Point 4 The benefit of well using this Sword, 1is admirable: for there is no error in judgement but may be refuted, no corruption in life but may be redressed hereby: Neither is there any true sound doctrine but may be proved and maintained against all gain-sayers, or any virtue and duty but may be warranted by it, and we thereby directed also in the performance thereof.e The Apostle expressly saith of the Word, that it is profitable to all these:f David upon his own experience affirmeth that by Gods Word he was made wiser then the Ancient, then his Teachers, then his Enemies. Ancient men who have much experience of many times, and of many things done in those times, commonly get much wisdom by their long experience; so asf among the ancient is wisdom, and in the length of days is understanding. Yet Gods Word taught David to understand more then experience⟨p. 325⟩ could teach the ancient. Yea, though Teachers commonly know more then Scholars, or learners, (g Their lips should preserve knowledge:) yet David by Gods Word exceeded all his Teachers in knowledge. And though enemies through their continual searching after sundry points of policy, and inventing many stratagems and cunning wiles, as also by prying into the attempts of the adverse parties, grow very subtle and crafty; yet by this Word of God did David learn more wisdom then all they. For Gods Word is of a far larger extent then mans wit, wisdom, learning, and experience can attain unto. Though the Book wherein Gods Word is contained, be not comparable in multitude of letters, syllables, and words, to the massive Volumes of many mens works; yet for substance of sound matter, and variety of several and sundry directions, all the Books in the World are not comparable to it. Every good thing whatsoever may be justified thereby: every evil thing whatsoever may be disproved thereby: so as by this Sword every good thing which is opposed against may be maintained, and every evil thing whereunto we are tempted, be repelled. There is no cross under which any man lieth, no distress whereunto any is brought, but may be eased, and helped by Gods Word: from it may sound comfort be fetched, by it may a man be supported.h This was Davids comfort in his trouble. Art thou afflicted in body, or troubled in conscience?
Point 4 THe benefit of well vsing this Sword, 1is admirable: for there is no error in iudgement but may be refuted, no corruption in life but may be redressed hereby: Neither is there any true sound doctrine but may bee proued and maintained against all gaine-sayers, or any vertue and duty but may bee warranted by it, and wee thereby directed also in the performance thereof.e The Apostle expresly saith of the Word, that it is profitable to all these:f Dauid vpon his owne experience affirmeth that by Gods Word hee was made wiser then the Ancient, then his Teachers, then his Enemies. Ancient men who haue much experience of many times, and of many things done in those times, commonly get much wisedome by their long experience; so asf among the ancient is wisedome, and in the length of daies is vnderstanding. Yet Gods Word taught Dauid to vnderstand more then experience⟨p. 325⟩ could teach the ancient. Yea, though Teachers commonly know more then Schollers, or learners, (g Their lips should preserue knowledge:) yet Dauid by Gods Word exceeded all his Teachers in knowledge. And though enemies thorow their continall searching after sundry points of pollicy, and inuenting many stratagems and cunning wyles, as also by prying into the attempts of the aduerse parties, grow very subtill and crafty; yet by this Word of God did Dauid learne more wisdome then all they. For Gods Word is of a farre larger extent then mans wit, wisdome, learning, and experience can attaine vnto. Though the Booke wherein Gods Word is contained, be not comparable in multitude of letters, sillables, and words, to the massie Volumes of many mens works; yet for substance of sound matter, and variety of seuerall and sundry directions, all the Bookes in the World are not comparable to it. Euery good thing whatsoeuer may be iustified thereby: euery euill thing whatsoeuer may be disproued thereby: so as by this Sword euery good thing which is opposed against may be maintained, and euery euill thing whereunto we are tempted, be repelled. There is no crosse vnder which any man lieth, no distresse whervnto any is brought, but may be eased, and helped by Gods Word: from it may sound comfort be fetched, by it may a man be supported.h
- 1The benefit of well using the word. Non novimus clios libros ita destruentes superbiam▪ ita des•ruentes inimicum, &c. Aug. Confess: lib. 13.The benefit of well vsing the word. Non nouimus clios libros ita destruentes superbiam▪ ita des•ruentes inimicum, &c. Aug. Confes: lib. 13.
- e2 Tim. 3. 16
- fPsal. 119. 98, 99, 100.
- fJob 11. 12.Iob 11. 12.
- gMal. 2. 7.
- hPsal. 119. 50
