. The unlearned man, the secrets of whose heart are made manifest by Prophecy u 1 Cor 14.24.25. , (that is, powerful Preaching the Word) is compelled, in Conscience, to say, God is in the Preacher indeed: And Agrippa was by Paul's Preaching, (though he a prisoner) compelled, in conscience, to say x Acts. 16.27.28. ; Almost thou persuadest me to become a Christian. So that the conscience giveth an evident testimony to the Word of God. All then duly considered, we may collect, and conclude, etc. First, if the Church of God, throughout all ages, have avouched the old, and new Testament to be the Word of God. Secondly, if, howsoever the Scriptures be for the most part, simple, and plain, yet, God's Spirit working by them, they be mighty in operation. Thirdly, if the Scriptures contain many Prophecies of great things, which accordingly came to pass in due time. Fourthly, if God gave testimony to the old, and new Testament, by a voice from heaven. Fiftly, if he confirmed them by miracles. Sixtly, if he have wonderfully preserved them unto this time. Seventhly, if the old Testament give testimony to the new, and the new to the old; 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 needs 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 just, and unjust is to be expected, therefore there is a Word of God, viz. the Scriptures, that God may appear just, when he judgeth in the last day; And tenthly, if this be a sound Enthymeme, There is a Conscience, therefore the Scriptures be the Word of God; Because the Conscience, both of perfect Christians, and other, doth give an evident testimony to them; then, There is a Word of God, viz. the old, and new Testament, to be believed. Here (perhaps) some would expect a resolution of the question between the Papists, and us, touching the Apocryphal Writings, viz. Esdras, Tobit, etc. Whether they be parts of the Canonical Scriptures, or no. I told you, when I first entered upon this Text, that it offereth just occasion of discussing many points of Religion, fit for the Schools, than for this Auditory: Yet because many take occasion to deem those Writings to be Canonical, because they are ordinarily bound in the midst of them, (notwithstanding the wall of separation, prudently and providently set, by Authority, between the Books of the old Testament, and them, I mean, the title [Apocrypha] with a declaration of the meaning thereof, I will show you my judgement in a few words. I deem them, or most of them, Writings worthy of reverend estimation for their antiquity, and many things worthy diligent reading: But I deny them to be Canonical, that is, the words of God, or Rules, whereby our Faith is to be squared. For we are to be builded only upon the foundation of the Apostles, and Prophets, Christ himself being the corner stone y Ephes. 2.20. . For reverence to those Writings, and for my words sake, I forbear to note obliquities in them, such as are sufficient to demonstrate that they be not indicted by the Spirit of God. I therefore desire you to consider but this one Argument. If they be parts of Canonical Scriptures, they are parts either of the old, or of the new Testament: But they are parts of neither; Therefore they are no parts of the Canonical Scriptures. I never heard that any Papist affirmed them to be parts of the new Testament. And (indeed) their antiquity, and contents do manifest that they were written before any part of the new Testament was written. To prove that they be not parts of the old Testament, I will not urge a reason of Hierom z In Prologue Galeato. , viz: They are not in the Register of divine Books, which the jews preserved: but desire this to be considered, that they be in Greek, whereas all the Books of the old Testament be in Hebrew. So (without doubt) had these been likewise, had they been 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 〈…〉. . If these were amongst them, should they not have been in the same Language? Again; The Law, and the Prophets were read in the Synagogues of the jews b 〈…〉 ●1. ●7. . If these Writings were amongst them, should not they also have been read? But surely Popery had not then prevailed, to persuade the Scriptures to be read in a strange language to the people assembled on the Sabbath day. Therefore I may conclude, that the Apocryphal Writings are no parts of the Canonical Scriptures. Now am I to proceed on to Uses to be builded upon this ground of Religion. There is a Word of God, viz: The Bible, consisting of the old and new Testament, to be believed. If this be true indeed, than the holy Scriptures are to be highly esteemed, as the undoubted Word of God. For, as when we know God, if we do not glorify him as God c Rom. 1. 2● , he will not be better pleased with us, than he was with the Gentiles: so if we acknowledge the truth of this Doctrine, and do not esteem the Word as the Word of God, we shall be judged as despisers of it. For not to regard, as we should, is to despise. As Timothy had been despised d 1 Cor. 1●. 10.11. , if (notwithstanding his youth) the Corinthians had not convoyed him on his journey towards Paul, seeing he wrought the work of the Lord, as Paul did. And Christ maketh not hearing, and despising the Word Preached by the seventy e Luk. 10.16.11. to be equivalent. How indignly this despising is taken, shaking of dust, and lessening of the judgements of Tyrus, and Sidon, in comparison do demonstrate. Therefore let us imitate David, who esteemed the Word better than Gold, yea than much fine Gold f ●al. 19.10. ; and the Merchant, who sold all he had to buy a Pearl of price g ●●at. 13.45. ●6. . And let us deserve the commendations which Paul giveth to the Thessalonians 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 only Bible in the world, would he part with it, think ye, for the richest jewel in the World? If a Book being the Workmanship of a man be worthily so to be esteemed for the Contents sake, how highly are we to esteem 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 chiefly by binding the Bible fair, though that showeth some good respect thereof: Nor by setting it handsomely in the Window, or some eminent place, and never, or seldom read therein: But by hearing, believing, and obeying it as the Word of God. In such hearing, Use 2 two things are required, Ready diligence, and Religious reverence. Touching the former it is Prophesied; That in the last days, Christ his people shall come willingly at the time of Assembly, as an Army in holy beauty i Psal. 110● : and, That many people shall flow to the house of the Lord k Isa. 2.2. , inciting one another. And why? Because the Word of the Lord goeth from jerusalem. This is to seek after the knowledge of Gods will in his Word, as for treasure l Prov. 2. . According to those Prophecies. The Kingdom of God was Preached, and every man pressed unto it m Luk. 16. after the coming of john Baptist. The Apostles would not go from Christ n joh. 6.67.68. , (as some Disciples did) because He had the words of eternal life. And Cornelius a Captain, when he heard that Peter should tell him what he ought to do, sent immediately for him, and having called together his kinsmen, and special friends, waited for him o ●ct. 10.5.6.7 ●4. 33. , and were ready to hear whatsoever he should say from God. Hereby are condemned such as have small zeal in repairing to the Word, but absent themselves upon small occasions, as proving of Oxen p ●uk. 14.19. ●1. , with whom God is angry. Such as remember not the Sabbath day, so as to dispose of their business, that they may be ready in due time to attend the Word. They will remember, and plead, that it is a day of rest, & sleep the longer that day: But they forget that the rest must be holy to the Lord q ●od. 31.15. . Yea such are hereby condemned, who though they seem to have some mind to hear the Word Preached, and therefore cast to come to that betime, yet are not diligent to come to hear 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 God's people should know, in some measure, the letter, and body of the Scriptures; Whereunto they cannot attain by hearing only those small Texts whereupon Preachers Discourse. Therefore Christian Churches have well imitated the ancient people of God r Act. 13.1. & 15. 21● , in appointing the Scriptures to be read in the great Congregations, especially on the Lord's day, so as the body thereof may be read over again, and again in time. Whereunto if the people do not diligently resort, especially such as want learning, leisure, or Bibles to read, do they esteem the Word read as the Word of God? Use 3 A second thing required in hearing the word, as the word of God, is religious reverence. When we pray we speak to God, & then we kneel s Psal. 95● , or should do: when the word is read, or preached, God speaketh to us, and shall we not hear him with religious reverence? We hear the judge giving a charge in the Assizes, with uncovered heads, and all civil reverence, and shall not our demeanour be religiously reverend, when God speaketh unto us in his word? Moses was to put off his shoes because of the presence of God speaking out of a burning bush: t ●od. 3.4.5.9.10.11.17. And the people were to be sanctified when they were to meet with God speaking the ten Commandments. When we hear the word preached we are in God's special presence, therefore we are exhorted by the Spirit u ●●cles. 5.1. to look to our feet before we enter into the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to offer the sacrifice of fools. And Christ stood when he read his text x ●●ke 4.16.20. : but he sat after, when he preached. All this doth show, that the word is to be heard with religious reverence. Yea there be some learned Divines, who hold that men ought to be uncovered, that is, put off their hats the whole Sermon while. But for my part, I dare not precisely bind the conscience of any man to this, or that particular demonstration of religious reverence. Though I grant that a Sermon is to be heard with religious reverence as well as the word read: For Ministers of the Gospel are the messengers of God (as were the Priests of the Law z Mal. 2.7. 2 Cor. 5. ● 1 Cor. 4. 〈◊〉 ) and it is to be presumed, that their lips also preserve knowledge, therefore people must, with religious reverence, harken to the word from their mouth. Hereby are condemned such as come to Wisdom's feast a Prou 9.3. without a wedding garment b Math. 22. , that is, due preparation and fitness. As also such as sleep, talk, gaze about, or otherwise have their minds drawn from hearing the word. Is this to have either their eyes fastened c Luke 4. 2● upon the Preacher, or to have hearts opened by the Lord d Acts 16. 〈◊〉 to hearken to his word? Use 4 It is not a sufficient estimation of the Word to repair thereunto with diligence, and to hear it with reverence, except we believe it as the Word of God. For if the Word be not mixed with Faith in those that hear it e Hebr. 4.2. , it will not profit them unto either reformation, aedification, or consolation, which are the effects of Prophecy f 1 Cor. 14.3.24.25. , that is, of powerful Preaching. Again; He, who believeth the Word so as to receive g joh. 1.12. , that is, to believe the testimony thereof, doth seal that God is true h 〈◊〉 & 3.33.34. : But God is true (I may add, Absolutely) and to be justified in his words i Rom. 3.4. ; I may add, because they be absolutely true as God is. Therefore they are to be heard with Faith, resting upon them absolutely without all doubting of their truth. For the Word of God is called the Faith of God k Rom. 3.3. : Which intimateth, that if we believe Faith to be in God, we must believe his Word accordingly. This is a main difference between the Word of God (which is to be heard with Faith howsoever it cross our judgement; for Faith surmounteth Reason) and the Word of man, which is no further to be believed, than it agreeth with the Word, which is, Truth itself l joh. 17. 1● : For every man is by nature, a Liar m Rom. 3. ● , and therefore is not to be justified in all his words. So that, God's people may lawfully (so it be with Discretion, and Humility) 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 Acts. 17. 1●.11. . But if the truth of the Word be delivered to their Consciences, then must they believe it without any demurring. So the Apostles believed that Christ his flesh is meat indeed, and his blood drink indeed o joh. 6.55. ●●. 61.66.67.6● , and followed him without any offence, because he had the words of eternal life, whereas other seeming Disciples were offended, and gave over following Christ, because it seemed to their natural reason to be an hard saying. So Abraham p ●om. 4.18.19.20.21. above hope, in regard of his old age, and his wife's barrenness, but under hope in regard of God's power, believed the Word of God, promising to make him a Father of many Nations. So Hezekiah q ●sa. 39.5.6. ●. 8. (though a King) was not angry with the Prophet, prophesying most grievous things to him, but believed his Prophecy (so crossing natural affections) as the Word of God, and said, The Word of the Lord is good. Here I suppose, it will be some comfort to know how ye may judge of yourselves in the time of hearing, whether the Word be mixed with faith; I'll show you. If your hearts answer God's Word, as did david's, when God said r Psal. 27.8. , Seek ye my face, his heart answered, O Lord, I will seek thy face. For Faith is such an assent to every Word of God, as produceth affections, and actions answerable to the Word, whereunto the heart assenteth. So that when john Baptist Preacheth Repentance s Math. 11. 1.16.17.18.1●. , we grieve in the sense of sin: and when Christ Preacheth the Gospel, we are comforted in hope of forgivenensse. Hereby are condemned such as are like those proud men t jere. 43.2. , who told jeremy, that he spoke falsely when he delivered the Word of God which crossed their purposes. Secondly, Such as be like the Prince u 2 King. 7.1.2.17. , who contraried the Word of God touching sudden cheapness of Corn, because it was contrary to his sensual reason: But the Word was fulfilled, and he perished. And thirdly, Mockers x 2 Pet. 3.3.4. , which, in these last days, will walk after their lusts, not believing the promise of Christ his coming to judgement, because it is deferred. Yea, fourthly, those weak ones, who are like to David y Psal. 116.11. , who said in his fear, All men be liars, meaning especially Samuel, who anointed him to be King z Sam. 16.13 : But before he got the Crown, 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, do cavil against it, contrary to the Apostle james his exhortation, a Tam. 1.21.19 That we should receive the Word with meekness, and therefore should be swift to hear slow to speak, & slow to wrath. For Wrath, because the Word crosseth our mind, stirreth up the tongue unto gainsaying, and therefore the Word is not believed as the Word of God. Sixtly, Hereby are condemned such as despair in the time of affliction, and do not live by Faith b Hab. 2.3.4. , waiting for the appointed time when the vision will speak comfort. And seaventhly, such as like the Elders of Israel c Ezek. 14.1.3. , set up Idols in their hearts, which are stumbling blocks of iniquity, stopping the way between the Word, and Faith, so as they cannot be mixed in them that hear, I mean those who hear the Word with prejudicate opinions, Papists or other, who will stop their ears, and not hear the Word, so as to believe it as the Word of God, charm the charmer never so wisely d Psal. 58.5. . Use 5 The third thing required to manifest our high estimation of the Word, is, To obey it as the Word of God. For to hear the Word, and not to obey it, is deemed by God a casting it away e 1 Sam. 15.22.23. . Therefore we deceive ourselves, though we be hearers, if we be not doers also of the Word f jam. 1.22. : But what is required of us that we may obey the Word as the Word of God? I answer, many things. Among the rest especially, Absolute obedience to whatsoever the Word commandeth, without making any question, or difficulty. For God is of absolute authority, and therefore we pray, g Math. 6.10. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven: and, His Word is perfect, and right h Psal. 19.7.8. , Therefore our absolute obedience is not blind, as is the obedience of jesuites to their superiors, whom they must obey, though they command the kill of Princes, not enquiring after the lawfulness of such a Commandment: But their superstitious, and blind obedience condemneth us, if we yield not absolute obedience to the Word of God, which is of absolute authority, and altogether without error. So be not the Commandments of the Pope, or of any humane Superior whomsoever Let us consider some few examples of obedience to the Word, as to the Word of God. That unmatchable example of Abraham, may well be Instar omnium, who obeying the Word of God, spared not Isaac his only son i Gen. 22.1.2. ●. 9.10.16. , begotten in his old age k And 21.2. , and in both these respects dear beloved; Yea, the Son of Promise l Gal. 4.28. ; with whom, and his seed, God promised to establish an everlasting Covenant m Gen. 17.19. : But without pleading any of these things n Zach. 12. , arose early to go to sacrifice him, with his own hands. Now whereas Abraham is the Father of all o Rom. 4.1 , who walk in the steps of his Faith, I will tell you one other example of his obedience to the Word of God, which is remarkable too, the rather because the Spirit of God taketh special notice thereof p Heb. 11. , showing us that Abraham obeyed God commanding him to go 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 whereunto he should go; therefore it is said, that by Faith he obeyed. So also it is written in the same Chapter, Verse 17. that Abraham offered up Isaac by Faith. Whereby the Spirit of God intimateth, that in both these obediences, Abraham esteemed the Commandments, as the words of God. I shall express this point yet more plainly by an example of Peter's walking upon the Sea at Christ his bidding 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 fellows feared, who walked on the Sea in the night, said, Master, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. Which showeth how highly he esteemed of Christ his Word, persuaded that obeying it he should neither tempt God r 〈◊〉 4.5.6.7. , nor perish by going on the water. I will add but another example, wherein ye may see both the Wisdom of the flesh, and obedience of Faith. Naaman was directed s King. 5.10 12.13.14. by a messenger from Elisha, to wash himself in jordan for cure of his leprosy; He went away murmuring; But persuaded by his servants to have due regard of the Prophet's word, he obeyed, and was cured. Hereby are condemned (1) rebellious hearers of the word, who say, The word which thou hast spoken unto us in the name of the Lord, we will not hear t jer. 44.16. : but we will do what we think good, and as our Princes, and Fathers before us have done. (2) Presumptuous hearers, who bless themselves in their hearts u Deut. 29. 1●.2● , when they hear judgements out of the word against their sins, and so add drunkenness to thirst: but God will not be merciful to such. (3) Hypocritical hearers, who call one upon another x Ezek. 33.30.31. to hear the word, and sit before the Preacher, as reverently as others, but they make a jest of it, and will not obey it. And (4) such as pretend obedience to the word out of a sudden flash of zeal, like the young man y Mark. 10.17.21.22. who came running, and kneeling to Christ, to know what he might do for eternal life: But when Christ bade him sell, and give all to the poor, and follow him, he went away sorrowful; for he was rich: So, many, when the word reproveth them for drunkenness, are grieved for the present, confess it is their sin, and wish they could leave it, but they do not. I have told you of some to be condemned for not believing, 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 Commandment out of the Decalogue, as hath been said, contrary to the express word of God; who giveth this peremptory charge a Deut. 12.32. , Whatsoever I command you, take heed you do it. Thou shalt put nothing thereto, nor take aught therefrom. If the Papists did believe the word, as the word of God, durst they thus abuse ignorant people? God deliver us from unreasonable, and evil men b Thes. 3.2. : for all men have not faith. Now; why do 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 themselves c Mat. 5. 1● , nor suffer the people to obey it, in not worshipping Images. For they fear, that if it were published in their Catechisms, the people would, in time, abhor that babish, and Babylonish Idolatry, observing how precisely that commandment forbiddeth the worshipping of Images, and how jealous God is thereof. And the more, when they know and consider, that the whole Decalogue was written twice in Tables of Stone d Exod. 3.18. and 3● and 20. 1● , with the finger of God; which argueth the perpetuity thereof, and that the Commandment forbidding worshipping of Images is twice recorded by the Spirit e Deut. 5. , as the second of the ten Commandments spoken by God himself. But I pray you take knowledge of most damnable cozenage, viz. Because the Scriptures say expressly, that God wrote ten Commandments in the two Tables ●eut. 10.4. , and the people generally know that there must be ten Commandments, they divide the tenth Commandment, and make Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, the ninth; and Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, etc. the tenth. Note further, I pray you, as cozenage, so gross absurdity; For the Commandment consisteth only in these words, Thou shalt not covet; So that it is absurd to say that there be so many Commandments as there be objects of coveting mentioned, as Ox, Ass, etc. Were it not absurd to make two Commandments of the fifth, because therein be mentioned two objects, (viz. Father, and Mother) of Honour, the duty commanded. If it be said, that Honour is but once commanded, whereas Coveting is twice forbidden, yea so, as that Coveting a neighbour's wife is first forbidden, as if there were a kind of respect to the seaventh Commandment: and Coveting a neighbour's house, is forbidden afterward, as if there were a kind of respect to the eight Commandment: I answer. All (yet) is but Coveting; which is twice urged, because more knowledge should be taken of the Commandment: For if Paul had not known Lust to be a sin g Rom. 7. ● , had not this Commandment forbidden it, how would others have known it? But further, I answer; That howsoever, indeed, not-coveting a wife be first set down Deut. 5.21. yet not-coveting an house is first set down Exod. 20.17. Which showeth that not-coveting house, wife, etc. is forbidden by one, and the same Commandment. Have not we cause to thank God, that we are delivered from Popery, which is the Mystery of iniquity? Here (it may be) some will grant that the Word spoken by God, or Christ, who was God as well as man h ●ath. 1.23. , is to be believed, and obeyed absolutely without any doubting, or questioning: But they think, that the doctrine of others is not so to be believed, and obeyed. Let such remember that God approved the mind of the people, desiring that GOD would speak to them no more himself i 〈◊〉 5.25.26.27.28. , and promising to hear, and do whatsoever God shall speak unto them by his servant. Object. 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 believed, and obeyed absolutely: But so are not the Sermons of Preachers in these times. Indeed, Ans. 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 Ministry itself was immediately k 1 Cor. 12. ●. ordained by Christ, whereunto they having fit gifts for the same, are called by the voice of the Church l Acts. 14. 2● , and therefore to be esteemed as Ministers of Christ m 1 Cor. 16.10.11. . For they perform the same ordinary work of the Ministry, in disposing the Mysteries of God unto the aedification of the Church, which the Apostles did. Therefore the Apostle exhorteth God's people n Heb. 13. 1● to obey (which implieth hearing, and believing) such as had the charge of their souls. If then people are to esteem their Pastors, and Teachers, as the Ministers of Christ, they must, as did Cornelius o Acts. 10.3.33. , presume, that they will Preach the Word of GOD, and be prepared accordingly to hear, which implieth believing and obeying. I grant, that the doctrine of Pastors, and Teachers, be they never so learned, and faithful, is subject to error; whereas the Prophets, and Apostles delivered an infallible truth, therefore people may the more diligently (so it be with humility) try the Spirits. ● joh. 4.1. But if the truth of God's Word be declared to their Consciences, let them remember what Christ saith p Luk. 10.1.16. , speaking (not of the Apostles, but) of the seventy Disciples; He that heareth you, heareth me, and he that despiseth you, despiseth me. Lastly, let it be considered, Whether Naaman could have excused his not-washing in jordan q 2 King. 5.10 , by saying, He was commanded so to do 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. Use 6 If than God's people are to say one to another, much more to their own hearts, as did the people in ezechiel's time r Ezek. 33.30. , (but with better minds) Let us go, and hear what is the Word that cometh from the Lord. When they go to hear their Pastors, and Teachers, they must not bring with them ears, either Antichristian to hearken after Doctrines strange, or not grounded upon the Word (For Christ his Sheep know his voice, and follow him s joh. 10.4. : They know not the voice of a stranger, nor follow him) or itching t 2 Tim. 4.3. , to hearken after the enticing speech of man's wisdom u 1 Cor. 2.4.5. , as if their faith dependeth thereon: But let them be of David's mind, who professed that he loved God's Word x Ps. 116.113. , but hated vain inventions. Much less are they to be so obstinate, and wicked, as to say, either in their hearts, or with their mouths y Isa 30.10. ; Let not our Seers Prophecy right things, but errors, and flattering things. Again, Use 7 if people must come to Sermons with minds expecting only Doctrine grounded upon God's Word, such as they must believe, and obey as the Word of God, than the Preacher must be wise to seek out the words of truth z ●ccles. 12.9. ●0. , and faithful to Preach them as the words of God * Pet. 4 11. , that is, with all authority a Tit. 2.15. , in the plain evidence of the Spirit b Cor. 2.4 . For if any man Preach not according to the Word, what reading soever he make show of, he hath no light in him c Isa. 8.20. : And howsoever his affected humane eloquence be applauded by itching ears, yet he doth but make Merchandise of the Word of God d 2 Cor. 2.17. . Let Ministers therefore speak (as God himself admonisheth e jer. 23.28. ) the Word faithfully; For what is chaff to the wheat? last; Use 8 Whereas I have said that every one of the grounds of religion is of that powerful truth, that if it be believed indeed, it persuadeth the believer to make Conscience of sin, I must make it good touching this ground, viz. There is a Word of God, to wit, the Bible, to be believed. This is soon done, both these Propositions being proved; 1. Whosoever believeth the Word, as the Word of God, maketh Conscience of sin; and 2. Whosoever maketh not Conscience of sin, believeth 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 jeremy f jer. 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 believed, that it was the Word of GOD which he was commanded to speak, & which commanded him to speak? The answer which Abraham gave to the rich man in hell torments desiring that Lazarus might be sent unto his brethren to prevent their torments (viz. g Luk. 16. 2●.28.29. They have Moses, and the Prophets, let them hear them, that is, their doctrine) showeth plainly, that whosoever heareth the words of God as the Words of God, cannot but make conscience of sin: And Paul telleth the Romans h Rom. 6.17. , that howsoever they had been servants of sin, yet after they were delivered unto the form of doctrine, that is, heard the Word as the Word of God, they obeyed that form from the heart, that is, made conscience of sin. 2. That whosoever maketh not Conscience of sin, believeth not the Word to be the Word of God, whatsoever he pretend, briefly thus appeareth. That wicked one who hath God's Word in his mouth i Psal. 50.16.17. , and yet will not be reform, is judged by God himself to cast his words behind him. The remnant of the people of judah, and their Chieftains prayed jeremiah k jer. 42.1.2.3 6.19.20.21. ●●. 43.1.2. to inquire of God whether they might not fly into Egypt to save themselves from the Chaldeans, 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 believe it. And when the rich man in hell, further pressed Abraham to send Lazarus, he had this further answer; l Luk. 16. 3● If they hear not (with Faith) Moses, and the Prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead again. Both the Propositions are confirmed by these words of Christ m joh. 3.20.21. . He that doth evil hateth the light, that is, doth not believe the Word as the Word of God: But he that doth the truth cometh to the light, that his deeds 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.