should be yet a Ministery in the World considering First the many Enemies on every hand that it still hath both open and secret potent and politick Atheists and Papists and Apostates and Schismaticks and Sectaries of all sorts as Quakers Ranters Anabaptists Familists and what not however they may in some things disagree among themselves yet herein have and do all agree for to oppose the Ministery And secondly considering how many wayes and meanes have been and still are attempted to ruine it what stones have been left unturned what designes unassayed to overthrow it many of which have notably of late been held forth v Jus Divinum Ministerij Evangelici Preface as 1. By railing upon and reviling the persons of Gods Ministers and raising all manner of Reproaches against them c. Secondly Crying down the present Ministery as Antichristian c. Thirdly By taking avvay their maintainance or at least attempting it Fourthly By setting up the basest and meanest of the People and such as have no Arts nor Knowledge in the Tongues to be Preachers that thereby they might make the World believe that the Ministerial Office is of all other the lowest and easiest Fifthly By denying the very Office it self these with divers others of the like nature have been and still are the vvayes and meanes vvhereby many seek to ruin the Ministery And if to all these we add the Worlds woful undervaluing and contemning of the Ministery treading that under their feet vvhich they should wear as a Crown upon their Head I Rev. 12. 1. mean the Ministers and their Gospel-doctrine O how much more wonderfull will it appear that there is yet a Ministery in the World but the Scriptures cannot be broken made void and therefore though it be wonderful yet it is so Thus that there is a Ministery yet in the World it is not that the Devil together with his instruments of all sorts have been wanting to overthrow it It is not that the ungrateful World hath not demerited the removal of it but because Gods Word cannot be made void I mean as to a Ministery somewhere though not it may be here or there in this or that place but in some place Thus that the Ministery of the Word shall continue to the end of the World is clearly held forth Eph. 4. 11 12 13. And he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some Pastors and Teachers for the perfecting of the Saints for the work of the Ministery for the edifying of the Body of Christ till we all come in the unity of the Faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect man unto the measure of the stature of the fulnesse of Christ Till we all come that is here to be marked and observed that the Ministery is to continue to the end the use of it being to the end while we are in the World-Look as while a house is not fully built the Workmen may not be dismissed So until the House of God have every Believer every stone of it laid the Builders of it must be continued hence this Ministery of the Pastor and Teacher is called an induring Ministery a Ministery that remains 2 Cor. 3. 11. For if that which was done away was glorious much more that which remains is glorious Thus the Lord hath alwayes had Pastors and Teachers in his Church though they have not alwayes been so apparent and so will have to the end of the World maugre all the malice of Satan and his instruments thus it is said Revel 12. 6. That the Woman i. e. the Church fled into the Wilderness where she had a place prepared of God that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore dayes The Church here is in an obscure afflicted and solitary condition in the Wildernesse and yet she has a place prepared of God that they should feed her they who this seemes to refer to the 2. Witnesses Chapter 11. 3. Gods faithful Ministers they should feed her there for it falls out in the same time as appears by the number of dayes Chapter 11. 3. An Allusion to the feeding of the Israelites in the Wilderness Gods faithful Ministers are those that feed the Church Jer. 3. 15. John 21. 15. Acts 20. 28. And these here are sent forth by God for this very purpose to feed maintain and uphold the Church of God Now all the while she is in the Wilderness in her obscure retired afflicted and solitary state and condition So that the Church hath still in her obscurest state had her Pastors and Teachers that feed her and so shall have to the end of the World So 1 Cor. 12. 28. And God hath set some in the Church First Apostles Secondarily Prophets Thirdly Teachers c. Set 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 constituit setled confirmed established and if God have established them who shall extirpate them and Revel 2. 1. Christ is said to hold the Stars in his right Hand and this being Scripture that cannot be broken who should pull them thence where can they be safer than there it notes Christs Love to them and care of them to keep them safe so Matthâ—w 28. 20. And loe I am with you alway to the end of the World and if God be with us and for us who can be against us truly many may be and are against us but not so as to carry it there is no Wisdom nor Counsel nor Understanding against the Lord that is effectual that is able to prevail against the Lord As Gamaliel said Acts 5. 38 39. For if this Counsel or this work be of Man speaking of the work which the Apostles did act and carry on i. e. ordained of Men and taken up meerly by humane authority it will come to nought it will be broken the Greeks is loosed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but if it be of God i. e. ordained appointed by him undertaken and caried on by his authority command ye cannot overthrow it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 dissolvere break it loose it lest haply ye be found to fight against God or beware take heed lest ye be found to fight against God so Beza videte ne etiam cum Deo pugnare comperiamini as if he should say it is vain and impious to fight against God and folly to think ever to prevail against that which is of him Thus we see whence it is that there is yet a Church and Ministery in the World that they are not utterly overthrown and broken it is because these and the like Scriptures cannot be broken and how comfortable is this to think that let Hell break loose and the World never so much rage yet God will still have a Church and Ministry in the World both those that shall teach and others that shall be taught even to end of the World for the word affirming it it cannot be made void 6. Again cannot the Scripture be broken but
it self wholly void of all falshood and fraud yet because by reason of our infirmity he hath not doubted to his most true promises over and above to add his Oath and that that we might be thorowly perswaded in our hearts of his immutable truth and great kindness towards us and from thence might have strong consolation both in life and death it would be more than barbarous inhumanity and ingratitude for us by our infidelity not to give credit to his promises being so confirmed 5. Cannot the Scripture be broken then from hence are we further informed and given to see whence it is that there is yet a Church and Ministry in the world 1. A Church surely from hence it is because there are in the Scripture so many gratious promises as concerning its continuance and being upheld and the Scripture cannot be broken as that in the 16. Matth. 18. that the gates of hell shall not prevail against it i. e. neither the power nor policy of hell neither the force nor subtilty of the devill nor all his instruments For in former time the gates were the Seat both of strength and counsel the Senate-Houses Fortresses being there so that that there is yet a Church in the world it is not that Satan or his instruments have been wanting to excercise all their power and policy to subvert it and utterly to overthrow it but because Gods word cannot be made voyd because this and other the like Scripture-promises cannot be broken the Scripture cannot be broken and therefore let the Churches enemies associate themselves and they shall be broken Isay 8. 9 10. apieces let them gird themselves and they shall be broken a pieces and again let them gird themselves and they shall be broken apieces let them take Counsel together and it shall come to nought speak the word and it shall not stand because the word of the Lord that must stand and cannot fall to the ground So in the 12. Zach the Churches preservation there and victory over all her enemies is notably and most elegantly set forth under a threefold Metaphor of what she should be to all her enemies First a Cup of trembling Secondly a burdensome Stone Thirdly as an hearth of fire amongst the wood and a Torch of fire in a sheaf Verse 2 3 6. behold I will make Jerusalem a Cup of trembling unto all the people round about when they shall be in the Siedge both against Judah and against Jerusalem and in that day I will make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all the people all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it And v. 6. In that day will I make the Governors of Judah like a hearth of fire among the wood and like a torch of fire in a sheaf and they shall devour all the people round about on the right hand and on the left and Ierusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place even in Jerusalem these are Metaphors and all exceeding apt and appropriate for to shew and illustrate not only how bootless and fruitless but likewise how pernicious to themselves all the enemies attempts should be against the Church it is not for me at present to stand to open and explain each of them it would take up too long time and therefore to speak only a little of the second of them v. 3. and in that day will I make Ierusalem a burdensom stone for all the people all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it the enemies of the Church are here compared to such who going about to shew their strength by lifting up some great and heavy stone that is above their strength come to be overborn and crushed by its weight r Comparat at hostes Jerosolymae homini qui lapidem tollere conatur ubi vires non sufficiunt ille ergo concidit sibi nervos c. Calv. in locum and so shall it be with all those who go about to subvert and overthrow the Church of God they shall find it too burdensome a stone for them and instead of overthrowing that shall be destroy'd and overthrown themselves Å¿ Ecclesia huc usque tanquam scopulus ad quem undique fluctus maris alliduntur perstat firma immota nec delebitur unquam it is supposed to be a Metaphor borrowed from an excercise or game frequent in dayes of old viz to take up a great round stone to try their strength lifting it up from the ground sometimes to their knees sometimes to their middle sometimes to their shoulders and sometimes as high as their heads at which sports in so lifting they did sometimes grievously hurt themselves but what ever it be the Metaphor is borrowed from the meaning is this that all the attempts of the Churches enemies be they never so many or mighty be they what they will or of whom they will they shall all certainly not only be vain and invalid as to the Church I mean as to the utter overthrowing and ruining thereof but pernicious and destructive as in reference to themselves the Church shall be too burdensom a stone for them all and all their attempts whether by power or policy by strength or stratagems they set upon it O how many have still in all ages been heaving at this stone trying by all wayes and means for to evert it the devill hath still in all ages found such fools as to be lifting at it some by their power others by their policy some one way some another but blessed be God it hath hitherto been too heavy and burdensom a stone for them all and so shall be to the end for these and the like are Scripture-promises and the Scripture cannot be broken Psa 129. 1 2. Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth may Israel now say Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth yet they have not prevailed against me t Est hactenus mirabiliter defensa servata ecclesia servabitur de inceps frustra frementibus contra nitenâ—ibus diabolis toto mundo Mollâ—r in loc it hath still been indeed the way of the devill and his wicked instruments in all ages to afflict the Church and their endeavour in all ages to destroy the Church I but yet they could never effect it yet they have not prevailed against me faith the Church 2. From hence we are informed and given to see whence it is that there is yet a Ministery in the world surely it is from hence because there are in the Scripture so many gracious promises made as concerning the continuing and upholding the same and the Scripture cannot be broken and therefore is not at this day the Ministery broken and utterly extinct because the Scripture cannot be broken Truly it is marvellous and may seem strange that there
of such a one frees us from everlasting pains and hence himself saith if a man ' keep my sayingt he shall never see John 8. 51 52. Death nor taste of Death that is eternal for that onely indeed deserves the name of Death why because Christ hath tasted Death for him his Soul has been in his Souls stead and so Gods Word comes to be salved man saved And how can we now but cry out O the depth of the riches of the Wisdom of God and of the grace of God how unsearchable is his Wisdom and Grace and the wayes thereof past finding out this love indeed we may admire but reach its demensions we never can O give thanks unto the Lord for he is good Psal 107. 1 2. for his mercy indureth for ever let the redeemed of the Lord say so I they have infinite cause indeed so to say I shall conclude this first part of this 6th use with that of the Apostle Iude Now to the onely wise God our Saviour be Glory and Majesty Dominion and Power now and ever Amen Again Secondly cannot the Scripture be broken then from hence are we further to be exhorted and provoked to be much in blessing and praising of God that those things that are of so great importance and of such infinite concernment and afford so great cause and ground of comfort yea upon which our whole happiness and comfort depends are according to Scripture which cannot be broken As that Christ died for our sins it is according to the Scriptures and that he was buried and that he rose again the third day is according to the Scriptures 1 Cor. 15. 3 4. For I delivered unto you first of all that which also I received how that Christ dyed for our sins according to the Scriptures and that he was buryed and that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures mark according to the Scriptures For that he was delivered for our offences and raised again for our Justification Romans 4. 25. And that he ascended and now sits at the right hand of God and there makes intercession for us is according to the Scripture Iohn 20. 17. Romans 8. 34. And now what can be matter of greater comfort or sweeter consolation than this nay is not this that on which all our comfort and happinesse depends that Christ died for our sins and that he rose again and now sits at the right hand of God and there makes intercession for us is not this I say the sum of all our comfort and now blessed be God these they are according to the Scripture So 1 Peter 2. 6. It is contained in the Scripture Behold I lay in Syon a chief corner-stone elect precious and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded so he that believeth on me as the Scripture hath said out of his belly shall flow Rivers of living Watter John 7. 38. And so the Scripture saith whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed Rom. 10. 1. So it is written it is Scripture that Eye hath not seen nor Ear heard neither have entred into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love him 1 Cor. 2. 9. So that God is merciful and gracious Exo. 34. 6. long-suffering is according to Scripture That he forgives iniquity transgression Verse 7. and sinn is according to Scripture That he will sub due his peoples iniquities Mich. 7. 19 and cast their Sinns into the depths of the Sea is according to Scripture That he delights in mercy and to Mich. 7. 18 Jer. 9. 24. exercise loving kindnesse in the earth is according to Scripture That he will heal his peoples back-slidings Hos 14. 4. and love them freely is according to Scripture That such as come unto Christ he will Joh. 6. 37 in no wise cast out is according to Scripture That a bruised Reed shall he not break Mat. 12. 20 and smoaking Flax will he not quench till he send forth judgement unto victory is according to Scripture That he will give the Holy Spirit to Lu. 11. 13. them that ask him is according to Scripture That they that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength that they shall Isa 40. 31. mount up with wings as Eagles that they shall run and not be weary and walk and not faint is according to Scripture That he said unto the seed of Jacob Isa 45. 19. Seek not me in vain is according to Scripture That he will gather the Lambs with Isa 40. 11. his arm and carry them in his bosom c. is according to Scripture That the gates of Hell shall not prevail Mat. 16. 18 against the Church is according to Scripture That Christ holds his stars in his right Rev. 2. 1. hand is according to Scripture That he is with them alway even to Ma. 28. 20 the end of the World is according to the Scripture And now the Scripture being that which cannot be broken what a comfort is it what cause have we to bless God that these yea and innumerable more which are of like importance with these and make so much for our comfort are according to Scripture which cannot be broken Thirdly Again cannot the Scriptures be broken and it is easier for Heaven and earth to pass away than one tittle of Gods Word to fail then let such in the Third place be exhorted and provoked to be much in blessing and praising God whom he hath brought into such a condition for whom he hath done such great things Great things indeed as that they may be saved and the Scripture not be broken Let such I say be much in blessing and praising God for there is infinite cause for the Scripture cannot be broken for any it was not for Christ himself and for God to do that for thee to bring thee into such an estate and condition through Grace as that thou mayest be saved and the Scripture not be broken O what infinite cause hast thou to be much in blessing and praising God Now if thou art one who art regenerate born again become a new creature one who art holy and pure in heart thou mayst be saved and the Scripture not be broken So if thou art such a one who dost indeed believe and repent of thy sins and art fruitful in good works thou mayest then be saved and the Scripture not be broken nay let me tell thee to thy comfort that if being such an one thou shouldest not be saved the Scripture it would be broken it would not be fulfilled for that such shall be saved it is every where according to Scripture 1. That such as are regenerate and holy shall be saved is according to Scripture Matthew 5. 8. Rom. 6. 22. John 3. 3 5. And what doth this imply but that if a man be regenerate and born again he shall enter into the Kingdom of heaven 2. That
THE SCRIPTURES STABILITY OR The Scripture cannot be BROKEN Proved Explained and several wayes applied whereby all Scripture may with singular advantage come to be IMPROVED Very seasonable and usefull in these last and worst dayes wherein the Authority and Truth of the Scripture is now much oppugned and by few so improved as it ought By ROBERT PERROT B. M. and Minister of Gods Word at DEANE in BEDFORDSHIRE For ever O Lord thy word is settled in Heaven Psal 119. 89. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c. 2 Pet. 1. 19. Verbum dei Caelo praevalet terrae Bernard Scriptura pura absque omni cummixtione falsitatis stabilis c. Rivet in Orat. ante Isag ad S. Sacram. LONDON Printed by S. G. for Iohn Rothwell at the Fountain in Cheap-side and Iohn Hancock in Popes-head-Ally 1658. TO The truly PIOUS and Worthily Honoured Lady the Lady Elizabeth Alston wife of the Right Worshipfull Sir Thomas Alston Baronet Grace Mercy and Peace MADAM THose many and great Obligations wherein I stand ingaged to your Ladiship for those many Favours and Respects vouchsafed to me since the happiness of my first acquaintance with you have made me very studious of taking all occasions whereby I might testifie my sensibleness thereof and well knowing there was nothing in which I could do it more acceptably than in the tender of that which might any wayes contribute to your Ladiships spiritual advantage I have made bold to adventure to make tenders of this what it is to your Ladiship Truly Madam I know not to give flattering titles to any in so doing my Maker would soon take me away But this I must needs acknowledge to Gods glory and your Ladiships own encouragement yea and for the happy imitation of others of your Ladiships Rank that my self and all that know you have much cause to bless God upon every remembrance of you when we consider your exemplary piety adorned with such remarkable humility * Magna rara virtus est ut magna licet operantem magnum te nescias manifestam omnibus tuam tibi solum latere Sanctitatem Mirabilem te apparere contemptibilem te reputare hoc ego ipsis virtutibus mirabilius judico Bernard your so singular pretiousness of spirit and yet being withall so poor in spirit your steeliness as to the truth and yet tenderness both to and for sin your great care and unwearied pains to promote Religion in your Family yea and in the place where you live having a heart to bewail what according to your Ladiships earnest desire you cannot see reclaimed and to mourn for what to your Ladiships great grief you cannot see amended your countenancing and so much encouraging God's so much despised Ministry in these last worst daies God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love which herein you have shewed and made manifest towards his name Blessed be God for your love of firm stedfastness to and zeal for his truth against whatever is opposite thereunto in these times wherein so many have left their first love and are fallen from their stedfastness being like Children tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine But blessed be God who hath kept you firm the Lord confirm and establish you still unto the end Madam I have the rather Dedicated what here followes unto your Ladiship because it is that which indeed does so much and so many wayes make for your Ladiships comfort and encouragement for if the Scripture cannot be broken as indeed it cannot then your Ladiship hath chosen that good part that shall not be taken away having chosen that part of which the Scripture so affirms And if the Scripture cannot be broken then your Ladiship is indeed blessed being among those whom the Scripture pronounceth blessed then doth your Ladiship lean on a firm and strong prop having made that word which cannot be broken your stay then what infinite cause hath your Ladiship to bless God that through grace you should have hopes upon good grounds of entrance into the Kingdom of heaven the Scripture that cannot be broken affirming that a rich man shall hardly enter into the Kingdom of heaven and the Scripture elsewhere thus speaking you see your calling brethren how that not many noble are called 1 Cor. 1. 26. And hath not God chosen the poor of this world Rich in Faith and Heirs of the Kingdom James 2. 5. the poor of this world And yet that your Ladiship should enter into the Kingdom of heaven when such of your Ladiships Rank do so hardly enter hardlier than others as the Scripture which cannot be broken doth affirm such having greater temptations and hinderances than others * Plenitudo abundantia temporalium oblivionem inopiam facit aeternorum Bernard though greater Obligations to God and that though not many noble are called yet that your Ladiship should make one * That though orta è magnis yet â—na è paucis and that though the poor of this world are such as God usually and for the most part hath chosen rich in Faith and Heirs of the Kingdom yet that the Lord should choose you though rich in the world to be rich in Faith too and an Heir of the Kingdom and that that happy conjunction which is so desirable but so exceeding rare should yet unite in your Ladiship that grace and place should meet together and godliness and greatness should kiss each other Truly this Madam is the Lords wonderful and gratious doing and should be marvellous in your eyes it should be matter of praise and admiration continually here and it will be so to all eternity hereafter and all little enough In a word if the Scripture cannot be broken O what a River of consolation doth hence then flow to your Ladiship the streams whereof I hope shall much make glad your heart But I shall not longer at present detein your Ladiship but humbly refer you to that which followes which that it may contribute to your Ladiships comfort and spiritual benefit as also to the benefit of others yea of all who shall read it is and shall be the Prayer of him who is MADAM Your Ladiships humble and much obliged Servant in the Lord ROBERT PERROT TO The CHRISTIAN READER Reader THou maist probably wonder as I do my self that in these dayes wherin such throngs of Books still daily come forth some of which indeed are of so great and singular worth though others do but as it were weary and oppreâ—â— the Press that I if thou knowest any thing of me of what I know very much my self namely of my own unworthiness that I after so many already come and still daily comming forth should appear amongst them truly there were several things that long retarded what I have been at length prevailed with to do as the multitude of Books that still daily come forth * Quis leget haec min
that the Scripture cannot be broken 3. To live continually in the sense of it which would be of singular use and advantage 4. To seal then and assent to what ever it saith and that really 5. To labour so to see and discern things as the Scripture saith of them for that cannot be broken that cannot erre or mistake 6. To be much in blessing and praising God the Scipture being that which cannot be broken 1. That God should contrive and find out a way for man to be saved and yet what he had said and threatned upon mans sining be salved and not be broken which if he could not have done he would never have saved him c. 2. That those things which are of so great importance and of such infinite concernment and afford so great cause ground of comfort yea upon which our whole happiness and comfort depends are according to Scripture which cannot be broken 3. That the Lord hath brought any of us into such a state and condition as that we may be saved and the Scripture not be broken nay in which if we should not be saved the Scripture would be broken 7. To try all doctrines by the Scripture for that cannot erre or be deceived 8. To judge so of things as the Scripture saith of them 9. Not to be offended not scandalized at the sufferings and afflictions of the Church and people of God 10. Several other duties which from hence we are to be exhorted and encouraged unto 4. Vse of warning and admonition to take heed of continuing in such an estate in which there is no being saved except the Scripture be broken A five fold state in which continuing therein there is no being saved except the Scripture be broken 1. A state of spiritual blindness darkness and ignorance 2. A state of unregeneracy 3. A state of unbelief 4. A state of impenitency 5. A state of fruitlesness and unprofitableness 5. Vse of terrour and trembling 1. To all wicked and ungodly men in general 2. To several in particular 6. Vse of Consolation to the Saints and all such as are Heirs of the promises THE SCRIPTURES STABILITY John 10. 35. And the Scriptures cannot be broken The occasion of this discourse on these words THese words are brought in here only occasionly and are as it were but a Parenthesis and yet I think I may safely say of them that they are such as are as I hope afterwards to make appear of as great consequence and of as infinite concernment as any whatsoever Nay what indeed were all other Scripture were it not for what is said of it in this Scripture what is this but that which gives life and being to all that it speaks whether it â—e that which it promises or that which it threatens or that which it foretels or Prophesies that what ever it be it is that which cannot be broken but shall certainly come to pass and therefore expounding upon John and meeting with this Scripture and finding on a more slender view thereof to be of so singular use and concernment I afterward resolved for to take a more thorow view and to frame a more large discourse thereof which accordingly I did and that I must needs acknowledge not without much acceptance and I hope not without some success and so much briefly for the first occasion of this discourse The coherence scope and explication of the words themselves It is said in the 31. verse then the Iewes took up stones again to stone him again to stone him they are at their old trade as formerly Iohn 8. 59. they Habenâ—es corda lapidea ad lapides currebant 〈◊〉 lapidem â—ngularem impingâ—bâ—nt Tossan in locum had stony hearts and the stones in their hearts were they which put the stones into their hands against him who is the corner stone v. 32. Iesus answered them many good works have I shewed you from my Father for which of these works do you stone me as if Christ should have said seeing you can justly object no evill against me for what good is it that you thus deal with me many good works have I done for which of them is it that ye stone me and thus may God say to every impenitent sinner that goes on still by his sins as it were to stone God and to vex and grieve him and even as it were to cuâ— him to the heart as Psal 95. 10. Forty years long was I grieved or vexed and cut with this generation as some render the Hebrew they did as it were 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 cut the Lord to the heart and now may God say for which of my kindnesses for which of my good works do you thus deal with me behold I at first made you and gave you your being and ever since have I preserved you and susteined you and taken care of you daily multiplying my benefits upon you and for which now of my good works do you stone me O me thinks the serious consideration hereof should help to melt the hardest hearted sinner Jer. 18. 20. Shall evil be recompâ—nced for good Deut. 32. 6. Do you thâ—s reqâ—itâ— the Lord O foolish people and â—nwise c. Prov. 19. 6. Every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts Rom. 2. 4. or despisest thou the riches of his goodnes c. Even sinners do good to those that do good to them Luke 6. 33. Many good works have I shewed you from my Father or as some of my Father whereof my Father is the first Author I many good works indeed hath Christ shewed us of his Father many good works or excellent glorious works as the Greek signifies as his work of election 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to life and salvation before the world was his work of infinite great and unparalleld love in giving â—is only begotten Son that whosoever believes in him should not perish c. his work of justifying us freely from our sins of reconciling us to himself of adopting us to be his Sons and daughters of sanctifying us by his Spirit of glorifying us for ever with himself good works indeed yea stupendious such as will be matter of admiration and exultation to all eternity But it follows v. 33. The Jâ—â—s answered him saying for a good work we stone theâ—â—ot but for blasphemy and because that thou bâ—ing a man makest thy self God The fowlest practices want not a shew of fair pretences But v. 34 35 36. Jesus answered them is it not written in your law I said ye are Gods If he called them Gods unto whom the word of God came and the Sâ—riptâ—re cannot be broken Say yee of him whom the Father hath sanctified and sent into the world thou blasphemest because I said I am the Son of God Princes and Psal â—â— 6 Magistrates are said in some sense to be Gods not truly and properly but allusively not by nature but by office and because of their superiority and
ever setled in heaven however the effects thereof through the over-cloudings of manifold troubles and temptations may not sometimes appear on earth yet O Lord for ever thy word is setled in heaven there it s established and is not subject to those It a amplum ut omnes terminos metas superet ad omnia tempora aetates se extendat id est ut sit durabile firmum perpetuum nec unquam aboleri queat Moller in locum Ita ut finis illius viderâ— non potest i. e. infinitum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Junius mutations as things on earth are so Psal 119. 96. I have seen an end of all perfection but thy Commandement is exceeding broad or large that is it lasteth for ever it reacheth and extendeth to all eternity I can see an end of all other things even the perfectest that are I can see they shall have an end but I cannot see an end of thy word that shall never have an end that 's so broad as it reacheth beyond all limits and bounds and perpetually abides so Matth. 24. 34 35. verily I say unto you this generation shall not pass till all these things be fulfilled You may probably think that what I have spoken shall not come to pass at least in all the circumstances thereof but there are some now alive shall see every whit fulfilled that I have spoken as concerning the destruction of Jerusalem heaven and earth shall pass away but my word shall not pass away * Promissiâ—num certitudo constat verbo dei quo nihil potest esse constantius aut firmius Pet Mart. in Rom. 4. these words may be taken and understood as spoken either comparatively or possitively 1. Comparatively the heavens and the earth shall sooner pass away than any of my words pass away or prove false and so Luke expresses it Luk. 16. 18. and it is easier for heaven and earth to pass than one tittle of the Law to fail 2. Or secondly positively thus heaven and earth shall indeed pass away as at the end of the world as the Apostle Peter expresses it 2 Pet. 3. 10. but the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night in the which the heavens shall pass away and verse 12. wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved and v. 11. seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved he speaks of the heavens and the earth and the works that are therein these all shall pass away Pâ—â— 75. 3. 1 Cor. 7. 31. 1 John 2. 17. and be dissolved but the word shall not pass away or be dissolved but shall have its full and perfect accomplishment The earth saith the Prophet Isay is utterly broken down the earth is clean dissolved the earth is moved exceedingly the earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard and shall be removed like a Cottage c. Isay 24. 19 20. But now the Scripture never is nor can be broken at all or dissolved or be removed but remains most firm Thus the Scripture the word that which God hath said is more firm than the Fabrick of heaven and earth it self and shall remain firm and inviolable for ever for the mountains shall depart and the hills shall be removed but my kindness shall not depart from thee neither shall the Covenant of my peace be removed saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee Isay 54. 10. So Isay 55. 11. So shall my word be that goeth out of my mouth it shall not return to me void but it shall accomplish that which I please and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it I will accomplish and make it good it shall not be without effect nor fall to the ground God may as well cease to be as his word be broken disanull'd and not effected and hence are those frequent expressions in Scripture that it might be fulfilled which was spoken Matth. 1. 22. 4. 14. 8. 17. 12. 17. 13. 35. 21. 4 c. implying that God will have what he hath spoken fulfill'd 2. From Reason The Scripture cannot be broken Reas 1 Because all Scripture as the Apostle speaks in the 2 Tim. 3. 16. is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 divinitus inspirata given by the inspiration of God it is divine as is likewise exprest elsewhere Heb. 1. 1. God who at sundry times and in divers maners spake in time past unto the Fathers by the Prophets mark it was God who spake by them so Hosea 8. 12. I have written to him it is Gods writing so 2 Pet. 1. 21. Luk. 1. 70. Acts 4. 24. 25. And therefore it cannot be broken or made void because it is divine and that in a proper and more peculiar sense being immediately revealed from God what indeed is humane is subject to mutation and change as man himself is it s like himself his breath goeth forth he returns 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Hic titulus etsi omni veritati de quacunque re sit significatione largiori possit tribui quoniam spiritus est in hominibus inspir at io omnipotentis dat intelligentiam Job 32. 8. attamen immediatè à Deo revelata doctrina merito titulum illum sibi proprie vendicat River in Isagog pag. 9. to his earth in that very day his thoughts perish but the Scripture being divine and that which in a proper and peculiar way is the writing of God that cannot alter or change or be dissolved 2. Because as it is given by inspiration of God so it is the Scripture of that God who is a God of truth and faithfulness and cannot lye 1 Tit 2. In hope of eternal life which God that cannot lie promised before the world began and therefore the Scripture cannot be broken being the Scripture of such a God who cannot lye whose Psal 36. 5 57. 20. faithfulness and truth reacheth unto the clouds and is great unto the heavens yea above the heavens that is it cannot be traced who though we believe 2 Tim. 2. 13. not yet abides faithful and cannot deny himself and also the strength of Israel 1 Sam. 13. 29. will not lye nor repent for he is not a man that he should repent and thus David makes the Stability of Gods word to depend on the Stability of Gods truth and faithfulness because he is most faithful his word is most stable and firm Psa 119. 89 90. thy word for ever O Lord is setled in heaven thy faithfulness is unto all generations Gods truth and faithfulness being firm his word is so likewise thus the Scripture cannot be broken because of Gods truth and fidelity which is infinite yea he is truth it self 3. Because it is the Scripture of that God who is Iehovah who is the Lord as he proclaimed his name before Moses Exod. 34. 6. and the Lord passed by before him and proclained Iehovah Iehovab which we render the Lord the Lord now this name properly belongs unto God
will Work and who shall let it or turn it back or reverse it who indeed certainly none no all the power in heaven and carth cannot in the least hinder him from accomplishing his work what he hath spoken in his word no he is above all obstacles of men or devils there is no putting of a barr in his way so as that there should not be an accomplishing of his word c He hath broken the gares of Brass and cut the barrs of Iron assunder Psa 107. 16. Amos. 4. 5 Isay 40. 17. no I will work and who shall let none could ever take up this challenge and say I I will let no for lo it is he who formeth the Mountains and createth the wind and declareth unto man what is his thought that maketh the morning darkness and treadeth upon the high places of the earth the Lord the God of Hosts is his name all Nations before him are as nothing and they are counted to him less than nothing and vanity so that by the greatness of his might for that he is strong in power not one of his words shall fail the greatest Mountains before him shall become a plain Psal 2. 6. there was a great combination of the Princes and potentates of the earth to keep Christ from the throne yet for all that saith God I have set my King upon my holy Hill of Zion And secondly as men are frail so they quickly fail and so their enterprises fail with them Psal 146. 4. his breath goeth forth he returneth to his earth in that very day his thoughts perish and therefore put not your trust in greatest in Princes for what ever their thoughts and intentions promises or purposes may be to do this or that alas their breath goeth forth and they immediately perish and therefore cease ye saith the Prophet from man whose breath is in his nostrils for wherein is he to be accounted of or what can he do his breath goeth forth and he soon perisheth But now the Lord as he is the mighty God so he is the living God I lift up my hand to heaven and say I live for ever Deut. 32. 40. He lives for ever to see what he hath said accomplished and therefore saith the Apostle it is a Heb. 10. 30 fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God as an adversary as one against whom God threatens indignation and wrath vengeance and woe why because he is a living God and so for ever lives to execute what he hath threatned as Gods eternity his living for ever doth exceedingly sweeten and make pretious and most comfortable the promises so it makes as terrible his threatnings thus the Scripture cannot be broken because it is the Scripture of that God who is of so great and infinite power every way able to accomplish what he speaks and this was the ground of Abrahams not staggering at the promise of God through unbelief his being fully perswaded that what he had promised he was able also to perform Rom. 4. 20 21. he staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief but was strong in faith giving glory unto God and being fully perswaded that what he had promised he was able to perform and upon this ground happy is he pronounced that hath the God of Jacob for his help and whose hope is in the Lord because of his power and ability as well as his truth and faithfulness to perform what ere he promises Psal 146. 5 6. Reas 6 That the Scripture cannot be broken it appears and is proved from experience and by an induction of several particulars this is that which experience in all ages hath and still doth evidence to the truth of to which we may appeal As concerning that destruction of the old world did not God do what he said was he not as good as his word so concerning bringing Israel out of Egypt that 's very observable to this purpose which we read Exod. 12. 40 41. now the sojourning of the Children of Israel which dwelt in Egypt were 430. years and it came to pass at the end of the 430. years even the self same day it came to pass that all the Hosts of the Lord went out from the Land of Egypt So I might instance as concerning Iudahs bringing into Babylon was not God as good as his word as themselves were forc'd to acknowledge Lam. 2. 17. the Lord hath done that which he had devised he hath fulfilled the word he had commanded in the dayes of old and Lam. 4. 12. the Kings of the Earth would not have believed the enemy should enter into the gates of Ierusalem but no matter for that God having said it though they would not have believed it yet it was accomplished And so for Iudahs bringing out of captivity out of Babylon which he promised Ier. 29. 10. And this seemed so difficult and a thing so hard to be effected that the Lord appeals to his own heart the more to assure them of it v. 11. for I know the thoughts that I think towards you saith the Lord thoughts of peace and not of evill to give you an expected end and Psal 126. 1. when the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion we were like them that dream we could scarce believe we were delivered though we were delivered I but how difficult and unlikely soever it seemed yet being promised it was performed and so as concerning the ruine of Ierusalem afterward Luke 19. 43 44. was not all fulfilled Thus the proof of this point is proved by long experience d Scripturae si verae fuerunt praedictiones rerum futurarum ut eventus comprobavit cur vera non sint rerum praesentium testimonia Rivit page 20. Isag c. it was never yet known in any age but what God spake came to pass there is no instance to be given to the contrary and this is that which indeed God himself appeals unto Zachary 1. 5 6. your Fathers where are they and the Prophets do they live for ever this seems to be spoken by way of concession e Quod dicit patres vestri ubi sunt prophetae an in perpetuum vivunt per concessionem positum est quasi diceret fateor patres vestros prophetas meos jam mortuos esse sed verba mea an mortua sunt distinguit in summum deus naturam verbi sui ab hominum conditione quasi diceret hominum vitam caducam esse finiri paucis annis sed doctrinam suam nunquam intermori Calv Zach. 1. 5 6. Quum ergo effectū doctrinae meae senseritis in vestris patribus cur non statuitis apud vos quum idem semper sim non posse fieri ut hodie verba mea frustra diffluant careant omni effectu Idem ibidem your Fathers indeed as also the Prophets are dead and gone they have made their beds in the grave I but mark what followes v. 6. but my
trespasses and now in these and very many others that I might mention the Scripture they continuing such cannot be broken 5. In regard of whatever it saith 5. What it saith and affirms c. or affirms of persons or things thus the Scripture cannot be broken i. e. it cannot err mistake or be deceived no look what ever it saith or affirms of persons or things so they certainly are as the Scripture saith of them and they cannot be otherwise than as the Scripture saith of them thus the Scripture cannot err as here Christ proves Princes and Magistrates in some sense to be Gods why because the Scripture saith and affirms so of them and the Scripture cannot be broken err or mistake so look what ever the Scripture saith or affirms as concerning God a Ex. 34 6 7. Gen. 17. 1. Psa 73. 〈◊〉 Nahum 1. 7. Psa 84. 11 2 Cor. 1. 3. 1 Pet. 5. 10. Acts 7. 2. Psa 8. 3. Psa 103. 13 c. as concerning Jesus Christ b Cant. 5. 10. Psal 45. Hagg. 1. 7. 1 Pet. 2. 4 as concerning the Holy Ghost c Psalm 1. 3 10. Job 15. 16. as concerning Angels d Heb. 1. 14. Psa 34. 7. as concerning men e Psal 144. 4. c. Satan f 1 Pet. 5. 8. Rev. 12. 9. c. sin the world and worldly things the word of God the wayes of God Hell Heaven or what ever else look what ever it be that the Scripture saith of them or any of them so certainly they are as the Scripture saith of them in every respect thus the Scripture cannot be broken do you think saith the Apostle Jemes 4. 5. that the Scripture saith in vain the spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy no it is true enough too true that the spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy that we are much carried out towards envy our corrupt nature doth much bewray it self that way the Greek is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vainly i. e. that this should not be so yes it is certainly so as we find by sad experience The 1. Octjection answered But after all that hath hitherto been 1. Object answered said as concerning the Scriptures impossibility of being broken how can it may some say be affirm'd that it should not be broken when as the commandements which are part of the Scripture are so often said to be broken so that if the Scripture in some part of it should not be broken why in this very thing the Scripture in what it saith would appear to be broken for how often doth the Scripture make mention of Gods Commandements being broken yea and much complains thereof Matth. 5. 19. whosoever therefore shall break on of these least Commandements then they may be broken thou that makest thy boast of the Law through breaking the Law dishonourest thou God Rom. 2. 23 25. and Psal 89. 3. if they break my statutes and Ezra 9. 14. should we again break thy Commandements c. And what is sin indeed but in some sense a breach of Gods Law 1 John 3. 4. for sin is the transgression of the Law And how can it be affirmed then that the Scripture cannot be broken except we will make the Commandements to be no part of the Scripture To this I answer That if we indeed take breaking of Gods Commandements for disobeying Gods Commandements for transgressing and going beyond the bounds and limits of them for not keeping within the Compass of them l Thus the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 properly signifies transgressio digressio aberratio Mâ—taphor sumpta sen a lineasive a via recta a qua ad latus declinare vitium est Parâ—us in Rom. 2. 23. so its true that the Commandements may indeed be broken yea and are too too frequently broken alas we have too too sad experience of this which indeed did break Davids heart and it was well if it did more affect and afflict ours for this is it that hath so broken our Nation and broken our Churches and broken so many in their estates in their limbs in their lively-hoods yea in their lives this broke Davids bones that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoyce and Jerusalems Lam. 3. 4. my flesh and my skin hath he made old he hath broken my bones this made Jerusalems breach and so hath it ours Lament 2. 13. great like the Sea the Lord heal it this was it that broke Jesus Christ himself he was wounded for our transgressions he Isaiah 53. 5. 1 Cor. 11. 24. was bruised for our iniquities this is my body which is broken for you for your sins for your transgressioÌ„s yea God himself complains that he is broken Ezek. 6. 9. because I am broken with their whorish heart which hath departed from me c. and it was well it more brake our hearts that in this sense the Law and Commandements which are part of the Scripture are so much broken But if we take breaking of Gods Commandements for disanulling them dissolving loosing and destroying them for abrogating them for taking them away or frustrating them and making them voyd so the Law and Commandements cannot be broken no the Scripture is express to the contrary for ever O Lord thy word is setled in heaven concerning thy Testimonies I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever and thy word is true from the beginning and every one of thy righteous judgements endureth for ever Psal 119 89. 152. 160. Matth. 5. 8. for verily I say unto you till heaven and earth pass one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the Law till all be fulfilled one jot or one iota this is the least Letter of the Greek as jod of the Hebrew whereby Christ would say that even the least thing which is written in the Law shall not perish or one title i. e. stroke of a Letter or point not the least letter or particle of a letter shall fail Men indeed have been mineing at Gods Commandements and have assayed to make some of them null and voyd the Papists dispence with the second Commandement and the tenth others with the fourth but what ever men assay Gods Commandements do continue still the same without either addition or substraction that which God once made and Commanded as a Law and Rule to walk by that continues so still there 's no change or dissolution in Gods precepts but they are still one and the same in themselves and have the same obligation upon us thus the Commandements in this sense cannot be broken though wicked men they labour indeed and do as much as in them lies thus to break them namely to destroy them abolish them make them voyd as David complains Psa 119. 126. It is time for thee Lord to work for they have made voyd thy Law they have indevoured it they have done it as much as in them lies and what they intended and drove at is
they are turned from their iniquities 4. Whose transgressions are forgiven and whose sins are covered Psal 32. 1 2. blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven and whose sin is covered blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity c. 5. Whose God is the Lord who have an interest in him and his favour Psal 33. 12. Blessed is the Nation whose God is the Lord and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance Psal 144. 15. happy is that people whose God is the Lord Numb 6. 23 24 25 26. speak unto Aaron saith the Lord to Moses and tell him on this wise shall ye bless the Children of Israel saying The Lord bless thee and keep thee the Lord make his face shine on thee and be gratious unto thee the Lord lift up his countenancs upon thee and give thee peace 6. Who fear the Lord and walk in his wayes and delight in his Commandements Psal 128. 1. Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord that walketh in his wayes and Psa 112. 1. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord and delighteth greatly in his Commandementt 7. Who trust in the Lord. Psal 34. 8. blessed is the man that trusteth in him Psa 40. 4. blessed is the man that maketh the Lord his trust and respecteth not the proud nor such as turn aside to lyes Psal 84. 12. O Lord of hosts blessed is the man that trusteth in thee Jer. 17. 7. Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord and whose hope the Lord is for he shall be as a tree planted by the waters that spreadeth out her roots by the Rivers and shall not see when heat commeth but her leaf shall be green and shall not be careful in the year of drought neither shall cease from yielding fruit 8. Who hear the word of God and keep it who hearken to it so as to obey it Luke 11. 2 8. But he said yea rather blessed are they that hear the word of God and keep it James 1. 25. But who so looketh into the perfect Law of liberty and continueth therein he being not a forgetfull hearer but a doer of the work this man shall be blessed in his deed John 13. 17. if ye know these things happy are ye if ye do them 9. Who have a part in the first resurrection Rev. 20. 6. blessed and holy is he that hath his part in the fâ—rst resurrection on such the second death hath no power 10. Whom God corrects and withall instructs whom he chasteneth and withall teacheth out of his Law Psa 94. 12. blessed is the man whom thou chastenest O Lord and teachest out of thy Law In a word we have in the fifth of Matthew a whole Catalogue of such summ'd up whom Christ in the Scripture pronounces blessed Mat. 5. 3. Blessed are the poor in spirit Blessed are they that mourn Blessed are the meek Blessed are they which hunger and thirst after righteousness Blessed are the pure in heart Blessed are the peace-makers c. So the Scripture pronounceth several cursed as 1. Such as trust in man and make flesh their Arm Jer. 17. 5. 2. Such as enjoy pretious means and yet bear pernitious fruit thorns and Briers Heb. 6. 7 8. 3. Who are deceivers who have in their flock a Male and vow and sacrifice to the Lord a corrupt thing c. Mal. 1. 14. In a word the Scripture pronounces all wicked and ungodly men cursed all proud and impenitent Persons who customarily and contemptuously do err from Gods Commandements Psa 119. 21. thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed which do err from thy Commandements or cursed are they who do err c. but the difference is of no great moment it being through pride and for want of having their spirits made humble and low that men wander and go away from the rule as Psa 10. 4 5. the wicked through the pride of his countenance will not seek after God his wayes are alwayes grievous Thus I have given you a view of several of those which the Scripture pronounces blessed and so a view of some whom the Scripture pronounces cursed and now the Scripture being that which cannot be broken those whom the Scripture pronounces blessed must needs be blessed and so those whom the Scripture pronounces cursed must needs be cursed and therefore as ever we would be found among the number of such as are truly blessed O let us never rest till we come to find our selves among the number of those whom the Scripture pronounceth blessed and as ever we would not be found among the number of such who are indeed miserable or cursed let us take heed how we be found among the number of those whom the Scripture pronounces miserable or cursed for such are indeed so Do not think thy self blessed because thou art rich or great or honourable or set up in high place in the world or because thou hast health and strength and art at â—ase when others it may be are sick and weak and in pain for where doth the Scripture pronounce such blessed blessed are the rich blessed are such as are great and high and honourable in the world blessed are such as are at â—ase and in health produce if thou canst one place one Scripture it is that I could never yet see or find or meet withall my self nay I have found rather the contrary Luke 6. 24 but â—wo unto you that are rich for you have received your coâ—solation c. not that this woe belongs to all that are rich but people may be rich and yet their case woful enough and so do not think thy self miserable or cursed because thou art mean and poor and base and contemptible in the world because thou art sickly it may be and crazy and weak for where doth the Scripture pronounce such miserable produce one Scripture if thou canst nay some that are poor and afflicted are pronounced blessed and happy Luke 6. 20 21 22. blessed be the poor c. behold we count them happy which endure c. James 2. 5. 5. 11. therfore as ever you would be blessed indeed labour to be such whom you can find Scripture for that you are blessed Remember me O Lord saith David with the favour of thy people Psa 106. 4. and so pray remember me and mine O Lord with the blessedness of the Scripture O bless us with that blessedness which the Scripture counts and calls blessedness and then shall I and mine be blessed indeed for that it cannot be broken O bless me in inabling me to find wisdom and to get understanding in inabling me to believe and close with Christ in turning me away from mine iniquities in forgiving my transgressions and covering my sins c. and then shall I be indeed blessed for such doth the Scripture pronounce blessed and that cannot be broken Thou hast saith David dealt Psa 1 19. 65. well with thy servant O Lord according to thy word I
shall but only allude to it here and apply it in this sense O it 's a blessed thing when the Lord deals well with us and blesses us according to his word I mean in this sense as his word Judges and determines as concerning dealing well with and blessing and this is not when meerly he gives us wealth and riches and abundance or when he gives us health or â—ase when we are not in trouble as other men nor plagued like other men this indeed the world counts the only dealing well with but it may be ill enough with us and we may be far enough from being blessed for all this Psa 73. 3 4 12. Zach. 1. 15. that rich man in the 12th of Luke he no doubt thought it well with himself and therefore he sings a requiem to his soul v. 19. because he had heapt so much wealth together Soul thou hast goods laid â—p for many years take thine ease eat drink and be merry But what saith God to him thou fool this night thy soul shall be required of thee then whose shall those things be wch thou hast provided so is he that layeth up treasure for himself and is not rich towards God Thus for God meerly to give us wealth and riches or health and ease this is not to bless us according to his word but then the Lord blesses us and deals well with us according to his word when he gives us himself his Son his Spirit his Grace his Favour when he makes his face to shine upon us and teaches us his Statutes as David prayes Psal 119. 135. make thy face to shine upon me and teach me thy Statutes when he gives faith forgives us our sins turns us away from our iniquities makes us rich towards himself with 2 Cor. 8. 9. those riches which Jesus Christ became poor to inrich our souls withall then God deals well with us and blesses us according to his word and that is a dealing well with and a blessing indeed for the word cannot be broken It 's said in Isay 65. 16. that he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth O it 's a blessed thing when we ground our blessedness upon God and his truth I am blessed because I am such a one whom Gods truth whom Gods word which cannot be broken pronounces blessed I such are blessed indeed And so I might adde that this point informs us gives us to see who are indeed excellent and honourable and noble and so who are indeed base vile and contemptible namely such whom the Scripture saith and affirms to be so for that cannot err or mistake and therefore such as the Scripture saith are excellent are indeed excellent and such as the Scripture saith are vile are indeed vile Now the Scripture saith and affirms that the Saints are excellent Psal 16. 11. Prov. 12. 26. that such as search the Scripture are Noble Acts 17. 11. that such as are pretious in Gods sight are honourable Isay 43. 4. and these now are indeed excellent noble and honourable the Scripture so affirming and we can never indeed be truly such till we come to be of the number of these the very heathens themselves had a kind of notion of this e Claudius his Motto Generis virtus nobilitas is virtue not Scutchions or images of Ancestors makes men noble Aemilias Motto Non gens sed mens non genus sed genius â—ot race or place but grace truly sets forth a man and Very observable to this purpose is that of Juvenal Satyr 8. Stemmana quid faciunt quid prodest Pontice longo Sanguine censeri pictosque ostendere vultus Majorum c. Tota licet veteres exornent undique cerae Atria Nobilitas sola est atque unica virtus So the Scripture saith and affirms of the wicked that they are vile though otherwise never so great high and honourable in the eyes of the world Psa 15. 4. 12. 8. when the vilest men are exalted vile though exalted thus Antiochus though otherwise great is called a vile person Dan. 11. 21. And man in honour and not having a saving understanding in the things of God is like the heasts that perish Psa 49. 20. Hence God is said to tread down the wicked even as mire in the street and to put them all away like dross the Hebrew is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Scorias drosses that is vilest dross Pro. 10. 20. the heart of the wicked is little worth it may be his House Lands or Revenues are somewhat worth but his heart is little worth And so I might likewise add that this point it informs us also who are indeed wise and who foolish namely such whom the Scripture saith and affirms to be so for that cannot err or mistake and therefore such as that affirms to be wise are indeed wise and such as that pronounces to be foolish are indeed foolish now the Scripture saith such are wise That fear God and depart from evill Job 28. 11. Psal 111. 10. That understand and consider their latter end Deut. 32. 29. That hear Christs sayings and do them Matth. 7. 24. that walk circum spectly Eph. 5. 15. That foresee the evill and hide themselves Prov. 22. 3. That win souls Prov. 11. 30. Dan. 12. 3. And so the Scripture saith likewise of all wicked men that they are foolish Psa 5. 5. Job 5. 3. Prov. 9. 6. 10. 23. And so I might give you many other places but they are every where obvious more particularly such as hear Christs sayings and do them not Matth. 7. 26. That reject the word of the Lord Jer. 8. 9. that leave off to do good Psal 36. 3. That lay up treasure for themselves and are not rich towards Godâ— Luke 12. 20 21. that trust in their own heart Prov. 28. 26. And thus I might further dilate but this at present shall suffice 3. Again Cannot the Scripture be broken then this further informs us and gives us to see what a firm and strong prop such lean and rely upon that make the Word of God their stay that there trust and hope and bear up themselves that can say as David For I trust in thy Word and but I hope in thy Word Psalm 119. 49 81. I say if the Scripture cannot be broken if it cannot be unloosed or dissolved what a firm and strong prop do such lean and rely upon even such as cannot fail as is more firm than Heaven and Earth it self for Heaven and Earth shall pass away sayes Christ but my words shall not pass away For ever O Lord thy Word is setled in Heaven Solomon tells us the rich mans wealth is his strong City and an high Wall but it is but in his own conceit Prov. 18. 11. For he that trusteth in his riches shall fall Prov. 11. 28. But so shall never such do who trust in the Word no for all flesh is as grass and all the glory of Man
is said hath said in his heart there is no God and so Psal 14. 1. how often have we and do we say in our hearts and say in our behaviours there is no truth as it were in Gods word we make as if it was of no force of no effect and how sad is this shall man be more credited than God a creature more than the Creator who is blessed for ever if we recâ—ive saith the Apostle John the witness of men the 1 John 5. 9. witness of God is greater but how do we make it less how long saith thâ— Lord will this people provoke me how long will it be ere they believe me O it much provokes the Lord when he is not believed when we make at least really as if his word was not true but did lye and what do we lesse when God threatens and we do not fear neither are affected therewith or warned thereby O Lord saith the Prophet Habakkuk I have heard thy speech and was affray'd he â—â—ally assented to what God by his word threatned so when we professe our selves to be heires of the promises and yet do not rely on them nor comfort our selves in them what is this but really to make as if what God speaks should never come to passe O there are many wayes as I might shew you and O that it might humble us that we really at least cross and contradict this truth and make as if the Scripture could be broken as to instance in some As first when we do not fear noâ— stand in awe of God but go on to provoke him what do we but really make as if the Scripture could be broken and as if it were not true as concerning what it saith and affirms of the absolute and irresistable power of God of his infinite Majesty greatness and dreadfulness 1 Cor. 10. 22. Heb. 12. 29. Matth. 10. 28. So when we do not love God and are not much in praysing of God and still give thanks to God what do we lesse than really make as if the Scripture could be broken as if it did err and was false as concerning what it saith and affirms of the bounty and great goodness of God and of his beauty amiableness and sweetness Psal 145. 9. Zac. 9. 17. So when we do not depend nor rely on God when we do not cast our care on him what do we less than really make as if the Scripture was false as concerning what it affirms of his care for us and of that respect which he hath to us 1 Pet. 5. 7. Matth. 6. 30. So when we do not walk before God and are upright keep close to him and not turn aside from him what is this but really to make as if the Scripture did err as concerning what it saith of Gods all-sufficiency Gen. 17. 1. So while we make not God our happiness and chief good what is this but to make as if what the Scripture testifies of his being so was not true So when we love and embrace this present world what is this but to make as if the Scripture did err concerning what it speaks of the vanity of it and the danger of adhering to it and so when we do not hate and abhor sin what iâ— this but to make as if the Scripture did err concerning what it speaks of its vileness so while we refuse to walk or do not delight in wisdomes wayes what is this but to make as if the Scripture did err as concerning what it saith of their pleasantness and peace Prov. 3. 17. So while we do not make out after heaven nor dread hell what do we but make as if the Scripture was false as concerning what it assirms of the glory and excellency of the one and of the horror and terror of the other In a word while we neglect Faith Repentance Regeneration Holiness and the like what do we but really make as if the Scripture was not true but false as concerning what it affirms of the indispensable necessity of these John 3. 36. 8. 34. Mark 16. 16. Luke 13. 3 5. John 3. 3 5. Heb. 12. 14. And so I might dilate my self and run forth into many other particulars but these shall at present suffice and O that they might suffice exceedingly to humble us for which of us have not in some of these wayes crost and contradicted this truth and made as if the Scripture could be broken yea and many other wayes but I shall leave it to your own meditations to inlarge herein Again cannot the Scripture be broken then there are several duties which from hence we are to be exhorted and stirred up unto as 1. Cannot the Scripture be broken Use 3. Exhortation can it not err nor mistake nor be deceived then let the consideration hereof ingage us and prevail with us much to read it and often to excercise our selves in it why why because it cannot be broken it cannot err or mistake there 's nothing in it but what is true nothing that is false or erronious and this is that which prevailed with David so much to love it and delight in it and excercise himself in it Psa 119. 140. thy word is very pure therefore thy servant loveth it it 's clear from all mixture of falshood the Hebrew word which we render pure signifies tryed purged or purified and so renderd in the margin x Tzerufhah a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 He melted Metal or he purified or purged in the fire as Goldsmiths do Gold c. tryed or refined and Ainsworth renders it thy saying is fined vehemently Iunius Purgatus est Sermo tuus valde and so Piscator a metaphorical expression implying there is not the least mixture or dross of falshood or deceit therein suitable to that in Psal 12. 6. the words of the Lord are pure words as Silver tryed in a Furnacé of Earth purified seven times and Psal 119. 160. thy word is true from the beginning c. y A principio id est à seculo quasi dicat semper verbum tuum fuit verum i. e. The whole Scripture from the beginning to the ending is nothing but truth truth and all truth is the short sum of it or since thou first spakest or promisest even to the end all thy sayings are true hence David did so love them and delight in them and still converse with them and excercise himself in them he made them the men of his Counsel verse 24. thy testimonies also are my delight and my Counseltors Hebrew men of my Counsel z they 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Viri consilii mei with whom I still consult here was no deceit or falshood mens writings indeed are many times full of falshood and error and for the most part are but mixt but here 's all truth and nothing but truth and how should we then be provoked much to use them and often to converse with them O let not God have cause to
complain of us as sometimes he did of Ephraim I have written to him the great things of my Law but they were counted as a strange thing Hosea 8. 12. they slighted them as if they did not concern them they scarce lookt into them but delighted more in their own fancies and devices other Books and writings of men we may indeed read but it is sad when the multitude of them hinders from reading the Scripture which is that which is so infinitely above all other Books and writings memorable to this purpose is that which I have sometimes read of Luther that he said he could wish those Books set out by himself utterly abolished because that he feared that by reading of them some might be hindred from spending their time in reading the Sacred Scriptures but this they should not do the Bible should be too us above all other Books and more perused than any other Book or Books for that cannot be broken we have also saith the Apostle Peter a more sure word of Prophecy whereunto ye do well that ye take heed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I we do well indeed while we take hced and converse much with that sure word which cannot be made voyd ye do well or worthily famously honourably Acts 17. 11. these were more noble than those of Thessolonica for they searched the Scriptures daily that man is pronounced Psa 1. 1 2. blessed who delights in the Law of the Lord and meditates in it day and night 2. Again cannot the Scripture be broken let us then believe this as concerning the Scripture that it is that which cannot be broken we have heard how abundantly it hath been proved both by Scâ—ipture and reason and from experience and therefore let us after all I say believe this that the Scripture is that which cannot be bâ—oken O that we could in truth say as the Apostle Paul does Act. 24. 14. That we believe all things which are written in the Law and the Prophets ther 's great cause we should do so being that which cannot be broken And therefore our Saviour sharply reproves those 2. Disciples for their slowness of heart to believe all that the Prophets have spoken Luke 24. 25. O Fooles and slow of heart to believe all that the Prophets have spoke Fooles because slow of heart to believe it being that which must be and cannot be broken 3. And Thirdly Let us not onely believe this but walk daily and continually under a sense and apprehension of this with this firmly fixt upon our Spirits and still in our minds that the Scripture cannot be broken and surely there is no one thing as concerning the Scripture that would or could be of greater use or more singular advantage to us than this to believe and daily to live in the sense and apprehension of this truth of the Scriptures impossibility of being broken O what a singular and sovereign way and meanes would this be to bring us much to profit by all Scripture by Prophecies by Promises by Threatnings yea by what ever it saith or affirmes As the Scripture saies and affirmes yea as good as sweares that except a Man be born again born of Water and of the Spirit he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God John 3. 3 5. And now this being Scripture and so that which cannot be broken did we but believe this and were our hearts but throughly perswaded of this and did we but daily walk in the sense and apprehension of this could we neglect this great work of Regeneration of being born again as we do And so I might instance as concerning Knowledge Isay 27. 11. Concerning Faith Iohn 8. 24. 3. 36. Marke 16. 16. Concerning Repentance Luke 13. 3 5. Concerning holiness Hebrewes 12 14. Iohn 13. 8. O did people but believe that in what the Scripture saies of the necessity of these it could not be broken could they slight and neglect them as they do So when the Scripture affirmes that every idle word that Men shall speak they shall give account thereof in the day of Iudgement Matthew 12. 36. O did Men but believe this and walk continually in the sense and apprehension of this that in this the Scripture cannot be broken Would they not be more circumspect in their words Would they be vain and frothy in their discourses as many times they are so when the Scripture affirmes that we must all appear before the Iudgement Seat of Christ that every one may receive the things done in his body according to that he hath done whether it be good or bad 2 Cor. 5. 10. Would they not have a greater Care what they did So the Scripture sayes straight is Mat. 7. 14. 1 Peter 4. 18. the gate and narrow is the way that leads to life and few there be that find it and the righteous scarcely are saved and now the belief and perswasion of this in the Heart and sense of it upon the Spirit would it not make people more studious and more industrious to be saved So it saies that a rich Mat. 19. 23 Man shall hardly enter into the Kingdom of Heaven and were there a belief and sense of this upon the Spirit that herein the Scriptures cannot be broken would Men be so studious and desirous to be rich as they are or having riches would they be less solicitous of entring into the Kingdom of Heaven than others who can hardlier enter in than other men And so I might very much inlarge my self herein to shew and demonstrate unto you of what singular use and advantage it would be unto us did we believe and withall walk in the sense apprehension of this truth that the Scriptures caÌ„not be broken how would Threatnings more startle terrifie the wicked and how would Promises more comfort and cheer the godly The God of hope saies the Apostle fill you Ro. 15. 13. with all joy and peace in believing I this is the way indeed for Christians to have their souls filled with joy and peace as concerning the promises by believing them and by walking in the sense and apprehension of this that they are such as cannot be broken this was the way indeed to suck and draw out the sweetness of them But of this I shall speak more afterward in the use of Consolation 4. Cannot the Scripture be broken can it not err or be deceived but is every thing so as the Scripture saies and affirms Let this prevail with us then to seal and assent to what ever it saies though it seemes never so strange unlikely or improbable to carnal sense and reason or cross and contrary to our own corrupt judgements and opinions for the Scripture cannot be broken as that in Luke 16. and the 31. verse It is said if they hear not Moses and the Prophets neither will they be perswaded though one rise from the dead No the world thinks otherwise O did but a Man rise from the dead did but a
wicked man come from Hell and tell others what he there suffers and what they were like to suffer if they did not mend their manners O this would prevail with them by this they would be perswaded no they would not for the Scripture sayes and that cannot be broken if they hear not Moses and the Prophets neither will they be perswaded though one rose from the dead such as are not perswaded by the Word preached such would not be perswaded though one rose from the dead So Isay 27. 11. There it is said It is a people of no understanding therefore he that made them will not have mercy on them and he that formed them will shew them no favour Now the World thinks otherwise O say they he that made us will save us but let this prevail with us to seal to this truth because it is Scripture and cannot be broken So Matthew 19. 23. Then said Jesus unto his Disciples Verily I say unto you that a rich Man shall hardly enter into the Kingdom of Heaven And again I say unto you it is easier for a camel to go through c. So 1 Cor. 1. 26 27. For ye see your calling Brethren how that not many wise men after the flesh not many mighty not many noble are called c. So Matthew 16. 25. Whosoever will save his life shall lose it and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall finde it So Mark◠10. 29 30. Verily I say unto you there is no Man that hath left house or Brethren or Sisters or Father or Mother or Wife or Children or Lands for my sake and the Gospels but he shall receive an hundred fold now in this time houses and Brethren and Sisters and Mothers and Children and Lands with Persecutions and in the world to come eternal life Now these and many the like are Paradoxes to the World but what ever they be to the World let this prevail with us for to seal to them they being Scripture and the Scripture being that which cannot be broken And let us seal to these and the like not not onely Verbally but really not onely in point of Judgement and opinion but of practice as when it is said Straight is the gate narrow is the way that leadeth unto life and few there be that finde it Matthew 7. 14. And the righteous shall scarcely be saved 1 Peter 4. 18. i. e. not without much difficulty and ado not without great labour the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is used of such things as with much labour are brought about as Acts 27. 7. Now it being certainly thus let us really and practically seal to the truth hereof by labouring so much the more to be saved and to enter in at the straight gate Thus when it is said What is a Man profited if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul i. e. a Man is no whit at all profited let us really seal to the truth hereof by more minding our souls and less regarding the profits of the World so that we must appear before the judgement seat of Christ 2 Cor. 5. 10. by labouring that we may be accepted of him and found in peace To that that Satan goes up and down like a roaring Lion c. 1 Peter 5. 8. by being as the Apostle exhorts the more sober and vigilant And so I might instance as concerning what the Scripture saies of the upright Psalm 84. 11. 37. 37. Of Godlinesse 1 Tim. 4. 8. Hebrews 12. 14. Of Christ washing us of Christ being in us John 13. 8 2 Cor. 13. 5 Let us really seal to these by labouring so much the more to be upright to be godly to have Christ wash us and to get Christ in us c. And thus should wecome to reap the fruit and benefit of Scriptures those happy ends would be made good for which they were written 5. Cannot the Scripture be broken can it not err or mistake or be deceived but are things so as the Scripture affirms of them if the Scripture saith that Princes are Gods in some sense are they so as our Saviour here affirms and proves because the Scripture cannot be broken then let us labour so to see and so to discern things to be as the Scripture saith of them as the Scripture affirms concerning them why why because the Scripture cannot be broken it cannot err and therefore they most certainly are as the Scripture saith of them and therefore let us labour yea and never let us rest till we come so to see them and so to be able to say of them as the Scripture saith of them till we and the Scripture come to be of a judgement and opinion and that however at present they may seem quite otherwise but as the Apostle saith give me leave a little to Rom. 3. 4 allude to it let God be true but every man a lyer i. e. let God be confest and acknowledged true so let his word let the Scripture be acknowledged and assented too as true for that cannot be broken but all contrary thoughts and apprehensions of things lookt upon as false and lying for as the same Apostle affirms we are sure the judgement of God is according to truth his sense and sentence of things and so the sense and sentence of the Scripture of his word we are sure that is according to truth that cannot be broken that cannot err or mistake and therefore never let us rest till we come to see things as that saith of them and then we shall certainly see things aright see things as they are indeed As to instance in some particulars the Scripture saith and affirms of God that he is good it saith and affirms so often Nahum 1. 7. The Lord is good Psa 106. 1. O give thanks unto the Lord for he is good for his mercy endureth for ever and so Psal 107. 1. O give thanks unto the Lord for he is good c. And now he is so for the Scripture cannot be broken cannot err and therefore let us labour to see him so and never rest till we come so to see him till we be able from what we our selves see and experience to say as David Psal 86. 5. For thou Lord art good c. and how great is his goodness and how great is his beauty Zach. 9. 17. and O taste and see that the Lord is good blessed is the man that trusteth in him Psa 34. 8. So the Scripture saith of Jesus Christ that he is most pretious that he is fairer than the Children of men that he is the 1 Pet. 2. 4. 6. 7. Psa 45. 2. Hag. 2. 7. desire of all Nations that he is altogether lovely and the Scripture saying so of him and it being that which cannot be broken O let us never rest till we come so to see him till we can say from what our selves see perceive as the spouse in Cant. 5. 10. my beloved
is white and ruddy the chiefest of ten thousands his mouth is most sweet yea he is altogether lovely he is more pretious than Rubies and all the things that can be desired are not to be compared to him O as that Martyr Gâ—leâ—cius Caracciolâ—s said None to him none to him and as that noble Italian Marquess let their Gold and Silver perish with them who count all the gold silver in the world worth one dayes communion with Jesus Christ So the Scripture saith of Gods testimonies that they are wonderful perfect pure holy just and good Psal 119. 129. thy testimonies are wonderfull therefore doth my soul keep them and 18. verse open thou mine eyes that I may behold the wonders of thy Law and Psal 19. 7. the Law of the Lord is perfect converting the soul Rom. 7. 12. wherâ—fore the Law is holy and the Commandement holy just and good Of Gods Ordinances that they are amiable and desirable Psal 84. 1. 27. 5. c. How amiable are thy Tabernacles c. To behold the beauty of the Lord c. Of Gods Grace and of such as are gratious that they are excellent 1 Cor. 12. last Psal 16. 3. Prov. 12. 26. And yet shew I unto you a more excellent way And to the excellent c. The righteous is more excellent Of wisdoms wayes that they are wayes of pleasantness and of her paths that they are paths of peace Prov. 3. 17. Of man that he is vain yea at his best estate altogether vanity Psa 39. 5. Of fin that it is vile bitter filthy foolish bootless fruitless James 1. 21. Jer. 2. 19. Psa 28. 5. Rom. 6. 21. Of the world and all worldly things that they are vanity yea vanitie of vanities vainest vanity 1 Eccl. 5. Prov. 23. 5. Eccl. 5. 16. And so I might instance in many other And now the Scripture thus saying and affirming of them and it being certainly so as the Scripture saith of them it being that which cannot be broken O le ts labour and never rest till we come thus to see them for we are sure that what the Scripture saith is according to truth thus Psal 19. 10. the Scripture there saith of the judgements of the Lord that they are more to be desired than Gold yea than much fine God and sweeter also than the honey and the honey comb and thus David saw them thus they were to him Psal 119. 72. The law of thy mouth is better to me than thousands of Gold and Silver ver 103. How sweet are thy words unto my taste sweeter than honey to my mouth Shall I look upon things and judge of things rather as my own corrupt and erronious judgement fancies of them and not rather according to the unerring sentence of Gods word no let God be true let his word be true yea it is most true and unerring and therefore let all contrary opinions be lookt upon as false and erronious O let us never rest as concerning what the Scripture saith and affirms of things till we be able to say as the Queen of Sheba said in another case to Solomon 1 Kings 10. 6 7. and she said to the King it was a true report that I heard and behold the half was not told me so the reports I heard out of the Scripture were true reports what out of the Scripture was reported and made forth unto me of the goodness of God and the loveliness of Jesus Christ of the beauty of holiness of the Amiableness of Gods Ordinances of the pleasantness of Christs wayes of the vanity of the world of the vileness of sin O they were all true reports and behold the half was not told me Thus le ts never rest till our judgments and the Scripture agree till we and it come to be of an opinion not we and the world but we and the word this was the prayer of Paul in behalf of the Philippians that they might approve things that were excellent Phil. 1. 9 10 Est sapiens cui res sapiunt prout sunt cui vero ipsa jam in se prout est sapientia sapiâ— is non modo sapiens sed etiam beatus est Bernard That such things as were indeed excellent according to the unerring account of the Scripture of them they might so see them discern them understand them and accordingly approve them thus David saith in one place thy testimonies are wonderful Psal 119. 129. And in another he prayes v. 18. open thou my eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of thy Law that I may see them as they are and so let us pray thou art good O Lord the Scripture so saith of thee and that cannot be broken Lord make me so to see thee that from my own experience I may say so too c. So Jesus Christ is lovely he is most pretious the chiefest of ten thousand Lord make me so to see him so to apprehend him that he may be so to me that I may say as the spouse a bundle of Mirrh is my wel-beloved unto me and my beloved is unto me a Cluster of Camphire he is so in himself and so he is to me I so see him apprehend him experience him That we may never rest till we come to say as Iob in another case Iob 42. 5. I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear but now mine eye seeth thee so I have heard of thee and heard of Christ and heard of other things by the hearing of the ear Ministers have made such and such reports of them now I see them to be so indeed as the Minister said of them I can from my own experience say now as he said and as the Scripture saith now I believe his reports and truly we shall never believe the reports of the word till the Arm of the Lord be so revealed as that we come indeed not only to hear of them but to see them Isa 53. 1. Who hath believed our report c. And therefore blessed are their eyes who see as our Saviour saith in another case who so see and apprehend things to be as the Scripture saith and affirms of them for so indeed they are and must be the Scripture being that which cannot be broken which cannot err or mistake 6. Again cannot the Scripture be broken then from hence should we be exhorted and provoked to be much in blessing and praising of God First That God should find out a way to save man and yet what he had threatned for mans sinning be salved and not be broken c. Secondly that those things which are of so great importance and concernment and that afford so great cause and ground of comfort and on which our whole happiness depends are according to Scripture which cannot be broken And thirdly that the Lord hath brought any of us into such a state and condition as that we may be saved and the Scripture not be broken nay in which if
such as do indeed believe shall be saved is according to Scripture Acts 16. 31. Rom. 10. 9. 16. Mark 15. 16. Heb. 10. 39. 1 Pet. 1. 9. John 3. 36. 3. That such as repent shall be saved is according to Scripture Ezek. 18. 30. Acts 11. 18. 2 Cor. 7. 10. Job 33. 23 24. Prov. 28. 13. 4. That such as are fruitful in good works shall be saved is according to Scripture Iohn 5. 28 29. Rom. 2. 7. Matth. 26. 21. Thus if this be thy condition indeed if God hath brought thee into such an estate as this is if he hath done so great things for thee as these thou maist be saved and the Scripture not be broken nay let me tell thee again as I told thee before if thou shouldst not be saved the Scripture would be broken which the point tells thee cannot be and O how happy art thou then to be brought into such an estate and condition as that if thou shouldst not be saved the Scripture would be broken how much shouldst thou be in blessing and praising God and confess with David thou hast dealt well with thy servant O Lord I well indeed he hath dealt better with thee and done more for thee than if he should have made for thee and given to thee many worlds and therefore be thankfull unto him and speak good of his name Col. 1. 12. giving thanks unto the Father which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the Saints in light 2 Thess 2. 13. But we are bound alwayes to give thanks to God for you brethren beloved of the Lord because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth 1 Pet. 1. 3. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead 7. Again Cannot the Scripture be broken can it not err mistake or be deceived is it an infallible and unerring rule then le ts be exhorted from hence to try all doctrines and opinions by Scripture to bring all to this touchstone to this adaequate measure of all divine truth for that cannot err 2 Tim. 3. 16. all Scripture saith the Apostle is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine it being given by divine inspiration and so being that which cannot err it is profitable to teach us what is truth and what is error what is sound doctrine and what is false b Scripturis tuto inniti passumus neâ— est quod fraudem ullam metuant qui harum lucernâ—m sibi proponunt revera impii qui adversus â—as dispâ—tare audent This is the true touch-stone and publique standard as it were for the triall of all doctrines set up for this end to reveal truth and discover error And this is that unto which God himself doth demit us and send us to try opinions for the finding out of truth from error and discovering error from truth as you may see Esay 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 to the Law c. To the Scripture as to the touch-stone whereby you are to try all doctrines that cannot be broken that 's unerring infallible immutable unalterable ever the same truth it self and the standard of truth such a rule as cannot deceive and therefore whereas the Apostle bids us prove or try all things we must bring them to this touch-stone what saith the Scripture this man it may be saith this another that a third the other thing I but what saith the Scripture that must determine the Bible must still be the umpire all are to be examined by this we are sure the judgement of that is according to truth As it is said of those Acts 17. 11. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica in that they received the word with all readiness of mind and searched the Scriptures daily whether these things were so and search the Scriptures Joh. 5. 39. Christ tells the Saduces Ye do err not knowing the Scriptures they did not search nor enquire there for if they had that would have discovered to them their error and by this it is that the Church hath still tryed and condemned all Heresies as the Arrian the Pelagian and others c Solis divinis literis verâ— doctrina a falsa discerni potest Pet. Mâ—râ— in Rom 16. 17. and this the Apoâ—tle Peter makes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a more sure word and way to evidence truth than a revelation from heaven as 2 Pet. 1. 19. we also have a more sure word of prophâ—cy whereunto you do well that you take heed as unto a light that shineth in a dark place untill the day dâ—wâ— aâ—d the day-star arise in your hearts the Apostle in the three verses immediately going before had been speaking of a revelation from heaven and that the clearest that ever was revealed namely that in the transfiguration of Christ of which the Apostles themselves were eye-witnesses and heard that voyce from heaven then uttered and yet verse 19. we have saith he a more sure word of Prophecy than Gods own audible voyce in the Mount i. e. more sure as to us of greater perspicuity and certainty besides inspiration it being both written and sealed for the former vision and revelation being from God was in it self most sure and therefore some interpret it a most sure word or very sure a comparative for a superlative hence the Scripture is called a Canon or Canonical that is as much as a rule and the use of a rule is to discern that which is right from that which is distort and crooked Recto i. e. canone nam 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 rectum idem sunt ipsum rectum obliquum cognoscimus regula namque judex est utriusque and this is most true of the Scripture that in this sense is a canon or canonical per excellentiam by way of excellency and therefore let us upon all occasions have still recourse to this as an unerring rule or canon to try all Doctrines and opinions by d Hoc universae Scripturae tribuendâ—m est quod sit linea regula amussis ad quam omnis de fide moribus doctrina est examinanda referenda comformanda judicanda sicuti ad legem in republica civium mores negotia sunt referenda constituenda exigenda dirimenda ad quam propterea tanquam ad Lydium lapidem fidei ac vitae Christianâ— documenta omnia probanda sunt Rivet in Isag ad scripturam sacram Again eighthly cannot the Scripture be broken can it not err then let us so judge of things as the Scripture saith of them Iudge not saith our Saviour Iohn 7. 24. according to the outward appearance but judge righteous judgement and
then we judge righteous judgement when we judge of things according to the righteous and unerring judgement of the word of God for we are sure that is according to truth and not according to the world or outward appearance There is a woe denounced against them that câ—ll evill good and good evill that put darkness for light and light for darkness that put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter Isaiah 5. 20. That call that evill which the Scripture calls good and call that good which the Scripture calls evill that put that for darkness which the Scripture calls light and that for light which the Scripture calls darkness that put that for bitter the Scripture calls sweet that for sweet the Scripture calls bitter Woe to such because they say of things quite contrary to the Scripture which cannot be broken which cannot err and so judge not righteous judgement According to outward appearance such as are poor seem miserable and so the world judges of them but now let us judge of such as the Scripture saith of them for that cannot err and judging according to that we may judge of them as such as may be happy for all their poverty Luke 6. 20. Blessed be ye poor for yours is the Kingdom of God Jam. 2. 5. Hearken my beloved hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in Faith and Heirs of the Kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him So according to the outward appearance and as the world judges such seem the only happy men who are rich and great and in high place and in health and at ease but now judge we of such as the Scripture saith of them which cannot err and that tells us they may yet be miserable enough for all their riches and outward greatness as Luke 6. 24 25. But woe unto you that are rich c. James 5. 1 2 3 Go to now ye rich men weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you your riches are corrupted c. Job 20. 22 in the fulness of his sufficiency he shall be in straights c. Zach. 1. 15. And I am very sore displeased with the heathen that are at ease c. So Amos 6 1 4 5 6. Job 20. 6 7. 5. 3. c. So according to the outward appearance and as the world judges it seems long before the Lord fulfills his promises prophecies threatnings but now judge hereof according to the Scripture and it is but a little while for yet a little while and he that shall come will come c. Hebr. 10. 37. surely I come quickly Rev. 22. 20. Rom. 16. 20. And the God of Peace shall bruise Satan shortly under your feet Rev. 1. 1. which must shortly come to pass and v. 2. for the time is at hand Psal 90. 5. for a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past and as a watch in the night Psal 37. 10. for yet a little while the wicked shall not be So Job 20 5. 24. 24. So according to outward appearance and as the world judges such seem enemies that reprove others and it is deemed hatred but let us judge of such as the Scripture judges of them and that speaks them friends that their reproof is love and the contrary hatred Lev. 19. 17. Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thy heart thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour and not suffer sin upon him So to cause offences to lay stumbling blocks in peoples way heaven-ward to scandal such as are weak and infirm this seems as the world judges of it no great matter but let us judge of this as the Scripture judges of it and that saith woe to such a one and it was better a Milstone were hanged about his neck and he cast into the Sea than that he should offend any of Christs little ones Luke 17. 1 2. So to be saved to go to heaven this as the world judges of it and as men generally think is no such great matter it is no such difficult thing what needs all this ado say some I but let us judge hereof as the Scripture judges and saith of it and then we shall see it is otherwise for that saith strive to enter in at the straight gate for many I say unto you will seek to enter in and shall not be able Luke 13. 14. and if the righteous scarcely be saved where shall the sinner and ungodly appear scarcely not but that the righteous are wholly and altogether saved saved to the utmost Heb. 7. 25. but the meaning is not without much difficulty and much ado not without great pains labour and lassitude not without many trials afflictions the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is used of such things as not without much labour and difficulty are brought about as Acts 27. 7. and scarce were come over against Guidus scarce the Greek is the same as here 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 scarce signifies not without a great deal of labour and difficulty so Hâ—b 4. 11. let us labour therefore to enter into that rest labour 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the word is very emphatical let us labour or study it notes both care labour and expedition setting our heads a work and hands a work all a work with all expedition too So Luk 21. 36. Watch yea therefore and pray alwayes that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all those things that â—â—all come to pass and to stand before the Sâ—â— of man 1 Cor. 9. 24. Know ye not that they which run in a race run all but one receives the prize so run that ye may obtain So that there must not be only running but such running 9. Again cannot the Scripture be broken then let us be exhorted from hence First Not to be offended nor scandalized nor overmuch troubled at the sufferings and afflictions of the Church and people of God when it seems to go ill with them as to their outward state and condition why because this is no other than what the Scripture hath spoken and foretold shall be and the Scripture cannot be broken Many are the afflictions of the righteous Psa 34. 19. and we must through many tribulations enter into the Kingdom of God Acts 14. 22. and in the world you shall have tribulation John 16. 33. yea and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution 2 Tim. 3. 12. and if any man will come after me let him deny himself and take up his Cross and follow me And the rather we should not be offended nor scandalized at them not only in regard that the Scripture which cannot be broken hath foretold them but likewise in that the Scripture which cannot be broken hath spoken so much of the good and comfort and benefit of them Rom. 8. 28. and we know that all things work together for good to â—hem that love God to them who are the called
in the least circumstance of those sufferings which it had fore-told he should undergo but in every thing were they all perfectly fulfilled Then it being a thing so sure that the Scripture cannot be broken O be admonished warned from hence to take heed of continuing in such a state and condition in which you cannot be saved except the Scripture be broken or in which if you be saved the Scripture must be broken I say be admonished and warned of continuing in such an estate and condition and is there not infinite cause and ground when as you have heard and had it made out so abundantly unto you that the Scripture can by no meanes be broken and therefore to continue in such an estate in which you cannot be saved except the Scripture be broken is indeed to continue in such an estate in which abiding you cannot possibly be saved For the Scripture cannot be broken that 's the poynt in hand and that which hath been so abundantly proved No God never did nor never will break one jot or tittle of his Word were it to save a whole World yea ten thousand Worlds were there so many extant yet will he not to save them break his Word and hereof hath he given full and certain assurance unto all men in that he suffered not any thing to fall to the ground or to be broken that was foretold as concerning those heavy and grievous breakings of his dear Son but all were fully undergon by him And he that would not have the Scripture broken or dispenc'd with for his Son his dear and blessed Son will he have it broken or dispenc'd withall for thee no never expect it he that would not have the Scripture broken no not for Jesus Christ he will never have it broken for the Creature he that would not have it broken for the Son of his love for him in whom his Soul delighted will never have it broken for thee with whom he is daily provoked if he did these things in a green Tree that the Scripture might not be broken O what shall be done to the dry Tree rather than the Scripture be broken And therefore O how much doth it concern every one to see to it that they do not continue in such an estate in which they cannot be saved except the Scripture be broken the Scripture being that which cannot be broken But you will say what estate is that in which I cannot be saved except the Scripture be broken in which if I must be saved the Scripture must be broken I shall instance at present only in five that the Scripture makes mention of 1. First if continuing in a state of spiritual blindnesse darknesse and ignorance you be saved the Scripture must be broken You cannot continuing in such an estare be saved except the Scripture be broken for the Scripture in several places speaks quite contrary as to such continuing such being saved Isa 27. 11. It is a people of no understanding and therefore he that made them will not have mercy on them but will destroy them and he that formed them will shew them no favour because a people of no understanding such as were blind and ignorant that knew neither God nor themselves nor any thing of God as they should and ought Pray observe it that which poor Creatures are wont to make use of for to plead for themselves and to produce in favour of themselves as because they are ignorant and not Book-learned as they term it therefore they think to find mercy and favour at Gods hands but that here God produces against them It is a people of no understanding therefore c. Their ignorance aggravates their woe and is a bar to the mercy and favour of God and then it s said he that made them will shew them no mercy whereas this uses to be a poor ignorant Souls plea God that made me will have mercy on me and he that formed me will shew me favour I am his Workmanship I but no matter for that if thou continuest still in a state of blindnesse and ignorance so livest and so dyest if he that made thee has mercy on thee or he that formed thee shew thee favour the Scripture must be broken so 2 Thess 1. 7 8. It is there said The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty Angels in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God f Ex defectu notitiae Dei sequitur Dei contemptus tandem Mors Calv. in Loc. i. e. aright so as his Word has revealed him as they ought so as to love him honour him trust in him and obey him g Verba notitiae in Scriptura affectus comprehendunt Now we are ready generally to think when Christ shall be revealed in such a way as this from Heaven with his mighty Angels and in flaming fire O then woe be to Cain who slew his Brother to Judas that betrayed his Master these and such like as these Christ will take vengeance on I but the Scripture saies he will take vengeance on thee that knowest not God I and thou continuing such a one as is ignorant of God and knowest not God if Christ should not when he shall so be revealed take vengeance on thee the Scripture must be broken and therefore when the Apostle speaks 1 Tim. 2. 4. That God will have all men to be saved i. e. some of all sorts he adds as the meanes conducing thereunto and to come unto the knowlege of the truth and when Paul is sent to the Gentiles that they may receive forgivenesse of sins and inheritance amongst them which are sanctified the way is by opening their eyes and turning them from darknesse to light and for this end has the day-spring from on high visited us to give light to them that sit in darknesse and in the shadow of death and to guide our feet in the way of peace Luc. 1. 78 79. And if the Gospel be hid it is hid to them that are lost sayes the Apostle 2 Cor. 4. 3. And my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge Hosea 4. 4. So that Ignorance is a far greater evil than people ordinarily are aware of It is so great an evil that if thou continue such thou canst not be saved except the Scripture be broken and therefore how should we labour after Knowledge saving Knowledge that the Soul be without Knowledge saies Solomon Prov. 9. 2. it is not good nay it is not only not good but exceeding evil and pernitious For without Knowledge we cannot be saved except the Scripture be broken And therefore it is good as Solomon speaks to cry after Knowledge and to lift up the voice for Vnderstanding Prov. 3. 4. to seek her as Silver and to search for her as for hid treasures and how much better is it to get Wisdom than Gold and to get Vnderstanding rather than choice Silver and Wisdom is the
is Scripture that except a man be born again he cannot â—nter into thâ— Kingdom of God John 3. 3 5. 2. To all unbelieving ones for if the Scripture cannot be broken then all such continuing such must dye in their sins shall be damned shall not see life but the wrath of God abideth on them yea they are condemned already for this is Scripture this and much more doth the Scripture affirm concerning such Iohn 8. 24. Marke 16. 16. John 3 36 18 c. 3. To all impenitent ones for if the Scripture cannot be broken then they must certainly perish for this likewise is Scripture Iohn 13. 3 5. 4. To all unfruitful and unprofitable ones for if the Scripture cannot be broken they continuing such shall be hewen down and cast into the firâ— cast into utter darknesse where shall be weeping and gâ—ashing of teeth for this likewise is Scripture Matthâ—w 7. 19. 25 30. 5. To all sensual and secure ones for if the Scripture cannot be broken they continuing such the Lord shall come in a day when they look not for him and in an hour when they are not awarâ— of and shall cut them assunder and appoint them their portion with the Hypocrites there shall eb weeping and gnashing of teeth for this likewise is Scripture Matthew 25. 50 51. 6. To all worldly and earthly minded ones that sow to the flesh for if c. then such shall reap corruption and their end is destruction for this likewise is Scripture Galatians 6. 7 8. Philippians 3. 19. 7. To all cruel hard-hearted and unmerciful ones for if c. then shall such have judgemtnt without mercy then shall the King say to them at the last day Depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his Angels Matth. 25. 41. James 2. 13. 8. Tâ— all hypocritical ones for if the Scripture c. then 1. Such heap up wrath and 2. Their life is among the unclean or Sodomites i. e. their end is alike with the filthiest of sinners for this is Scripture Iob 36. 13 14. 3. Then woe upon woe belongs unto them for there are 8. woes denounced against them in Matthew 23. 13 14 15. 4. Then their portion of all portions is the heaviest and dreadfullest for thus the Scripture which cannot be broken sets it forth for when Christ would threaten the worst of portions he threatens a portion with the Hypocrites Matthew 24. 51. And shall cut him assunder and appoint him his portion with hypocrites implying that of all portions their portion is like to be the saddest and dreadfullest for it is made the measure of others Hypocrites are as one glosses upon the Text q. e. the Free-holders of Hell whereas other sinners are but as inmates with them and have but a portion of their misery they are the chief of sinners their dissembled sanctity is double iniquity l Simulata san'titas duplex iniquitas and theirs is the chief of misery 5. Then they shall not come before God they shall not injoy the least glimps of his face and favour or the comfort of his presence for this likewise is Scripture Iob 13. 16. And 6. The Lord shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity with openly profane persons for this likewise is Scripture Psalm 125. 5. 9. To all Apostates and Back-sliders for if the Scripture cannot be broken then 1. Gods Soul shall have no pleasure in them and how sad is their condition in whom God has no delight nay who are loathsom unto God it is a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2. Such shall be filled with their own wayes with the fruit of their own wayes or with their own wayes i. e. with back-sliding they shall have backsliding enough when they are backsliden into Hell 3. Then it had been better for such not to have known the way of righteousness than after they have known it to turn from the holy Commandement delivered unto them for these and many other threatnings are Scripture Hebrewes 10. 38. Pov. 14. 14. 2 Pet. 2. 21. 10. In a word if the Scripture c. then here 's matter and ground of terror and trembling to all those the Apostle reckons up 1 Cor. 6. 9 10. as Vnrighteous Fornicators Idolaters effeminate abusers of themselves with mankind Theeves Covetous Drunkards Revilers Extortiones for if the Scripture cannot be broken then such shall not inherit the Kingdom of God for this is Scripture Vers 9. 10. As also those the Apostle reckons up Philippians 3. 18 19. viz. such as are enemies to the Cross of Christ whose God is their belly whose glory is their shame who mind earthly things for if the Scripture cannot be broken then their end must be destruction for that the same Scripture affirms whose end is destruction So also those reckoned up Revel 21. 8. The fearful unbelieving abominable Murderers Whoremongers Sorcerers Idolaters and all Liers for if the Scripture cannot be broken then such continuing such must have their portion in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone which is the second death Verse 8. Cannot the Scripture be broken but 6. Use of Consolation look what ever it speaks shall it certainly come to pass what ever it promises shall it certainly be performed then here 's matter and ground of singular Comfort and Consolation to the Saints to all such who are indeed Heirs of the Scripture-promises as the Scripture speaks of some Heb. 6. 17. Wherein God willing more abundantly to shew unto the Heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel confirmed it by an oath I say if the Scripture cannot be broken then here 's matter and ground of singular Comfort and Consolation to all such and that in all estates and conditions whatsoever m Hoc quod Verbum Dei non excidere potest est basiis consolationis nostrae Pareus why why because seeing the Scripture cannot be broken then the promises which are a main and choice part of Scriptur of which they are Heirs cannot be broken but shall certainly be performed and made good and what a River of Comfort then does from hence flow to all such the streames whereof may exceedingly rejoyce and make glad the City of God viz. the hearts of those who are Heirs of the promises this truth that the Scripture cannot be broken may to such be as a box of pretious ointment opened and powred forth the sweet odour and fragrant savour whereof may fill and exceedingly refresh their Souls I may say of this poynt as to the Heirs of promise what the Spouse saies of her Beloved Cant. 4. 15. It is as it were a Fountain of Gardens a Well of living Waters and streames from Lebanon it is as a whole bundle of Mirrh and a full cluster of Camphir O assure but this that thou art an Heir of the promises and such are all who are Children and if Children then Heirs Rom. 8. 17. That believe in Jesus Christ and love and
fear the Lord I say assure but this and then in the serious consideration of this sovereign truth thou mayst sit down and say it is enough for view the promises look over them all and that from one end of the Bible to the other and see how many so ever they be or how great and pretious soever they be they shall all certainly be fulfilled be performed and made good My Covenant will I not break nor alter the thing that is gon out of my mouth Psalm 89. 34. God has spoken saies David in his holinesse I will rejoice i. e. he has promised so and so and I will rejoice I and there is great cause for what ever God has spoken and promised it shall certainly be performed it shall certainly be ful filled and made good it shall not fail no Heaven and Earth shall pass away but Gods Word shall not pass away Psalm 119. 89. For ever O Lord thy Word is setled in Heaven Here was Davids Comfort how ever things went on Earth how moveable or unsetled soever they were Gods Word on which he fixt his Faith was for â—ver setled in Heaven that was a sure rock still to bear up his Faith that would never fail what ever else did And this kept up his spirit Psal 27. 13. I had fainted unlesse I had belived to see the goodnesse of the Lord in the Land of the Living And therefore the People of God should remember God of his promises and urge him with them and sue them out as Jacob Gen. 32. 9. Hast not thou said so and so and is it not Scripture Lord and the Scripture cannot be broken thus David does often in the 119. Psalm verse 41. Let thy mercies come unto me O Lord even thy Salvation according to thy Word and 49. Remember thy Word untâ— thy Servant upon which thou hast caused me to hope and 76. Let I pray thee thy merciful kindness be to my comfort according unto thy Word unto thy Servant and 107. I am afflicted very much quicken me O Lord according to thy word and 116 uphold me according to thy word that I may live and let me not be ashamed of my hope thus he pleads 2 Sa. 28 29. And now O Lord God thou art that God and thy Words be true and thou hast promised this Goodnesse therefore now let it please thee to bless the House of thy Servant that it may continue for ever before thee for thou O Lord God hast spoken it c. Whatsoever things saith the Apostle Rom. 15. 4. were written afore time were written for our learning that we through patience and comfort of the Scripture might have hope n Scriptur a Consolationem assurt cum promissiones innumeras de dei praesentia auxilio fiberatione ab aerumins de salutari malorum exitu de gloria denique in Câ—lis reposita nobis proporit Par. in Rom. 15. 4. And how does the Scripture more work Patience and cause comfort than in the consideration of these promises wchit propounds And in regard of this that they cannot be broken O if the Scripture cannot be broken how many wayes may this comfort and cheer the hearts of the People of God Give me leave a little to instance in some of them and as it were but to open this box of so pretious ointment that so you may the better resent the fragrancy and sweetnesse thereof and that your spirits may be the better cheered and refreshed therewith as 1. If the Scriptures cannot be broken then the People of God shall not want any good thing for this is part of the Scripture it is one of the Scripture promises Psalm 34. 10. 84. 11. They that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing no good thing will he with-hold c. 2. If the Scripture cannot c. then all things are theirs for this likewise is Scripture promise 1 Coâ— 3. 21 22. All things are yours c. 3. Then they shall not be forgotten for this likewise is a Scripture-promise Isay 49. 15 16. Jer. 29. 10 11. Yet will I not forget thee c. For I know the thoughts that I think towards you c. 4. Then shall they not be left nor forsaken for this is c. Hebrewes 13. 5. I will not leave thee nor forsake thee 5. Then is and shall Gods Grace be sufficient for them for this is c. 1 Cor. 12. 9. And he said My Grace is sufficient for thee c. 6. Then shall all things work together for their good for this is c. Rom. 8. 28. That all things work together for good c. 7. Then shall they be upheld and sustained in their greatest weakness for this is c. Isay 40. 11 28 29 30 31. 1 Cor. 10. 13. Lam. 3. 31 32. He shall gather the Lambs with his Armes and carry them in his Boseme c. 8. Then shall nothing be able to separat them from the Love of God which is in Christ Jesus their Lord for this is c. Romans 8. 35 38 39. John 13. 1. 9. Then they shall never perish for this is c. John 10. 28. 10. Then sin shall not have dominion over them for this is c. Romans 6. 14. 11. Then Satan shall shortly be bruised under their feet for this is c. Rom. 16. 14. 12. Then there is no condemnation to them for this likewise is c. Rom. 8. 1. And so I migh add then will God be with them when they pass through the waters and through the Rivers they shall not overflow them and through the fire it shall not burn them c. For this is a Scripture-promise Isay 43. 2. Then in 6. troubles shall they be delivered and in 7. there shall no evil touch them for this is c. Iob 5. 19. Then shall they shortly be received to Christ and be where he is for this is c. Iohn 14. 3 17. 24. 12. 26. And thus I might still further run forth and abundantly enlarge and expatiate my self but this I shall leave for the further inlarging of your own Meditations and Observations having shewen you the way Thus that the Scripture cannot be broken is matter and ground of singular comfort to the People of God â—or if the Scripture cannot be broken then the promises which are a main chief part thereof cannot be broken And as this is matter ground of singular comfort to the People of God so let them improve it and make use of it for their comfort let them suck out the sweetness of it cheer themselves with it Seeing the promises cannot be broken neither let your Faith nor your hopes be broken seeing the one cannot fail neither let the other fail stagger or â—efoiled but feal to the firmness and steadiness of what God has premised which shall certainly be performed by the firmness steadiness of your Faith say as David Psalm 42. 5. Why art thâ—â— cost down O