have_v advantage_n thereby_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n be_v now_o rise_v upon_o we_o and_o immortality_n be_v bring_v to_o light_n by_o the_o gospel_n if_o we_o look_v now_o on_o the_o revelation_n grant_v unto_o they_o of_o old_a we_o may_v yet_o see_v there_o be_v light_n in_o they_o which_o yield_v we_o little_a more_o advantage_n than_o the_o light_n of_o a_o candle_n in_o the_o sun_n but_o unto_o they_o who_o live_v before_o this_o sun_n arise_v they_o be_v a_o sufficient_a guide_n unto_o all_o duty_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n for_o 3._o there_o be_v during_o this_o season_n a_o sufficient_a ministry_n for_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o revelation_n which_o god_n make_v of_o himself_o and_o his_o will._n there_o be_v the_o natural_a ministry_n of_o parent_n who_o be_v oblige_v to_o instruct_v their_o child_n and_o family_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v and_o whereas_o this_o begin_v in_o adam_n who_o first_o receive_v the_o promise_n and_o therewithal_o whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a unto_o faith_n and_o obedience_n the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o can_v not_o be_v lose_v without_o the_o wilful_a neglect_n of_o parent_n in_o teach_v or_o of_o child_n and_o family_n in_o learning_n and_o they_o have_v the_o extraordinary_a ministry_n of_o such_o as_o god_n entrust_v new_a revelation_n withal_o for_o the_o confirmation_n and_o inlargment_n of_o those_o before_o receive_v who_o be_v all_o of_o they_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n unto_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o it_o may_v be_v manifest_v that_o from_o the_o give_v of_o the_o first_o promise_n when_o divine_a external_a revelation_n begin_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n unto_o the_o church_n to_o the_o write_n of_o the_o law_n there_o be_v always_o alive_a one_o or_o other_o who_o receive_v divine_a revelation_n immediate_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o infallible_a guide_n unto_o other_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o at_o any_o time_n it_o be_v after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o patriarch_n before_o the_o call_v of_o moses_n during_o which_o time_n all_o thing_n go_v into_o darkness_n and_o confusion_n for_o oral_a tradition_n alone_o will_v not_o preserve_v the_o truth_n of_o former_a revelation_n but_o by_o who_o these_o instruction_n be_v receive_v they_o have_v a_o sufficient_a outward_a mean_n for_o their_o illumination_n before_o any_o divine_a revelation_n be_v record_v by_o write_v yet_o 4._o this_o way_n of_o instruction_n as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o imperfect_a and_o liable_a to_o many_o disadvantage_n so_o through_o the_o weakness_n negligence_n and_o wickedness_n of_o man_n it_o prove_v insufficient_a to_o retain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n for_o under_o this_o dispensation_n the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n fall_v into_o their_o great_a apostasy_n from_o god_n and_o betake_v themselves_o unto_o the_o conduct_n and_o service_n of_o the_o devil_n of_o the_o way_n mean_n and_o degree_n whereof_o i_o have_v discoursed*_n elsewhere_o 3._o hereon_o god_n also_o regard_v they_o not_o but_o suffer_v all_o nation_n to_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o way_n act_n 14._o 16._o give_v they_o up_o to_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n to_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o counsel_n as_o it_o be_v express_v psal._n 81._o 12._o and_o although_o this_o fall_v not_o out_o without_o the_o horrible_a wickedness_n and_o ingratitude_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o there_o be_v then_o no_o certain_a standard_n of_o divine_a truth_n whereunto_o they_o may_v repair_v they_o break_v off_o the_o easy_a from_o god_n through_o the_o imperfection_n of_o this_o dispensation_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v that_o since_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n have_v be_v commit_v unto_o write_v man_n have_v apostatise_v from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o many_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n which_o sometime_o profess_v the_o gospel_n but_o be_v now_o overrun_v with_o heathenism_n mahometism_n and_o idolatry_n i_o say_v this_o have_v not_o come_v to_o pass_v through_o any_o defect_n in_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o illumination_n or_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o truth_n unto_o they_o but_o god_n have_v give_v they_o up_o to_o be_v destroy_v for_o their_o wickedness_n and_o ingratitude_n and_o unless_o we_o repent_v we_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v rom._n 1._o 18._o 2_o thes._n 2._o 11_o 12._o otherwise_o where_o the_o standard_n of_o the_o word_n be_v once_o fix_v there_o be_v a_o constant_a mean_n of_o preserve_v divine_a revelation_n wherefore_o three_o god_n have_v gather_v up_o into_o the_o scripture_n all_o divine_a revelation_n give_v out_o by_o himself_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o all_o that_o ever_o shall_v be_v so_o to_o the_o end_n thereof_o which_o be_v of_o general_a use_n unto_o the_o church_n that_o it_o may_v be_v thorough_o instruct_v in_o the_o whole_a mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n and_o direct_v in_o all_o that_o worship_n of_o he_o and_o obedience_n unto_o he_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o give_v we_o acceptance_n with_o he_o here_o and_o to_o bring_v we_o unto_o the_o eternal_a enjoyment_n of_o he_o hereafter_o for_o 1._o when_o god_n first_o commit_v the_o law_n to_o writing_n with_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o accompany_v it_o he_o oblige_v the_o church_n unto_o the_o use_n of_o it_o alone_o without_o addition_n of_o any_o kind_n now_o this_o he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v have_v he_o not_o express_v therein_o that_o be_v the_o book_n of_o moses_n all_o that_o be_v any_o way_n needful_a unto_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o church_n for_o he_o do_v not_o only_o command_v they_o to_o attend_v with_o all_o diligence_n unto_o his_o word_n as_o it_o be_v then_o write_v for_o their_o instruction_n and_o direction_n in_o faith_n and_o obedience_n annex_v all_o sort_n of_o promise_n unto_o their_o so_o do_v deut._n 6._o 6_o 7._o but_o also_o express_o forbid_v they_o as_o be_v say_v to_o add_v any_o thing_n thereunto_o or_o to_o conjoin_v any_o thing_n therewith_o deut._n 4._o 2._o chap._n 12_o 32._o which_o he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v have_v he_o omit_v other_o divine_a revelation_n before_o give_v that_o be_v any_o way_n necessary_a unto_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n as_o he_o add_v many_o new_a one_o so_o he_o gather_v in_o all_o the_o old_a from_o the_o unfaithful_a repository_n of_o tradition_n and_o fix_v they_o in_o a_o write_n give_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n 2._o for_o all_o other_o divine_a revelation_n which_o be_v give_v out_o to_o the_o church_n for_o its_o use_n in_o general_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n they_o be_v all_o comprise_v in_o the_o follow_a book_n thereof_o nor_o be_v this_o that_o i_o know_v of_o ever_o question_v by_o any_o person_n pretend_v to_o sobriety_n though_o some_o who_o will_v be_v glad_a of_o any_o pretence_n against_o the_o integrity_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v fruitless_o wrangle_v about_o the_o loss_n of_o some_o book_n which_o they_o can_v never_o prove_v concern_v any_o one_o that_o be_v certain_o of_o a_o divine_a original_a 3._o the_o full_a revelation_n of_o the_o whole_a mind_n of_o god_n whereunto_o nothing_o pretend_v thereunto_o be_v ever_o to_o be_v add_v be_v commit_v unto_o and_o perfect_v by_o jesus_n christ_n heb._n 1._o 1_o 2._o that_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n make_v by_o he_o whether_o in_o his_o own_o person_n or_o by_o his_o spirit_n unto_o his_o apostle_n be_v also_o by_o divine_a inspiration_n commit_v to_o write_v be_v express_o affirm_v concern_v what_o he_o deliver_v in_o his_o own_o personal_a ministry_n luk._n 1._o 4._o act_n 1._o 1._o john_n 20._o 31._o and_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o uncontrollable_a argument_n concern_v the_o rest_n of_o they_o hence_o as_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v shut_v up_o with_o a_o caution_n and_o admonition_n unto_o the_o church_n to_o adhere_v unto_o the_o law_n and_o testimony_n with_o threaten_v of_o a_o curse_n unto_o the_o contrary_a mal._n 4._o 4_o 5_o 6._o so_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v close_v with_o a_o curse_n on_o any_o that_o shall_v presume_v to_o add_v any_o thing_n more_o thereunto_o rev._n 22._o 18._o wherefore_o four_o the_o scripture_n be_v now_o become_v the_o only_a external_a mean_n of_o divine_a supernatural_a illumination_n because_o it_o be_v the_o only_a repository_n of_o all_o divine_a supernatural_a revelation_n psal._n 19_o 7_o 8._o isa._n 8._o 20._o 2_o tim._n 3._o 15_o 16_o 17._o the_o pretence_n of_o tradition_n as_o a_o collateral_a mean_n of_o preserve_v and_o communicate_v supernatural_a revelation_n have_v be_v so_o often_o evict_v of_o falsity_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o further_o press_v their_o impeachment_n beside_o i_o intend_v those_o in_o this_o discourse_n by_o who_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o bible_n be_v
nor_o by_o miracle_n nor_o by_o immediate_a revelation_n or_o private_a subjective_n testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n nor_o be_v their_o faith_n a_o persuasion_n of_o mind_n that_o they_o can_v give_v no_o reason_n of_o but_o only_o that_o they_o be_v so_o persuade_v but_o it_o will_v be_v yet_o further_o object_v that_o if_o there_o be_v such_o clear_a evidence_n in_o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o be_v in_o the_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o none_o who_o free_o use_v their_o reason_n can_v deny_v it_o than_o it_o lie_v either_o in_o the_o naked_a proposal_n of_o the_o thing_n unto_o the_o understanding_n and_o if_o so_o than_o every_o one_o that_o assent_v unto_o this_o proposition_n that_o the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o the_o part_n must_v likewise_o assent_v unto_o this_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o the_o evidence_n must_v not_o lie_v in_o the_o naked_a proposal_n but_o in_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o they_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v propose_v answ._n 1._o i_o know_v no_o divine_a ancient_a or_o modern_a popish_a or_o protestant_n who_o do_v not_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v a_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n necessary_a unto_o a_o due_a belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o consideration_n hereof_o ought_v not_o by_o any_o christian_n to_o be_v exclude_v but_o they_o say_v not_o that_o this_o be_v the_o objective_a testimony_n or_o evidence_n on_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n concern_v which_o alone_a be_v our_o enquiry_n 2._o we_o do_v not_o dispute_v how_o far_o or_o by_o what_o mean_v this_o proposition_n the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v be_v evidence_v mere_o unto_o our_o reason_n but_o unto_o our_o understanding_n as_o capable_a of_o give_v a_o assent_n upon_o testimony_n it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o this_o be_v a_o first_o principle_n of_o reason_n though_o it_o be_v of_o faith_n nor_o that_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o mathematical_a demonstration_n that_o the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o the_o part_n be_v self-evident_a unto_o our_o reason_n upon_o its_o first_o proposal_n but_o such_o none_o pretend_v to_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n because_o it_o be_v a_o subject_n not_o capable_a of_o it_o nor_o do_v those_o who_o deny_v the_o self-evidence_n of_o the_o scripture_n pretend_v by_o their_o argument_n for_o its_o divine_a authority_n to_o give_v such_o a_o evidence_n of_o it_o unto_o reason_n as_o be_v in_o first_o principles_n or_o mathematical_a demonstration_n but_o content_v themselves_o with_o that_o which_o they_o call_v a_o moral_a certainty_n but_o it_o be_v by_o faith_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n which_o respect_v the_o power_n of_o our_o mind_n of_o assent_n unto_o truth_n upon_o testimony_n infallible_o on_o that_o which_o be_v infallible_a and_o hereunto_o it_o evidence_v its_o own_o truth_n not_o with_o the_o same_o but_o with_o a_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n and_o noble_a kind_n than_o that_o of_o the_o strict_a demonstration_n in_o thing_n natural_a or_o the_o most_o forcible_a arguman_n in_o thing_n moral_a 3._o it_o will_v be_v object_v that_o if_o this_o be_v so_o then_o none_o can_v be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o have_v not_o faith_n and_o none_o have_v faith_n but_o those_o in_o who_o it_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o thereinto_o all_o will_v be_v resolve_v at_o last_o answ._n 1._o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o this_o objection_n for_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v plead_v only_o as_o he_o be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o believe_v and_o not_o the_o objective_n or_o reason_n why_o we_o do_v believe_v but_o 2._o we_o must_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o resolve_v all_o we_o do_v well_o spiritual_o and_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o efficacious_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o we_o unless_o we_o intend_v to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n but_o this_o still_o make_v his_o internal_a operation_n to_o be_v the_o efficient_a and_o not_o his_o internal_a testimony_n to_o be_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o faith_n 3._o it_o be_v another_o question_n whether_o all_o obligation_n unto_o duty_n be_v and_o must_v be_v proportionate_a unto_o our_o own_o strength_n without_o divine_a assistance_n which_o we_o deny_v and_o affirm_v that_o we_o be_v oblige_v unto_o many_o thing_n by_o virtue_n of_o god_n command_n which_o we_o have_v no_o power_n to_o answer_v but_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o grace_n 4._o where_o the_o proposal_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v make_v in_o the_o way_n before_o describe_v those_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v propose_v be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v it_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o evidence_n which_o it_o give_v of_o itself_o so_o to_o be_v yea_o every_o real_a true_a divine_a revelation_n make_v unto_o man_n or_o every_o proposal_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o divine_a providence_n have_v that_o evidence_n of_o its_o be_v from_o god_n accompany_v of_o it_o as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o oblige_v they_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v make_v to_o believe_v it_o on_o pain_n of_o his_o displeasure_n if_o this_o be_v otherwise_o then_o either_o be_v god_n oblige_v to_o confirm_v every_o particular_a divine_a revelation_n with_o a_o miracle_n which_o as_o to_o its_o obligation_n unto_o believe_v want_v not_o its_o difficulty_n which_o he_o do_v not_o as_o in_o many_o of_o the_o prophet_n nor_o do_v at_o this_o day_n at_o the_o first_o proposal_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o heathen_a or_o else_o when_o he_o require_v faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o such_o way_n as_o in_o his_o wisdom_n he_o judge_v meet_v that_o be_v in_o the_o ordinary_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n they_o be_v not_o oblige_v thereby_o nor_o be_v it_o their_o sin_n to_o refuse_v a_o compliance_n with_o his_o will._n 5._o if_o this_o difficulty_n can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o avoid_v but_o by_o affirm_v that_o the_o faith_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o with_o respect_n unto_o his_o word_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o natural_a assent_n unto_o it_o upon_o rational_a argument_n and_o consideration_n which_o we_o have_v a_o ability_n for_o without_o any_o spiritual_a aid_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o respect_n unto_o his_o testimony_n as_o before_o describe_v which_o overthrow_v all_o faith_n especial_o that_o which_o be_v divine_a i_o shall_v rather_o ten_o thousand_o time_n allow_v of_o all_o the_o just_a consequence_n that_o can_v follow_v on_o the_o supposition_n mention_v than_o admit_v of_o this_o relief_n but_o of_o those_o consequence_n this_o be_v none_o that_o any_o unto_o who_o the_o scripture_n be_v propose_v be_v except_v from_o a_o obligation_n unto_o believe_v in_o like_a manner_n there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n in_o the_o usual_a objection_n which_o respect_v particular_a book_n of_o the_o scripture_n why_o we_o receive_v they_o as_o canonical_a and_o reject_v other_o as_o namely_o the_o book_n of_o proverb_n and_o not_o of_o wisdom_n of_o ecclesiaste_n and_o not_o ecclesiasticus_fw-la for_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o have_v the_o canon_n of_o they_o give_v we_o in_o the_o new_a where_o it_o be_v affirm_v that_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n which_o both_o confirm_v all_o that_o we_o receive_v and_o exclude_v all_o that_o we_o exclude_v and_o unto_o the_o new_a there_o be_v no_o pretender_n nor_o ever_o be_v to_o the_o least_o exercise_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o any_o 2._o all_o book_n whatever_o that_o have_v either_o themselves_o pretend_a unto_o a_o divine_a original_a or_o have_v be_v plead_v by_o other_o to_o be_v of_o that_o extract_v have_v be_v and_o may_v be_v from_o themselves_o without_o further_a help_n evict_v of_o falsehood_n in_o that_o pretence_n they_o have_v all_o of_o they_o hitherto_o in_o matter_n or_o manner_n in_o plain_a confession_n or_o other_o sufficient_a evidence_n manifest_v themselves_o to_o be_v of_o a_o human_a original_a and_o much_o danger_n be_v not_o to_o be_v fear_v from_o any_o that_o for_o the_o future_a shall_v set_v forth_o with_o the_o same_o pretence_n 3._o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o refuse_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o advantage_n of_o providence_n whereby_o the_o scripture_n be_v bring_v unto_o we_o with_o the_o testimony_n which_o either_o direct_o or_o collateral_o any_o one_o part_n of_o it_o give_v unto_o another_o although_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o believe_v for_o itself_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o ordinary_o to_o be_v believe_v by_o itself_o without_o
recompense_n in_o this_o world_n upon_o the_o sole_a account_n of_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o themselves_o with_o all_o other_o circumstance_n innumerable_a that_o be_v pleadable_a to_o evince_v the_o sincerity_n and_o integrity_n of_o any_o witness_n whatever_o do_v all_o concur_v to_o prove_v that_o they_o do_v not_o follow_v cunning_o devise_v fable_n in_o what_o they_o declare_v concern_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n as_o immediate_o from_o himself_o to_o confront_v this_o evidence_n with_o bare_a surmize_n incapable_a of_o any_o rational_a countenance_n or_o confirmation_n be_v only_o to_o manifest_v what_o brutish_a impudence_n infidelity_n and_o atheism_n be_v force_v to_o retreat_n unto_o for_o shelter_n 2._o their_o style_n and_o manner_n of_o write_v deserve_v a_o peculiar_a consideration_n for_o there_o be_v impress_v on_o it_o all_o those_o character_n of_o a_o divine_a original_a that_o can_v be_v communicate_v unto_o such_o a_o outward_a adjunct_n of_o divine_a revelation_n notwithstanding_o the_o distance_n of_o the_o age_n and_o season_n wherein_o they_o live_v the_o difference_n of_o the_o language_n wherein_o they_o write_v with_o the_o great_a variety_n of_o their_o part_n ability_n education_n and_o other_o circumstance_n yet_o there_o be_v upon_o the_o whole_a and_o all_o the_o part_n of_o their_o writing_n that_o gravity_n majesty_n and_o authority_n mix_v with_o plainness_n of_o speech_n and_o absolute_a freedom_n from_o all_o appearance_n of_o affectation_n of_o esteem_n or_o applause_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o derive_v from_o humane_a frailty_n as_o must_v excite_v a_o admiration_n in_o all_o that_o serious_o consider_v they_o but_o i_o have_v at_o large_a 1._o elsewhere_o insist_v on_o this_o consideration_n and_o have_v also_o in_o the_o same_o place_n show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o write_v extant_a in_o the_o world_n that_o ever_o pretend_a unto_o a_o divine_a original_a as_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o some_o fragment_n of_o spurious_a piece_n pretend_v to_o be_v write_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o they_o be_v not_o only_o from_o their_o matter_n but_o from_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o writing_n and_o the_o plain_a footstep_n of_o humane_a artifice_n and_o weakness_n therein_o sufficient_a for_o their_o own_o conviction_n and_o do_v open_o discover_v their_o own_o vain_a pretension_n so_o must_v every_o thing_n necessary_o do_v which_o be_v mere_o humane_a pretend_v unto_o a_o immediate_a derivation_n from_o god_n when_o man_n have_v do_v all_o they_o can_v these_o thing_n will_v have_v as_o evident_a a_o difference_n between_o they_o as_o there_o be_v between_o wheat_n and_o chaff_n between_o real_a and_o paint_a fire_n jer._n 23._o 28_o 29._o 2._o unto_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o divine_a writer_n themselves_o we_o must_v add_v that_o of_o those_o who_o in_o all_o age_n have_v believe_v in_o christ_n through_o their_o word_n which_o be_v the_o description_n which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n give_v of_o his_o church_n joh._n 17._o 20._o this_o be_v the_o church_n that_o be_v those_o who_o write_v the_o scripture_n and_o those_o who_o believe_v in_o christ_n through_o their_o word_n through_o all_o age_n which_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o divine_a original_a of_o the_o scripture_n and_o it_o may_v be_v add_v that_o we_o know_v this_o witness_n be_v true_a with_o these_o i_o have_v rather_o venture_v my_o faith_n and_o eternal_a condition_n then_o with_o any_o society_n any_o real_a or_o pretend_a church_n whatever_o and_o among_o these_o there_o be_v a_o especial_a consideration_n to_o be_v have_v of_o those_o innumerable_a multitude_n who_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n witness_v this_o confession_n all_o the_o world_n over_o for_o they_o have_v many_o advantage_n above_o we_o to_o know_v the_o certainty_n of_o sundry_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o the_o verity_n of_o our_o religion_n depend_v upon_o and_o we_o be_v direct_v unto_o a_o especial_a regard_n of_o their_o testimony_n which_o be_v signalise_v by_o christ_n himself_o in_o the_o great_a judgement_n that_o be_v to_o be_v pass_v on_o the_o world_n the_o first_o appearance_n be_v of_o the_o soul_n of_o they_o that_o be_v behead_v for_o the_o witness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n rev._n 20._o 4._o and_o there_o be_v at_o present_a a_o especial_a regard_n unto_o they_o in_o heaven_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o witness_n and_o testimony_n rev._n 6._o 9_o 10_o 11._o these_o be_v they_o who_o with_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o life_n by_o the_o sword_n and_o other_o way_n of_o violence_n give_v testimony_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o reduce_v these_o thing_n unto_o a_o rational_a consideration_n who_o can_v have_v the_o least_o occasion_n to_o suspect_v all_o those_o person_n of_o folly_n weakness_n credulity_n wickedness_n or_o conspiracy_n among_o themselves_o which_o such_o a_o diffuse_a multitude_n be_v absolute_o uncapable_a of_o neither_o can_v any_o man_n undervalue_v their_o testimony_n but_o he_o must_v comply_v with_o their_o adversary_n against_o they_o who_o be_v know_v general_o to_o be_v of_o the_o worst_a of_o men._n and_o who_o be_v there_o that_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o eternal_a future_a state_n that_o have_v not_o rather_o have_v his_o soul_n with_o paul_n than_o nero_n with_o the_o holy_a martyr_n than_o their_o bestial_a persecutor_n wherefore_o this_o suffrage_n and_o testimony_n begin_v from_o the_o first_o writing_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o carry_v on_o by_o the_o best_a of_o man_n in_o all_o age_n and_o make_v conspicuous_o glorious_a in_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o christianity_n must_v needs_o be_v with_o all_o wise_a man_n unavoidable_o cogent_a at_o least_o unto_o a_o due_a and_o sedate_v consideration_n of_o what_o they_o bare_a witness_n unto_o and_o sufficient_a to_o scatter_v all_o such_o prejudices_fw-la as_o atheism_n or_o profaneness_n may_v raise_v or_o suggest_v second_o what_o it_o be_v they_o give_v testimony_n unto_o be_v due_o to_o be_v consider_v and_o this_o be_v not_o that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v good_a holy_a and_o true_a in_o all_o the_o content_n of_o it_o only_o but_o that_o the_o whole_a and_o every_o part_n of_o it_o be_v give_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n as_o their_o faith_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v express_v 2_o pet._n 1._o 20_o 21._o on_o this_o account_n and_o no_o other_o do_v they_o themselves_o receive_v the_o scripture_n as_o also_o believe_v and_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o neither_o will_v they_o admit_v that_o their_o testimony_n be_v receive_v if_o the_o whole_a world_n will_v be_v content_a to_o allow_v of_o or_o obey_v the_o scripture_n on_o any_o other_o or_o low_a term_n nor_o will_v god_n himself_o allow_v of_o a_o assent_n unto_o the_o scripture_n under_o any_o other_o conception_n but_o as_o the_o word_n which_o be_v immediate_o speak_v by_o himself_o hence_o they_o who_o refuse_v to_o give_v credit_n thereunto_o be_v say_v to_o bely_v the_o lord_n and_o say_v it_o be_v not_o he_o jer._n 5._o 2._o yea_o to_o make_v god_n a_o liar_n 1_o joh._n 5._o 10._o if_o all_o mankind_n shall_v agree_v together_o to_o receive_v and_o make_v use_n of_o this_o book_n as_o that_o which_o teach_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v good_a useful_a and_o profitable_a to_o humane_a society_n as_o that_o which_o be_v a_o complete_a directory_n unto_o man_n in_o all_o that_o they_o need_v to_o believe_v or_o do_v towards_o god_n the_o best_a mean_n under_o heaven_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o setlement_n satisfaction_n and_o assurance_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o themselves_o as_o the_o safe_a guide_n to_o eternal_a blessedness_n and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v write_v and_o compose_v by_o person_n wise_a holy_a and_o honest_a above_o all_o comparison_n and_o such_o as_o have_v that_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o will_n as_o be_v necessary_a unto_o such_o a_o undertake_n yet_o all_o this_o answer_v not_o the_o testimony_n give_v by_o the_o church_n of_o believer_n in_o all_o age_n unto_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o they_o it_o be_v not_o for_o we_o so_o to_o compound_v this_o matter_n with_o the_o world_n that_o the_o whole_a scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n that_o it_o be_v his_o word_n his_o true_a and_o faithful_a say_n be_v that_o which_o in_o the_o first_o place_n they_o give_v testimony_n unto_o and_o we_o also_o be_v oblige_v so_o to_o do_v they_o never_o pretend_v unto_o any_o other_o assurance_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o profess_v nor_o any_o other_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n but_o that_o the_o scripture_n wherein_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v contain_v be_v give_v immediate_o from_o god_n or_o be_v his_o word_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v
always_o esteem_v no_o less_o traitor_n to_o christianity_n who_o give_v up_o their_o bibles_n to_o persecutor_n than_o those_o who_o deny_v jesus_n christ._n 3._o the_o manner_n wherein_o this_o testimony_n be_v give_v add_v to_o the_o importance_n of_o it_o for_o 1._o many_o of_o they_o especial_o in_o some_o season_n give_v it_o in_o and_o with_o sundry_a miraculous_a operation_n this_o our_o apostle_n plead_v as_o a_o corroboration_n of_o the_o witness_n give_v by_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o heb._n 2._o 4._o as_o the_o same_o be_v do_v by_o all_o the_o apostle_n together_o act._n 5._o 32._o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o these_o miracle_n be_v not_o wrought_v immediate_o to_o confirm_v this_o single_a truth_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n but_o the_o end_n of_o miracle_n be_v to_o be_v a_o immediate_a witness_n from_o heaven_n or_o god_n attestation_n to_o their_o person_n and_o ministry_n by_o who_o they_o be_v wrought_v his_o presence_n with_o they_o and_o approbation_n of_o their_o doctrine_n be_v public_o declare_v by_o they_o but_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n whereby_o god_n give_v immediate_a testimony_n unto_o the_o divine_a mission_n of_o their_o person_n and_o infallible_a truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n may_v either_o not_o have_v be_v write_v as_o most_o of_o they_o be_v not_o or_o they_o may_v have_v be_v write_v and_o their_o doctrine_n record_v in_o book_n not_o give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n beside_o as_o to_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n himself_o and_o most_o of_o those_o of_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v wrought_v among_o they_o by_o who_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v acknowledge_v as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o before_o the_o write_n of_o those_o of_o the_o new_a so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o immediate_a confirmation_n of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o neither_o have_v we_o any_o infallible_a testimony_n concern_v these_o miracle_n but_o the_o scripture_n itself_o wherein_o they_o be_v record_v whence_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v infallible_o true_a before_o we_o can_v believe_v on_o ground_n infallible_a the_o miracle_n therein_o record_v to_o be_v so_o wherefore_o i_o grant_v that_o the_o whole_a force_n of_o this_o consideration_n lie_v in_o this_o alone_a that_o those_o who_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v a_o attestation_n give_v unto_o their_o ministry_n by_o these_o miraculous_a operation_n concern_v which_o we_o have_v good_a collateral_a security_n also_o 2._o many_o of_o they_o confirm_v their_o testimony_n with_o their_o suffering_n be_v not_o only_a witness_n but_o martyr_n in_o the_o peculiar_a church_n notion_n of_o that_o word_n ground_v on_o the_o scripture_n act._n 22._o 20._o rev._n 2._o 13._o chap._n 17._o 7._o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o any_o worldly_a advantage_n by_o the_o profession_n they_o make_v and_o the_o testimony_n they_o give_v as_o that_o in_o the_o confirmation_n of_o they_o they_o willing_o and_o cheerful_o undergo_v whatever_o be_v evil_a dreadful_a or_o destructive_a to_o humane_a nature_n in_o all_o its_o temporary_a concern_v it_o be_v therefore_o unquestionable_a that_o they_o have_v the_o high_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o these_o thing_n which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o management_n of_o this_o argument_n be_v the_o principal_a design_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o whole_a 11_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n for_o have_v declare_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n in_o general_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v the_o subsistence_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v ver_fw-la 1._o that_o be_v such_o a_o assent_n unto_o and_o confidence_n of_o invisible_a thing_n thing_n capable_a of_o no_o demonstration_n from_o sense_n or_o reason_n as_o respect_n divine_a revelation_n only_o whereinto_o alone_o it_o be_v resolve_v for_o our_o encouragement_n thereunto_o and_o establishment_n therein_o he_o produce_v a_o long_a catalogue_n of_o those_o who_o do_v suffer_v and_o obtain_v great_a thing_n thereby_o that_o which_o he_o principal_o insist_o upon_o be_v the_o hardship_n misery_n cruelty_n torture_n and_o several_a sort_n of_o death_n which_o they_o undergo_v especial_o from_o ver_fw-la 35._o to_o the_o end_n these_o he_o call_v a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n wherewith_o we_o be_v compass_v about_o chap._n 12._o 1._o give_v testimony_n unto_o what_o we_o do_v believe_v that_o be_v divine_a revelation_n and_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n the_o promise_n therein_o contain_v unto_o our_o encouragement_n in_o the_o same_o duty_n as_o he_o there_o declare_v and_o certain_o what_o be_v thus_o testify_v unto_o by_o so_o many_o great_a wise_a and_o holy_a person_n and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o manner_n have_v as_o great_a a_o outward_a evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n as_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o world_n 3._o they_o give_v not_o their_o testimony_n casual_o or_o on_o some_o extraordinary_a occasion_n only_o or_o by_o some_o one_o solemn_a act_n or_o in_o some_o one_o certain_a way_n as_o other_o testimony_n be_v give_v nor_o can_v be_v give_v otherwise_o but_o they_o give_v their_o testimony_n in_o this_o cause_n in_o their_o whole_a course_n in_o all_o that_o they_o think_v speak_v or_o do_v in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o whole_a disposal_n of_o their_o way_n life_n and_o action_n as_o every_o true_a believer_n continue_v to_o do_v at_o this_o day_n for_o a_o man_n when_o he_o be_v occasional_o call_v out_o to_o give_v a_o verbal_a testimony_n unto_o the_o divine_a original_n of_o the_o scripture_n order_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o conversation_n his_o hope_n design_n aim_n and_o end_n without_o any_o eminent_a respect_n or_o regard_n unto_o it_o his_o testimony_n be_v of_o no_o value_n nor_o can_v have_v any_o influence_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o sober_a and_o considerate_a man_n but_o when_o man_n do_v manifest_a and_o evince_n that_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n have_v a_o sovereign_n divine_a authority_n over_o their_o soul_n and_o conscience_n absolute_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n then_o be_v their_o witness_n cogent_a and_o efficacious_a there_o be_v to_o i_o a_o thousand_o time_n more_o force_n and_o weight_n in_o the_o testimony_n to_o this_o purpose_n of_o some_o holy_a person_n who_o universal_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n with_o respect_n unto_o this_o world_n and_o their_o future_a eternal_a condition_n in_o all_o their_o thought_n word_n action_n and_o way_n do_v real_o experiment_n in_o themselves_o and_o express_v to_o other_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o this_o word_n of_o god_n in_o their_o soul_n and_o conscience_n live_v do_v suffer_v and_o die_v in_o peace_n assurance_n of_o mind_n and_o consolation_n thereon_o then_o in_o the_o verbal_a declaration_n of_o the_o most_o splendid_a numerous_a church_n in_o the_o world_n who_o evidence_n not_o such_o a_o inward_a sense_n of_o its_o power_n and_o efficacy_n there_o be_v therefore_o that_o force_n in_o the_o real_a testimony_n which_o have_v be_v give_v in_o all_o age_n by_o all_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n not_o one_o except_v unto_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v high_o arrogant_a for_o any_o one_o to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o without_o evident_a conviction_n of_o its_o imposture_n which_o no_o person_n of_o any_o tolerable_a sobriety_n do_v ever_o yet_o pretend_v unto_o i_o shall_v add_v in_o the_o last_o place_n the_o consideration_n of_o that_o success_n which_o the_o doctrine_n derive_v sole_o from_o the_o scripture_n and_o resolve_v thereinto_o have_v have_v in_o the_o world_n upon_o the_o mind_n and_o life_n of_o man_n especial_o upon_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o two_o thing_n offer_v themselves_o hereon_o immediate_o unto_o our_o consideration_n first_o the_o person_n by_o who_o this_o doctrine_n be_v successful_o carry_v on_o in_o the_o world_n and_o second_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o propagation_n of_o it_o both_o which_o the_o scripture_n take_v notice_n of_o in_o particular_a as_o evidence_n of_o that_o divine_a power_n which_o the_o word_n be_v real_o accompany_v withal_o for_o the_o person_n unto_o who_o this_o work_n be_v commit_v i_o mean_v the_o apostle_n and_o first_o evangelist_n be_v as_o to_o their_o outward_a condition_n in_o the_o world_n poor_a low_a and_o every_o way_n despise_v and_o as_o unto_o the_o endowment_n of_o their_o mind_n destitute_a of_o all_o those_o ability_n and_o advantage_n which_o may_v give_v they_o either_o reputation_n or_o
believe_v it_o so_o to_o be_v and_o then_o to_o believe_v the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o for_o this_o proposition_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o so_o to_o be_v believe_v but_o god_n no_o where_o require_v nor_o ever_o do_v that_o we_o shall_v believe_v any_o divine_a revelation_n upon_o such_o ground_n much_o less_o on_o such_o ground_n and_o motive_n only_o they_o be_v leave_v unto_o we_o as_o consequential_a unto_o our_o believe_v to_o plead_v with_o other_o in_o behalf_n of_o what_o we_o profess_v and_o for_o the_o justification_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o world_n but_o that_o which_o require_v our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n unto_o in_o the_o receive_n of_o divine_a revelation_n whether_o immediate_o give_v and_o declare_v or_o as_o record_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v his_o own_o authority_n and_o veracity_n i_o be_o the_o lord_n the_o high_a and_o lofty_a one._n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n this_o be_v my_o son_n hear_v he_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n believe_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o prophet_n this_o alone_a be_v that_o which_o he_o require_v we_o to_o resolve_v our_o faith_n into_o so_o when_o he_o give_v unto_o we_o the_o law_n of_o our_o life_n the_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a rule_n of_o our_o obedience_n unto_o he_o in_o the_o ten_o commandment_n he_o give_v no_o other_o reason_n to_o oblige_v we_o thereunto_o but_o this_o only_a i_o be_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n the_o sole_a formal_a reason_n of_o all_o our_o obedience_n be_v take_v from_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o our_o relation_n unto_o he_o nor_o do_v he_o propose_v any_o other_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v believe_v he_o or_o the_o revelation_n which_o he_o make_v of_o his_o mind_n and_o will._n and_o our_o faith_n be_v part_n of_o our_o obedience_n the_o root_n and_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o therefore_o the_o reason_n of_o both_o be_v the_o same_o neither_o do_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n ever_o make_v use_n of_o such_o argument_n or_o motive_n for_o the_o ingenerate_v of_o faith_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n nor_o have_v they_o give_v direction_n for_o the_o use_n of_o any_o such_o argument_n to_o this_o end_n and_o purpose_n but_o when_o they_o be_v accuse_v to_o have_v follow_v cunning_o devise_v fable_n they_o appeal_v unto_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n to_o the_o revelation_n they_o have_v themselves_o receive_v and_o those_o that_o be_v before_o record_v it_o be_v true_a they_o wrought_v miracle_n in_o confirmation_n of_o their_o own_o divine_a mission_n and_o of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v but_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v all_o of_o they_o wrought_v among_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o whole_a scripture_n then_o give_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o those_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v before_o the_o write_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n their_o doctrine_n therefore_o material_o consider_v and_o their_o warranty_n to_o teach_v it_o be_v sufficient_o yea_o abundant_o confirm_v by_o they_o but_o divine_a revelation_n formal_o consider_v and_o as_o write_v be_v leave_v upon_o the_o old_a foundation_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n who_o give_v it_o no_o such_o method_n be_v prescribe_v no_o such_o example_n be_v propose_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n to_o make_v use_n of_o these_o argument_n and_o motive_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n unto_o god_n and_o the_o ingenerate_v of_o faith_n in_o they_o yea_o in_o some_o case_n the_o use_n of_o such_o mean_n be_v decry_v as_o unprofitable_a and_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o god_n put_v forth_o his_o power_n in_o and_o by_o his_o word_n be_v appeal_v unto_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 4_o 5_o 13._o chap._n 14._o 26_o 27._o 2_o cor._n 4._o 7._o but_o yet_o in_o a_o way_n of_o preparation_n subservient_fw-fr unto_o the_o receive_n the_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o against_o gainsayer_n and_o their_o objection_n their_o use_n have_v be_v grant_v and_o prove_v but_o from_o first_o to_o last_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n the_o authority_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v constant_o and_o uniform_o propose_v as_o the_o immediate_a ground_n and_o reason_n of_o believe_v his_o revelation_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v that_o he_o do_v accept_v or_o approve_v of_o any_o kind_n of_o faith_n or_o assent_n but_o what_o be_v build_v thereon_o and_o resolve_v thereinto_o the_o sum_n be_v we_o be_v oblige_v in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n when_o they_o be_v ministerial_o or_o providential_o propose_v unto_o we_o whereof_o afterward_o the_o ground_n whereon_o we_o be_v to_o receive_v they_o be_v the_o authority_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o they_o we_o believe_v they_o because_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o this_o faith_n whereby_o we_o so_o believe_v be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a because_o the_o mal_fw-fr reason_n of_o it_o be_v so_o namely_o god_n truth_n and_o authority_n wherefore_o we_o do_v not_o nor_o aught_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n as_o high_o probable_a or_o with_o a_o moral_a persuasion_n and_o assurance_n build_v upon_o argument_n absolute_o fallible_a and_o humane_a only_o for_o if_o this_o be_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o faith_n namely_o the_o veracity_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n if_o we_o believe_v not_o with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a we_o believe_v not_o at_o all_o 2._o the_o moral_a certainty_n treat_v of_o be_v a_o mere_a effect_n of_o reason_n there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v unto_o it_o but_o that_o the_o reason_n propose_v for_o the_o assent_n require_v be_v such_o as_o the_o mind_n judge_v to_o be_v convince_a and_o prevalent_a whence_o a_o inferior_a kind_a of_o knowledge_n or_o a_o firm_a opinion_n or_o some_o kind_n of_o persuasion_n which_o have_v not_o yet_o get_v a_o intelligible_a name_n do_v necessary_o ensue_v there_o be_v therefore_o on_o this_o supposition_n no_o need_n of_o any_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o believe_v or_o to_o work_v faith_n in_o we_o for_o no_o more_o be_v require_v herein_o but_o what_o necessary_o arise_v from_o a_o naked_a exercise_n of_o reason_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o enquiry_n be_v not_o about_o what_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o we_o but_o concern_v the_o reason_n and_o motive_n to_o believe_v that_o be_v propose_v unto_o we_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v grant_v but_o that_o we_o urge_v herein_o be_v that_o the_o act_n which_o be_v exert_v on_o such_o motive_n or_o the_o persuasion_n which_o be_v beget_v in_o our_o mind_n by_o they_o be_v pure_o natural_a and_o such_o as_o require_v no_o especial_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o we_o for_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o now_o this_o be_v not_o faith_n nor_o can_v we_o be_v say_v in_o the_o scripture_n sense_n to_o believe_v thereby_o and_o so_o in_o particular_a not_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o be_v not_o of_o ourselves_o ephes_n 2._o 8._o it_o be_v give_v unto_o some_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o christ_n phil._n 1._o 29._o and_o not_o unto_o other_o mat._n 11._o 29._o chap._n 13._o 11._o but_o this_o assent_n on_o external_a argument_n and_o motive_n be_v of_o ourselves_o equal_o common_a and_o expose_v unto_o all_o no_o man_n can_v say_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 3._o but_o he_o who_o believe_v the_o scripture_n true_o aright_o and_o according_a to_o his_o duty_n do_v say_v so_o no_o man_n come_v to_o christ_n but_o he_o that_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v of_o the_o father_n john_n 6._o 45._o and_o as_o this_o be_v contrary_n to_o the_o scripture_n so_o it_o be_v express_o condemn_v by_o the_o ancient_a church_n particular_o by_o the_o second_o arausican_n council_n can._n 5._o 7._o si_fw-mi quis_fw-la sicut_fw-la augmentum_fw-la ita_fw-la etià m_fw-la initium_fw-la fidei_fw-la ipsumque_fw-la credulitatis_fw-la affectum_fw-la non_fw-la per_fw-la gratiae_fw-la donum_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la per_fw-la inspirationem_fw-la spiritus_fw-la sancti_fw-la corrigentem_fw-la voluntatem_fw-la nostram_fw-la ab_fw-la infidelitate_fw-la ad_fw-la fidem_fw-la ab_fw-la impietate_fw-la ad_fw-la pietatem_fw-la sed_fw-la naturalitèr_fw-la nobis_fw-la inesse_fw-la dicit_fw-la apostolicis_fw-la dogmatibus_fw-la adversarius_fw-la approbatur_fw-la and_o plain_o can._n 7._o si_fw-mi quis_fw-la per_fw-la naturae_fw-la vigorem_fw-la bonum_fw-la aliquod_fw-la quod_fw-la ad_fw-la salutem_fw-la pertinet_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la eternae_fw-la cogitare_fw-la ut_fw-la expedit_fw-la aut_fw-la eligere_fw-la sive_fw-la salutari_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la evangelicae_fw-la praedicaiioni_fw-la consentire_fw-la
the_o help_n of_o other_o mean_n 4._o on_o these_o supposition_n i_o fear_v not_o to_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v on_o every_o individual_a book_n of_o the_o scripture_n particular_o those_o name_v those_o divine_a character_n and_o criteria_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o difference_n they_o from_o all_o other_o write_n whatever_n and_o to_o testify_v their_o divine_a authority_n unto_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o believer_n i_o say_v of_o believer_n for_o we_o inquire_v not_o on_o what_o ground_n unbeliever_n or_o those_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v do_v believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o yet_o direct_o on_o what_o outward_a motive_n such_o person_n may_v be_v induce_v so_o to_o do_v but_o our_o sole_a enquiry_n at_o present_a be_v what_o the_o faith_n of_o they_o who_o do_v believe_v be_v resolve_v into_o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o say_v that_o when_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n of_o the_o first_o give_v out_o of_o divine_a revelation_n as_o be_v of_o the_o scripture_n come_v and_o preach_v unto_o the_o jew_n that_o those_o mere_a word_n i_o be_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n or_o the_o like_a have_v all_o this_o evidence_n in_o they_o or_o with_o they_o for_o nothing_o he_o say_v of_o that_o kind_n may_v be_v separate_v from_o its_o circumstance_n but_o suppose_v the_o testimony_n give_v in_o the_o scripture_n before_o hand_n to_o his_o person_n work_n time_n and_o manner_n of_o come_v with_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n with_o he_o in_o the_o declaration_n that_o he_o make_v of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n the_o jew_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v what_o he_o teach_v and_o himself_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o do_v many_o of_o they_o upon_o his_o preach_a only_o john_n 4._o 42._o and_o in_o like_a manner_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o john_n baptist_n and_o to_o submit_v unto_o his_o institution_n although_o he_o wrought_v no_o miracle_n and_o those_o who_o do_v not_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n for_o their_o good_a and_o perish_v in_o their_o unbelief_n but_o although_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n wrought_v no_o miracle_n to_o prove_v the_o scripture_n then_o extant_a to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n see_v he_o wrought_v they_o among_o such_o only_a as_o by_o who_o that_o be_v firm_o believe_v yet_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n see_v it_o necessary_a to_o confirm_v his_o personal_a ministry_n by_o they_o and_o without_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o divine_a truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n propose_v miracle_n themselves_o will_v be_v despise_v so_o they_o be_v by_o some_o who_o be_v afterward_o convert_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n act_v 2._o 13._o chap._n 3._o 7_o 8._o or_o they_o will_v produce_v only_o a_o false_a faith_n or_o a_o ravish_a assent_n upon_o a_o amazement_n that_o will_v not_o abide_v act_v 8._o 13_o 21._o appendix_n a_o summary_n representation_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o that_o faith_n wherewith_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o some_o attestation_n give_v unto_o the_o substance_n of_o what_o have_v be_v deliver_v concern_v it_o shall_v give_v a_o close_a to_o this_o discourse_n as_o to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o design_n the_o thing_n that_o follow_v be_v propose_v i._o unto_o the_o enquiry_n on_o what_o ground_n or_o for_o what_o reason_n we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n many_o thing_n be_v suppose_v as_o on_o all_o hand_n agree_v upon_o who_o demonstration_n or_o proof_n belong_v not_o unto_o our_o present_a work_n such_o be_v 1._o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o his_o self-subsistence_n with_o all_o the_o essential_a property_n of_o his_o nature_n 2._o our_o relation_n unto_o he_o and_o dependence_n on_o he_o as_o our_o creator_n benefactor_n preserver_n judge_n and_o rewarder_n both_o as_o unto_o thing_n temporal_a and_o eternal_a wherefore_o 3._o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whatever_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n whatever_o be_v manifest_a in_o or_o from_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n or_o providence_n and_o necessary_a act_n of_o conscience_n as_o to_o the_o be_v rule_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v suppose_v as_o acknowledge_v in_o this_o enquiry_n 4._o that_o beyond_o the_o conduct_n and_o guidance_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n that_o man_n may_v live_v unto_o god_n believe_v and_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o according_a to_o their_o duty_n in_o that_o obedience_n which_o he_o require_v of_o they_o so_o as_o to_o come_v unto_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o a_o supernatural_a revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n unto_o they_o especial_o in_o that_o condition_n wherein_o all_o mankind_n be_v since_o the_o entrance_n of_o sin_n be_v necessary_a 5._o that_o all_o those_o unto_o who_o god_n have_v grant_v divine_a revelation_n immediate_o from_o himself_o for_o their_o own_o use_n and_o that_o of_o all_o other_o man_n unto_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v communicate_v be_v infallible_o assure_v that_o they_o come_v from_o god_n and_o that_o their_o mind_n be_v no_o way_n impose_v on_o in_o they_o 6._o that_o all_o these_o divine_a revelation_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v any_o way_n necessary_a to_o guide_v and_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o that_o obedience_n which_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o he_o be_v now_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o those_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v common_o receive_v and_o own_a among_o all_o sort_n of_o christian_n these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v suppose_v unto_o our_o present_a enquiry_n and_o take_v for_o grant_v so_o as_o that_o the_o reader_n be_v not_o to_o look_v for_o any_o direct_a proof_n of_o they_o in_o the_o precede_a discourse_n but_o on_o these_o supposition_n it_o be_v allege_v and_o prove_v 1._o that_o all_o man_n unto_o who_o it_o be_v due_o propose_v as_o such_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v this_o scripture_n these_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 that_o be_v to_o contain_v and_o exhibit_v a_o immediate_a divine_a supernatural_a revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n so_o far_o as_o be_v any_o way_n needful_a that_o they_o may_v live_v unto_o he_o and_o that_o nothing_o be_v contain_v in_o they_o but_o what_o be_v of_o the_o same_o divine_a original_a 2._o the_o obligation_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o thus_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n arise_v partly_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o partly_o from_o the_o especial_a command_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v that_o revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n without_o the_o knowledge_n whereof_o and_o assent_v whereunto_o we_o can_v live_v unto_o god_n as_o we_o ought_v nor_o come_v unto_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v believe_v it_o unto_o those_o end_n and_o god_n require_v it_o of_o we_o that_o so_o we_o shall_v do_v 3._o we_o can_v thus_o believe_v it_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n but_o upon_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n and_o prevalent_a testimony_n that_o so_o it_o be_v 4._o there_o be_v many_o cogent_a argument_n testimony_n and_o motive_n to_o persuade_v convince_v and_o satisfy_v unprejudiced_a person_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o every_o way_n sufficient_a to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o gainsayers_a proceed_v on_o such_o principle_n of_o reason_n as_o be_v own_a and_o approve_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n and_o argument_n of_o this_o nature_n may_v be_v take_v from_o almost_o all_o consideration_n of_o the_o property_n of_o god_n and_o his_o government_n of_o the_o world_n of_o our_o relation_n unto_o he_o of_o what_o belong_v unto_o our_o present_a peace_n and_o future_a happiness_n 5._o from_o the_o argument_n and_o testimony_n of_o this_o nature_n a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o mind_n defensible_a against_o all_o objection_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v be_v attain_v and_o that_o such_o as_o that_o those_o who_o live_v not_o in_o contradiction_n unto_o their_o own_o light_n and_o reason_n through_o the_o power_n of_o their_o lust_n can_v but_o judge_v it_o their_o wisdom_n duty_n and_o interest_n to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o his_o will_n as_o reveal_v therein_o 6._o but_o yet_o that_o persuasion_n of_o mind_n which_o may_v be_v thus_o attain_v and_o which_o rest_v whole_o upon_o these_o argument_n and_o testimony_n be_v not_o entire_o that_o faith_n wherewith_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v the_o