alone_o present_o reject_v either_o of_o they_o but_o we_o inquire_v which_o of_o they_o be_v in_o the_o best_a capacity_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o which_o of_o they_o be_v the_o least_o liable_a to_o the_o suspicion_n of_o falsehood_n and_o which_o story_n be_v the_o most_o probable_o relate_v and_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o that_o we_o incline_v if_o therefore_o there_o be_v any_o man_n that_o think_v there_o be_v any_o truth_n in_o history_n and_o who_o do_v give_v credit_n to_o other_o history_n and_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o do_v so_o and_o yet_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o allow_v that_o the_o gospel_n history_n be_v very_o credible_a which_o contain_v a_o relation_n only_o of_o such_o matter_n of_o sense_n as_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v any_o cheat_n or_o deceit_n in_o and_o in_o which_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o deceit_n or_o mistake_v it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v discover_v and_o disprove_v and_o which_o yet_o neither_o be_v now_o nor_o ever_o be_v contradict_v by_o any_o history_n of_o competent_a antiquity_n and_o good_a credit_n i_o think_v we_o may_v very_o well_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v not_o reason_n or_o judgement_n but_o prejudice_n or_o interest_n or_o the_o love_n of_o some_o vice_n or_o lust_n that_o make_v he_o a_o infidel_n the_o end_n of_o the_o four_o sermon_n the_o five_o sermon_n st._n luke_n xvi_o 29_o 30_o 31._o abraham_n say_v unto_o he_o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o and_o he_o say_v nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o subject_n i_o be_v upon_o in_o my_o last_o discourse_n on_o these_o word_n and_o which_o i_o leave_v unfinished_a be_v to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v full_a credit_n to_o the_o author_n of_o the_o historical_a book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o their_o relation_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o have_v record_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o which_o i_o propose_v these_o follow_a thing_n to_o be_v consider_v 1_o the_o nature_n condition_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o matter_n they_o have_v record_v and_o of_o the_o history_n its_o self_n 2_o the_o good_a capacity_n they_o be_v in_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o have_v relate_v 3_o the_o strong_a obligation_n they_o be_v under_o to_o write_v nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o knowledge_n or_o information_n 4_o the_o good_a evidence_n that_o we_o have_v of_o their_o honesty_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o 5_o last_o the_o confirmation_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o history_n by_o god_n himself_o the_o last_o discourse_n be_v spend_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o first_o of_o these_o thing_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o viz._n 2._o the_o good_a capacity_n that_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o evangelical_n history_n be_v in_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v relate_v now_o the_o matter_n of_o history_n which_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o epistle_n be_v but_o few_o and_o those_o for_o the_o most_o part_n such_o as_o have_v be_v do_v by_o or_o have_v happen_v to_o either_o the_o person_n that_o write_v they_o or_o the_o church_n or_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v write_v so_o that_o of_o these_o we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o say_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o bulk_n or_o body_n of_o the_o evangelical_n history_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o four_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o author_n of_o these_o book_n there_o be_v no_o controversy_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o if_o they_o be_v write_v by_o the_o repute_a author_n a_o few_o word_n will_v suffice_v to_o show_v that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o very_a good_a capacity_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o have_v record_v much_o better_a than_o most_o other_o ancient_a historian_n who_o relation_n nevertheless_o be_v general_o think_v worthy_a of_o credit_n for_o st._n matthew_n and_o st._n john_n two_o of_o the_o four_o evangelist_n be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o twelve_o who_o be_v in_o constant_a attendance_n upon_o our_o lord_n from_o the_o time_n that_o he_o first_o begin_v to_o preach_v and_o to_o make_v disciple_n until_o he_o be_v take_v up_o into_o heaven_n so_o that_o they_o be_v themselves_o eye_n or_o ear-witness_n of_o most_o of_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v record_v of_o st._n mark_n and_o st._n luke_n indeed_o the_o same_o can_v be_v say_v neither_o be_v it_o certain_a that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n though_o that_o be_v affirm_v by_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n but_o this_o i_o think_v be_v agree_v to_o by_o all_o that_o st._n mark_n be_v for_o some_o part_n of_o his_o life_n a_o constant_a companion_n of_o st._n peter_n who_o be_v not_o only_o one_o of_o the_o twelve_o but_o most_o probable_o the_o first_o that_o be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o apostle_n and_o who_o be_v also_o one_o of_o the_o three_o with_o who_o our_o lord_n be_v most_o intimate_a and_o familiar_a for_o we_o often_o read_v that_o peter_n 5.37_o matt._n 17.4.26_o 37._o mark_v 5.37_o and_o james_n and_o john_n be_v single_v from_o the_o rest_n to_o be_v witness_n of_o some_o of_o the_o most_o private_a transaction_n of_o his_o life_n and_o it_o be_v general_o believe_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n that_o st._n peter_n be_v more_o true_o the_o author_n of_o the_o gospel_n call_v st._n mark_n be_v then_o st._n mark_v himself_o he_o be_v only_o the_o scribe_n or_o amanuensis_fw-la and_o st._n peter_n the_o person_n that_o dictate_v the_o thing_n write_v by_o he_o whence_o also_o this_o gospel_n 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think_v thereon_o he_o weep_v it_o be_v likewise_o agree_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o st._n luke_n if_o not_o one_o of_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n which_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a he_o be_v not_o be_v however_o a_o very_a early_a convert_n to_o christianity_n that_o he_o converse_v frequent_o with_o the_o apostle_n and_o immediate_a disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o be_v a_o constant_a companion_n of_o st._n paul_n for_o a_o good_a while_n in_o his_o preach_a and_o travel_n so_o that_o of_o almost_o all_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o relate_v in_o his_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n he_o may_v be_v and_o of_o much_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a and_o of_o some_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o be_v a_o eye_n or_o earwitness_a so_o then_o there_o be_v three_o of_o the_o five_o historical_a book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o be_v write_v by_o those_o who_o be_v present_a at_o most_o of_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v relate_v 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christ_n every_o one_o that_o have_v hear_v he_o preach_v and_o have_v be_v a_o witness_n of_o his_o life_n and_o miracle_n and_o resurrection_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v write_v a_o distinct_a gospel_n give_v a_o account_n of_o some_o of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a passage_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n which_o he_o have_v be_v a_o witness_n of_o and_o do_v likewise_o as_o he_o have_v occasion_n write_v epistle_n or_o other_o tract_n for_o the_o use_n and_o instruction_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n every_o one_o of_o all_o which_o book_n if_o they_o be_v now_o extant_a and_o as_o well_o attest_v as_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v will_v be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o they_o because_o dictate_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n by_o which_o all_o the_o apostle_n be_v lead_v into_o all_o truth_n and_o have_v all_o thing_n that_o jesus_n have_v speak_v bring_v to_o their_o remembrance_n yet_o i_o say_v it_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n follow_v from_o hence_o either_o that_o those_o book_n which_o be_v now_o lose_v if_o indeed_o there_o be_v any_o lose_v that_o be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v needless_a when_o they_o be_v write_v or_o that_o those_o which_o do_v now_o remain_v be_v not_o sufficient_a and_o a_o very_a little_a consideration_n of_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v then_o and_o as_o it_o be_v now_o will_v make_v this_o which_o i_o have_v say_v very_o plain_a for_o the_o case_n then_o be_v thus_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v preach_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n by_o a_o few_o person_n who_o have_v be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o miracle_n and_o be_v enable_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o confirm_v their_o testimony_n of_o he_o by_o do_v the_o like_a miracle_n themselves_o and_o that_o this_o great_a work_n may_v be_v accomplish_v within_o the_o term_n of_o their_o life_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v quick_o disperse_v 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his_o doctrine_n by_o ignorant_a or_o design_v man_n and_o after_o he_o be_v go_v from_o thence_o he_o may_v have_v frequent_a occasion_n to_o send_v they_o letter_n either_o to_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o faith_n or_o to_o caution_n they_o against_o some_o error_n which_o he_o have_v hear_v be_v spring_v up_o among_o they_o or_o to_o correct_v some_o fault_n in_o their_o discipline_n or_o manner_n by_o this_o mean_n i_o say_v it_o may_v well_o enough_o be_v though_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n that_o it_o be_v so_o that_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n there_o may_v be_v beside_o occasional_a letter_n as_o many_o distinct_a gospel_n as_o there_o be_v apostle_n every_o one_o write_v a_o gospel_n for_o the_o proper_a use_n of_o those_o church_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v plant_v and_o in_o the_o language_n that_o be_v best_a know_v to_o they_o and_o this_o if_o it_o be_v do_v may_v be_v no_o more_o than_o may_v be_v then_o necessary_a when_o it_o be_v not_o so_o 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the_o new_a testament_n which_o we_o now_o have_v can_v be_v well_o disperse_v and_o upon_o good_a attestation_n receive_v in_o all_o christian_a country_n some_o particular_a church_n and_o especial_o those_o most_o remote_a from_o judea_n shall_v have_v for_o their_o present_a use_n other_o book_n write_v by_o some_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n contain_v the_o same_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n and_o relate_v the_o same_o thing_n concern_v the_o life_n and_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o these_o do_v and_o that_o some_o of_o those_o many_o book_n which_o may_v be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o other_o inspire_a man_n upon_o this_o subject_a shall_v be_v lose_v be_v no_o marvel_n at_o all_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o wonder_n consider_v the_o poverty_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n and_o the_o constant_a persecution_n they_o be_v then_o under_o and_o the_o many_o revolution_n of_o government_n that_o have_v be_v in_o christendom_n since_o that_o time_n that_o so_o many_o as_o we_o have_v now_o leave_v can_v be_v preserve_v for_o so_o many_o age_n before_o printing_n be_v find_v out_o and_o those_o be_v of_o all_o the_o most_o like_a to_o be_v lose_v which_o be_v publish_v in_o rude_a and_o barbarous_a country_n and_o which_o be_v write_v in_o some_o language_n that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o one_o nation_n only_o and_o those_o the_o most_o easy_a and_o consequent_o the_o most_o probable_a to_o be_v preserve_v which_o be_v publish_v in_o the_o learned_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o write_v in_o the_o most_o learned_a language_n then_o in_o use_n but_o although_o a_o great_a number_n of_o inspire_a book_n than_o be_v now_o extant_a may_v be_v necessary_a in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n before_o the_o christian_a church_n then_o new_o plant_v in_o all_o country_n of_o the_o then_o know_a world_n can_v have_v communication_n with_o one_o another_o it_o can_v be_v argue_v from_o hence_o that_o those_o book_n which_o we_o have_v now_o remain_v be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o the_o present_a time_n and_o for_o all_o the_o time_n that_o have_v pass_v since_o the_o other_o book_n be_v lose_v but_o rather_o it_o may_v very_o reasonable_o be_v presume_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o for_o substance_n in_o those_o book_n which_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v lose_v than_o there_o be_v in_o these_o which_o be_v now_o remain_v so_o that_o the_o loss_n of_o they_o may_v be_v no_o real_a loss_n or_o detriment_n to_o religion_n and_o those_o which_o remain_v and_o be_v now_o receive_v in_o all_o christian_a church_n may_v be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o instruct_v we_o in_o all_o point_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o practice_n and_o there_o be_v indeed_o no_o reason_n to_o think_v they_o be_v not_o see_v some_o of_o those_o single_a book_n which_o we_o have_v now_o be_v write_v for_o this_o very_a purpose_n be_v design_v as_o compendium_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a institution_n for_o st._n luke_n write_v his_o gospel_n that_o theophilus_n may_v know_v the_o certainty_n of_o those_o thing_n wherein_o he_o have_v be_v instruct_v and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o evangelist_n design_n 1.4_o luke_n 1.4_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v but_o that_o he_o think_v he_o have_v put_v into_o his_o gospel_n whatever_o be_v necessary_a or_o very_a material_a and_o st._n john_n in_o the_o same_o place_n where_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o have_v omit_v the_o relation_n of_o many_o thing_n which_o jesus_n do_v 31._o joh._n 20.30_o 31._o say_v that_o he_o have_v write_v the_o thing_n contain_v in_o his_o gospel_n that_o man_n may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o believe_v they_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o
mention_v as_o brief_o as_o may_v be_v the_o answer_n that_o have_v be_v usual_o give_v to_o these_o objection_n and_o 1._o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o of_o some_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o author_n name_n be_v not_o certain_o know_v as_o namely_o of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n and_o that_o of_o other_o the_o author_n have_v be_v doubt_v particular_o of_o the_o second_o and_o three_o epiâ—tles_n of_o st._n john_n to_o this_o it_o have_v be_v answer_v 1._o that_o the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o book_n depend_v many_o time_n much_o more_o upon_o the_o good_a assurance_n that_o we_o have_v of_o the_o time_n when_o it_o be_v write_v and_o of_o the_o character_n of_o the_o person_n that_o write_v it_o than_o upon_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o his_o name_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o matter_n of_o no_o great_a consequence_n whether_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v writâ—en_v by_o st._n paul_n himself_o as_o be_v common_o and_o 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that_o the_o spuriousness_n of_o some_o of_o they_o be_v soon_o discern_v this_o can_v not_o but_o put_v the_o christian_n of_o those_o time_n upon_o examine_v more_o strict_o what_o evidence_n and_o attestation_n there_o be_v that_o those_o other_o book_n be_v true_a and_o genuine_a which_o have_v be_v general_o receive_v as_o such_o so_o that_o the_o more_o there_o be_v of_o these_o spurious_a and_o counterfeit_a book_n so_o much_o the_o more_o assure_v and_o confident_a we_o may_v reasonable_o be_v that_o none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v undoubted_o true_a and_o authentic_a and_o very_a well_o attest_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o canon_n and_o of_o the_o two_o it_o be_v much_o more_o probable_a that_o they_o do_v for_o want_v of_o clear_a attestation_n refuse_v to_o admit_v some_o that_o have_v be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n than_o that_o they_o do_v without_o sufficient_a attestation_n admit_v any_o that_o be_v not_o and_o that_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o early_a time_n who_o 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testament_n that_o be_v now_o receive_v be_v original_o write_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o other_o inspire_a man_n yet_o those_o which_o we_o now_o have_v be_v but_o copy_n in_o which_o by_o so_o many_o transcription_n thereof_o as_o must_v have_v be_v in_o about_o 1400_o year_n many_o alteration_n may_v have_v happen_v through_o the_o ignorance_n or_o oversight_n or_o evil_a design_n of_o the_o transcriber_n and_o that_o several_a change_n have_v be_v make_v iâ—_n undeniable_o plain_a by_o the_o various_a readins_n that_o have_v be_v observe_v in_o compare_v the_o best_a manuscript_n copy_n that_o be_v now_o or_o have_v be_v extant_a since_o printing_n begin_v so_o that_o we_o can_v be_v sure_a whether_o any_o particular_a passage_n once_o find_v in_o those_o book_n be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o a_o apostle_n or_o of_o some_o ignorant_a or_o careless_a scribe_n but_o to_o this_o it_o have_v be_v answer_v 1._o that_o so_o far_o as_o this_o objection_n be_v of_o any_o force_n it_o â—nvalidates_n the_o credit_n of_o all_o history_n and_o of_o all_o other_o book_n of_o ancient_a date_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n nay_o indeed_o of_o all_o other_o book_n much_o more_o than_o of_o â—his_n for_o the_o faithful_o transcribe_v whereof_o it_o may_v â—easonably_o be_v presume_v there_o be_v former_o great_a care_n take_v as_o there_o be_v now_o for_o the_o correct_o print_v 〈◊〉_d than_o there_o ordinary_o be_v of_o other_o book_n that_o â—ere_z of_o less_o consequence_n 2._o that_o though_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o some_o hereticksâ—ave_v â—ave_z attempt_v to_o corrupt_v the_o text_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o some_o place_n and_o have_v make_v change_n in_o some_o â—â—w_a copy_n thereof_o it_o be_v almost_o as_o certain_a that_o their_o attempt_n of_o this_o kind_n neither_o have_v nor_o ever_o can_v â—â—ount_v to_o a_o corruption_n of_o all_o
the_o copy_n thereof_o that_o â—ere_z general_o in_o man_n hand_n in_o which_o there_o be_v â—en_o to_o this_o day_n a_o admirable_a agreement_n in_o all_o matâ—â—rs_n of_o moment_n and_o from_o that_o general_a agreement_n â—â—at_v always_o be_v in_o all_o the_o copy_n of_o this_o book_n exâ—â—pt_v those_o few_o that_o be_v sometime_o corrupt_v by_o heretic_n to_o serve_v a_o turn_n their_o attempt_n of_o this_o kind_n â—â—ve_v be_v always_o render_v successless_a and_o those_o false_a doctrine_n that_o be_v justify_v only_o by_o their_o own_o false_a copy_n of_o this_o book_n solid_o confute_v 3._o it_o be_v further_a answer_v that_o not_o only_o there_o be_v no_o â—â—idence_n that_o there_o have_v be_v but_o that_o it_o be_v moral_o â—â—possible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o general_a depravation_n 〈◊〉_d the_o copy_n of_o this_o book_n either_o design_o or_o by_o â—ance_n in_o any_o place_n of_o great_a consequence_n either_o point_n of_o history_n or_o doctrine_n for_o when_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o this_o corruption_n shall_v be_v be_v it_o in_o the_o copy_n that_o be_v give_v out_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o while_o they_o be_v live_v this_o can_v well_o be_v suppose_v or_o if_o it_o have_v be_v do_v then_o it_o can_v be_v think_v but_o that_o the_o author_n of_o these_o book_n be_v live_v will_v have_v take_v care_n to_o have_v have_v such_o false_a copy_n of_o their_o book_n suppress_v or_o well_o correct_v or_o at_o least_o have_v give_v public_a notice_n in_o order_n to_o their_o correction_n of_o those_o fault_n that_o have_v be_v commit_v in_o the_o transcribe_v which_o do_v either_o obscure_a or_o spoil_v their_o sense_n be_v it_o then_o in_o the_o time_n immediate_o after_o the_o apostle_n be_v dead_a but_o neither_o can_v this_o be_v for_o by_o this_o time_n a_o infinite_a number_n of_o true_a copy_n have_v be_v make_v and_o disperse_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o beside_o the_o autograph_n of_o the_o book_n themselves_o be_v then_o probable_o all_o in_o be_v for_o tertullian_n who_o live_v in_o the_o three_o century_n witness_n that_o some_o of_o they_o be_v extant_a and_o to_o be_v see_v even_o in_o his_o time_n so_o that_o by_o compare_v of_o the_o new_a false_a copy_n with_o the_o ancient_a true_a one_o or_o with_o the_o original_n themselves_o then_o extant_a the_o fraud_n will_v have_v be_v quick_o discover_v or_o the_o mistake_v easy_o rectify_v be_v it_o then_o in_o the_o time_n after_o this_o when_o the_o original_n be_v lose_v or_o wear_v out_o this_o be_v still_o less_o possible_a for_o by_o this_o time_n not_o only_o a_o great_a number_n of_o true_a copy_n thereof_o in_o the_o original_a greek_a be_v disperse_v and_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o all_o christian_n but_o several_a translation_n thereof_o have_v be_v likewise_o make_v into_o other_o language_n several_a commentary_n have_v be_v write_v thereupon_o and_o the_o most_o material_a passage_n thereof_o have_v be_v occasional_o cite_v by_o the_o christian_a writer_n of_o those_o or_o the_o forego_n time_n and_o the_o further_o we_o go_v on_o downward_o it_o be_v still_o for_o such_o reason_n as_o have_v be_v give_v already_o more_o impossible_a that_o the_o copy_n of_o this_o book_n shall_v be_v general_o corrupt_v in_o any_o place_n or_o matter_n of_o moment_n as_o well_o as_o more_o likely_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v every_o day_n a_o increase_n of_o such_o small_a and_o literal_a mistake_v as_o can_v hardly_o be_v avoid_v by_o the_o great_a care_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o these_o be_v the_o various_a readins_n before_o speak_v of_o concern_v which_o and_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o beforementioned_a objection_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v ground_v upon_o they_o it_o be_v far_o say_v 4._o in_o the_o four_o place_n that_o they_o be_v no_o other_o than_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o compare_v the_o manuscript_n of_o all_o other_o book_n that_o these_o various_a readins_n if_o they_o be_v compare_v together_o with_o judgement_n be_v more_o like_a to_o lead_v we_o to_o understand_v the_o true_a mean_v of_o the_o writer_n than_o to_o endanger_v our_o mistake_v their_o sense_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o when_o there_o be_v several_a readins_n one_o of_o they_o be_v the_o right_n and_o easy_a by_o their_o help_n to_o rectify_v the_o mistake_v that_o may_v have_v be_v make_v in_o some_o copy_n than_o it_o will_v have_v be_v if_o all_o copy_n have_v agree_v in_o the_o same_o mistake_n and_o last_o that_o it_o be_v hardly_o in_o any_o place_n of_o which_o there_o be_v such_o various_a readins_n very_o material_a which_o be_v the_o true_a read_n there_o be_v no_o point_n that_o be_v of_o the_o substance_n either_o of_o the_o history_n or_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n that_o be_v ground_v upon_o any_o text_n of_o which_o there_o be_v in_o different_a copy_n various_a readins_n but_o which_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o some_o other_o text_n in_o the_o read_n whereof_o all_o copy_n do_v agree_v 5._o and_o last_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n that_o the_o text_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v deprave_v and_o corrupt_v and_o consequent_o of_o uncertain_a authority_n it_o be_v further_o say_v that_o suppose_v these_o book_n to_o be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o divine_a direction_n and_o inspiration_n which_o must_v be_v suppose_v or_o at_o least_o for_o argument_n sake_n be_v allow_v by_o those_o that_o make_v this_o objection_n or_o else_o the_o objection_n be_v trifle_v it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n credible_a that_o the_o same_o goodness_n of_o god_n which_o take_v care_n for_o the_o write_n have_v not_o likewise_o take_v care_n for_o the_o preserve_n of_o these_o book_n so_o free_a at_o least_o from_o corruption_n that_o they_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o answer_v the_o end_v for_o which_o they_o be_v write_v that_o be_v full_o to_o instruct_v man_n in_o all_o point_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o practice_n to_o make_v they_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o thorough_o to_o furnish_v they_o unto_o all_o good_a work_n and_o now_o from_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v i_o hope_v it_o appear_v that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v by_o those_o person_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v or_o to_o who_o they_o be_v ascribe_v viz._n by_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n or_o other_o inspire_a man_n which_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n i_o be_v to_o make_v good_a whether_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v they_o credit_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o have_v relate_v and_o whether_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v well_o prove_v by_o the_o history_n of_o it_o shall_v god_n will_v be_v hereafter_o inquire_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n suppose_v their_o testimony_n to_o be_v credible_a what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o first_o head_n may_v serve_v to_o show_v in_o some_o measure_n the_o unreasonableness_n of_o those_o man_n who_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o the_o scripture_n revelation_n for_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v few_o that_o have_v hear_v anything_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n but_o who_o think_v that_o they_o that_o live_v in_o those_o time_n and_o hear_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o receive_v their_o testimony_n and_o this_o perhaps_o they_o will_v say_v be_v what_o they_o can_v with_o for_o themselves_o viz._n that_o they_o may_v have_v hear_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o or_o that_o they_o may_v now_o have_v as_o good_a and_o sure_a ground_n of_o faith_n as_o those_o have_v who_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o apostle_n which_o if_o they_o have_v they_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o they_o shall_v be_v not_o only_o almost_o but_o altogether_o such_o as_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v both_o in_o belief_n and_o practice_n but_o if_o they_o be_v not_o such_o now_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v doubt_v whether_o they_o will_v have_v be_v such_o if_o they_o have_v live_v then_o for_o by_o what_o have_v be_v now_o say_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v as_o we_o have_v very_o good_a reason_n to_o believe_v they_o be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v their_o word_n their_o sermon_n that_o therein_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v dead_a do_v yet_o true_o speak_v to_o we_o the_o very_a same_o thing_n though_o not_o just_a in_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o they_o speak_v before_o while_o they_o be_v live_v and_o that_o their_o testimony_n write_v if_o indeed_o it_o be_v they_o which_o i_o have_v show_v there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o doubt_v of_o be_v as_o credible_a as_o their_o live_a testimony_n
of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v write_v by_o those_o person_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n thereof_o 2._o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v full_a credit_n to_o they_o in_o their_o relation_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o have_v record_v and_o 3._o that_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a they_o be_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v therein_o teach_v these_o thing_n therefore_o i_o shall_v now_o endeavour_v to_o make_v good_a but_o in_o speak_v to_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v for_o brevity_n sake_n confine_v my_o discourse_n only_o to_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n partly_o because_o these_o be_v the_o book_n wherein_o our_o christian_a religion_n be_v chief_o teach_v and_o especial_o because_o i_o think_v there_o be_v none_o who_o receive_v the_o new_a testament_n as_o of_o divine_a authority_n that_o do_v or_o â—ndeed_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n reject_v the_o old_a 1._o then_o i_o be_o to_o show_v that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o particular_a be_v write_v by_o those_o person_n that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n thereof_o this_o indeed_o be_v a_o point_n that_o it_o do_v not_o proper_o lie_v upon_o we_o to_o make_v any_o proof_n of_o for_o as_o a_o man_n possession_n of_o a_o estate_n be_v alone_o a_o good_a and_o a_o sufficient_a title_n to_o it_o till_o a_o better_a be_v show_v by_o the_o person_n that_o endeavour_v to_o eject_v he_o so_o it_o be_v here_o these_o book_n be_v general_o receive_v as_o write_v by_o such_o and_o such_o person_n these_o author_n have_v the_o name_n these_o have_v as_o it_o be_v â—he_v possession_n of_o they_o and_o that_o be_v title_n enough_o if_o no_o other_o can_v be_v produce_v so_o long_o as_o no_o evidence_n be_v offer_v to_o show_v that_o any_o other_o person_n have_v a_o better_a title_n â—o_o they_o it_o lie_v on_o they_o therefore_o who_o deny_v that_o the_o book_n be_v they_o to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o what_o they_o say_v â—ither_o by_o allege_v some_o special_a matter_n out_o of_o the_o book_n themselves_o whereby_o it_o may_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o can_v â—ot_n be_v of_o their_o write_n or_o by_o produce_v some_o credible_a and_o authentic_a history_n testify_v that_o they_o be_v write_v by_o some_o other_o person_n and_o not_o by_o they_o and_o â—ill_v they_o can_v and_o shall_v do_v this_o which_o i_o be_o persuade_v â—an_v never_o be_v do_v we_o may_v very_o well_o refuse_v to_o produce_v any_o positive_a evidence_n to_o affirm_v or_o prove_v their_o title_n their_o possession_n be_v a_o good_a title_n enough_o till_o a_o better_a appear_v and_o a_o tenant_n may_v with_o as_o good_a reason_n refuse_v to_o pay_v rend_v to_o the_o person_n of_o who_o he_o â—ook_v the_o estate_n and_o to_o who_o he_o have_v ever_o hitherto_o â—aid_v rent_n and_o who_o right_a to_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o controvert_v until_o he_o shall_v suffer_v his_o write_n to_o be_v peruse_v and_o examine_v and_o by_o they_o make_v it_o plain_o appear_v that_o he_o be_v the_o lawful_a landlord_n as_o any_o man_n can_v now_o refuse_v to_o give_v that_o credit_n to_o these_o book_n as_o write_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o have_v be_v give_v hitherto_o and_o be_v still_o give_v by_o all_o christian_n unless_o he_o may_v have_v now_o as_o good_a positive_a evidence_n of_o their_o be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o may_v have_v be_v give_v thereof_o at_o first_o and_z as_o it_o may_v be_v presume_v be_v give_v before_o their_o title_n to_o they_o be_v so_o universal_o acknowledge_v but_o nevertheless_o what_o a_o man_n be_v not_o under_o any_o obligation_n to_o do_v for_o the_o assert_v of_o his_o right_n he_o may_v do_v wise_o enough_o for_o his_o own_o satisfaction_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o satisfaction_n and_o pleasure_n to_o a_o man_n although_o his_o title_n to_o his_o estate_n be_v not_o at_o present_a controvert_v if_o in_o look_v over_o the_o write_n and_o evidence_n of_o it_o he_o see_v plain_o how_o it_o descend_v to_o he_o by_o a_o lineal_a succession_n from_o father_n to_o son_n for_o many_o generation_n past_a and_o how_o it_o come_v at_o first_o to_o his_o ancestor_n by_o a_o clear_a and_o fair_a purchase_n from_o the_o former_a possessor_n or_o by_o donation_n from_o the_o prince_n in_o the_o division_n of_o a_o waist_n or_o conquer_a country_n and_o if_o he_o also_o find_v ancient_a terrier_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o measure_n and_o bounding_n and_o exact_o describe_v the_o same_o estate_n which_o he_o now_o possess_v and_o if_o moreover_o look_v far_o back_o he_o see_v that_o upon_o some_o dispute_n or_o lawsuit_n that_o have_v former_o be_v concern_v it_o judgement_n have_v be_v always_o give_v on_o his_o side_n it_o can_v but_o please_v he_o i_o say_v that_o upon_o such_o a_o search_n into_o antiquity_n he_o find_v that_o he_o be_v so_o very_o well_o provide_v to_o make_v out_o his_o title_n if_o there_o shall_v ever_o be_v any_o occasion_n for_o it_o although_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o long_a and_o quiet_a possession_n that_o he_o and_o his_o ancestor_n before_o he_o time_n out_o of_o mind_n have_v have_v of_o it_o he_o have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o fear_n he_o shall_v ever_o meet_v â—ith_o any_o disturbance_n and_o so_o it_o be_v here_o these_o write_n the_o book_n of_o â—he_n new_a testament_n be_v general_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v â—ritten_v by_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o authority_n be_v at_o present_a uncontested_a it_o may_v therefore_o reasonable_o be_v presume_v especial_o by_o those_o who_o have_v â—ot_n part_n or_o learning_n or_o leisure_n to_o examine_v into_o the_o â—easons_n of_o such_o thing_n that_o they_o will_v not_o have_v â—â—en_o so_o universal_o acknowledge_v and_o reverence_v as_o â—â—ey_n be_v upon_o this_o account_n but_o upon_o very_o good_a ground_n though_o what_o the_o ground_n thereof_o be_v they_o â—â—ve_v not_o yet_o inquire_v their_o be_v in_o possession_n be_v â—one_n reason_n enough_o to_o acknowledge_v and_o assert_v their_o â—â—tle_n it_o lie_v upon_o they_o that_o deny_v these_o book_n to_o 〈◊〉_d they_o to_o produce_v satisfactory_a evidence_n of_o their_o â—ing_n forge_v or_o counterfeit_a and_o till_o they_o shall_v proâ—â—ce_v some_o evidence_n thereof_o that_o have_v a_o show_n and_o appearance_n of_o truth_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v stagger_v in_o our_o belief_n by_o their_o bare_a however_o bold_a and_o confident_a denial_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o much_o â—s_n shall_v we_o need_v to_o give_v our_o reason_n for_o our_o reâ—â—ving_v they_o as_o write_v by_o the_o apostle_n till_o our_o adversary_n shall_v offer_v some_o reason_n why_o we_o ought_v not_o 〈◊〉_d receive_v they_o as_o such_o but_o nevertheless_o because_o we_o see_v there_o be_v some_o in_o â—s_n incredulous_a age_n that_o show_v a_o good_a will_n to_o deny_v 〈◊〉_d authority_n of_o these_o sacred_a book_n and_o who_o inâ—est_n it_o will_v be_v to_o prove_v they_o spurious_a and_o beâ—se_o we_o can_v tell_v what_o unwarrantable_a practice_n â—ir_a inclination_n and_o interest_n may_v put_v they_o upon_o 〈◊〉_d what_o write_n or_o evidence_n plausible_o forge_a 〈◊〉_d counterfeit_v they_o may_v hereafter_o produce_v it_o can_v be_v amiss_o for_o we_o to_o inquire_v and_o see_v and_o it_o can_v but_o be_v a_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o we_o who_o hold_v our_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n chief_o by_o these_o write_n to_o find_v and_o consider_v how_o well_o provide_v we_o be_v to_o detect_v and_o disprove_v any_o such_o forgery_n if_o they_o shall_v be_v offer_v by_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v in_o opposition_n thereto_o as_o good_a positive_a proof_n that_o these_o book_n be_v genuine_a as_o such_o a_o matter_n be_v capable_a of_o much_o 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honourable_a the_o house_n of_o commons_o at_o st._n margaret_n westminster_n january_n the_o 30_o 1698_o 9_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o a_o stand_a revelation_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral_n church_n of_o st._n paul_n jan._n one_a 1699_o 700._o be_v the_o first_o for_o the_o year_n 1700._o of_o the_o lecture_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n revelation_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v the_o second_o for_o the_o year_n 1700._o of_o the_o lecture_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n these_o three_o by_o offspring_n blackall_n rector_n of_o st._n marry_o aldermary_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n a_o persuasive_a to_o prayer_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n at_o st._n james_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o lord_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a in_o parliament_n assemble_v in_o the_o abbey_n church_n at_o westminster_n jan._n 30_o fifteen_o sermon_n preach_v on_o several_a occasion_n the_o last_o of_o which_o be_v never_o before_o print_v these_o three_o by_o the_o most_o reverend_a father_n in_o god_n john_n lord_n archbishop_n of_o york_n primate_n of_o england_n and_o metropolitan_a the_o faith_n and_o practice_n of_o a_o church_n of_o england_n man._n a_o false_a faith_n not_o justify_v by_o care_n for_o the_o poor_a prove_v in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o st._n paul_n church_n mystery_n in_o religion_n vindicated_n or_o the_o filiation_n deity_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o saviour_n assert_v against_o socinian_o and_o other_o with_o occasional_a reflection_n on_o several_a late_a pamphlet_n these_o two_o by_o luke_n milbourn_n a_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n two_o sermon_n of_o mr._n young_n about_o nature_n and_o grace_n preach_v at_o whitehall_n the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture-revelation_n as_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o part_n ii_o two_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral-church_n of_o st._n paul_n april_n 1_o st_o and_o may_v 6_o the_o 1700._o be_v the_o four_o and_o five_o for_o the_o year_n 1700_o of_o the_o lecture_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n by_o offspring_n blackall_n rector_n of_o st._n marry_o aldermary_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v by_o j._n leake_n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1700._o st._n luke_n xvi_o 29_o 30_o 31._o abraham_n say_v unto_o he_o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o and_o he_o say_v nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o point_n i_o enter_v upon_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o last_o time_n be_v this_o 3._o that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n give_v we_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o consequent_o of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v teach_v by_o it_o and_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o have_v for_o brevity_n sake_n confine_v my_o discourse_n upon_o it_o to_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n only_o the_o rather_o because_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o be_v grant_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n can_v reasonable_o be_v question_v i_o propound_v to_o show_v 1._o that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v by_o those_o person_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n thereof_o 2._o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v full_a credit_n to_o they_o in_o their_o relation_n of_o those_o
matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o have_v record_v and_o 3._o that_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v true_a they_o be_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v therein_o teach_v and_o i_o hope_v enough_o be_v say_v the_o last_o time_n to_o show_v that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v by_o those_o person_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n thereof_o what_o i_o be_o next_o to_o do_v be_v 2._o to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v full_a credit_n to_o these_o author_n in_o their_o relation_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o have_v record_v and_o i_o hope_v none_o of_o you_o that_o hear_v i_o who_o i_o presume_v to_o be_v all_o christian_n will_v take_v offence_n at_o it_o if_o now_o while_o i_o be_o argue_v this_o point_n i_o sometime_o speak_v of_o the_o holy_a evangelist_n with_o the_o same_o freedom_n that_o may_v be_v use_v in_o speak_v concern_v any_o other_o author_n and_o if_o i_o sometime_o plead_v for_o no_o more_o credit_n to_o be_v give_v to_o they_o in_o their_o relation_n than_o be_v fit_a and_o reasonable_a to_o be_v give_v to_o any_o other_o historian_n that_o be_v natural_o as_o well_o furnish_v and_o qualify_v to_o write_v a_o true_a history_n as_o they_o be_v and_o who_o fidelity_n and_o veracity_n be_v as_o well_o attest_v and_o confirm_v other_o way_n as_o they_o be_v for_o you_o will_v consider_v i_o hope_v that_o my_o business_n be_v now_o with_o infidel_n with_o who_o we_o can_v argue_v only_o upon_o the_o principle_n of_o common_a reason_n and_o though_o we_o who_o be_v christian_n already_o do_v believe_v as_o one_o of_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o our_o religion_n that_o these_o sacred_a writer_n be_v divine_o and_o supernatural_o assist_v in_o their_o work_n and_o that_o upon_o that_o account_n they_o 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high_o credible_a if_o without_o any_o regard_n as_o yet_o have_v to_o the_o ability_n and_o integrity_n of_o its_o author_n we_o only_o consider_v the_o nature_n condition_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o matter_n therein_o record_v and_o of_o the_o history_n its_o self_n concern_v which_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n especial_o that_o may_v be_v observe_v 1._o that_o the_o matter_n record_v by_o the_o evangelical_n writer_n be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v certain_o know_v and_o 2._o that_o they_o be_v such_o and_o in_o such_o manner_n relate_v by_o the_o evangelist_n that_o if_o their_o history_n of_o they_o have_v be_v false_a it_o can_v never_o have_v gain_v credit_n in_o the_o world_n 1._o first_o i_o say_v the_o matter_n record_v by_o the_o evangelical_n writer_n be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v certain_o know_v i_o mean_v either_o by_o the_o historian_n themselves_o or_o by_o those_o from_o who_o they_o have_v their_o information_n for_o 1._o they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n plain_a 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thing_n credible_a which_o in_o itself_o be_v incredible_a and_o such_o it_o may_v be_v pretend_v some_o of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v which_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o especial_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v clear_o teach_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o free_o grant_v but_o why_o shall_v it_o be_v deem_v incredible_a do_v it_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n can_v they_o that_o except_o against_o it_o or_o against_o the_o gospel-revelation_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o it_o show_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v true_a can_v they_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a be_v to_o beget_v a_o son_n in_o his_o own_o likeness_n 1.3_o heb._n 1.3_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n or_o can_v they_o show_v it_o to_o be_v impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o three_o person_n proceed_v from_o both_o these_o no_o perhaps_o they_o will_v say_v but_o that_o these_o three_o shall_v be_v one_o as_o the_o scripture_n teach_v that_o they_o think_v exceed_v all_o the_o measure_n of_o belief_n that_o they_o can_v but_o think_v a_o manifest_a contradiction_n but_o why_o so_o do_v the_o christian_n hold_v or_o do_v the_o scripture_n say_v that_o they_o be_v three_o and_o one_o in_o the_o same_o respect_n do_v it_o say_v that_o the_o one_o god_n be_v three_o god_n or_o that_o those_o three_o who_o it_o speak_v of_o as_o three_o distinct_a person_n ascribe_v personal_a act_n to_o each_o of_o they_o be_v nevertheless_o but_o one_o single_a person_n no_o it_o only_o tell_v we_o in_o general_a that_o these_o three_o be_v one_o but_o how_o they_o be_v three_o or_o how_o they_o be_v one_o wherein_o consist_v their_o distinction_n and_o wherein_o their_o unity_n it_o say_v not_o at_o least_o not_o very_o plain_o and_o i_o think_v it_o the_o safe_a course_n in_o such_o high_a matter_n 131.1_o psal_n 131.1_o in_o matter_n so_o much_o too_o high_a for_o we_o not_o to_o exercise_v ourselves_o nor_o to_o pretend_v to_o be_v wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v if_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n as_o there_o be_v not_o unless_o we_o say_v that_o god_n be_v one_o and_o three_o in_o the_o same_o respect_n that_o be_v enough_o that_o be_v all_o that_o need_v to_o be_v say_v upon_o this_o occasion_n for_o though_o we_o may_v as_o indeed_o we_o must_v allow_v it_o to_o be_v a_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o cavil_v at_o the_o gospel-revelation_n or_o to_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v a_o true_a divine_a revelation_n upon_o this_o account_n for_o we_o live_v in_o a_o world_n of_o mystery_n we_o must_v believe_v mystery_n in_o abundance_n whether_o we_o will_v or_o no_o i_o mean_v there_o be_v some_o truth_n so_o very_o plain_a even_o to_o our_o reason_n that_o we_o can_v doubt_v of_o they_o and_o yet_o so_o very_o high_a and_o mysterious_a that_o we_o can_v no_o more_o fathom_v they_o than_o we_o can_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n for_o thus_o that_o matter_n be_v not_o eternal_a we_o be_v as_o sure_a almost_o as_o we_o be_v of_o any_o thing_n for_o matter_n can_v not_o exist_v of_o itself_o and_o yet_o how_o matter_n shall_v be_v make_v out_o of_o nothing_o be_v as_o incomprehensible_a by_o we_o as_o it_o be_v how_o the_o one_o undivided_a godhead_n do_v personal_o subsist_v in_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy-ghost_n and_o thus_o again_o that_o god_n be_v eternal_a we_o be_v certain_a by_o reason_n for_o by_o god_n we_o mean_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o and_o he_o who_o be_v first_o can_v have_v none_o before_o he_o and_o yet_o that_o any_o thing_n shall_v exist_v without_o a_o cause_n of_o its_o existence_n be_v unaccountable_a and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o sure_a that_o it_o must_v be_v so_o we_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a and_o a_o manifest_a contradiction_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o thus_o i_o say_v we_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n only_o to_o a_o firm_a belief_n of_o some_o truth_n which_o yet_o we_o can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o by_o our_o reason_n and_o i_o think_v it_o be_v very_o hard_a that_o we_o will_v not_o receive_v a_o incomprehensible_a doctrine_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o a_o very_a plain_a and_o well_o attest_v divine_a revelation_n as_o well_o as_o we_o do_v and_o must_v do_v the_o same_o upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o natural_a reason_n especial_o consider_v the_o subject_a of_o this_o incomprehensible_a doctrine_n which_o be_v the_o essence_n or_o substance_n of_o god_n who_o be_v a_o infinite_a be_v and_o so_o must_v needs_o be_v incomprehensible_a by_o our_o finite_a understanding_n by_o our_o understanding_n i_o say_v which_o be_v so_o very_o shallow_a that_o i_o believe_v i_o may_v true_o say_v we_o understand_v not_o the_o essence_n or_o substance_n of_o any_o thing_n for_o we_o understand_v not_o what_o be_v the_o essence_n or_o substance_n of_o matter_n or_o body_n though_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o all_o our_o sense_n be_v continual_o exercise_v about_o all_o that_o we_o know_v of_o it_o be_v some_o property_n or_o accident_n thereof_o that_o it_o be_v something_o but_o what_o we_o know_v not_o that_o have_v figure_n and_o dimension_n that_o be_v hard_a soft_a fix_a fluid_a or_o the_o like_a and_o we_o understand_v no_o more_o but_o rather_o less_o what_o the_o essence_n or_o substance_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v all_o that_o we_o know_v of_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v something_o that_o think_v and_o because_o it_o think_v we_o know_v it_o must_v be_v something_o and_o because_o none_o of_o those_o property_n which_o we_o observe_v in_o matter_n have_v any_o relation_n at_o all_o to_o thought_n we_o conclude_v that_o the_o think_v soul_n be_v a_o immaterial_a something_o though_o what_o be_v immaterial_a can_v be_v explain_v by_o we_o unless_o we_o can_v say_v what_o be_v material_a see_v therefore_o as_o the_o wise_a hebrew_n speak_v we_o do_v hardly_o guess_v aright_o at_o thing_n that_o be_v upon_o earth_n 9.16_o wisd_v 9.16_o and_o with_o labour_n do_v find_v out_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v before_o we_o be_v it_o any_o wonder_n that_o we_o can_v search_v out_o and_o full_o know_v and_o comprehend_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n if_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o understand_v even_o our_o own_o essence_n and_o how_o by_o a_o ineffable_a union_n of_o spirit_n with_o matter_n the_o whole_a together_o become_v one_o man_n be_v it_o any_o wonder_n 11.7_o job_n 11.7_o that_o by_o all_o our_o search_v we_o can_v find_v out_o god_n that_o we_o can_v find_v out_o the_o almighty_a unto_o perfection_n and_o what_o have_v be_v thus_o brief_o say_v be_v i_o hope_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o a_o divine_a revelation_n can_v reasonable_o be_v except_v against_o or_o refuse_v only_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o some_o mysterious_a and_o incomprehensible_a doctrine_n that_o be_v therein_o contain_v and_o if_o not_o then_o i_o hope_v what_o be_v say_v before_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v any_o consider_a man_n that_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o true_a divine_a revelation_n to_o conclude_v all_o therefore_o have_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n continual_o preach_v to_o we_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n 22._o jam._n 1.21_o 22._o let_v we_o as_o the_o text_n say_v hear_v they_o let_v we_o reverence_n these_o sacred_a write_n as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o receive_v with_o meekness_n the_o engraft_a word_n which_o be_v able_a to_o save_v our_o soul_n but_o let_v we_o be_v doer_n of_o the_o word_n and_o not_o hearer_n only_o deceive_v our_o own_o self_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n argue_v heb._n 11.3_o etc._n etc._n if_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o angel_n be_v steadfast_a and_o every_o transgression_n and_o disobedience_n receive_v a_o just_a recompense_n of_o reward_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n which_o at_o the_o first_o begin_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v confirm_v unto_o we_o by_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o god_n also_o bear_v they_o witness_n both_o with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o with_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la in_o sermon_n iv_o and_o v._o page_n 14._o line_n 23._o for_o more_o read_v most_o p._n 47._o l._n 12._o for_o they_o r._n be_v l._n 27._o for_o there_o r._n they_o in_o sermon_n vi_o p._n 5._o l._n 3._o for_o he_o r._n by'r_o no_o reason_n to_o desire_v new_a revelation_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral-church_n of_o st._n paul_n october_n seven_o
1700._o be_v the_o seven_o for_o the_o year_n 1700_o of_o the_o lecture_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n by_o offspring_n blackall_n d._n d._n rector_n of_o st._n marry_o aldermary_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v by_o j._n leake_n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1700._o st._n luke_n xvi_o 29_o 30_o 31._o abraham_n say_v unto_o he_o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o and_o he_o say_v nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a when_o i_o first_o begin_v to_o discourse_n on_o these_o word_n i_o propose_v to_o speak_v to_o these_o three_o point_n i._o to_o show_v that_o the_o present_a stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o persuade_v man_n to_o repentance_n if_o they_o be_v not_o unreasonable_o blind_a and_o obstinate_a they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n i_o add_v they_o have_v also_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o ii_o to_o show_v that_o have_v already_o such_o good_a ground_n of_o faith_n such_o full_a direction_n for_o practice_n and_o such_o strong_a motive_n to_o repentance_n it_o be_v a_o unreasonable_a request_n to_o desire_v more_o nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o iii_o last_o to_o show_v that_o in_o case_n god_n shall_v condescend_v to_o gratify_v man_n in_o this_o unreasonable_a desire_n work_v every_o day_n new_a miracle_n before_o their_o eye_n or_o send_v their_o decease_a friend_n to_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a to_o assure_v they_o of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o to_o warn_v they_o to_o prepare_v for_o it_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o very_o few_o or_o none_o of_o those_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o be_v not_o bring_v to_o repentance_n by_o the_o preach_a and_o stand_v revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v persuade_v by_o this_o mean_n if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n nor_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o first_o of_o these_o have_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o several_a former_a discourse_n the_o second_o i_o design_n to_o speak_v to_o at_o this_o time_n viz._n ii_o to_o show_v that_o have_v already_o such_o good_a ground_n of_o faith_n such_o full_a direction_n for_o practice_n and_o such_o strong_a motive_n to_o repentance_n as_o i_o have_v show_v we_o have_v in_o that_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v a_o unreasonable_a request_n to_o desire_v more_o nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o the_o request_n which_o the_o rich_a man_n here_o make_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o his_o brethren_n viz._n that_o god_n will_v be_v please_v to_o send_v one_o from_o the_o dead_a to_o preach_v to_o they_o or_o in_o general_a how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v for_o man_n now_o a-days_o to_o desire_v or_o look_v for_o more_o mean_n of_o conversion_n or_o motive_n to_o repentance_n than_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o afford_v we_o in_o the_o stand_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o follow_a thing_n 1._o that_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o motive_n to_o repentance_n which_o we_o have_v already_o be_v well_o ground_v upon_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o have_v be_v once_o already_o sufficient_o prove_v and_o attest_v it_o be_v altogether_o needless_a that_o any_o fresh_a or_o further_a proof_n shall_v be_v give_v of_o they_o and_o it_o be_v what_o we_o never_o think_v reasonable_a to_o desire_v in_o other_o the_o like_a case_n that_o when_o god_n require_v we_o to_o believe_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n and_o send_v a_o special_a messenger_n to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o his_o will_n he_o shall_v grant_v to_o this_o messenger_n such_o testimonial_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v reasonable_a man_n that_o he_o be_v no_o impostor_n but_o a_o teacher_n send_v from_o god_n be_v indeed_o a_o thing_n that_o may_v fair_o be_v expect_v and_o if_o god_n shall_v not_o do_v thus_o we_o shall_v be_v excusable_a in_o not_o harken_v to_o such_o a_o messenger_n because_o we_o can_v not_o know_v whether_o he_o be_v a_o true_a or_o a_o false_a prophet_n and_o god_n do_v not_o require_v neither_o indeed_o be_v it_o reasonable_a that_o we_o shall_v believe_v every_o pretender_n to_o revelation_n and_o the_o clear_a proof_n of_o any_o man_n be_v be_v send_v from_o god_n to_o teach_v we_o any_o thing_n be_v a_o power_n of_o do_v such_o miracle_n and_o mighty_a work_n as_o be_v manifest_o above_o the_o skill_n and_o strength_n of_o a_o man_n to_o do_v it_o be_v therefore_o high_o requisite_a and_o what_o may_v reasonable_o be_v look_v for_o that_o god_n shall_v grant_v such_o a_o power_n as_o this_o to_o all_o those_o who_o he_o have_v ever_o inspire_v with_o new_a light_n and_o commission_v to_o make_v any_o new_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o mankind_n and_o this_o he_o have_v always_o do_v he_o give_v this_o power_n to_o moses_n in_o a_o large_a measure_n because_o the_o matter_n that_o man_n be_v to_o trust_v he_o for_o be_v many_o and_o very_o considerable_a he_o give_v it_o also_o to_o some_o of_o the_o succeed_a prophet_n but_o in_o a_o less_o measure_n because_o their_o business_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v only_o to_o interpret_v or_o to_o press_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o have_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v before_o and_o he_o 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