christ_n then_o may_v we_o safe_o and_o comfortable_o proceed_v to_o the_o main_a subject_n of_o this_o discourse_n the_o nature_n of_o true_a save_a faith_n which_o i_o have_v divide_v into_o ten_o chapter_n but_o shall_v enlarge_v principal_o on_o three_o or_o four_o be_v the_o drift_n and_o scope_n of_o my_o writing_n to_o help_v the_o joy_n of_o faith_n in_o those_o poor_a heart_n who_o though_o true_o gracious_a yet_o like_o young_a samuel_n can_v well_o discern_v the_o voice_n and_o presence_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o my_o undertake_n i_o beg_v the_o divine_a help_n and_o grace_n to_o assist_v and_o prosper_v extend_v my_o time_n and_o health_n after_o my_o late_a sickness_n according_a to_o his_o bless_a will_n afford_v the_o savourable_a influence_n of_o his_o love_a countenance_n this_o tract_n divide_v into_o two_o part_n the_o first_o contain_v the_o foundation_n the_o second_o the_o more_o visible_a superstructure_n about_o the_o nature_n of_o faith._n the_o first_o conclude_v with_o two_o chapter_n and_o the_o second_o with_o ten_o but_o whereas_o some_o may_v question_v what_o need_v any_o further_a on_o this_o subject_a wherein_o several_a have_v already_o travel_v i_o may_v rejoin_v that_o holy_a luke_n think_v meet_v in_o his_o pure_a greek_a as_o to_o his_o handle_n that_o heavenly_a subject_n of_o our_o lord_n life_n luk._n 1.1_o that_o though_o many_o have_v take_v it_o in_o hand_n before_o yet_o he_o will_v set_v forth_o some_o thing_n not_o mention_v by_o other_o evangelist_n yea_o how_o many_o in_o almost_o all_o age_n have_v prosecute_v the_o same_o point_n in_o divinity_n with_o benefit_n and_o use_v to_o the_o church_n both_o in_o commentary_n and_o controversy_n this_o consideration_n encourage_v these_o line_n to_o appear_v have_v observe_v some_o further_a need_n of_o these_o chapter_n on_o which_o i_o main_o insist_v and_o be_v the_o great_a motive_n of_o my_o writing_n and_o be_v but_o little_o touch_v heretofore_o and_o yet_o be_v very_o useful_a to_o choose_a vessel_n yea_o the_o far_o great_a number_n of_o the_o true_o gracious_a servant_n of_o god._n to_o who_o if_o you_o draw_v near_o and_o can_v have_v the_o happiness_n to_o come_v within_o they_o for_o their_o good_a for_o they_o be_v shy_a &_o aware_a of_o every_o approach_n you_o may_v find_v their_o life_n to_o hang_v in_o a_o anxious_a suspense_n between_o fear_n and_o hope_n and_o feed_v only_o upon_o some_o few_o gracious_a glimpse_n like_o the_o beam_n from_o between_o april_n cloud_n let_v down_o out_o of_o heaven_n into_o their_o heart_n to_o sustain_v their_o spirit_n from_o sink_v and_o to_o preserve_v from_o die_v under_o grievous_a fit_n of_o the_o palpitation_n of_o their_o heart_n to_o these_o i_o chief_o bend_v my_o soul_n desire_v and_o humble_o beg_v the_o dew_n of_o zion_n upon_o these_o meditation_n and_o labour_n that_o neither_o they_o nor_o i_o may_v saint_v under_o lose_a expectation_n of_o mercy_n and_o so_o i_o finish_v the_o preface_n and_o come_v to_o the_o treatise_n itself_o s._n l._n the_o joy_n of_o faith_n part_n i._o of_o the_o fundamental_a point_n necessary_a to_o build_v a_o sound_n and_o vigorous_a faith_n lay_v down_o in_o two_o chapter_n the_o first_o refer_v to_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o second_o demonstrate_v the_o deity_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n chapter_n i._o the_o authority_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n wherein_o we_o daily_o read_v and_o meditate_v for_o our_o instruction_n in_o order_n to_o eternal_a life_n be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n there_o be_v many_o weighty_a argument_n to_o evince_v it_o upon_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o sober_a and_o well-inclined_n person_n nay_o which_o by_o the_o good_a conduct_n of_o god_n spirit_n may_v influence_n the_o mind_n of_o heathen_a and_o atheist_n will_v they_o but_o improve_v the_o common_a light_n of_o reason_n that_o candle_n of_o the_o lord._n 5.7_o prov._n 20.27_o james_n 2.19_o mat._n 8.29_o mat._n 4_o 2_o 4._o mark_v 5.7_o nay_o devil_n themselves_o who_o believe_v and_o tremble_v at_o the_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o desire_v of_o our_o lord_n not_o to_o torment_v they_o before_o that_o time_n do_v quotâ—_n they_o in_o argument_n against_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o his_o tentation_n and_o acknowledge_v his_o deity_n as_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god._n but_o i_o shall_v not_o dwell_v upon_o the_o several_a head_n to_o clear_v this_o truth_n so_o often_o insist_v upon_o by_o thâ—_n pious_a and_o learned_a in_o their_o systeme_n and_o body_n of_o divinity_n but_o i_o shall_v only_o touch_v some_o of_o they_o and_o enlarge_v upon_o one_o or_o two_o which_o be_v the_o chief_a design_n of_o this_o chapter_n 1._o one_o argument_n that_o some_o mention_n be_v their_o venerable_a antiquity_n which_o though_o it_o be_v no_o cogent_a proof_n yet_o allow_v that_o of_o a_o ancient_a quo_fw-la quid_fw-la antiquus_fw-la co_fw-la verius_fw-la that_o truth_n be_v elder_a than_o error_n i_o will_v not_o lay_v aside_o the_o pain_n of_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n and_o other_o who_o prove_v that_o the_o writing_n of_o moses_n be_v ancient_a than_o any_o the_o heathen_a world_n can_v pretend_v to_o to_o which_o i_o will_v annex_v their_o stupendous_a preservation_n through_o the_o fury_n of_o all_o age_n especial_o the_o rage_a flame_n of_o antiochus_n and_o dioclesian_n those_o cruel_a persecutor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n neither_o will_v i_o be_v silent_a as_o to_o the_o invincible_a pain_n â—iberias_fw-la â—uxtorfji_fw-la â—iberias_fw-la and_o toil_n which_o the_o jewish_a masorite_n undergo_v to_o preserve_v the_o hebrew_n original_a with_o such_o exactness_n do_v they_o manage_v that_o affair_n that_o they_o have_v in_o numerato_fw-la punctual_o set_v down_o every_o word_n and_o every_o letter_n in_o the_o whole_a bible_n and_o do_v also_o set_v down_o which_o be_v the_o middle_a word_n and_o middle_a letter_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o i_o think_v of_o every_o individual_a book_n which_o be_v indeed_o a_o high_a providence_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o conservation_n of_o those_o happy_a leaf_n and_o i_o can_v hearty_o wish_v the_o new_a testament_n have_v be_v so_o guard_v by_o industrious_a and_o holy_a person_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n nay_o it_o be_v well_o if_o yet_o at_o this_o day_n some_o pious_a rector_n of_o university_n and_o school_n of_o learning_n will_v take_v up_o the_o ancient_a and_o pure_a copy_n and_o perform_v it_o at_o this_o time_n the_o masorite_n do_v the_o work_n long_o after_o the_o first_o pen_n of_o they_o on_o purpose_n to_o preserve_v it_o in_o their_o dispersion_n but_o i_o proceed_v to_o other_o argument_n as_o 2._o the_o majesty_n of_o their_o style_n that_o may_v just_o make_v the_o universe_n tremble_v and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n to_o hide_v their_o head_n in_o the_o dark_a chaos_n of_o confusion_n 3._o the_o heavenly_a harmony_n of_o their_o distinct_a part_n though_o write_v in_o various_a age_n and_o distinct_a place_n 4._o the_o self-denial_n of_o the_o penman_n discover_v their_o own_o sin_n and_o heart_n corruption_n with_o the_o folly_n and_o weakness_n of_o their_o near_a and_o dear_a relation_n which_o be_v not_o do_v by_o other_o writer_n as_o thucydides_n xenophon_n or_o plutarch_n or_o livy_n but_o especial_o by_o lawgiver_n which_o may_v disparage_v their_o government_n as_o the_o compiler_n of_o the_o twelve_o table_n or_o theodosius_n in_o his_o codex_fw-la or_o justinian_n in_o his_o pandect_n or_o other_o his_o sanction_n of_o the_o civil_a law._n 5._o the_o sublimity_n and_o spirituality_n of_o the_o mystery_n therein_o discover_v far_o beyond_o the_o invention_n or_o comprehension_n of_o man_n or_o angel_n they_o may_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o they_o please_v and_o pry_v towards_o they_o 1.12_o 1_o pet._n 1.12_o but_o none_o except_o the_o lion_n of_o judah_n can_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d &_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d both_o open_a the_o seal_n and_o expound_v the_o mystical_a depth_n of_o this_o admirable_a volume_n so_o far_o be_v it_o beyond_o the_o brain_n of_o the_o most_o fine_a spin_a philosopher_n that_o amelius_n the_o platonic_a in_o clem_n of_o alexandria_n confess_v of_o the_o first_o verse_n of_o the_o apostle_n john_n gospel_n this_o barbarian_a say_v he_o have_v comprise_v more_o stupendous_a matter_n in_o three_o line_n than_o we_o in_o all_o our_o volume_n i_o may_v adjoyn_v to_o this_o the_o purity_n and_o holiness_n of_o its_o subject_a matter_n and_o the_o glorious_a scope_n and_o design_n for_o our_o everlasting_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o heaven_n 6._o in_o the_o six_o place_n a_o principal_a argument_n may_v be_v deduce_v from_o the_o imperial_a power_n and_o efficacy_n on_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n both_o as_o to_o conviction_n of_o sin_n sustentation_n
and_o then_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n shall_v continue_v to_o all_o eternity_n when_o god_n shall_v be_v all_o in_o all._n sect_n ii_o the_o miracle_n in_o scripture_n have_v treat_v somewhat_o of_o the_o infallible_a prophecy_n i_o shall_v now_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n rehearse_v some_o of_o the_o notable_a miracle_n mention_v in_o holy_a scripture_n for_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v work_n above_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n therefore_o all_o nation_n stand_v gaze_v at_o such_o mighty_a exhibition_n of_o god_n majesty_n such_o as_o cure_v blind-born_a person_n the_o restore_v the_o dumb_a and_o lame_a who_o be_v so_o afflict_v from_o the_o mother_n womb_n yea_o revive_v of_o many_o from_o death_n to_o life_n be_v they_o not_o undeniable_a testimony_n that_o such_o a_o one_o that_o perform_v these_o be_v a_o god_n or_o transact_v by_o the_o immediate_a assistance_n and_o presence_n of_o god_n whence_o we_o may_v very_o well_o infer_v that_o what_o such_o a_o one_o speak_v be_v to_o be_v embrace_v as_o by_o divine_a authority_n for_o that_o glorious_a person_n that_o manifest_v in_o his_o work_n such_o heavenly_a and_o celestial_a power_n must_v be_v believe_v to_o be_v god_n and_o a_o god_n of_o supreme_a truth_n and_o high_a verity_n as_o well_o as_o of_o surpass_a power_n for_o infinite_a power_n and_o truth_n be_v and_o can_v be_v center_a no_n where_o but_o in_o a_o god._n trey_n where_o their_o brethren_n of_o the_o race_n of_o cham_n of_o near_a alliance_n to_o the_o canaanite_n then_o live_v which_o be_v touch_v as_o i_o remember_v by_o procopius_n in_o his_o vandalick_a war_n &_o other_o procop_n procop_n the_o stand_v still_o of_o the_o sun_n seem_v hint_v at_o by_o plautus_n in_o the_o double_a day_n i_o think_v in_o his_o amphilryo_n 4._o the_o four_o wonder_n may_v refer_v to_o the_o retrocession_n or_o go_v back_o of_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o day_n of_o hezekiah_n which_o engage_v the_o king_n of_o babylon_n to_o send_v a_o embassy_n on_o purpose_n to_o search_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o prodigy_n in_o reference_n to_o which_o this_o be_v remarkable_a that_o some_o eclipse_n mention_v to_o have_v happen_v before_o hezekiahs_n day_n be_v all_o find_v by_o our_o modern_a astronomical_a table_n as_o exact_v as_o if_o those_o prodigy_n have_v not_o be_v extant_a which_o may_v give_v to_o some_o a_o little_a more_o facile_a apprehension_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o earth_n than_o the_o perepatetick_a school_n will_v as_o yet_o admit_v for_o the_o phoenomenon_n or_o apeearance_n may_v be_v solve_v by_o a_o miraculous_a stop_n of_o the_o earth_n diurnal_a motion_n though_o its_o annual_a in_o the_o zodiac_n may_v continue_v 5._o the_o five_o concern_v that_o extraordinary_a star_n which_o aypear_v at_o the_o birth_n of_o our_o lord_n to_o the_o magi_n in_o kedemah_n or_o the_o east_n by_o the_o river_n euphrates_n 2_o mat_n 2_o 2_o who_o come_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o job_n east_n country_n whereof_o 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to_o our_o lord_n a_o little_a before_o that_o lunar_a eclipse_n in_o march_n which_o precede_v that_o tyrant_n death_n who_o slay_v so_o many_o innocent_a child_n and_o his_o own_o son_n among_o the_o rest_n that_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o emperor_n augustus_n to_o taunt_v he_o with_o that_o scoff_n 4_o macrobius_n saturn_v l_o 2_o c_o 4_o that_o he_o have_v rather_o be_v herod_n hog_n than_o his_o son_n count_v he_o for_o a_o jew_n and_o i_o think_v he_o be_v a_o proselyte_n though_o indeed_o he_o be_v a_o idumaean_a of_o ascalon_n by_o birth_n that_o be_v of_o that_o idumaea_n or_o edom_n so_o call_v in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o lord_n as_o may_v be_v observe_v in_o ptolemy_n greek_n geography_n lie_v in_o the_o south-part_n of_o judah_n 6._o but_o the_o most_o remarkable_a miracle_n be_v that_o of_o the_o sun_n eclipse_n at_o our_o bless_a lord_n passion_n because_o it_o disappear_v and_o be_v mantle_v with_o pitchy_a darkness_n near_o the_o fullmoon_n of_o the_o passover_n 156_o paul_fw-mi diacon_fw-mi max_fw-la in_o scholl_a ad_fw-la diony_n orig_n tract_n 29_o &_o 30_o in_o mat_n euseb_n edit_n scalâ—austin_a eph_n 156_o which_o be_v impossible_a in_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n for_o proof_n whereof_o eusebius_n give_v in_o ample_a testimony_n in_o his_o chronical_a canon_n cite_v the_o 14_o book_n of_o phlegon_n of_o trallis_n who_o assert_n it_o to_o have_v happen_v in_o the_o four_o year_n of_o the_o 202_o olympiad_n dionysius_n also_o the_o areopagite_n be_v mention_v by_o the_o magdeburgenses_n for_o a_o epistle_n of_o his_o write_v to_o the_o citizen_n of_o heliopolis_n or_o on_o in_o egypt_n wherein_o that_o common_a say_n be_v avouch_v for_o his_o deus_fw-la naturae_fw-la patitur_fw-la constantini_n magd_v cent_n 1_o l_o 1_o c_o 11_o p_o 381_o augu_v in_o ep_n rom_n the_o civet_n deil_v 10_o c_o 27_o &_o euseh_n in_o vit_fw-fr constantini_n aut_fw-la mundi_fw-la machina_fw-la collabitur_fw-la the_o god_n of_o nature_n suffer_v or_o else_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o world_n be_v fly_v in_o piece_n beside_o what_o petrus_n comester_n record_n where_o ever_o he_o have_v it_o that_o the_o philosopher_n of_o athens_n dispute_v about_o this_o eclipse_n as_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o build_v that_o altar_n to_o the_o unknown_a god_n though_o pausanias_n as_o i_o remember_v declare_v it_o to_o have_v be_v erect_v upon_o the_o great_a devastation_n make_v by_o that_o fearful_a pestilence_n at_o athens_n etc._n pausan_n in_o atticis_fw-la laert_n in_o epimedid_a lucian_n philopatri_fw-la oecumenius_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o peloponnesian_a war_n so_o notable_o describe_v by_o thucydides_n but_o pass_v that_o the_o aforesaid_a admirable_a eclipse_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v celebrate_v near_o the_o fullmoon_n of_o the_o paschal_n solemnity_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o the_o moon_n herself_o must_v be_v prodigious_o and_o total_o eclipse_v be_v near_o her_o opposition_n at_o the_o same_o time_n nay_o there_o be_v moreover_o another_o eclipse_n of_o the_o moon_n in_o her_o natural_a course_n in_o the_o evening_n of_o the_o same_o day_n as_o by_o calculation_n out_o of_o the_o table_n do_v manifest_o appear_v the_o scheme_n whereof_o be_v exhibit_v by_o buntingius_fw-la in_o his_o chronology_n and_o i_o think_v declare_v by_o other_o also_o so_o that_o there_o be_v three_o eclipse_n in_o the_o compass_n of_o one_o natural_a day_n that_o all_o the_o inhabitantsround_n the_o globe_n may_v read_v in_o the_o heaven_n some_o wonderful_a work_n about_o that_o time_n annis_fw-la lang._n de_fw-fr christ_n annis_fw-la have_v they_o know_v the_o language_n of_o those_o glitter_a lamp_n who_o place_n be_v then_o near_o the_o equinoctial_a the_o sun_n in_o aries_n &_o the_o moon_n in_o libra_n they_o may_v be_v see_v almost_o from_o pole_n to_o pole._n such_o a_o spectacle_n as_o never_o have_v happen_v from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o possible_o may_v never_o again_o it_o be_v a_o superlative_a attestation_n to_o the_o glorious_a suffering_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n concern_v the_o darkness_n of_o that_o time_n how_o dreadful_a and_o universal_a it_o be_v other_o have_v discourse_v i_o shall_v not_o enlarge_v many_o other_o wonderful_a miracle_n transact_v by_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o thousand_o by_o our_o lord_n and_o many_o of_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a be_v set_v down_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o holy_a oracle_n several_a thing_n and_o some_o person_n mention_v in_o the_o sacred_a book_n be_v likewise_o glance_v at_o by_o the_o heathen_a writer_n such_o person_n as_o the_o magi_n be_v hint_v by_o laertius_n some_o thing_n mention_v by_o celsus_n in_o origen_n refutation_n of_o his_o heathenish_a opinion_n by_o julian_n porphyry_n apollonius_n etc._n etc._n who_o endeavour_v to_o undermine_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n
the_o write_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o not_o the_o consign_v the_o canon_n for_o indeed_o the_o apostle_n do_v compile_v his_o gospel_n rogatus_n ab_fw-la asiâ—_n episcopis_fw-la at_o the_o desire_n 67._o euseb_n l._n 4._o c._n 18_o &_o l._n 5._o c._n 6_o irenaeus_n l._n 0._o c._n 1_o &_o l._n 5._o justin_a warâ—_n heronim_fw-la in_o catalogo_fw-la ut_fw-la magdeb_fw-mi lent_fw-la 1._o l_o 2._o c_o 10._o p_o 569._o &_o l_o 2._o c._n 4._o p._n 67._o of_o the_o bishop_n of_o â—â—sia_n as_o eusebius_n and_o jerom_n and_o other_o relate_v that_o be_v very_o true_a now_o though_o some_o hence_o will_v deem_v that_o his_o gospel_n be_v the_o last_o book_n of_o scripture_n write_v by_o any_o apostle_n yet_o i_o rather_o understand_v it_o as_o i_o say_v before_o that_o he_o be_v the_o last_o that_o write_v any_o gospel_n of_o the_o life_n and_o act_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n for_o so_o the_o word_n of_o jerom_n import_v novissimus_fw-la omnium_fw-la &_o c._n â—he_n be_v the_o last_o of_o all_o that_o write_v any_o gospel_n history_n not_o that_o he_o novissimum_fw-la librum_fw-la novi_fw-la testamâ—nti_fw-la conscripsit_fw-la write_v the_o last_o book_n of_o the_o testament_n that_o can_v be_v fetch_v out_o of_o these_o word_n of_o jerom_n but_o be_v a_o force_n put_v upon_o they_o from_o whence_o they_o will_v seem_v to_o draw_v that_o if_o his_o gospel_n be_v the_o last_o book_n write_v then_o he_o thereby_o consign_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n but_o the_o former_a not_o be_v clear_a from_o thâ—se_a word_n that_o because_o he_o be_v the_o last_o that_o write_v a_o gospel_n that_o therefore_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o last_o book_n of_o scripture_n that_o be_v write_v by_o any_o apostle_n that_o be_v not_o consequent_a but_o if_o we_o can_v clear_v that_o the_o gospel_n of_o john_n be_v the_o last_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n that_o ever_o be_v write_v by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n it_o be_v to_o purpose_n indeed_o that_o the_o canon_n be_v seal_v up_o by_o it_o but_o if_o the_o revelation_n shall_v prove_v to_o be_v the_o last_o book_n write_v by_o command_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o pen_v at_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o asian_a church_n according_a to_o his_o vision_n in_o patmus_n than_o it_o must_v be_v sigillum_fw-la canonis_fw-la the_o finisher_n of_o the_o holy_a canon_n but_o this_o as_o yet_o i_o can_v certain_o find_v and_o therefore_o at_o present_a must_v acquiesce_v yet_o as_o to_o this_o revelation_n book_n there_o be_v of_o old_a much_o debate_n it_o be_v at_o last_o determine_v among_o the_o heresy_n to_o question_v its_o authority_n now_o its_o be_v so_o late_o receive_v it_o seem_v to_o imply_v that_o it_o be_v the_o late_a pen_v whatsoever_o have_v be_v hitherto_o say_v i_o rather_o incline_v to_o think_v that_o this_o great_a work_n be_v not_o concredit_v to_o angel_n or_o any_o holy_a man_n or_o primitive_a church_n at_o first_o but_o perform_v by_o the_o majestical_a authority_n the_o lord_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o that_o he_o himself_o in_o his_o own_o person_n command_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o canon_n to_o his_o servant_n john_n from_o heaven_n in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o revelation-book_n however_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o we_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o this_o testimony_n of_o john_n formal_o set_v down_o by_o any_o ecclesiastic_a writer_n of_o the_o primitive_a time_n that_o i_o have_v have_v the_o happiness_n to_o peruse_v happy_a they_o that_o shall_v produce_v it_o authentic_a just_a and_o true_a eut_fw-fr it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o our_o lord_n himself_o perform_v this_o work_n when_o he_o add_v those_o direful_a and_o fearful_a curse_n to_o fall_v upon_o any_o that_o dare_v to_o add_v or_o diminish_v from_o it_o which_o look_v like_o a_o sanction_n of_o heavenly_a majesty_n 19_o pro._n 22_o 18_o 19_o not_o only_o pronounce_v that_o particular_a prophecy_n but_o as_o extensive_a to_o the_o whole_a bible_n since_o it_o be_v foretell_v by_o daniel_n that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v not_o only_o suffer_v for_o transgression_n grasserus_n dan_fw-mi 9_o 24_o grasserus_n but_o also_o seal_v up_o vision_n and_o prophecy_n which_o i_o well_o know_v may_v be_v construe_v in_o reference_n to_o all_o the_o ancient_a vision_n concentr_v in_o he_o but_o the_o phrase_n may_v comprehend_v also_o his_o seal_n and_o determine_v and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o vision_n and_o prophecy_n after_o which_o there_o shall_v come_v no_o more_o he_o be_v the_o great_a prophet_n of_o his_o church_n and_o his_o holy_a spirit_n the_o great_a dictator_n of_o scripture_n this_o i_o humble_o take_v to_o be_v the_o full_a final_a and_o utmost_a period_n of_o all_o scripture_n according_a to_o the_o foretell_v of_o daniel_n and_o the_o practical_a consignation_n by_o our_o lord_n himself_o and_o therefore_o need_v no_o further_a authority_n whether_o then_o this_o or_o the_o gospel_n be_v write_v last_o it_o matter_n not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o the_o sign_v of_o the_o canon_n but_o since_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o time_n do_v attest_v it_o and_o the_o primitive_a church_n worship_v and_o walk_v by_o its_o light_n and_o that_o ever_o since_o by_o some_o notable_a providence_n it_o have_v stand_v in_o the_o rear_n of_o the_o canon_n in_o all_o age_n we_o have_v receive_v it_o in_o connexion_n with_o the_o other_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o complex_fw-la or_o body_n of_o divine_a truth_n let_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o therein_o as_o tertullian_n express_v it_o we_o adore_v the_o fullness_n of_o the_o scripture_n 1.21_o rom_n 3_o 2_o 1_o tim_n 3_o 16_o 2_o pet_n 1.21_o to_o draw_v towards_o a_o upshot_n since_o we_o find_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n cite_v in_o the_o new_a as_o the_o oracle_n of_o godand_a thereby_o make_v authentical_a by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a time_n speak_v as_o move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o what_o they_o write_v be_v receive_v by_o the_o jewish_a church_n which_o be_v dignify_v with_o that_o honour_n to_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o keeper_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n since_o also_o that_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v confirm_v by_o divine_a miracle_n and_o oracle_n and_o the_o attestation_n of_o our_o lord_n himself_o in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o revelation_n what_o remain_v but_o to_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v of_o heavenly_a original_n and_o have_v supremacy_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n and_o over_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o life_n and_o be_v as_o a_o star_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n direct_v we_o in_o the_o path_n to_o eternal_a life_n whatever_o the_o romanist_n talk_v of_o their_o church_n or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o patriarchal_a seat_n especial_o jerusalem_n and_o antioch_n where_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o peter_n sit_v yet_o the_o church_n can_v give_v no_o authority_n to_o scripture_n 2d_o eph._n 2._o 2d_o but_o commendatory_a and_o all_o else_o be_v but_o sophism_n for_o the_o church_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o prophet_n so_o that_o although_o at_o first_o we_o receive_v the_o scripture_n in_o and_o from_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n yet_o as_o augustine_n saâ—ing_n to_o this_o point_n may_v be_v gloss_v the_o whole_a authority_n both_o for_o minister_n to_o preach_v and_o church_n to_o act_n be_v deduce_v only_o from_o thâ—_n holy_a scripture_n so_o that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n ought_v to_o do_v nothing_o in_o doctrine_n worship_n or_o manner_n but_o as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v their_o best_a their_o unerring_a and_o most_o authentic_a guide_v there_o rest_v yet_o a_o small_a objection_n before_o i_o conclude_v this_o chapter_n which_o be_v that_o if_o citation_n in_o the_o new_a as_o i_o say_v above_o do_v ratify_v the_o old_a then_o the_o septuagint_a translation_n shall_v receive_v a_o high_a character_n than_o the_o hebrew_n because_o in_o some_o place_n it_o be_v cite_v when_o differ_v from_o the_o hebrew_n then_o aratus_n be_v cite_v in_o the_o act_n and_o menander_n in_o the_o corinth_n 12_o act_n 17.28_o 1_o cor_fw-la 15_o 22._o it_o be_v 1â—_n 12_o and_o epimenides_n in_o titus_n be_v all_o authorize_v by_o the_o apostle_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o septuagint_n greek_n be_v cite_v only_o as_o a_o translation_n which_o by_o wonderful_a providence_n be_v compose_v at_o the_o command_n of_o ptolemy_n to_o prepate_n the_o grecian_a gentile_n for_o receive_v the_o gospel_n but_o i_o must_v not_o enlarge_v as_o to_o the_o heathen_a author_n aratus_n and_o epimenides_n be_v urge_v ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la as_o argument_n from_o their_o own_o prophet_n to_o convince_v theâ—_n of_o some_o heathenish_a folly_n and_o impiety_n as_o for_o menander_n he_o be_v cite_v as_o
of_o wound_a spirit_n and_o their_o consolation_n under_o the_o dark_a cloud_n and_o deep_a confusion_n while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o valley_n of_o dragon_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o true_o gracious_a person_n wade_v and_o dive_v through_o sickness_n trouble_n and_o strong_a anxiety_n when_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n languish_v and_o perish_v a_o thousand_o time_n over_o and_o over_o because_o the_o former_a enjoy_v the_o sweet_a influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o cool_v their_o conscience_n and_o calm_a their_o spirit_n into_o a_o halcyon_n serenity_n and_o sometime_o tread_v upon_o the_o asp_n and_o dragon_n without_o any_o fear_n by_o these_o and_o the_o like_a mean_n the_o scripture_n confirm_v and_o ascertain_v themselves_o like_o self-evident_a principle_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n strike_v aside_o the_o curtain_n and_o veil_n of_o ignorance_n and_o purge_v the_o corruption_n out_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n let_v all_o the_o world_n rage_n in_o storm_n of_o contradiction_n and_o like_o he_o in_o laertius_n affirm_v snow_n to_o be_v black_a or_o another_o that_o there_o be_v no_o sense_n in_o pain_n or_o bold_o assert_v the_o sun_n shine_v not_o when_o i_o see_v it_o or_o a_o cordial_a comfort_n not_o when_o i_o feel_v it_o 2._o job_n 6.4_o psal_n 38_o 2._o or_o that_o a_o trouble_a conscience_n be_v but_o a_o melancholy_a fancy_n when_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n drink_v up_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n these_o shall_v be_v send_v to_o anticyrae_n to_o purge_v with_o hellebor_n for_o madness_n pray_v what_o energy_n or_o power_n can_v he_o in_o a_o print_a paper_n in_o the_o read_n of_o a_o chapter_n wherewith_o austin_n and_o junius_n be_v convert_v from_o sin_n to_o god_n or_o what_o powerful_a charm_n in_o hear_v a_o mean_a preacher_n perhaps_o none_o of_o the_o learnede_a like_o the_o bless_a fisherman_n of_o galilee_n to_o change_v the_o heart_n if_o so_o many_o proud_a haughty_a and_o rebellious_a sinner_n who_o of_o direful_a persecutor_n have_v sometime_o turn_v tender_a cherisher_n and_o protector_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 17._o jer._n 22.29_o psal_n 19.11_o heb._n 4.12_o ezek._n 2.4.3_o 11_o 17._o be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o fire_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n that_o melt_v the_o stone_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o hammer_n of_o that_o word_n that_o break_v the_o rock_n of_o the_o sturdy_a zanzummims_n all_o to_o powder_n insomuch_o that_o bitter_a scoffer_n have_v be_v change_v into_o witty_a tertullia_n and_o turn_v their_o satyr_n into_o panegyric_n some_o morese_n philosopher_n have_v prove_v quick_a and_o acute_a disputant_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n to_o defend_v the_o christian_a religion_n what_o can_v that_o be_v imagine_v to_o be_v that_o work_v so_o strange_a effect_n upon_o whole_a nation_n from_o the_o east_n to_o the_o western-indy_n whiten_v the_o blackmoor_n civilise_a the_o heart_n of_o scythian_n more_o ferine_n ragged_a and_o brutish_a than_o the_o rock_n and_o hyrcanian_a tiger_n that_o gâ—ve_v they_o suck_v and_o beautify_v the_o barbarious_o paint_v britain_n far_o beyond_o the_o oratory_n of_o the_o gaul_n it_o can_v be_v no_o other_o power_n than_o the_o awful_a dread_n of_o the_o divine_a majesly_a and_o the_o melt_a sweetness_n of_o his_o mercy_n concomitant_a with_o his_o heavenly_a word_n wherefore_o such_o be_v just_o to_o be_v suspect_v for_o stranger_n to_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n like_o nicodemus_n at_o first_o though_o a_o great_a doctor_n in_o israel_n yet_o a_o great_a dunce_n in_o the_o excellenc_a point_n of_o the_o new-birth_n or_o like_o that_o doctor_n at_o oxford_n sometime_o since_o that_o search_v his_o dictionary_n for_o the_o word_n regeneration_n and_o can_v not_o tell_v what_o to_o make_v of_o it_o because_o he_o find_v it_o not_o there_o i_o say_v we_o may_v great_o fear_v that_o they_o never_o feel_v this_o mighty_a power_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o change_v their_o heart_n 1.16_o rom._n 1.16_o that_o dare_v talk_v so_o proud_o and_o irreverent_o against_o the_o self-evidencing_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n when_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n shine_v ten_o thousand_o time_n brighrer_n in_o the_o meridian_n of_o that_o book_n than_o the_o sun_n without_o cloud_n at_o noonday_n in_o the_o zenith_n of_o africa_n i_o shall_v entreat_v my_o ingenuous_a and_o pious_a reader_n kind_a leave_n to_o descend_v into_o the_o bowel_n of_o two_o argument_n to_o give_v evidence_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o so_o conclude_v this_o present_a chapter_n which_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o oracle_n and_o miracle_n mention_v in_o this_o sacred_a book_n the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o one_o and_o perform_v of_o the_o other_o to_o the_o consternation_n and_o amazement_n of_o such_o as_o have_v the_o happiness_n to_o be_v spectator_n of_o either_o be_v in_o some_o part_n attest_v and_o confirm_v by_o heathen_n themselves_o and_o clear_v off_o by_o several_a writer_n of_o unquestionable_a authority_n confess_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v accomplish_v in_o the_o succession_n of_o several_a age_n with_o great_a exactness_n and_o punctuality_n sect_n i._o of_o scripture_n oracle_n for_o this_o purpose_n it_o must_v be_v lay_v down_o for_o a_o stand_a rule_n that_o the_o certain_a and_o determinate_a foreknowledge_n and_o prediction_n of_o future_a event_n long_o before_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v be_v a_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o power_n and_o compatible_a to_o no_o create_v be_v hence_o the_o lord_n challenge_v this_o glory_n to_o his_o own_o name_n that_o former_a thing_n foretell_v by_o he_o do_v issue_n in_o the_o time_n predict_v yea_o further_o 42.9_o isai_n 42.9_o to_o lift_v up_o the_o people_n into_o the_o mount_n of_o observation_n tell_v they_o he_o will_v declare_v new_a thing_n before_o they_o shall_v spring_v forth_o of_o the_o womb_n of_o providence_n nay_o 10_o isa_n 43_o 9_o 10_o call_v to_o the_o heathen_a to_o bring_v out_o their_o witness_n if_o they_o have_v any_o to_o justify_v their_o idol_n as_o to_o the_o verity_n of_o their_o prediction_n and_o then_o appeal_v to_o the_o jew_n as_o his_o own_o witness_n that_o they_o may_v know_v believe_v and_o understand_v that_o he_o be_v god_n and_o before_o he_o there_o be_v no_o god_n form_v nor_o shall_v be_v after_o he_o which_o argument_n be_v amplify_v and_o prosecute_v in_o the_o forty_o fixth_n and_o forty_o eight_o chapter_n assert_v the_o divinity_n of_o his_o essence_n and_o the_o verity_n of_o his_o declaration_n and_o prophecy_n citation_n may_v multiply_v in_o which_o the_o silver_n trumpet_n of_o the_o holy_a prophet_n sound_v harmonious_o in_o the_o ear_n of_o all_o nation_n 1.25_o 1_o pet._n 1.25_o proclaim_v this_o mark_n and_o character_n of_o his_o eternal_a deity_n and_o that_o his_o word_n endure_v for_o ever_o and_o be_v fill_v up_o to_o the_o brim_n with_o veracity_n and_o run_v over_o the_o bank_n of_o all_o age_n in_o crystalline_a stream_n of_o accomplishment_n while_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d &_o all_o the_o delphian_a and_o dodâ—nean_a oracle_n have_v fill_v the_o heathen_a world_n with_o crooked_a serpentine_a lie_n and_o cheat_v 16._o mat._n 5_o 16._o whereas_o the_o very_a ordinance_n of_o heaven_n shall_v soon_o be_v involve_v into_o their_o ancient_a dismal_a chaos_n than_o any_o of_o these_o bless_a say_n shall_v in_o the_o least_o tittle_n be_v dissolve_v or_o make_v void_a i_o shall_v now_o enter_v upon_o some_o of_o the_o famous_a oracle_n of_o scripture_n which_o have_v be_v so_o plain_o verify_v before_o the_o eye_n of_o many_o nation_n that_o several_a philosopher_n and_o historian_n of_o the_o gentile_n have_v confess_v this_o truth_n and_o bear_v witness_n to_o their_o eventual_a fulfilling_n and_o doubtless_o honour_v and_o embrace_v those_o divine_a parchment_n with_o great_a veneration_n when_o many_o of_o they_o travel_v into_o syria_n and_o have_v the_o great_a happiness_n by_o the_o leave_n of_o some_o ruler_n of_o synagogue_n prece_fw-la &_o pretio_fw-la use_v gift_n and_o entreaty_n to_o behold_v and_o read_v those_o heavenly_a prophecy_n and_o it_o be_v more_o than_o likely_a that_o many_o notion_n among_o the_o ancient_a platonist_n be_v corruption_n of_o and_o composition_n with_o the_o matter_n of_o those_o profound_a write_n but_o before_o further_a procedure_n i_o must_v premise_v that_o for_o want_v of_o my_o library_n at_o hand_n since_o my_o sad_a recess_n from_o my_o most_o desire_a service_n i_o be_o force_v to_o make_v the_o best_a use_n i_o can_v of_o my_o memory_n and_o therefore_o can_v make_v my_o citation_n so_o perfect_a and_o exact_a as_o i_o else_o will_v and_o partly_o from_o the_o defect_n of_o historian_n in_o barbarous_a age_n we_o
have_v by_o the_o conduct_n of_o providence_n strange_o ratify_v it_o niceph_n niceph_n as_o the_o patriarch_n of_o jerusalem_n say_v of_o julian_n attempt_v to_o rebuild_v the_o temple_n mat._n mat._n it_o happen_v that_o not_o a_o stone_n be_v leave_v upon_o a_o stone_n there_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n send_v thunder_n and_o lightning_n and_o ebullition_n of_o fire_n out_o of_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n so_o violent_a that_o all_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o old_a temple_n be_v fling_v out_o to_o the_o destruction_n of_o many_o of_o the_o old_a jewish_a builder_n at_o that_o time_n there_o be_v several_a of_o the_o learned_a primitive_a father_n have_v take_v great_a pain_n to_o good_a purpose_n on_o such_o like_a point_n as_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n origen_n justin_n martyr_n lactantius_n arnobius_n eusebius_n etc._n etc._n who_o have_v distinct_o write_v against_o the_o gentile_n with_o the_o pen_n of_o a_o diamond_n and_o abundant_o refel_v their_o error_n and_o sophistâ—ies_n sâ—tting_v forth_o the_o great_a and_o mighty_a act_n of_o holy_a man_n of_o old_a attest_v the_o sacred_a doctrine_n yea_o so_o great_a be_v the_o conviction_n of_o the_o stupendous_a work_n of_o our_o bless_a messiah_n the_o wonderful_a the_o counsellor_n upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o emperor_n tiberius_n 2._o isai_n 9_o 6_o â—useb_fw-mi ex_fw-la terâ—eul_n l_o 2._o c._n 2._o that_o he_o strong_o urge_v the_o senate_n of_o rome_n to_o recognize_v he_o for_o god._n but_o the_o counsel_n be_v horrible_a idolater_n will_v not_o admit_v it_o because_o say_v he_o he_o will_v have_v no_o other_o god_n beside_o himself_o which_o indeed_o be_v but_o his_o just_a and_o magnificent_a right_n nor_o will_v he_o give_v up_o his_o glory_n to_o dumb_a idol_n but_o yet_o these_o mighty_a work_n forspeak_v of_o though_o they_o do_v not_o nor_o can_v of_o themselves_o direct_o cause_n true_a faith_n in_o the_o heart_n 6.10_o isai_n 6.10_o without_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n else_o why_o do_v not_o the_o gross-hearted_n jew_n believe_v yet_o be_v they_o a_o strong_a foundation_n for_o faith_n to_o insist_v upon_o and_o to_o induce_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o that_o person_n who_o be_v the_o original_a revealer_n and_o deliverer_n of_o these_o scripture_n of_o truth_n to_o the_o world._n 10.21_o dan._n 10.21_o however_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o miracle_n work_v no_o faith_n without_o a_o divine_a concurrence_n but_o person_n as_o pharach_n and_o his_o associate_n may_v stand_v amaze_v a_o while_n yet_o quick_o return_v to_o their_o late_a stupidity_n 2.23_o job_n 2.23_o and_o our_o bless_a lord_n we_o see_v will_v not_o trust_v the_o unbelieve_a jew_n though_o he_o have_v exhibit_v great_a miracle_n among_o they_o because_o he_o know_v what_o be_v in_o the_o corrupt_a and_o false_a heart_n of_o man._n but_o now_o let_v we_o step_v into_o the_o three_o and_o last_o section_n of_o this_o chapter_n sect_n iii_o the_o consignation_n of_o the_o canon_n have_v by_o many_o argument_n i_o hope_v demonstrate_v the_o sacred_a authority_n of_o those_o inestimable_a volume_n of_o scripture_n there_o yet_o remain_v a_o enquiry_n about_o the_o finish_n of_o the_o canon_n or_o the_o compass_n of_o all_o the_o book_n that_o be_v of_o divine_a stamp_n and_o original_n those_o two_o great_a luminary_n of_o the_o english_a nation_n dr._n john_n rainolds_n of_o oxford_n and_o dr._n william_n whitaker_n of_o cambridge_n have_v large_o and_o solid_o handle_v this_o point_n against_o the_o romanist_n which_o the_o learned_a know_v better_o than_o i_o but_o since_o that_o somewhat_o on_o this_o subject_n may_v not_o be_v ungrateful_a or_o unuseful_a to_o many_o give_v leave_n to_o treat_v a_o little_a upon_o it_o in_o this_o section_n and_o so_o conclude_v this_o first_o chapter_n it_o be_v then_o the_o sentiment_n of_o several_a of_o the_o ancient_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n that_o the_o holy_a apostle_n of_o the_o lord_n do_v consign_v or_o state_n the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n and_o it_o have_v obtain_v among_o many_o of_o the_o learned_a for_o a_o indubitable_a truth_n of_o which_o testimony_n i_o shall_v recite_v some_o to_o that_o purpose_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v melito_n bishop_n of_o sardis_n about_o the_o year_n 170._o so_o say_v eusebius_n 25_o a._n 170_o euseb_n l._n 4._o c._n 25_o attest_v that_o he_o set_v out_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n just_a as_o we_o do_v omit_v the_o apocrypha_fw-la for_o which_o purpose_n he_o travel_v into_o the_o east_n to_o gain_v full_a intelligence_n athanasius_n of_o alexandria_n set_v down_o the_o same_o catalogue_n 340_o a._n 340_o as_o rainold_n de_fw-fr apocryphis_fw-la vol._n 1._o p._n 361._o cyril_n of_o jerusalem_n 360_o a._n 360_o the_o same_o in_o his_o catechis_n l._n 4._o and_o express_o assert_v the_o apostle_n to_o be_v the_o declarer_n of_o that_o canon_n and_o that_o it_o be_v receive_v from_o they_o 361_o rain_n p._n 328._o &_o 361_o in_o these_o word_n qui_fw-la hos_fw-la nobis_fw-la libros_fw-la tradiderunt_fw-la that_o deliver_v these_o book_n over_o unto_o we_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n meet_v in_o a_o apostolical_a church_n and_o compose_v of_o asian_a bishop_n 385_o a._n 394._o or_o 8._o magd._n count_v 4._o p._n 833._o a._n 385_o mention_n not_o other_o as_o to_o the_o old_a testament_n amphilochius_n of_o iconium_n recite_v the_o same_o rain_n p._n 332._o jerom_n in_o his_o catalogue_n of_o ancient_a writer_n express_v it_o thus_o of_o john_n novissimus_fw-la omnium_fw-la scripsit_fw-la evangellum_fw-la rogatus_fw-la ab_fw-la asiae_n episcopis_fw-la that_o he_o be_v entreat_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o asia_n of_o all_o the_o evangelist_n be_v the_o last_o that_o write_v a_o gospel_n as_o we_o may_v gloss_n upon_o the_o word_n we_o find_v also_o that_o justin_n martyr_n affirm_v that_o john_n do_v see_v the_o vision_n and_o compose_v the_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o what_o he_o see_v in_o patmos_n now_o patina_n in_o the_o egaean_a sea._n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n it_o be_v attest_v by_o irenaeus_n lib._n 5._o towards_o the_o end_n and_o by_o eusebius_n l._n 4._o c._n 18._o furthermore_o austin_n who_o a_o little_a survive_v jerom_n in_o his_o book_n against_o faustus_n excellentia_fw-la canonicae_fw-la autoritatis_fw-la veteris_fw-la &_o novi_fw-la testamenti_fw-la &c_n &c_n apostolorum_fw-la confirmata_fw-la temperibus_fw-la etc._n etc._n and_o again_o nemo_fw-la dare_v potest_fw-la authoritatem_fw-la cviquam_fw-la libro_fw-la 4._o august_n contra_fw-la faustum_n l._n 11._o c._n 5._o l._n 13._o c._n 4._o quam_fw-la per_fw-la ecclesias_fw-la christi_fw-la ab_fw-la ipsis_fw-la apostolis_n con_v utas_fw-la non_fw-la accipit_fw-la ut_fw-la inde_fw-la ad_fw-la posteros_fw-la firmata_fw-la commendatione_fw-la transcurreret_fw-la none_o can_v give_v authority_n to_o any_o book_n that_o be_v of_o scripture_n which_o he_o have_v not_o receive_v from_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n constitute_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v transmit_v with_o a_o firm_a recommendation_n to_o posterity_n 8._o de_fw-fr doct._n christ_n l._n 2._o c._n 8._o again_o when_o treat_v of_o the_o canon_n he_o say_v we_o shall_v follow_v the_o authority_n of_o those_o church_n quae_fw-la apostolicas_fw-la sedes_fw-la habere_fw-la &_o epistolas_fw-la accipere_fw-la meruerunt_fw-la which_o be_v dignify_v by_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o receive_v epistle_n from_o they_o and_o such_o be_v the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n who_o canon_n be_v above-cited_n there_o be_v moreover_o a_o famous_a quotation_n out_o of_o eusebius_n mention_v by_o dr._n cousin_n in_o his_o history_n of_o the_o canon_n where_o he_o bring_v the_o ancient_n assert_v 1657_o page_n 32_o edit_v lond_n 4_o to_o 1657_o that_o the_o apostle_n john_n rogatu_fw-la at_o the_o request_n of_o the_o asian_a church_n do_v fix_v the_o genuine_a canon_n of_o scripture_n and_o add_v eusebius_n to_o it_o this_o be_v in_o the_o margin_n but_o in_o teâ—t_n of_o his_o discourse_n c._n 4.647_o thus_o before_o saint_n john_n dve_v who_o die_v last_o of_o all_o the_o apostle_n the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n be_v make_v perfect_a and_o deliver_v over_o to_o the_o christian_a church_n what_o a_o happy_a pâ—n_n have_v he_o use_v and_o blessed_v the_o church_n with_o a_o excellent_a discovery_n have_v he_o quote_v the_o chapter_n and_o book_n out_o of_o eusebius_n if_o the_o word_n cite_v be_v real_o there_o but_o upon_o most_o diligent_a search_n i_o can_v never_o yet_o find_v it_o in_o that_o author_n though_o i_o have_v read_v he_o over_o but_o pardon_v my_o say_n so_o in_o some_o place_n but_o especial_o the_o recite_v over_o and_o over_o if_o there_o be_v any_o mistake_n in_o my_o search_n how_o glad_a to_o see_v it_o rectify_v and_o how_o thankful_a but_o i_o fear_v otherwise_o and_o rather_o suppose_v either_o he_o have_v some_o other_o copy_n or_o manuscript_n or_o else_o the_o mistake_a citation_n must_v refer_v to_o
the_o learned_a judge_n in_o answer_n to_o anacreon_n in_o the_o 32_o verse_n of_o his_o atheistical_a rhyme_n much_o like_a horace_n and_o other_o epicurean_a ballad_n maker_n who_o often_o push_n at_o one_o another_o with_o scoff_v and_o jeer_n nay_o far_o better_a man_n than_o they_o some_o of_o the_o good_a father_n of_o the_o primitive_a time_n in_o the_o apology_n make_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o christian-church_n bring_v in_o multitude_n of_o testimony_n out_o of_o heathen_a writer_n against_o their_o pagan_a idolatry_n superstition_n atheism_n persecution_n and_o the_o vain_a boast_n of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o their_o shameful_a dunghill_n deity_n which_o matter_n be_v obvious_a in_o the_o writing_n of_o origen_n against_o celsus_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n in_o his_o stromata_fw-la minutius_n faelix_fw-la arnokius_n against_o the_o gentile_n austin_n in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o city_n of_o god_n and_o learned_a jerâ—m_n in_o many_o of_o his_o epistle_n and_o commentary_n let_v we_o then_o determine_v this_o point_n from_o what_o proceed_v in_o the_o argument_n assâ—meâ—_n from_o oracle_n and_o miracle_n council_n gelas_n cizenes_n hist_o niceâ—_n council_n nnd_v many_o other_o ground_n brief_o touch_v above_o that_o they_o be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n but_o particular_o by_o their_o convert_n power_n upon_o the_o soul_n command_v reverence_n and_o tremble_v and_o horror_n into_o the_o conscience_n both_o of_o man_n and_o devil_n as_o they_o do_v upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o that_o petulant_a philosopher_n in_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a nay_o so_o terrible_a be_v the_o weight_n of_o these_o truth_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o some_o fleer_a atheist_n that_o they_o be_v force_v sometime_o to_o hobbianize_v that_o be_v tremble_v to_o be_v in_o the_o darkâ—_n as_o he_o do_v at_o the_o lord_n of_o devonshire_n be_v afraid_a to_o walk_v abroad_o without_o mastiff_n or_o pistol_n and_o how_o much_o more_o be_v he_o appal_a at_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n whereas_o on_o the_o other_o side_n how_o often_o have_v we_o see_v with_o joy_n and_o delight_n this_o bless_a word_n of_o god_n to_o have_v comfort_v many_o a_o soul_n in_o the_o great_a conflict_n and_o agony_n of_o death_n whence_o it_o follow_v that_o these_o effect_n must_v be_v the_o issue_n of_o divine_a power_n &_o that_o these_o writing_n be_v indeed_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o holy_a god_n since_o no_o other_o book_n or_o preach_n do_v or_o can_v so_o rouse_v and_o startle_v the_o proud_a conscience_n of_o man._n insomuch_o that_o else_o we_o may_v just_o wonder_v what_o the_o man_n ail_v that_o be_v so_o torment_v his_o heart_n rage_v like_o the_o trouble_a sea_n till_o the_o alabaster_n box_n of_o fragrant_a ointment_n be_v open_v out_o of_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o balsam_n when_o pour_v into_o a_o scald_a and_o wound_a spirit_n immediate_o assuage_n its_o pain_n and_o sink_v the_o blister_n which_o all_o the_o divine_n and_o holy_a orator_n in_o the_o world_n can_v never_o do_v till_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n stamp_v idea_n of_o mercy_n and_o comfort_n speak_v peace_n to_o the_o soul._n whence_o we_o may_v sweet_o infer_v that_o no_o other_o book_n can_v be_v receive_v with_o any_o powerful_a convictive_a authority_n but_o where_o in_o they_o agree_v with_o the_o tenor_n and_o canon_n of_o holy_a scripture_n so_o that_o whoever_o walk_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n 6.16_o gal._n 6.16_o peace_n shall_v be_v on_o he_o &_o mercy_n as_o on_o the_o israel_n of_o god._n i_o shall_v then_o finish_v this_o first_o chapter_n with_o that_o inference_n for_o which_o those_o medium_n be_v bring_v that_o since_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n be_v the_o very_a scope_n and_o design_n the_o very_a sum_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n upon_o they_o as_o the_o doctrinal_a object_n of_o such_o divine_a original_n be_v ground_v on_o the_o holiness_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o omnipotent_a and_o eternal_a god._n wherein_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o deceive_v we_o in_o not_o fulfil_v his_o gracious_a promise_n 6.18_o heb._n 6.18_o to_o humble_a contrite_a and_o break_a spirit_n that_o â—rust_v in_o his_o mercy_n in_o like_a manner_n 2.20_o eph._n 2.20_o the_o act_n of_o our_o faith_n on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o its_o personal_a object_n for_o our_o justification_n be_v build_v on_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o prophet_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a cornerstone_n 87.1_o psal_n 87.1_o lay_v by_o the_o father_n in_o the_o holy_a mountain_n whoever_o then_o believe_v not_o god_n on_o his_o word_n and_o promise_n make_v he_o a_o liar_n as_o far_o as_o in_o his_o power_n which_o every_o one_o shall_v tremble_v to_o think_v on_o 5.10_o 1_o joh._n 5.10_o because_o they_o believe_v not_o the_o record_n that_o god_n have_v give_v of_o his_o son._n which_o pertinent_o lead_v i_o into_o the_o second_o chapter_n about_o the_o deity_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n the_o natural_a and_o eternal_a son_n of_o god._n which_o doctrine_n be_v evict_v and_o manifest_v lay_v a_o most_o sure_a ground_n for_o faith_n to_o erect_v the_o temple_n of_o glory_n and_o will_v secure_v our_o tenure_n of_o salvation_n inviolable_a like_o a_o house_n build_v upon_o the_o rock_n of_o age_n that_o will_v endure_v to_o all_o eternity_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o deity_n of_o christ_n to_o prove_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a we_o must_v demonstrate_v his_o person_n to_o be_v infallible_a and_o to_o prove_v his_o suffering_n to_o be_v satisfactory_a to_o divine_a justice_n there_o must_v be_v a_o infinite_a value_n in_o that_o glorious_a person_n who_o be_v gracious_o please_v to_o suffer_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o elect._n if_o this_o be_v clear_a than_o faith_n build_v upon_o a_o foundation_n as_o firm_a as_o the_o be_v fidelity_n and_o constancy_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o gracious_a god_n this_o can_v be_v better_a fix_v but_o by_o manifest_v the_o deity_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o glorious_a messiah_n who_o appear_v upon_o earth_n in_o the_o day_n of_o augustus_n caesar_n now_o if_o christ_n be_v god_n even_o the_o natural_a son_n of_o god_n than_o the_o most_o precious_a blood_n of_o his_o suffering_n by_o communication_n of_o idiom_n or_o property_n between_o the_o two_o nature_n may_v be_v call_v the_o blood_n of_o god_n etc._n act_n 20.28_o heb_fw-mi 1.3_o &_o 9_o 12_o rev._n 1._o â—_o 8_o hornbeck_n mareius_n calovius_n etc._n etc._n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o deity_n of_o christ_n i_o intend_v no_o great_a enlargement_n but_o refer_v to_o those_o who_o write_v direct_o against_o the_o socinian_n heresy_n it_o concern_v we_o only_o to_o argue_v a_o little_a upon_o this_o point_n and_o deduce_v some_o intermix_a consequency_n as_o to_o this_o great_a subject_n have_v already_o account_v for_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o may_v now_o take_v leave_n to_o use_v they_o as_o testimony_n send_v from_o heaven_n and_o leave_v upon_o record_n in_o the_o church_n to_o prove_v this_o truth_n on_o which_o very_a score_n it_o be_v common_o receive_v from_o the_o ancient_n that_o the_o apostle_n john_n write_v his_o gospel_n against_o cerinthus_n and_o other_o primitive_a heretic_n by_o the_o instigation_n of_o the_o asian_a church_n but_o most_o certain_o by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god._n after_o he_o athanasius_n of_o egypt_n hillary_n of_o france_n and_o fulgentius_n of_o africa_n and_o several_a other_o have_v large_o and_o nervous_o handle_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n against_o the_o arian_n let_v we_o however_o touch_v a_o few_o argument_n in_o the_o case_n 1._o the_o first_o argument_n may_v be_v take_v from_o the_o eternity_n of_o christ_n no_o be_v can_v be_v eternal_a but_o must_v be_v god._n our_o lord_n be_v in_o be_v from_o all_o eternity_n and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v god_n he_o have_v a_o glory_n with_o the_o father_n before_o the_o world_n be_v 5â—_n joh._n 17_o 5â—_n but_o let_v we_o join_v it_o with_o eternal_a sonship_n and_o infer_v that_o if_o he_o be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n than_o he_o must_v be_v true_a god_n in_o essence_n 1.3_o heb._n 1.3_o for_o he_o must_v be_v every_o way_n the_o character_n of_o his_o hypostasis_fw-la or_o as_o we_o translate_v it_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n this_o argument_n of_o christ_n be_v god_n because_o he_o be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god._n the_o jew_n very_o well_o understand_v its_o force_n and_o therefore_o present_o argue_v against_o he_o of_o blasphemy_n in_o assume_v the_o honour_n of_o be_v god._n 5.18_o john_n 5.18_o for_o to_o be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n he_o must_v be_v coessential_a with_o god_n which_o confession_n that_o christ_n be_v the_o