this_o divine_a knowledge_n and_o assurance_n illuminate_v our_o understanding_n renew_v our_o will_n and_o sanctify_v our_o heart_n and_o affection_n in_o which_o sense_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o we_o a_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n open_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n that_o we_o may_v see_v by_o a_o spiritual_a light_n the_o excellency_n of_o those_o divine_a mystery_n that_o be_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n ephes_n 1.17_o 18._o now_o this_o doctrine_n of_o we_o be_v no_o such_o circle_n as_o the_o papist_n pretend_v it_o to_o be_v but_o a_o plain_a and_o strait_a way_n for_o a_o sober_a christian_n to_o walk_v in_o thus_o how_o know_v you_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v god_n word_n we_o answer_v by_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o by_o that_o wonderful_a light_n and_o excellency_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n that_o shine_v in_o they_o here_o we_o will_v rest_v and_o go_v no_o further_o but_o yet_o if_o we_o be_v ask_v how_o we_o come_v to_o see_v this_o light_n we_o answer_v it_o be_v by_o the_o only_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n give_v we_o eye_n to_o see_v and_o heart_n to_o embrace_v and_o love_v the_o light_n if_o we_o be_v further_o urge_v for_o some_o be_v thus_o importunate_a but_o how_o know_v you_o that_o you_o do_v indeed_o perceive_v such_o a_o heavenly_a light_n as_o you_o speak_v of_o or_o how_o can_v you_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o other_o that_o you_o be_v not_o deceive_v now_o true_o this_o be_v but_o a_o vain_a question_n it_o be_v a_o absurd_a thing_n to_o demand_v a_o reason_n of_o sense_n which_o be_v as_o if_o one_o shall_v ask_v he_o that_o gaze_v on_o the_o sun_n how_o know_v you_o that_o you_o see_v the_o light_n why_o he_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o see_v it_o and_o know_v that_o he_o be_v not_o deceive_v though_o he_o can_v convince_v a_o blind_a man_n of_o it_o and_o if_o in_o case_n he_o that_o be_v blind_a require_v he_o that_o see_v to_o prove_v unto_o he_o by_o sound_a argument_n that_o he_o behold_v such_o a_o object_n he_o demand_v a_o impossible_a thing_n of_o he_o unless_o he_o can_v give_v he_o eye_n to_o see_v it_o some_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a papist_n after_o all_o their_o dispute_v and_o wrangle_v be_v drive_v at_o last_o to_o acknowledge_v this_o inward_a illumination_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n stapleton_n himself_o even_o in_o that_o book_n where_o he_o defend_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n say_v that_o the_o godly_a be_v bring_v to_o faith_n by_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n but_o be_v once_o bring_v and_o enlighten_v with_o the_o light_n of_o divine_a inspiration_n than_o they_o believe_v no_o more_o for_o the_o church_n voice_n but_o because_o of_o the_o heavenly_a light_n and_o again_o in_o the_o last_o book_n that_o ever_o he_o write_v against_o learned_a whitaker_n he_o tell_v we_o plain_o that_o the_o inward_a persuasion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v so_o necessary_a and_o effectual_a for_o the_o believe_v of_o every_o object_n of_o faith_n that_o without_o it_o neither_o can_v any_o thing_n by_o any_o man_n be_v believe_v though_o the_o church_n testify_v with_o it_o a_o thousand_o time_n and_o by_o it_o alone_o any_o matter_n may_v be_v believe_v though_o the_o church_n hold_v her_o peace_n or_o be_v never_o hear_v hereby_o it_o appear_v that_o we_o may_v be_v infallible_o assure_v of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n though_o the_o authority_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o so_o regard_v by_o we_o as_o the_o papist_n will_v have_v it_o but_o yet_o when_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o infidel_n and_o atheist_n that_o scoff_n at_o this_o divine_a light_n and_o inward_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o have_v more_o reason_n on_o our_o side_n as_o have_v be_v show_v at_o large_a to_o convince_v they_o and_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n do_v contain_v the_o word_n and_o law_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n than_o any_o other_o religion_n nay_o then_o all_o other_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n as_o for_o the_o inward_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n witness_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v take_v these_o follow_a rule_n testimony_n rule_n rule_n concern_v the_o spirit_n testimony_n for_o prevent_a mistake_n first_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v assure_o persuade_v the_o conscience_n of_o a_o christian_a that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n not_o by_o a_o immediate_a vision_n or_o revelation_n under_o which_o pretence_n satan_n transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n have_v delude_v and_o ensnare_v many_o poor_a soul_n but_o by_o enlighten_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n to_o behold_v the_o light_n write_v the_o law_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o inward_a part_n as_o god_n have_v promise_v in_o the_o new_a covenant_n seal_v up_o the_o promise_n to_o our_o soul_n and_o cause_v we_o experimental_o to_o feel_v the_o powerful_a effect_n thereof_o second_o this_o divine_a supernatural_a persuasion_n wrought_v in_o believer_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v more_o certain_a and_o more_o satisfactory_a than_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o our_o weak_a imperfect_a reason_n or_o express_v in_o word_n for_o thing_n doubtful_a may_v be_v prove_v but_o as_o for_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o themselves_o most_o clear_a and_o certain_a we_o say_v they_o need_v no_o rational_a proof_n or_o demonstration_n as_o the_o shine_a of_o the_o sun_n which_o discover_v itself_o by_o its_o own_o light_n need_v not_o be_v confirm_v by_o any_o rational_a argument_n to_o he_o that_o have_v his_o eye_n open_a to_o see_v the_o light_n thereof_o three_o it_o be_v such_o a_o testimony_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o be_v certain_a and_o manifest_a to_o he_o that_o have_v the_o spirit_n for_o it_o make_v itself_o evident_a where_o it_o come_v but_o this_o be_v private_a and_o particular_a not_o public_a and_o common_a testify_v only_o to_o he_o who_o be_v endue_v therewith_o but_o not_o convince_a other_o nor_o confirm_a doctrine_n to_o they_o in_o this_o case_n man_n must_v have_v recourse_n to_o the_o visible_a stand_a rule_n to_o the_o write_a law_n and_o testimony_n if_o any_o man_n speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o let_v he_o pretend_v never_o so_o much_o to_o the_o inward_a testimony_n and_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v because_o the_o light_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o he_o four_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v sever_v from_o the_o word_n which_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o his_o public_a authentic_a testimony_n nor_o be_v it_o injurious_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o word_n see_v there_o be_v a_o mutual_a relation_n and_o correspondence_n between_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o party_n witness_v and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n witness_v and_o this_o holy_a spirit_n the_o author_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v every_o where_o like_a unto_o and_o do_v every_o where_o agree_v with_o himself_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o pair_n of_o indenture_n there_o be_v no_o difference_n at_o all_o between_o they_o but_o the_o very_a same_o thing_n that_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o one_o be_v also_o mention_v in_o the_o other_o so_o it_o be_v between_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v and_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n five_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o teach_v or_o assure_v all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o letter_n syllable_n and_o word_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v only_o as_o a_o vessel_n to_o carry_v and_o convey_v the_o heavenly_a light_n unto_o we_o but_o it_o do_v seal_v in_o our_o heart_n the_o save_a truth_n contain_v in_o those_o sacred_a write_n into_o what_o language_n soever_o they_o be_v translate_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o corinthian_n that_o they_o be_v the_o epistle_n of_o christ_n write_v not_o with_o ink_n but_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o live_a god_n not_o in_o table_n of_o stone_n but_o in_o the_o fleshly_a table_n of_o the_o heart_n 2_o cor._n 3.3_o six_o and_o last_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o lead_v they_o in_o who_o he_o dwell_v and_o witness_v absolute_o and_o at_o once_o into_o every_o truth_n of_o god_n so_o as_o utter_o to_o dispel_v all_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n out_o of_o the_o soul_n but_o he_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o by_o degree_n john_n 16.12_o 13._o be_v a_o free_a voluntary_a agent_n he_o work_v when_o and_o
apply_v to_o the_o heathen_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n you_o may_v read_v of_o in_o his_o apology_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n represent_v in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n have_v not_o yet_o determine_v nor_o do_v she_o think_v fit_a to_o determine_v this_o question_n whether_o the_o moral_a heathen_n may_v be_v save_v by_o the_o improvement_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n among_o those_o of_o the_o reform_a religion_n zuinglius_fw-la be_v of_o this_o opinion_n that_o the_o best_a of_o the_o heathen_n be_v actual_o save_v and_o that_o christ_n do_v communicate_v himself_o to_o they_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n but_o this_o be_v more_o than_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o he_o or_o any_o other_o and_o herein_o not_o only_a gualther_n and_o bullinger_n but_o all_o our_o divine_n general_o do_v dissent_n from_o he_o aquinas_n mention_n a_o inscription_n find_v in_o the_o sepulchre_n of_o a_o heathen_a in_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n the_o greek_a emperor_n and_o irene_n his_o mother_n with_o these_o word_n christus_fw-la nascitur_fw-la ex_fw-la virgin_n &_o ego_fw-la credo_fw-la in_o eum_fw-la o_o sol_fw-mi sub_fw-la irenae_n &_o constantini_n temporibus_fw-la iterum_fw-la i_o videbit_fw-la whence_o he_o infer_v that_o some_o of_o the_o heathen_n be_v not_o altogether_o without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n the_o mediator_n that_o say_v of_o erasmus_n whether_o in_o jest_n or_o in_o earnest_n i_o know_v not_o vix_fw-la possum_fw-la i_o continere_fw-la quin_fw-la dicam_fw-la sancte_fw-la socrates_n ora_fw-la pro_fw-la nobis_fw-la may_v be_v see_v and_o read_v in_o his_o preface_n to_o one_o of_o cicero_n book_n nego_fw-la hanc_fw-la propositionem_fw-la say_v a_o fierce_a arminian_n nemo_fw-la potest_fw-la salvus_fw-la fieri_fw-la qui_fw-la christo_fw-la per_fw-la veram_fw-la fidem_fw-la non_fw-la sit_fw-la insitus_fw-la i_o deny_v this_o proposition_n that_o none_o can_v be_v save_v but_o such_o as_o be_v ingraff_v into_o christ_n by_o true_a faith_n and_o there_o be_v some_o that_o have_v coin_v a_o vain_a and_o groundless_a distinction_n of_o a_o threefold_a piety_n judaica_n christiana_n &_o ethnica_fw-la bold_o affirm_v that_o what_o moses_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n christ_n to_o the_o christian_n the_o same_o be_v philosophy_n or_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n by_o nature_n to_o the_o heathen_n but_o this_o be_v to_o frustrate_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n the_o mediator_n it_o be_v not_o deny_v but_o grant_v by_o we_o first_o that_o some_o person_n have_v a_o more_o clear_a explicit_a distinct_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n the_o mediator_n ethnicorum_fw-la mediator_n vid._n dr._n prid._n lect._n 8._o de_fw-fr salute_n ethnicorum_fw-la than_o other_o according_a to_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n which_o they_o be_v under_o and_o yet_o both_o may_v be_v save_v second_o that_o there_o be_v some_o of_o all_o sort_n among_o the_o gentile_n noble_a and_o ignoble_a learned_a and_o unlearned_a for_o who_o christ_n die_v and_o who_o do_v reap_v some_o benefit_n by_o his_o death_n three_o god_n may_v and_o sometime_o do_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n unknown_a to_o we_o reveal_v his_o grace_n to_o and_o work_v faith_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o some_o person_n this_o he_o may_v do_v in_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v deaf_a and_o dumb_a among_o christian_n and_o this_o he_o may_v also_o do_v in_o some_o heathen_n if_o god_n will_v work_v whether_o in_o a_o ordinary_a or_o extraordinary_a way_n whether_o by_o mean_n or_o without_o mean_n who_o can_v hinder_v he_o yea._n four_o god_n may_v if_o he_o please_v reveal_v his_o save_a grace_n in_o christ_n to_o a_o poor_a heathen_a even_o at_o the_o last_o gasp_n by_o the_o secret_a inspiration_n of_o his_o spirit_n as_o he_o show_v mercy_n to_o the_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n but_o that_o any_o heathen_a though_o never_o so_o rational_a and_o moral_a can_v be_v eternal_o save_v by_o the_o improvement_n of_o his_o natural_a ability_n or_o moral_a virtue_n without_o be_v implant_v into_o christ_n and_o unite_v to_o he_o as_o the_o head_n and_o mediator_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n this_o we_o utter_o deny_v and_o that_o upon_o these_o follow_a ground_n and_o consideration_n first_o in_o regard_n of_o that_o corruption_n and_o wickedness_n which_o be_v in_o every_o man_n heart_n and_o nature_n god_n see_v that_o the_o whole_a imagination_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n heart_n be_v only_o evil_a and_o that_o continual_o the_o hebrew_a word_n signify_v not_o only_o the_o imagination_n but_o also_o the_o purpose_n and_o desire_n of_o man_n heart_n gen._n 6.5_o the_o heart_n of_o every_o natural_a man_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o desperate_o wicked_a jer._n 17.9_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o enemy_n but_o enmity_n against_o god_n rom._n 8.7_o by_o nature_n man_n be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n and_o under_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n ephes_n 2.1_o 2_o 3._o and_o take_v captive_a by_o satan_n at_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n 2_o tim._n 2.26_o and_o therefore_o they_o can_v be_v save_v by_o the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o nature_n without_o true_a faith_n in_o christ_n as_o mediator_n second_o the_o best_a work_n and_o high_a attainment_n of_o the_o unregenerate_a who_o still_o remain_v in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n and_o be_v not_o implant_v into_o christ_n be_v sinful_a and_o unprofitable_a the_o very_a prayer_n and_o plough_v of_o the_o wicked_a be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n no_o man_n say_v our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o the_o unregenerate_a matth._n 7.16_o 17_o 18._o can_v gather_v grape_n of_o thorn_n or_o fig_n of_o thistle_n nor_o can_v a_o corrupt_a tree_n bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n the_o church_n herself_o confess_v isai_n 64.6_o that_o all_o her_o righteousness_n even_o her_o best_a work_n and_o righteousness_n be_v as_o filthy_a rag_n and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n who_o if_o any_o man_n may_v have_v confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n he_o much_o more_o yet_o count_v all_o his_o own_o righteousness_n and_o best_a work_n but_o loss_n and_o dung_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n phil._n 3.4_o 8._o and_o if_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o paul_n and_o with_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o righteousness_n and_o work_n then_o what_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o the_o work_n and_o performance_n of_o the_o most_o rational_a and_o moral_a heathen_n sure_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v much_o more_o vain_a and_o unprofitable_a hence_o it_o be_v that_o augustine_n say_v of_o the_o great_a virtue_n of_o the_o moral_a heathen_n that_o they_o be_v but_o splendida_fw-la peccata_fw-la three_o faith_n in_o christ_n true_a gospel_n faith_n be_v indispensable_o require_v at_o least_o in_o all_o adult_n person_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n heb._n 11.6_o neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o faith_n which_o work_v by_o love_n gal._n 5.6_o he_o that_o believe_v on_o christ_n shall_v be_v save_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v the_o believer_n have_v everlasting_a life_n but_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n abide_v on_o the_o unbeliever_n john_n 3.18_o 36._o he_o that_o have_v the_o son_n have_v life_n and_o he_o that_o have_v not_o the_o son_n have_v not_o life_n 1_o john_n 5.12_o nor_o be_v it_o a_o general_a faith_n in_o god_n as_o a_o creator_n or_o rewarder_n thrt_n will_v save_v a_o man_n but_o there_o must_v be_v faith_n in_o christ_n as_o redeemer_n and_o mediator_n for_o no_o man_n come_v to_o the_o father_n but_o by_o he_o john_n 14.6_o and_o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v john_n 17.3_o four_o god_n will_v have_v his_o dear_o belove_a son_n honour_v and_o exalt_v in_o the_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n whether_o they_o be_v moral_a or_o profane_a they_o need_v a_o saviour_n a_o sacrifice_n to_o appease_v the_o wrath_n and_o satisfy_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n for_o they_o he_o that_o honour_v not_o the_o son_n honour_v not_o the_o father_n which_o have_v send_v he_o john_n 5.23_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n in_o any_o other_o beside_o christ_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o other_o name_n under_o heaven_n give_v among_o man_n whereby_o we_o can_v be_v save_v act_v 4.12_o other_o foundation_n can_v no_o man_n lay_v then_o what_o be_v lay_v which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n 1_o cor._n 3.11_o unless_o the_o moralist_n with_o all_o his_o virtue_n and_o endowment_n be_v build_v upon_o this_o rock_n and_o foundation_n he_o must_v needs_o perish_v everlasting_o christ_n be_v the_o way_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o way_n by_o which_o only_a man_n can_v enter_v into_o eternal_a blessedness_n he_o be_v the_o life_n the_o author_n and_o giver_n of_o eternal_a life_n john_n 14.6_o john_n 11.25_o
most_o wicked_a superstition_n chap._n xii_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n prove_v by_o reason_n the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o we_o have_v hear_v differ_v much_o from_o the_o law_n of_o man_n these_o command_n only_o the_o outward_a man_n but_o the_o divine_a law_n reach_v the_o spirit_n and_o command_v the_o inward_a man_n which_o law_n be_v record_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n now_o that_o these_o holy_a write_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o do_v contain_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o practice_n may_v be_v prove_v by_o reason_n so_o far_o as_o may_v convince_v a_o heathen_a or_o infidel_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o divine_a authority_n and_o efficacy_n in_o these_o write_n as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o other_o first_o then_o let_v it_o be_v grant_v as_o it_o have_v be_v clear_o demonstrate_v that_o there_o be_v one_o live_v and_o true_a god_n and_o that_o this_o god_n be_v to_o be_v honour_v and_o adore_v by_o his_o reasonable_a creature_n with_o that_o service_n and_o worship_n which_o become_v he_o then_o it_o will_v undeniable_o follow_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o revelation_n make_v by_o god_n himself_o touch_v that_o way_n of_o worship_n wherein_o he_o will_v have_v we_o obey_v he_o this_o be_v practise_v by_o all_o wise_a prince_n and_o state_n who_o govern_v their_o subject_n in_o a_o way_n of_o reason_n and_o of_o prudence_n for_o who_o can_v know_v what_o please_v god_n but_o he_o himself_o and_o they_o to_o who_o he_o make_v know_v his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n now_o then_o suppose_v some_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_v in_o order_n to_o that_o service_n which_o he_o will_v accept_v if_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o this_o revelation_n where_o then_o shall_v we_o find_v it_o let_v any_o man_n if_o he_o can_v show_v some_o other_o or_o better_a manifestation_n concern_v the_o will_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o great_a and_o holy_a god_n than_o what_o he_o have_v make_v know_v in_o his_o write_a word_n nothing_o can_v be_v the_o stand_a unerring_a rule_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o what_o god_n himself_o have_v make_v so_o that_o which_o be_v the_o rule_n must_v be_v the_o law_n of_o our_o beleif_n and_o who_o can_v make_v a_o law_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o god_n himself_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o imagine_v that_o any_o man_n or_o creature_n can_v prescribe_v to_o we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v concern_v god_n unless_o god_n himself_o make_v know_v his_o will_n and_o publish_v his_o law_n second_o as_o for_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v receive_v and_o embrace_v as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n both_o by_o jew_n and_o christian_n let_v we_o rational_o consider_v how_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v the_o peculiar_a people_n of_o god_n to_o who_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n rom._n 3.2_o have_v witness_v these_o book_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a have_v they_o not_o from_o time_n to_o time_n for_o many_o age_n together_o in_o their_o great_a misery_n and_o affliction_n constant_o acknowledge_v and_o contend_v for_o the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o whenas_o by_o only_o deny_v the_o same_o they_o may_v have_v have_v not_o only_a liberty_n but_o great_a preferment_n in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v it_o not_o very_o observable_a that_o though_o the_o prince_n high_a priest_n and_o other_o among_o the_o jew_n persecute_v the_o prophet_n and_o despise_v their_o word_n whilst_o they_o live_v yet_o they_o receive_v their_o write_n as_o prophetical_a and_o divine_a when_o they_o where_o dead_a and_o since_o blindness_n and_o obstinacy_n come_v upon_o the_o jew_n notwithstanding_o their_o great_a enmity_n and_o hatred_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o professor_n thereof_o yet_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n yea_o those_o very_a text_n that_o do_v evident_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v keep_v pure_a and_o uncorrupt_a among_o they_o three_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o embrace_v both_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n have_v witness_v and_o do_v still_o witness_v to_o the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o even_o to_o the_o death_n the_o whole_a universal_a church_n of_o god_n even_o from_o the_o first_o pen_v of_o the_o scripture_n till_o this_o very_a day_n have_v all_o along_o profess_v that_o these_o book_n be_v divine_a and_o thousand_o of_o they_o have_v seal_v the_o same_o with_o their_o blood_n this_o testimony_n be_v of_o great_a weight_n and_o force_n though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o infallible_a and_o effectual_a to_o persuade_v and_o satisfy_v the_o conscience_n as_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o of_o all_o humane_a testimony_n whereby_o the_o author_n of_o any_o book_n that_o have_v be_v or_o ever_o shall_v be_v extant_a can_v be_v prove_v or_o evince_v so_o as_o to_o satisfy_v man_n reason_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n of_o god_n concern_v this_o book_n be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o satisfactory_a both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o multitude_n wisdom_n honesty_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o witness_n and_o the_o likelihood_n constancy_n and_o uninterrupted_a continuance_n of_o the_o testimony_n itself_o be_v it_o probable_a in_o a_o way_n of_o reason_n that_o so_o good_a and_o wise_a a_o god_n shall_v suffer_v so_o many_o honest_a well_o mean_v people_n to_o be_v so_o long_o abuse_v and_o deceive_v by_o a_o false_a or_o feign_a book_n father_v upon_o himself_o such_o a_o horrid_a imposture_n the_o god_n of_o truth_n will_v not_o endure_v to_o lie_v hide_v and_o undiscovered_a for_o so_o many_o hundred_o year_n christian_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o condition_n noble_a and_o ignoble_a rich_a and_o poor_a learned_a and_o unlearned_a marry_a and_o unmarried_a old_a and_o young_a throughout_o the_o world_n for_o a_o long_a time_n together_o have_v endure_v the_o most_o grievous_a and_o exquisite_a torment_n that_o the_o devil_n can_v invent_v or_o the_o malice_n of_o man_n find_v out_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o this_o truth_n and_o that_o with_o great_a constancy_n and_o alacrity_n with_o a_o undaunted_a heart_n and_o merry_a countenance_n and_o can_v any_o sober_a man_n think_v that_o so_o many_o thousand_o person_n and_o some_o of_o they_o of_o great_a quality_n learning_n and_o prudence_n that_o may_v have_v live_v brave_o and_o carry_v a_o great_a part_n in_o this_o world_n shall_v suffer_v so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a thing_n out_o of_o mere_a weakness_n pride_n vain_a glory_n discontent_a or_o that_o they_o shall_v suffer_v for_o a_o fable_n that_o have_v no_o truth_n nor_o reality_n in_o it_o this_o testimony_n which_o be_v take_v from_o the_o great_a suffering_n christian_a patience_n joy_n and_o courage_n of_o the_o martyr_n be_v not_o mere_o humane_a for_o that_o courage_n and_o cheerfulness_n which_o they_o show_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o torment_n be_v not_o from_o the_o strength_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o reason_n but_o it_o be_v from_o above_o and_o supernatural_a four_o god_n have_v confirm_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n by_o many_o great_a wonder_n and_o miracle_n from_o heaven_n such_o as_o satan_n himself_o can_v imitate_v such_o as_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o any_o yea_o of_o all_o the_o creature_n in_o the_o world_n such_o as_o the_o most_o malicious_a subtle_a enemy_n of_o god_n truth_n can_v not_o deny_v to_o be_v divine_a these_o miracle_n have_v the_o lord_n open_o wrought_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n which_o as_o they_o be_v sufficient_a to_o confirm_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o they_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n thereof_o so_o the_o undoubted_a and_o clear_a narration_n of_o they_o be_v to_o we_o a_o invincible_a argument_n that_o the_o word_n and_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v from_o heaven_n and_o not_o from_o man_n the_o lord_n witness_v thereunto_o both_o by_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o with_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n heb._n 2.4_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v therein_o which_o of_o all_o write_n and_o doctrine_n that_o have_v be_v teach_v and_o publish_v be_v the_o most_o ancient_a in_o all_o other_o write_n and_o record_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o fall_v of_o man_n be_v omit_v which_o yet_o be_v particular_o and_o plain_o set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o true_o it_o be_v admirable_a to_o consider_v how_o the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n have_v appear_v in_o preserve_v his_o write_a word_n and_o law_n to_o this_o day_n notwithstanding_o the_o rage_n and_o