We shall now proceed to consider, how far the Old Testament is a rule of faith and obedience to us, though that dispensation be abolished; for we are not to reckon it an useless part of scripture, or that it does not at all concern us. Since, (1.) The greatest part of the doctrines contained therein are of perpetual obligation to the church, in all the dispensations or changes thereof. (2.) As for the ceremonial law, which is abolished, with some other forensick, or political laws, by which the Jews, in particular, were governed, these, indeed, are not so far a rule of obedience to us, as that we should think ourselves obliged to observe them, as the Jews were of old: notwithstanding, (3.) Even these are of use to us, as herein we see what was then the rule of faith and obedience to the church, and how far it agrees as to the substance thereof, or things signified thereby, with the present dispensation; so that it is of use to us, as herein we see the wisdom, sovereignty, and grace of God to his church in former ages, and how what was then typified or prophesied, is fulfilled to us. Thus it is said, that _whatsoever things were written afore-time, were written for our learning, that we, through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope_, Rom. xv. 4. The scriptures of the Old and New Testament contain a revelation of the whole mind and will of God, and therefore are very justly styled a perfect rule of faith and obedience. Nevertheless, We do not hereby intend that they contain an account of every thing that God hath done, or will do, in his works of providence and grace, from the beginning to the end of time; for such a large knowledge of things is not necessary for us to attain. Thus it is said, John xx. 30. that Christ did many _other signs_, that are not written in the gospel; but those things that are contained therein, are _written that we might believe_; therefore we have a sufficient account thereof to support our faith; and that _there were many other things which Jesus did, which, if they should be written every one, the world would not contain the books that should be written_, John xxi. 25.[18]