be_v wise_a than_o any_o other_o and_o more_o able_a to_o discern_v than_o they_o now_o though_o i_o shall_v easy_o grant_v they_o to_o be_v very_o subtle_a and_o cunning_a yet_o that_o they_o be_v so_o much_o wise_a than_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o that_o they_o be_v meet_v to_o impose_v upon_o their_o belief_n thing_n that_o they_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v discern_v or_o know_v i_o will_v not_o be_v think_v to_o admit_v until_o i_o can_v believe_v myself_o and_o all_o other_o not_o of_o their_o society_n or_o combination_n to_o be_v beast_n of_o the_o field_n and_o they_o as_o the_o serpent_n among_o we_o sect._n 26._o if_o it_o be_v from_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o seek_v to_o make_v good_a this_o claim_n then_o as_o we_o cause_v they_o there_o to_o make_v a_o stand_n which_o be_v all_o we_o aim_v at_o so_o their_o plea_n must_v be_v from_o the_o promise_n of_o some_o special_a assistance_n grant_v to_o they_o for_o that_o purpose_n if_o their_o assistance_n be_v that_o of_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v either_o of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v promise_v to_o believer_n to_o work_v in_o they_o as_o before_o describe_v and_o relate_v or_o it_o be_v some_o private_a testimony_n that_o they_o pretend_v be_v afford_v to_o they_o if_o the_o former_a be_v affirm_v we_o be_v in_o a_o condition_n wherein_o the_o necessity_n of_o devolve_v all_o on_o the_o scripture_n its_o self_n to_o decide_v and_o judge_v who_o be_v beleiver_n lie_v in_o every_o one_o view_n if_o the_o latter_a who_o shall_v give_v i_o assurance_n that_o when_o they_o pretend_v that_o witness_n and_o testimony_n they_o do_v not_o lie_v and_o deceive_v we_o must_v here_o certain_o go_v either_o to_o the_o scrippture_n or_o to_o some_o cunning_a man_n to_o be_v resolve_v isa_n 8._o 19_o 20._o sect._n 27._o i_o confess_v the_o argument_n which_o have_v not_o long_o since_o be_v single_v out_o and_o dextrous_o manage_v by_o a_o able_a and_o learned_a pen_n namely_o of_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n etc._n from_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o story_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o story_n from_o the_o certainty_n there_o be_v that_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v those_o person_n who_o name_n and_o inscription_n they_o bear_v so_o pursue_v the_o evidence_n that_o what_o they_o write_v be_v true_a and_o know_v to_o they_o so_o to_o be_v from_o all_o requisita_fw-la that_o may_v possible_o be_v seek_v after_o for_o the_o strengthen_n of_o such_o evidence_n be_v of_o great_a force_n and_o efficacy_n it_o be_v i_o say_v of_o great_a force_n and_o efficacy_n as_o to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v insist_v on_o that_o be_v to_o satisfy_v man_n rational_a inquiry_n but_o as_o to_o a_o ground_n of_o faith_n it_o have_v the_o same_o insufficiency_n with_o all_o other_o argument_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n though_o i_o shall_v grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n &_o penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v person_n of_o the_o great_a industry_n honesty_n integrity_n faithfulness_n holiness_n that_o ever_o live_v in_o the_o world_n as_o they_o be_v and_o that_o they_o write_v nothing_o but_o what_o themselves_o have_v as_o good_a assurance_n of_o as_o what_o man_n by_o their_o sense_n of_o see_v and_o hear_v be_v able_a to_o attain_v yet_o such_o a_o knowledge_n and_o assurance_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a foundation_n for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n if_o they_o receive_v not_o every_o word_n by_o inspiration_n and_o that_o evidence_v its_o self_n unto_o we_o otherwise_o then_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o integrity_n it_o can_v be_v no_o foundation_n for_o we_o to_o build_v our_o faith_n upon_o sect._n 28._o before_o the_o commit_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o writing_n god_n have_v give_v the_o world_n a_o experiment_n what_o keeper_n man_n be_v of_o this_o revelation_n by_o tradition_n within_o some_o hundred_o of_o year_n after_o the_o flood_n all_o knowledge_n of_o he_o through_o the_o craft_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n which_o be_v unspeakable_a be_v so_o lose_v that_o nothing_o but_o as_o it_o be_v the_o creation_n of_o a_o new_a world_n or_o the_o erection_n of_o a_o new_a church_n state_n by_o new_a revelation_n can_v relieve_v it_o after_o that_o great_a trial_n what_o can_v be_v far_o pretend_v on_o the_o behalf_n of_o tradition_n i_o know_v not_o sect._n 29._o the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v the_o merciful_a good_a providence_n of_o god_n have_v by_o divers_a and_o various_a mean_n use_v therein_o among_o other_o thing_n the_o ministry_n of_o man_n and_o church_n preserve_v the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o world_n and_o by_o the_o same_o gracious_a disposal_n afford_v they_o unto_o we_o they_o be_v receive_v and_o submit_v unto_o by_o we_o upon_o the_o ground_n and_o evidence_n of_o their_o divine_a original_a before_o insist_v on_o sect_n 30._o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n then_o i_o will_v know_v whither_o if_o the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o any_o man_n when_o or_o where_o he_o can_v not_o possible_o have_v it_o attest_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o any_o public_a or_o private_a authority_n of_o man_n or_o church_n tradition_n or_o otherwise_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v it_o or_o no_o whither_o he_o shall_v obey_v god_n in_o believe_v or_o sin_n in_o the_o reject_v of_o it_o suppose_v de_fw-fr do_v but_o take_v it_o into_o consideration_n do_v but_o give_v it_o the_o read_n or_o hear_v see_v in_o every_o place_n it_o aver_v its_o self_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n he_o must_v of_o necessity_n either_o give_v credit_n unto_o it_o or_o disbelieve_v it_o to_o hang_v in_o suspense_n which_o arise_v from_o the_o imperfect_a act_n of_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o its_o self_n a_o weakness_n and_o in_o this_o case_n be_v reckon_v no_o the_o worst_a side_n be_v interpretative_o a_o rejection_n if_o you_o say_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o such_o a_o one_o to_o believe_v it_o you_o acknowledge_v in_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v self_n a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o its_o own_o original_a authority_n without_o which_o it_o can_v be_v no_o man_n duty_n to_o believe_v it_o if_o you_o say_v it_o will_v not_o be_v his_o sin_n to_o reject_v and_o refuse_v it_o to_o disbelieve_v all_o that_o it_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n then_o this_o be_v that_o you_o say_v god_n may_v true_o and_o real_o speak_v unto_o a_o man_n as_o he_o do_v by_o the_o scripture_n and_o yet_o that_o man_n not_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v he_o we_o deal_v not_o thus_o with_o one_o another_o sect._n 31._o to_o wind_v up_o then_o the_o plea_n insist_v on_o in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n concern_v the_o self_n evidence_v light_n and_o power_n of_o the_o scripture_n from_o which_o we_o have_v divert_v and_o to_o make_v way_n for_o some_o other_o consideration_n that_o tend_v to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o divine_a original_a i_o shall_v close_v this_o discourse_n with_o the_o two_o general_a consideration_n follow_v sect._n 32._o 1_o then_o lay_v aside_o these_o fail_a plea_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o moral_a impossibility_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v not_o manifest_v it_o be_v own_o original_a and_o its_o authority_n from_o thence_o quaelibet_fw-la herba_fw-la deum_fw-la there_o be_v no_o work_n of_o god_n as_o be_v show_v but_o reveal_v its_o author_n a_o curious_a artificer_n impart_v that_o of_o form_n shape_n proportion_n and_o comeliness_n to_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o invention_n and_o work_v of_o his_o hand_n that_o every_o one_o that_o look_v upon_o it_o must_v conclude_v that_o it_o come_v from_o skill_n and_o ability_n a_o man_n in_o the_o delivery_n of_o his_o mind_n in_o the_o write_n of_o a_o book_n will_v give_v it_o such_o a_o impression_n of_o reason_n that_o though_o you_o can_v conclude_v that_o this_o or_o that_o man_n write_v it_o yet_o you_o must_v that_o it_o be_v the_o product_n of_o a_o man_n or_o rational_a creature_n yea_o some_o individual_a man_n of_o excellency_n in_o some_o skill_n be_v instant_o know_v by_o they_o that_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v in_o that_o art_n or_o skill_n by_o the_o effect_n of_o their_o skill_n this_o be_v the_o piece_v this_o be_v the_o hand_n the_o work_n of_o such_o a_o one_o how_o easy_a be_v it_o for_o those_o who_o be_v conversant_a about_o ancient_a author_n to_o discover_v a_o author_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o stile_n of_o his_o write_n now_o certain_o this_o be_v strange_a beyond_o all_o belief_n that_o almost_o every_o agent_n shall_v give_v a_o impress_n to_o its_o work_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v appropriate_v unto_o he_o and_o only_o the_o
pre-eminence_n that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d heb._n 2._o 3._o it_o receive_v its_o beginning_n of_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o lord_n himself_o god_n speak_v in_o these_o last_o day_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o son_n heb._n 1._o 1._o sect._n 24._o thus_o god_n who_o himself_o begin_v the_o write_n of_o the_o word_n with_o his_o own_o finger_n exod._n 31._o 11_o after_o he_o have_v speak_v it_o exod._a 20_o appoint_v or_o approve_v the_o write_n of_o the_o rest_n that_o follow_v deut._n 31._o 12._o josh_n 23._o 6._o 1_o king_n 2_o 3._o 2_o king_n 14._o 6._o 2_o king_n 17._o 13._o 1_o chron._n 21._o 15._o 2_o chron._n 25._o 4_o 4._o ezek._n 2._o 9_o 10._o hab._n 2._o 2._o luk._n 16._o 29._o joh._n 5._o 39_o joh._n 20._o 31._o act._n 17._o 11_o do_v last_o command_v the_o close_a of_o the_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o be_v write_v in_o a_o book_n re._n 1._o 11_o and_o so_o give_v out_o the_o whole_a of_o his_o mind_n and_o counsel_n unto_o we_o in_o write_v as_o a_o merciful_a and_o steadfast_a relief_n against_o all_o that_o confusion_n darkness_n and_o uncertainty_n which_o the_o vanity_n folly_n and_o looseness_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n draw_v out_o and_o heighten_v by_o the_o unspeakable_a alteration_n that_o fall_v out_o among_o they_o will_v otherwise_o have_v certain_o run_v into_o sect._n 25._o thus_o we_o have_v lay_v down_o the_o original_a of_o the_o scripture_n from_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v self_n and_o this_o original_a be_v the_o basis_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o its_o authority_n thus_o be_v it_o from_o god_n entire_o from_o he_o as_o to_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o and_o the_o word_n wherein_o that_o doctrine_n be_v deliver_v it_o be_v whole_o he_o what_o that_o speak_v he_o speak_v himself_o he_o speak_v in_o it_o and_o by_o it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v vest_v with_o all_o the_o moral_a authority_n of_o god_n over_o his_o creature_n chap._n ii_o the_o main_a question_n propose_v to_o consideration_n how_o we_o may_v know_v assure_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o scripture_n to_o be_v receive_v by_o divine_a faith_n the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o that_o faith_n inquire_v after_o the_o answer_n in_o the_o general_n thesis_n of_o this_o discourse_n the_o authority_n of_o god_n that_o foundation_n the_o way_n whereby_o that_o authority_n be_v evidence_v or_o make_v know_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n authority_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o other_o first_o general_a evidence_n give_v to_o the_o thesis_n lay_v down_o the_o various_a way_n of_o god_n reveal_v he_o self_n and_o his_o mind_n 1_o by_o his_o work_n 2._o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n 3._o by_o his_o word_n each_o of_o these_o evince_n themselves_o to_o be_v from_o he_o his_o word_n especial_o sect._n 1_o have_v lay_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n the_o foundation_n that_o we_o be_v to_o build_v and_o proceed_v upon_o i_o come_v now_o to_o lay_v down_o the_o enquiry_n who_o resolution_n must_v thence_o be_v educe_v that_o than_o which_o we_o be_v seek_v after_o be_v how_o we_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n who_o through_o the_o merciful_a dispensation_n of_o god_n have_v the_o book_n or_o book_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n give_v out_o from_o he_o as_o above_o declare_v be_v contain_v or_o say_v to_o be_v contain_v who_o live_v so_o many_o age_n from_o the_o last_o person_n who_o receive_v any_o part_n of_o it_o immediate_o from_o god_n or_o who_o have_v not_o receive_v it_o immediate_o ourselves_o may_v come_v to_o be_v ascertain_v as_o to_o all_o end_n and_o purpose_n wherein_o we_o may_v be_v concern_v therein_o that_o the_o whole_a and_o entire_o write_v word_n in_o that_o book_n or_o those_o book_n have_v the_o original_n &_o consequent_o the_o authority_n that_o it_o plead_v and_o avow_v namely_o that_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o god_n in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n lay_v down_o and_o not_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n attend_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o pet._n 1._o 26_o or_o to_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n sect._n 2._o now_o see_v it_o be_v expect_v from_o we_o and_o require_v of_o we_o by_o god_n himself_o and_o that_o on_o the_o penalty_n of_o his_o eternal_a displeasure_n if_o we_o fail_v in_o our_o duty_n 2_o thes_n 1._o 8_o 9_o 10._o that_o we_o receive_v the_o scripture_n not_o as_o we_o do_v other_o book_n in_o relation_n to_o their_o author_n with_o a_o firm_a opinion_n build_v on_o prevail_v probable_a argument_n prevalent_a against_o any_o actual_a conclusion_n to_o the_o contrary_a but_o with_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a faith_n omit_v all_o such_o induction_n as_o serve_v only_o to_o ingenerate_v a_o persuasion_n not_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o mind_n by_o contrary_a reason_n or_o objection_n it_o be_v especial_o inquire_v what_o be_v the_o foundation_n &_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o do_v so_o if_o we_o so_o do_v whatever_o that_o be_v it_o return_v a_o answer_n to_o this_o important_a question_n why_o or_o on_o what_o account_n do_v you_o believe_v the_o scripture_n or_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o thing_n be_v but_o one_o what_o ever_o consideration_n may_v be_v have_v of_o other_o inducement_n or_o argument_n to_o beget_v in_o we_o a_o persuasion_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o they_o have_v no_o influence_n into_o that_o divine_a faith_n wherewith_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v they_o they_o may_v indeed_o be_v of_o some_o use_n to_o repel_v the_o objection_n that_o be_v or_o may_v by_o any_o be_v raise_v against_o the_o truth_n we_o believe_v and_o so_o indirect_o cherish_v and_o further_a faith_n its_o self_n but_o as_o to_o a_o concurrence_n unto_o the_o foundation_n or_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o believe_v it_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o it_o sect._n 3_o have_v then_o lay_v down_o the_o divine_a original_a of_o the_o scripture_n and_o open_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o word_n be_v come_v forth_o from_o god_n a_o answer_n shall_v now_o on_o that_o sole_a foundation_n be_v return_v to_o the_o enquiry_n lay_v down_o and_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v in_o the_o ensue_a position_n the_o authority_n of_o god_n the_o supreme_a lord_n of_o all_o the_o first_o and_o only_o absolute_a truth_n who_o word_n be_v truth_n speak_v in_o and_o by_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n evidence_v single_o in_o and_o by_o the_o scripture_n its_o self_n be_v the_o sole_a bottom_n and_o foundation_n or_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o assent_v to_o those_o scripture_n as_o his_o word_n and_o of_o our_o submit_v our_o heart_n and_o conscience_n unto_o they_o with_o that_o faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o moral_o respect_v he_o and_o be_v due_a to_o he_o alone_o sect._n 4_o god_n speak_v in_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n heb._n 1._o 1_o his_o voice_n to_o they_o be_v accompany_v with_o its_o own_o evidence_n which_o give_v assurance_n unto_o they_o and_o god_n speak_v by_o they_o or_o their_o write_n unto_o we_o his_o word_n be_v accompany_v with_o its_o own_o evidence_n and_o give_v assurance_n unto_o we_o his_o authority_n and_o veracity_n do_v and_o do_v in_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o sufficient_o manifest_v themselves_o that_o man_n may_v quiet_o repose_v their_o soul_n upon_o they_o in_o believe_v and_o obedience_n thus_o be_v we_o build_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ephes_n 2._o 20._o on_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n in_o our_o believe_v sect._n 5._o that_o than_o which_o to_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n i_o shall_v labour_v to_o prove_v and_o evince_v be_v plain_o this_o namely_o that_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n do_v abundant_o and_o uncontroleable_o manifest_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o live_a god_n so_o that_o mere_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o own_o proposal_n of_o themselves_o unto_o we_o in_o the_o name_n and_o majesty_n of_o god_n as_o such_o without_o the_o contribution_n of_o help_n or_o assistance_n from_o tradition_n church_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o without_o themselves_o we_o be_v oblige_v upon_o the_o penalty_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n as_o be_v all_o to_o who_o by_o any_o mean_n they_o come_v or_o be_v bring_v to_o receive_v they_o with_o that_o subjection_n of_o soul_n which_o be_v due_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o authority_n of_o god_n shine_v in_o they_o they_o afford_v unto_o we_o all_o the_o divine_a evidence_n of_o themselves_o which_o god_n be_v willing_a to_o grant_v unto_o we_o
the_o ground_n of_o the_o request_n for_o the_o rise_n of_o one_o from_o the_o dead_a be_v lay_v in_o the_o common_a apprehension_n of_o man_n not_o know_v the_o power_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n who_o think_v that_o if_o a_o evident_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v all_o pretence_n and_o plea_n of_o unbelief_n will_v be_v exclude_v who_o do_v not_o think_v so_o our_o saviour_n discover_v that_o mistake_n and_o let_v man_n know_v that_o those_o who_o will_v not_o own_o or_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o the_o word_n will_v not_o be_v move_v by_o the_o most_o signal_n miracle_n imaginable_a if_o a_o holy_a man_n who_o we_o have_v know_v assure_o to_o have_v be_v dead_a for_o some_o year_n shall_v rise_v out_o of_o his_o grave_n and_o come_v unto_o we_o with_o a_o message_n from_o god_n can_v any_o man_n doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v send_v unto_o we_o of_o god_n or_o no_o i_o suppose_v not_o the_o rise_n of_o man_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v the_o great_a miracle_n that_o attend_v the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n math._n 27._o 52_o 53._o yea_o great_a than_o his_o own_o if_o the_o socinian_o may_v be_v believe_v namely_o in_o that_o he_o raise_v not_o himself_o by_o his_o own_o power_n yet_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o mission_n of_o such_o a_o one_o &_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o he_o our_o saviour_n be_v judge_n be_v not_o of_o a_o efficacy_n to_o enforce_v belief_n beyond_o that_o which_o be_v in_o the_o write_a word_n nor_o a_o sure_a foundation_n for_o faith_n to_o repose_v its_o self_n upon_o sect._n 15._o can_v we_o hear_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n accompany_v with_o such_o a_o divine_a power_n as_o to_o evidence_n its_o self_n to_o be_v from_o god_n shall_v we_o not_o rest_v in_o it_o as_o such_o i_o suppose_v man_n think_v they_o will_v can_v we_o think_v that_o any_o man_n shall_v withdraw_v his_o assent_n and_o say_v yea_o but_o i_o must_v have_v some_o testimony_n that_o this_o be_v from_o god_n all_o such_o evasion_n be_v preclude_v in_o the_o supposition_n wherein_o a_o self_n evidence_v power_n be_v grant_v what_o great_a miracle_n do_v the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n ever_o behold_v or_o hear_v then_o that_o voice_n that_o come_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o the_o most_o excellent_a glory_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n yet_o peter_n who_o hear_v that_o voice_n tell_v we_o that_o comparative_o we_o have_v great_a security_n from_o and_o by_o the_o write_a word_n than_o they_o have_v in_o and_o by_o that_o miraculous_a voice_n we_o have_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o hear_v say_v he_o that_o voice_n indeed_o but_o we_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n to_o attend_v unto_o more_o sure_a not_o in_o in_o its_o self_n but_o in_o its_o give_v out_o its_o evidence_n unto_o we_o and_o how_o do_v it_o appear_v so_o to_o be_v the_o reason_n he_o allege_v for_o it_o be_v before_o insist_v on_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 18_o 19_o 20._o sect._n 16._o yea_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v speak_v to_o we_o from_o heaven_n as_o he_o speak_v to_o moses_n or_o as_o he_o speak_v to_o christ_n or_o from_o some_o certain_a place_n as_o numb_a 7._o 8_o 9_o how_o shall_v we_o be_v able_a to_o know_v it_o to_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n can_v satan_n cause_v a_o voice_n to_o be_v hear_v in_o the_o air_n and_o so_o deceive_v we_o or_o may_v not_o there_o be_v some_o way_n in_o this_o kind_n find_v out_o whereby_o man_n may_v impose_v upon_o we_o with_o their_o delusion_n pope_n celestine_n think_v he_o hear_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n when_o it_o be_v but_o the_o cheat_n of_o his_o successor_n must_v we_o not_o rest_v at_o last_o in_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o accompany_v the_o true_a voice_n of_o god_n evidence_v its_o self_n and_o ascertain_v the_o soul_n beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o mistake_n now_o do_v not_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d accompany_v the_o write_a word_n at_o its_o first_o give_v forth_o if_o it_o do_v not_o as_o be_v say_v how_o can_v any_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o discern_v it_o from_o all_o delusion_n if_o it_o do_v how_o come_v it_o to_o loose_v it_o do_v god_n appoint_v his_o word_n to_o be_v write_v that_o so_o he_o may_v destroy_v its_o authority_n if_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n propose_v to_o be_v believe_v be_v truth_n of_o god_n or_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n we_o be_v send_v to_o the_o scripture_n its_o self_n and_o that_o alone_a to_o give_v the_o determination_n chap._n iu._n innate_a argument_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o its_o divine_a original_n and_o authority_n these_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o believe_v it_o be_v self_n evidence_v efficacy_n all_o light_n manife_v itself_o the_o scripture_n light_n what_o kind_n of_o light_n it_o be_v spiritual_a light_n evidentiall_a the_o ground_n of_o man_n not_o discern_v this_o light_n consectary_n from_o the_o premise_n lay_v down_o what_o the_o self_n evidence_v light_n of_o the_o scripture_n peculiar_o be_v the_o proposition_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v from_o and_o by_o this_o light_n power_n self_n evidence_v the_o scripture_n the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o powerful_a how_o this_o power_n exert_v its_o self_n the_o whole_a question_n resolve_v §_o 1._o have_v give_v some_o few_o instance_n of_o those_o many_o testimony_n which_o the_o scripture_n in_o express_a term_n bear_v to_o its_o self_n and_o the_o spring_n rise_v and_o fountain_n of_o all_o that_o authority_n which_o it_o claim_v among_o and_o over_o the_o son_n of_o man_n which_o all_o those_o who_o pretend_v on_o any_o account_n whatever_o to_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v its_o divinity_n be_v bind_v to_o stand_v to_o and_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v or_o the_o innate_a argument_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v furnish_v withal_o for_o its_o own_o manifestation_n and_o whereby_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v for_o faith_n to_o repose_v its_o self_n upon_o come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n into_o consideration_n now_o these_o argument_n contain_v the_o full_a and_o formal_a ground_n of_o our_o answer_n to_o that_o enquiry_n before_o lay_v down_o namely_o why_o and_o wherefore_o we_o do_v receive_v and_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o whereon_o it_o be_v build_v and_o whereunto_o it_o be_v resolve_v that_o be_v inquire_v after_o we_o answer_v as_o we_o say_v before_o we_o do_v so_o receive_v embrace_v believe_v and_o submit_v unto_o it_o because_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n who_o speak_v it_o or_o give_v it_o forth_o as_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n evidence_v its_o self_n by_o the_o spirit_n in_o and_o with_o that_o word_n unto_o our_o mind_n and_o conscience_n or_o because_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v bring_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n in_o way_n of_o his_o appointment_n and_o preservation_n it_o do_v evidence_n its_o self_n infallible_o unto_o our_o conscience_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o live_a god_n sect._n 2._o the_o self_n evidence_v efficacy_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o which_o consist_v in_o common_a medium_n that_o have_v a_o extent_n and_o latitude_n answerable_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n whether_o as_o yet_o they_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o no_o be_v that_o than_o which_o in_o the_o remainder_n of_o this_o discourse_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o clear_v and_o vindicate_v this_o only_a i_o shall_v desire_v to_o premise_v that_o whereas_o some_o ground_n of_o this_o efficacy_n seem_v to_o be_v place_v in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n i_o shall_v not_o consider_v they_o abstract_o as_o such_o but_o under_o the_o formality_n of_o their_o be_v the_o scripture_n or_o write_a word_n of_o god_n without_o which_o consideration_n and_o resolution_n the_o thing_n mention_v will_v be_v leave_v naked_a and_o utter_o devest_v of_o their_o authority_n and_o efficacy_n plead_v for_o and_o be_v of_o no_o other_o nature_n and_o importance_n than_o the_o same_o thing_n find_v in_o other_o book_n it_o be_v the_o write_v its_o self_n that_o now_o supply_v the_o place_n and_o room_n of_o the_o person_n in_o and_o by_o who_o god_n original_o speak_v to_o man_n as_o be_v the_o person_n speak_v of_o old_a so_o be_v the_o write_n now_o it_o be_v the_o word_n speak_v that_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v yet_o as_o speak_v by_o they_o from_o god_n and_o it_o be_v now_o the_o word_n write_v that_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v yet_o as_o write_v by_o the_o command_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n sect._n
word_n wherein_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o great_a and_o holy_a god_n to_o give_v we_o a_o portraiture_n as_o it_o be_v of_o his_o wisdom_n holiness_n and_o goodness_n so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o he_o in_o this_o life_n be_v not_o able_a to_o declare_v and_o evince_v its_o original_a that_o god_n who_o be_v prima_fw-la veritas_fw-la the_o first_o and_o sovereign_a truth_n infinite_o separate_v and_o distinguish_v from_o all_o creature_n on_o all_o account_n whatever_o shall_v write_v a_o book_n or_o at_o least_o immediate_o indite_v it_o command_v we_o to_o receive_v it_o as_o he_o under_o the_o penalty_n of_o his_o eternal_a displeasure_n and_o yet_o that_o book_n not_o make_v a_o sufficient_a discovery_n of_o its_o self_n to_o be_v his_o to_o be_v from_o he_o be_v past_o all_o belief_n let_v man_n that_o live_v on_o thing_n receive_v by_o tradition_n from_o their_o father_n who_o perhaps_o never_o have_v sense_n of_o any_o real_a transaction_n between_o god_n and_o their_o soul_n who_o scarce_o ever_o peruse_v the_o word_n serious_o in_o their_o life_n nor_o bring_v their_o conscience_n to_o it_o please_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o imagination_n the_o sure_a anchor_n of_o a_o soul_n that_o will_v draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n in_o and_o by_o his_o word_n lie_v in_o the_o thing_n lay_v down_o sect._n 33._o i_o suppose_v it_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n that_o those_o to_o who_o his_o word_n shall_v come_v shall_v own_v it_o and_o receive_v it_o as_o he_o if_o not_o it_o be_v no_o sin_n in_o they_o to_o reject_v it_o unto_o who_o it_o do_v so_o come_v if_o it_o be_v then_o either_o he_o have_v give_v those_o character_n unto_o it_o and_o leave_v upon_o it_o that_o impression_n of_o his_o majesty_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v his_o or_o he_o have_v not_o do_v so_o and_o that_o either_o because_o he_o will_v not_o or_o because_o he_o can_v not_o to_o say_v the_o latter_a be_v to_o make_v he_o more_o infirm_a than_o a_o man_n or_o other_o worm_n of_o the_o earth_n than_o any_o natural_o effectual_a cause_n he_o that_o say_v the_o former_a must_v know_v that_o it_o be_v incumbent_n on_o he_o to_o yield_v a_o satisfactory_a account_n why_o god_n will_v not_o do_v so_o or_o else_o he_o will_v be_v think_v blasphemous_o to_o impute_v a_o want_n of_o that_o goodness_n &_o love_n of_o mankind_n unto_o he_o which_o he_o have_v in_o infinite_a grace_n manifest_v to_o be_v in_o himself_o that_o no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o assign_v any_o such_o reason_n i_o shall_v firm_o believe_v until_o i_o find_v some_o attempt_n so_o to_o do_v which_o as_o yet_o none_o have_v arrive_v at_o that_o height_n of_o impudence_n and_o wickedness_n as_o to_o own_o sect._n 34._o 2_o how_o horrible_a be_v it_o to_o the_o thought_n of_o any_o saint_n of_o god_n that_o the_o scripture_n shall_v not_o have_v its_o authority_n from_o its_o self_n tertullian_n object_n this_o to_o the_o gentile_n apol._n cap._n 5._o facit_fw-la &_o hoc_fw-la ad_fw-la causam_fw-la nostram_fw-la quod_fw-la apud_fw-la vos_fw-la de_fw-la humano_fw-la arbitratu_fw-la divinitas_fw-la pensitatur_fw-la nisi_fw-la homini_fw-la deus_fw-la placuerit_fw-la deus_fw-la non_fw-la erit_fw-la homo_fw-la jaâ—_n deo_fw-la propitiâ—s_fw-la esse_fw-la debebit_fw-la will_v it_o be_v otherwise_o in_o this_o case_n if_o the_o scripture_n must_v stand_v to_o the_o mercy_n of_o man_n for_o the_o reputation_n of_o its_o divinity_n nay_o of_o its_o verity_n for_o whence_o it_o have_v its_o authority_n thence_o it_o have_v its_o verity_n also_o as_o be_v observe_v before_o and_o many_o more_o word_n of_o this_o nature_n may_v be_v add_v chap._n vi_o consequential_a consideration_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n sect._n 1_o i_o say_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n that_o i_o will_v not_o employ_v myself_o willing_o â—o_o enervate_a or_o weaken_v any_o of_o the_o reason_n or_o argument_n that_o be_v usual_o insist_v on_o to_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n though_o i_o confess_v i_o like_v not_o to_o multiply_v argument_n that_o conclude_v to_o a_o probability_n only_o and_o be_v suit_v to_o beget_v a_o firm_a opinion_n at_o best_a where_o the_o principle_n intend_v to_o be_v evince_v be_v the_o fide_fw-la and_o must_v be_v believe_v with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a yet_o because_o some_o may_v happy_o be_v keep_v to_o some_o kind_n of_o adherence_n to_o the_o scripture_n by_o mean_a ground_n that_o will_v not_o in_o their_o own_o strength_n abide_v until_o they_o get_v foot_v in_o those_o that_o be_v more_o firm_a i_o shall_v not_o make_v it_o my_o business_n to_o drive_v they_o from_o their_o present_a station_n have_v persuade_v they_o by_o that_o which_o be_v better_o sect._n 2._o yea_o because_o on_o supposition_n of_o the_o evidence_n former_o tender_v there_o may_v be_v great_a use_n at_o several_a season_n of_o some_o consequential_a consideration_n and_o argument_n to_o the_o purpose_n in_o hand_n i_o shall_v insist_v on_o two_o of_o that_o kind_n which_o to_o i_o who_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o receive_v the_o word_n on_o the_o forementioned_a account_n seem_v not_o only_o to_o persuade_v and_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n to_o convince_v to_o undeniable_a probability_n but_o also_o to_o prevail_v irresistable_o on_o the_o understanding_n of_o unprejudiced_a man_n to_o close_o with_o the_o divine_a truth_n of_o it_o sect._n 3_o the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o doctrine_n its_o self_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o second_o from_o the_o mannagement_n of_o the_o whole_a design_n therein_o the_o first_o be_v innate_a the_o other_o of_o a_o more_o external_a and_o rational_a consideration_n sect._n 4._o for_o the_o first_o of_o they_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n considerable_a in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v powerful_a and_o if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v uncontroleable_o prevalent_a as_o to_o this_o purpose_n sect._n 5._o first_o its_o universal_a suitablenesse_n upon_o its_o first_o clear_a discovery_n and_o revelation_n to_o all_o the_o entanglement_n and_o perplexity_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o reference_n to_o their_o relation_n to_o and_o dependence_n upon_o god_n if_o all_o mankind_n have_v certain_a entanglement_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o spirit_n in_o reference_n unto_o god_n which_o none_o of_o they_o that_o be_v not_o utter_o brutish_a do_v not_o wrestle_v withal_o and_o which_o all_o of_o they_o be_v not_o able_a in_o the_o least_o to_o assoil_v themselves_o in_o and_o about_o certain_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v suit_v universal_o to_o satisfy_v all_o their_o perplexity_n to_o calm_v and_o quiet_a their_o â—_z in_o all_o their_o tumultuating_n and_o do_v break_v in_o upon_o they_o with_o a_o glorious_a efficacy_n to_o that_o purpose_n in_o its_o discovery_n and_o revelation_n must_v needs_o be_v from_o that_o god_n with_o who_o we_o have_v to_o do_v and_o none_o else_o from_o who_o else_o i_o pray_v shall_v it_o be_v he_o that_o can_v give_v out_o such_o a_o word_n ille_fw-la mihi_fw-la semper_fw-la erit_fw-la deus_fw-la sect._n 6._o now_o there_o be_v 3_o general_a head_n of_o thing_n that_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o mankind_n not_o natural_o brutish_a be_v perplex_v withal_o in_o reference_n to_o their_o dependence_n on_o god_n and_o relation_n to_o he_o 1_o how_o they_o may_v worship_v he_o as_o they_o ought_v 2_o how_o they_o may_v be_v reconcile_v and_o at_o peace_n with_o he_o or_o have_v a_o atonement_n for_o that_o guilt_n which_o natural_o they_o be_v sensible_a of_o 3_o what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o true_a blessedness_n and_o how_o they_o may_v attain_v it_o or_o how_o they_o may_v come_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n sect._n 7._o that_o all_o mankind_n be_v perplex_v and_o entangle_v with_o and_o about_o these_o consideration_n that_o all_o man_n ever_o be_v so_o without_o exception_n more_o or_o less_o and_o continue_v so_o to_o be_v to_o this_o day_n that_o of_o themselves_o they_o miserable_o grope_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o be_v never_o able_a to_o come_v to_o any_o satisfaction_n neither_o as_o to_o what_o be_v present_a nor_o as_o to_o what_o be_v to_o come_v i_o can_v manifest_v from_o the_o state_n office_n and_o condition_n of_o conscience_n the_o indelible_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o presumption_n about_o they_o that_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o by_o nature_n the_o whole_a history_n of_o all_o religion_n which_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n with_o the_o design_n of_o all_o ancient_a and_o present_a philosophy_n with_o innumerable_a other_o uncontroleable_a conviction_n which_o also_o god_n assist_v theologiae_n i_o shall_v in_o
late_a day_n it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a what_o prejudice_n the_o sacred_a truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n preserve_v by_o the_o infinite_a love_n and_o care_n of_o god_n have_v already_o suffer_v hereby_o and_o what_o it_o may_v further_o suffer_v for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v but_o tremble_v to_o think_v lay_v but_o these_o two_o principle_n together_o namely_o that_o the_o point_n be_v a_o late_a invention_n of_o some_o judaical_a rabbin_n on_o which_o account_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v bind_v unto_o they_o and_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o gather_v various_a lection_n by_o the_o help_n of_o translation_n where_o there_o be_v no_o diversity_n in_o our_o present_a copy_n which_o be_v own_v in_o the_o prolegomena_n to_o the_o biblia_fw-la polyglotta_n and_o for_o my_o part_n i_o must_v needs_o cry_v cut_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o not_o see_v any_o mean_n of_o be_v deliver_v from_o utter_a uncertainty_n in_o and_o about_o all_o sacred_a truth_n those_o who_o have_v more_o wisdom_n &_o learning_n &_o be_v able_a to_o look_v throng_v all_o the_o digladiation_n that_o be_v likely_a to_o ensue_v on_o these_o principle_n i_o hope_v will_v rather_o take_v pain_n to_o instruct_v i_o and_o such_o as_o i_o be_o then_o be_v angry_a or_o offend_v with_o we_o that_o we_o be_v not_o so_o wise_a or_o learned_a as_o themselves_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o desire_v those_o who_o be_v shake_v in_o mind_n by_o any_o of_o the_o specious_a pretence_n of_o capellus_n and_o other_o to_o consider_v the_o specimen_fw-la give_v we_o of_o reconcile_a the_o difficulty_n that_o they_o lay_v as_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o conjecture_n in_o the_o miscellany_n note_n or_o exercitation_n of_o the_o learned_a mr_n pocock_n as_o useful_a and_o learned_a a_o work_n as_o be_v extant_a in_o that_o kind_n in_o so_o few_o sheet_n of_o paper_n the_o dangerous_a and_o causeless_a attempt_n of_o man_n to_o rectify_v our_o present_a copy_n of_o the_o bible_n the_o reader_n may_v there_o also_o find_v discover_v and_o confute_v but_o we_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o do_v there_o be_v a_o new_a invention_n of_o capellus_n great_o applaud_v among_o the_o man_n of_o these_o opinion_n he_o tell_v we_o lib._n 6._o c._n 10._o crit._n sâ—cr_n planum_fw-la est_fw-la omnem_fw-la quae_fw-la hodiè_fw-la est_fw-la in_o terrarum_fw-la orbe_fw-la linguae_fw-la hebraicae_fw-la cognitionem_fw-la servandam_fw-la tandèm_fw-la esse_fw-la &_o ascribendam_fw-la graecae_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 70._o sacrorum_fw-la bibliorum_fw-la translationi_fw-la this_o be_v greedy_o take_v up_o by_o morinus_n as_o nothing_o can_v be_v speak_v more_o to_o his_o purpose_n who_o also_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o learned_a prefacer_n to_o these_o biblia_fw-la polyglotta_n be_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n morin_n praefat_fw-la ad_fw-la opusc_fw-la haebr_n samarit_fw-la hereupon_o he_o inform_v we_o that_o in_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n he_o go_v for_o the_o meaning_n of_o sundry_a word_n unto_o hierome_n and_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o 70._o but_o it_o be_v not_o unknown_a to_o these_o learned_a person_n that_o hierome_n who_o one_o of_o they_o make_v his_o rule_n tell_v we_o over_o and_o over_o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o 70._o he_o have_v his_o knowledge_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n from_o the_o hebrew_n itself_o and_o the_o help_n of_o such_o hebrew_n as_o he_o hire_v to_o his_o assistance_n and_o for_o capellus_n be_v not_o that_o the_o helena_n for_o which_o he_o contend_v and_o upon_o the_o matter_n the_o only_a foundation_n of_o his_o sacred_a work_n of_o criticise_v on_o the_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v a_o succession_n of_o learned_a man_n of_o the_o jew_n at_o tiberias_n until_o a_o hundred_o year_n after_o hierome_n who_o invent_v the_o point_n of_o the_o hebrew_n bible_n and_o that_o not_o in_o a_o arbitrary_a manner_n but_o according_a to_o the_o tradition_n they_o have_v receive_v from_o they_o who_o speak_v that_o language_n in_o its_o purity_n shall_v these_o man_n be_v think_v to_o have_v have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n from_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o 70_o certain_o they_o will_v not_o then_o have_v hate_v it_o so_o as_o he_o inform_v we_o they_o do_v but_o this_o thing_n be_v plain_o ridiculous_a the_o language_n give_v we_o the_o knowledge_n of_o itself_o consider_v the_o help_n that_o by_o providence_n have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n and_o at_o all_o time_n afford_v thereunto_o ever_o since_o the_o time_n wherein_o capellus_n say_v some_o know_v it_o so_o well_o as_o to_o invent_v and_o affix_v the_o present_a punctation_n there_o have_v be_v a_o succession_n of_o live_v or_o dead_a master_n to_o further_a the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o and_o this_o will_v not_o seem_v strange_a to_o they_o who_o have_v give_v we_o exact_a translation_n of_o the_o persian_a and_o aethiopic_a piece_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o be_v little_o assist_v by_o the_o 70._o the_o chief_a seem_a help_n unto_o this_o tongue_n be_v from_o the_o arabic_a and_o thus_o have_v i_o give_v you_o a_o brief_a account_n how_o by_o the_o subtlety_n of_o satan_n there_o be_v principle_n creep_v in_o even_o among_o protestant_n undermine_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o hebrew_n verity_n as_o it_o be_v call_v of_o old_a wherein_o jerusalem_n have_v justify_v samaria_n and_o clear_v the_o papist_n in_o their_o reproach_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n i_o shall_v speak_v particular_o in_o the_o second_o discourse_n ensue_v morinus_n indeed_o tell_v we_o de_fw-mi heb_n &_o graec_fw-la tex_n sincerit_fw-la exercitat_fw-la 1._o cap_n 1._o p._n 5._o it_o be_v a_o jocular_a thing_n that_o the_o heretic_n in_o their_o disputation_n do_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v corruption_n and_o various_a lection_n in_o the_o greek_a &_o latin_a copy_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o deny_v it_o as_o to_o the_o hebrew_n but_o why_o i_o pray_v be_v this_o so_o ridiculous_a it_o be_v found_v on_o no_o less_o stable_a bottom_n than_o this_o experience_n that_o whereas_o we_o evident_o find_v various_a lection_n in_o the_o greek_a copy_n which_o we_o enjoy_v and_o so_o grant_v that_o which_o ocular_a inspection_n evince_v to_o be_v true_a yet_o although_o man_n discover_v such_o virulent_a and_o bitter_a spirit_n against_o the_o hebrew_n text_n as_o this_o morinus_n do_v call_v all_o man_n fool_n or_o knave_n that_o contend_v for_o its_o purity_n yet_o they_o be_v none_o of_o they_o able_a to_o show_v out_o of_o any_o copy_n yet_o extant_a in_o the_o world_n or_o that_o they_o can_v make_v appear_v ever_o to_o have_v be_v extant_a that_o ever_o there_o be_v any_o such_o various_a lection_n in_o the_o original_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v esteem_v ridiculous_a because_o believe_v our_o own_o eye_n we_o will_v not_o also_o believe_v the_o testimony_n of_o same_o few_o man_n of_o no_o credit_n with_o we_o assert_v that_o for_o truth_n which_o we_o have_v abundant_a cause_n to_o believe_v to_o be_v utter_o false_a but_o of_o these_o man_n so_o far_o i_o think_v at_o the_o entrance_n of_o my_o discourse_n to_o have_v also_o insist_v on_o some_o other_o way_n whereby_o satan_n in_o these_o day_n assault_v the_o sacred_a truth_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o its_o authority_n purity_n integrity_n or_o perfection_n especial_o in_o the_o poor_a delude_v fanatical_a soul_n among_o we_o common_o call_v quaker_n for_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o young_a sort_n against_o who_o abomination_n i_o have_v subjoin_v the_o thesis_n in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o other_o treatise_n but_o i_o be_o sensible_a how_o far_o already_o i_o have_v exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o a_o preface_n unto_o so_o small_a treatise_n as_o these_o ensue_a and_o therefore_o give_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o my_o undertake_n in_o this_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o his_o word_n for_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o authority_n and_o integrity_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v put_v a_o close_a to_o this_o discourse_n it_o may_v be_v some_o of_o you_o have_v hear_v i_o profess_v my_o unwillingness_n to_o appear_v any_o more_o in_o the_o world_n this_o way_n i_o have_v not_o in_o some_o thing_n meet_v with_o such_o please_a entertainment_n as_o to_o encourage_v i_o unto_o it_o where_o i_o have_v be_v for_o peace_n other_o have_v make_v themselves_o ready_a for_o war_n some_o of_o they_o especial_o f._n one_o of_o late_a neither_o understand_v i_o nor_o the_o thing_n that_o he_o write_v about_o but_o his_o mind_n for_o opposition_n be_v to_o be_v satisfy_v this_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o not_o a_o few_o in_o their_o write_n they_o measure_v other_o man_n by_o their_o own_o ignorance_n and_o what_o they_o know_v not_o themselves_o
god_n be_v manifest_a in_o they_o for_o god_n have_v show_v it_o unto_o they_o for_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n rom._n 1._o 18_o 19_o 20_o all_o which_o place_n god_n assist_v shall_v be_v open_v before_o long_o theologiae_n in_o another_o treatise_n the_o sum_n of_o they_o amount_v to_o what_o be_v before_o lay_v down_o namely_o that_o god_n reveal_v and_o declare_v himself_o unto_o we_o by_o the_o work_v of_o his_o hand_n sect._n 11._o god_n declare_v himself_o his_o sovereign_a power_n and_o authority_n his_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n by_o the_o innate_a or_o ingraft_v light_n of_o nature_n and_o principle_n of_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n that_o indispensible_a moral_a obedience_n which_o he_o require_v of_o we_o as_o his_o creature_n subject_a to_o his_o law_n be_v in_o general_a thus_o make_v know_v unto_o we_o for_o the_o gentile_n which_o have_v not_o the_o law_n do_v by_o nature_n the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n they_o have_v not_o the_o law_n be_v a_o law_n unto_o themselves_o show_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n their_o conscience_n also_o bear_v witness_n and_o their_o thought_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n excuse_v or_o accuse_v one_o another_o rom._n 2._o 14_o 15._o by_o the_o light_n that_o god_n have_v indelible_o implant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n accompany_v with_o a_o moral_a instinct_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a second_v by_o that_o selfe-judgment_n which_o he_o have_v place_v in_o we_o in_o reference_n to_o his_o own_o over_o we_o do_v he_o reveal_v himself_o unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n 3_o god_n reveal_v himself_o by_o his_o word_n as_o be_v confess_v it_o remain_v then_o that_o we_o inquire_v how_o we_o may_v know_v and_o be_v ascertain_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o deceivable_a pretence_n but_o that_o god_n do_v indeed_o so_o reveal_v himself_o by_o they_o sect._n 12._o first_o the_o work_n of_o god_n as_o to_o what_o be_v his_o will_n to_o teach_v and_o reveal_v of_o himself_o by_o they_o have_v that_o expression_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o that_o stamp_n and_o character_n of_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n that_o evidence_n with_o they_o that_o they_o be_v his_o that_o where_o ever_o they_o be_v see_v and_o consider_v they_o undeniable_o evince_v that_o they_o be_v so_o and_o that_o what_o they_o teach_v concern_v he_o they_o do_v it_o in_o his_o name_n and_o authority_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o tradition_n no_o need_n of_o miracle_n no_o need_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o church_n to_o convince_v a_o rational_a creature_n that_o the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v his_o and_o his_o only_a and_o that_o he_o be_v eternlal_n and_o infinite_a in_o power_n that_o make_v they_o they_o carry_v about_o with_o they_o their_o own_o authority_n by_o be_v what_o they_o be_v they_o declare_v who_o they_o be_v to_o reveal_v god_n by_o his_o work_n there_o be_v need_n of_o nothing_o but_o that_o they_o be_v by_o themselves_o represent_v or_o object_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o rational_a creature_n sect._n 13._o the_o voice_n of_o god_n in_o nature_n be_v in_o like_a manner_n effectual_a it_o declare_v itself_o to_o be_v from_o god_n by_o its_o own_o light_n and_o authority_n there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o convince_v a_o man_n by_o substantial_a witness_n that_o what_o his_o conscience_n speak_v it_o speak_v from_o god_n whether_o it_o bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o be_v righteousness_n power_n omniscience_n or_o holiness_n of_o god_n himself_o or_o whether_o it_o call_v for_o that_o moral_a obedience_n which_o be_v eternal_o and_o indispensable_o due_a to_o he_o and_o so_o show_v forth_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n in_o the_o heart_n it_o so_o speak_v and_o declare_v itself_o that_o without_o further_a evidence_n or_o reason_v without_o the_o advantage_n of_o any_o consideration_n but_o what_o be_v by_o its_o self_n supply_v it_o discover_v its_o au-author_n from_o who_o it_o be_v and_o in_o who_o name_n it_o speak_v those_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d those_o common_a notion_n and_o general_a presumption_n of_o he_o and_o his_o authority_n that_o be_v inlay_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o rational_a creature_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n to_o this_o end_n that_o they_o may_v make_v a_o revelation_n of_o he_o as_o to_o the_o purpose_v mention_v be_v able_a to_o plead_v their_o own_o divine_a original_a without_o the_o least_o contribution_n of_o strength_n or_o assistance_n from_o without_o sect._n 14._o and_o thus_o be_v it_o with_o those_o thing_n now_o the_o psalmist_n say_v unto_o god_n thou_o have_v magnify_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d over_o all_o thy_o name_n the_o word_n thou_o have_v speak_v the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v all_o that_o whereby_o he_o make_v himself_o know_v over_o all_o this_o god_n magnify_v his_o word_n it_o lie_v all_o in_o a_o subserviency_n thereunto_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v not_o here_o god_n himself_o but_o every_o thing_n whereby_o god_n make_v himself_o know_v now_o it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o those_o low_a dark_a &_o obscure_a principle_n and_o mean_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n and_o his_o will_n which_o we_o have_v mention_v shall_v be_v able_a to_o evince_v themselves_o to_o be_v from_o he_o without_o any_o external_a help_n assistance_n testimony_n or_o authority_n and_o that_o which_o be_v by_o god_n himself_o magnify_v above_o they_o which_o be_v far_o more_o noble_a and_o excellent_a in_o its_o self_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o end_n &_o order_n have_v far_o more_o divine_o conspicuous_a and_o glorious_a impression_n and_o character_n of_o his_o goodness_n holiness_n power_n grace_n truth_n then_o all_o the_o creation_n shall_v lie_v dead_a obscure_a and_o have_v nothing_o in_o its_o self_n to_o reveal_v its_o author_n until_o this_o or_o that_o superadded_a testimony_n be_v call_v in_o to_o its_o assistance_n we_o esteem_v they_o to_o have_v do_v no_o service_n unto_o the_o truth_n who_o among_o innumerable_a other_o bold_a denial_n have_v insist_v on_o this_o also_o that_o there_o be_v no_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o god_n arise_v from_o the_o innate_a principle_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o work_n of_o god_n propose_v themselves_o to_o the_o consideration_n thereof_o let_v now_o the_o way_n to_o the_o progress_n of_o supernatural_a revelation_n be_v obstruct_v by_o deny_v that_o it_o be_v able_a to_o evince_v itself_o to_o be_v from_o god_n and_o we_o shall_v quick_o see_v what_o bank_n be_v cut_v to_o let_v in_o a_o flood_n of_o atheism_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n sect._n 15._o let_v we_o consider_v the_o issue_n of_o this_o general_n induction_n as_o god_n in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n therein_o contain_v have_v so_o make_v &_o frame_v they_o have_v leave_v such_o character_n of_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o wisdom_n in_o they_o and_o upon_o they_o fill_v with_o such_o evidence_n of_o their_o author_n suit_v to_o the_o apprehension_n of_o rational_a creature_n that_o without_o any_o other_o testimony_n from_o himself_o or_o any_o else_o under_o the_o naked_a consideration_n and_o contemplation_n of_o what_o they_o be_v they_o so_o far_o declare_v their_o creator_n that_o they_o be_v leave_v whole_o unexcusable_a who_o will_v not_o learn_v and_o know_v he_o from_o thence_o so_o in_o the_o give_v out_o of_o his_o word_n to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o that_o world_n which_o he_o have_v set_v up_o in_o this_o world_n as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o wheel_n within_o a_o wheel_n his_o church_n he_o have_v by_o his_o spirit_n implant_v in_o it_o and_o impress_v on_o it_o such_o character_n of_o his_o goodness_n power_n wisdom_n holiness_n love_n to_o mankind_n truth_n faithfulness_n with_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o glorious_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n that_o at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n when_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o expansion_n of_o it_o be_v stretch_v over_o man_n by_o his_o providence_n without_o any_o other_o witness_n or_o testimony_n give_v unto_o it_o it_o declare_v its_o self_n to_o be_v his_o and_o make_v good_a its_o authority_n from_o he_o so_o that_o the_o refusal_n of_o it_o upon_o its_o own_o evidence_n bring_v unavoidable_a condemnation_n on_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n this_o comparison_n be_v insist_v on_o by_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 19_o where_o as_o he_o ascribe_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o voice_n and_o line_n to_o the_o creature_n so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n light_n power_n stability_n and_o permanency_n like_o that_o of_o the_o heaven_n &_o sun_n in_o
its_o truth_n it_o be_v authority_n in_o its_o self_n be_v its_o authority_n in_o respect_n of_o we_o nor_o have_v it_o any_o whit_n more_o in_o its_o self_n than_o the_o jure_v it_o have_v towards_o and_o over_o all_o they_o to_o who_o it_o come_v that_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la some_o do_v not_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o it_o be_v their_o sin_n &_o rebellion_n this_o truth_n and_o consequent_o this_o authority_n be_v evidence_v and_o make_v know_v to_o we_o by_o the_o public_a testimony_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v in_o it_o with_o divine_a light_n and_o power_n to_o the_o mind_n soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v therein_o by_o its_o self_n propose_v unto_o we_o we_o be_v enlighten_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o in_o the_o condition_n wherein_o we_o be_v be_v necessary_a for_o the_o apprehension_n of_o any_o spiritual_a thing_n or_o truth_n in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n we_o receive_v it_o and_o religious_o subject_v our_o soul_n unto_o it_o as_o the_o word_n and_o will_n of_o the_o everliving_a sovereign_a god_n and_o judge_v of_o all_o and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o bottom_n and_o foundation_n of_o faith_n i_o here_o public_o profess_v that_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v i_o have_v no_o faith_n at_o all_o sect._n 14._o have_v lay_v this_o stable_a foundation_n i_o shall_v with_o all_o possible_a brevity_n consider_v some_o pretence_n and_o allegation_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n invent_v and_o make_v use_n of_o by_o some_o to_o divert_v we_o from_o that_o foundation_n the_o close_n wherewith_o will_v in_o this_o matter_n alone_o bring_v peace_n unto_o our_o soul_n and_o so_o this_o chapter_n shall_v as_o it_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o balance_n and_o compare_v together_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n before_o mention_v and_o explain_v and_o the_o other_o pretence_n and_o plea_n that_o shall_v now_o be_v examine_v sect._n 15._o 1._o some_o say_v when_o on_o other_o account_n they_o be_v concern_v so_o to_o say_v that_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o scripture_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o receive_v it_o by_o tradition_n and_o this_o give_v a_o credibility_n unto_o it_o of_o tradition_n in_o general_a without_o this_o limitation_n which_o destroy_v it_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n i_o shall_v speak_v afterward_o credibility_n either_o keep_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o probability_n as_o that_o may_v be_v heighten_v to_o a_o manifest_a uncontrâ—leablenesse_n whilst_o yet_o its_o principle_n exceed_v not_o that_o sphere_n in_o which_o sense_n it_o belong_v not_o at_o all_o to_o our_o present_a discourse_n or_o it_o include_v a_o firm_a suitable_a foundation_n for_o faith_n supernatural_a and_o divine_a have_v we_o in_o this_o sense_n receive_v the_o scripture_n from_o that_o church_n as_o it_o be_v call_v be_v that_o church_n able_a to_o give_v such_o a_o credibility_n to_o any_o thing_n or_o do_v the_o scripture_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o such_o a_o credibility_n to_o be_v give_v to_o it_o from_o that_o church_n be_v not_o the_o first_o most_o false_a and_o be_v not_o the_o last_o blasphemous_a to_o receive_v a_o thing_n from_o a_o church_n as_o a_o church_n be_v to_o receive_v it_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o church_n if_o we_o receive_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o church_n we_o do_v it_o not_o because_o the_o thing_n its_o self_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d worthy_a of_o acceptation_n but_o because_o of_o the_o authority_n allege_v if_o then_o we_o thus_o receive_v the_o scripture_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n why_o in_o particular_a do_v we_o not_o receive_v the_o apocryphal_a book_n also_o which_o she_o receive_v how_o do_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n reâ—eive_v the_o scripture_n shall_v we_o say_v that_o she_o be_v authorize_v to_o give_v out_o what_o seem_v good_a to_o she_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n not_o but_o she_o have_v receive_v they_o by_o tradition_n so_o she_o plead_v that_o she_o have_v receive_v the_o apocryphal_a book_n also_o we_o then_o receive_v the_o scripture_n from_o rome_n rome_n by_o tradition_n we_o make_v ourselves_o judge_n of_o that_o tradition_n and_o yet_o rome_n say_v this_o be_v one_o thing_n that_o she_o have_v by_o the_o same_o tradition_n namely_o that_o she_o alone_o be_v judge_n of_o what_o she_o have_v by_o tradition_n but_o the_o common_a fate_n of_o liar_n be_v befall_v that_o harlot_n she_o have_v so_o long_o so_o constant_o so_o desperate_o lie_v in_o many_o the_o most_o thing_n that_o she_o profess_v pretend_v tradition_n for_o they_o that_o indeed_o she_o deserve_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v when_o she_o tell_v the_o truth_n beside_o she_o plead_v that_o she_o receive_v the_o scripture_n from_o the_o beginning_n when_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o copy_n of_o the_o hebrew_n of_o the_o old_a and_o greek_a of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v only_o authentic_a these_o she_o plead_v now_o under_o her_o keep_n to_o be_v woeful_o corrupt_v and_o yet_o be_v angry_a that_o we_o believe_v not_o her_o tradition_n sect._n 16._o some_o add_v that_o we_o receive_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v at_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o miracle_n we_o have_v receive_v by_o universal_a tradition_n but_o first_o i_o desire_v to_o know_v whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o see_v our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n wrought_v many_o other_o miracle_n beside_o those_o that_o be_v write_v joh._n 20._o 30._o ch_n 21._o 25._o and_o the_o apostle_n likewise_o they_o can_v by_o all_o their_o tradition_n help_v we_o to_o so_o much_o as_o a_o obscure_a report_n of_o any_o one_o that_o be_v not_o write_v i_o speak_v not_o of_o legend_n which_o yet_o at_o their_o performance_n be_v no_o less_o know_v than_o those_o that_o be_v nor_o be_v less_o useful_a for_o the_o end_n of_o miracle_n than_o they_o of_o tradition_n in_o general_n afterward_o but_o be_v it_o not_o evident_a that_o the_o miracle_n whereof_o they_o speak_v be_v preserve_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o no_o otherwise_o and_o if_o so_o can_v these_o miracle_n operate_v upon_o the_o understanding_n or_o judgement_n of_o any_o man_n unless_o they_o first_o grant_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o mean_v to_o the_o beget_n of_o a_o divine_a faith_n of_o they_o even_o that_o there_o be_v ever_o any_o such_o miracle_n suppose_v these_o miracle_n allege_v as_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o believe_v of_o the_o word_n have_v not_o be_v write_v but_o like_o the_o sibyl_n leaf_n have_v be_v drive_v up_o and_o down_o by_o the_o worst_a and_o fierce_a wind_n that_o blow_v in_o this_o world_n the_o breath_n of_o man_n those_o who_o shall_v keep_v they_o by_o tradition_n that_o be_v man_n be_v by_o nature_n so_o vain_a foolish_a malicious_a such_o liar_n adder_n detractor_n have_v spirit_n and_o mind_n so_o unsuit_v to_o spiritual_a thing_n so_o liable_a to_o alteration_n in_o themselves_o and_o to_o contradiction_n one_o to_o another_o be_v so_o give_v to_o imposture_n and_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o be_v impose_v upon_o have_v be_v so_o shuffle_v and_o drive_v up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n in_o every_o generation_n have_v for_o the_o most_o part_n so_o utter_o lose_v the_o remembrance_n of_o what_o themselves_o be_v whence_o they_o come_v or_o whether_o they_o be_v to_o go_v that_o i_o can_v give_v very_o little_a credit_n to_o what_o i_o have_v nothing_o but_o their_o authority_n to_o rely_v upon_o for_o without_o any_o evidence_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v self_n sect._n 17._o abstract_v then_o from_o the_o testimony_n give_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o prime_a revealer_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o word_n and_o no_o tolerable_a assurance_n as_o to_o the_o business_n in_o hand_n where_o a_o foundation_n for_o faith_n be_v inquire_v after_o can_v be_v give_v that_o ever_o any_o such_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v if_o number_n of_o man_n may_v be_v allow_v to_o speak_v we_o may_v have_v a_o traditional_a testimony_n give_v to_o the_o blasphemous_a figment_n of_o the_o alcoran_n under_o the_o name_n of_o true_a miracle_n but_o the_o constant_a tradition_n of_o more_o than_o a_o 1000_o year_n carry_v on_o by_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o man_n great_a wise_a and_o sober_a from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o do_v but_o set_v open_a the_o gate_n of_o hell_n for_o the_o mahometan_n yet_o set_v aside_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n and_o what_o be_v resolve_v thereinto_o i_o know_v not_o why_o they_o may_v not_o vie_v tradition_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n the_o world_n