Heavenly merchandiseHeavenly merchandize

1. In general, the Written Word of God is the proper and only touch stone by which we are to try and find out the Truth. Whatsoever is needful to be known in Order to our enjoyment of Communion with God in this life, and attaining eternal felicity in that which is to come, is contained in the Holy Scriptures, and there is no particular rule of practice for our guidance in the cases ⟨p. 109⟩which we can meet with, but the solution of it, is there, either expressed in so many words, or implied by necessary and undeniable consequence. Scripture perfection is one main Article of the Christian Religion, 2 Tim. 3. 16, 17. All Scripture is given by Inspiration of God, and is profitable for Doctrine, &c that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works; whatsoever Doctrines are not according to it, are to be repudiated as false, Isa. 8. 20. To the Law and to the Testimony; if they speak not according to this word it is because there is no light in them. God, who knew his own mind best, hath herein communicated it to the children of men, and hath limited our enquiry to it, Deut. 29. 29. The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed, belong unto us and our children for ever. And he hath declared it as a dangerous thing for us to make any additions hereunto, Prov. 30. 6. add not unto his word, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. Whatsoever therefore men may say; or their own thoughts dictate, be sure to ask if the Scriptures say so too, and if not, count them for fancies in Religion. But,

1. In general, the Written Word of God is the proper and only touch stone by which we are to try and find out the Truth. Whatsoever is needful to be known in Order to our enjoyment of Communion with God in this life, and attaining eternal felicity in that which is to come, is contained in the Holy Scriptures, and there is no particular rule of practice for our guidance in the cases ⟨p. 109⟩