A godly and learned exposition or commentary upon the three first chapters of the…A godly and learned exposition or commentarie vpon the three first chapters of the…

Thirdly, by this scope and end of Scriptures, we must learn to carry in mind this plain difference between the books of God, and writings of men: Gods word bringeth a man which keep• it, to happiness; but mans writings of, themselves cannot do so, unless they have light from the word of God. If this distinction were imprinted in our harts, we should not be so delighted as many are, to hear or speak the words of God mixed with the words of sinful men, specially in the public ministry. In former times the Lord forbade his own people to sow their field with mingled seed, […] to make them garments of diverse things, as of linen and woollen, Levit. 19.19. And no doubt the same God doth mislike, that the pure seed of his word should be mingled with the sayings of erroneous and sinful men, when the same is sown upon the furrows of mens hea•ts.

Thirdly, by this scope and end of Scriptures, wee must learne to carrie in mind this plaine difference between the bookes of God, and writings of men: Gods word bringeth a man which keep• it, to happinesse; but mans writings of, themselues cannot doe so, vnlesse they haue light from the word of God. If this distinction were imprinted in our harts, we should not bee so delighted as many are, to heare or speak the words of God mixed with the wordes of sinfull men, specially in the publicke ministerie. In former times the Lord forbad his owne people to sowe their field with mingled seede, 〈…〉 to make them garments of diuerse things, as of linnen and woollen, Leuit. 19.19. And no doubt the same God doth mislike, that the pure seed of his word should be mingled with the sayings of erroneous and sinfull men, when the same is sown vpon the furrowes of mens hea•ts.

Secondly, in this seventh Argument we may observe the right manner and way of hearing and reading the Scriptures: a point worthy all serious consideration. I stands in two things: First, we must set down with ourselves a certain end, why we read, and hear the Scriptures, which is, that we may attain to true happiness, standing in fellowship with God, and life everlasting. This end must be the motive to induce us to hear, and read the word of God, and when this taes place in our hearts, it will be of force to make us read, and hear with care and conscience which beseemeth Gods word. Secondly, we must keep in mind the things we read or hear; so faith the text: And keepeth the things which are written: which word imports, that by diligent observation, we should lay them up in our hearts. This is a weighty duty, and seriously commended unto us of God. Bind up the testimony, seal up the law among my disciples,