the_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n therefore_o our_o business_n be_v to_o consider_v whether_o any_o such_o thing_n be_v contain_v in_o that_o revelation_n which_o we_o all_o own_o and_o if_o they_o be_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v they_o although_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v they_o now_o here_o be_v two_o remarkable_a character_n in_o these_o word_n by_o which_o we_o may_v examine_v these_o different_a hypothesis_n concern_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ._n i._o it_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v contain_v in_o that_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v concern_v our_o salvation_n by_o christ._n ii_o it_o be_v worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n i._n e._n most_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o mankind_n now_o by_o these_o two_o i_o shall_v proceed_v in_o the_o examination_n of_o they_o i._o which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n ii_o which_o do_v offer_v fair_o 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as_o much_o as_o we_o please_v and_o the_o more_o we_o do_v so_o the_o soon_o we_o shall_v come_v to_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o matter_n now_o according_a to_o reason_n we_o may_v judge_v that_o sense_n to_o be_v prefer_v 1._o which_o be_v most_o plain_a and_o easy_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o most_o receive_a sense_n of_o word_n not_o that_o which_o be_v force_v and_o intricate_a or_o which_o put_v improper_a and_o metaphorical_a sense_n upon_o word_n which_o be_v common_o take_v in_o other_o sense_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v no_o sacramental_a thing_n which_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v figurative_a 2._o that_o which_o suit_v most_o with_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n not_o only_o of_o the_o particular_a place_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n which_o be_v to_o magnify_v god_n and_o to_o depress_v man_n to_o set_v forth_o the_o infinite_a love_n and_o condescension_n of_o god_n in_o give_v his_o son_n to_o be_v a_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n to_o set_v up_o the_o worship_n of_o one_o true_a god_n in_o opposition_n to_o creature_n to_o represent_v and_o declare_v the_o mighty_a advantage_n mankind_n receive_v by_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n jesus_n 3._o that_o which_o have_v be_v general_o receive_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o those_o place_n for_o we_o be_v certain_a this_o be_v always_o look_v on_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a concernment_n to_o all_o christian_n and_o they_o have_v as_o great_a capacity_n of_o understand_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v great_a help_n for_o know_v it_o than_o other_o at_o so_o much_o great_a distance_n and_o therefore_o the_o sense_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v from_o modern_a invention_n or_o criticism_n or_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n but_o that_o which_o be_v at_o first_o deliver_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o have_v be_v since_o receive_v and_o embrace_v by_o it_o in_o the_o several_a age_n and_o have_v be_v most_o strenuous_o assert_v when_o it_o have_v meet_v with_o opposition_n as_o found_v on_o scripture_n and_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n 4._o that_o which_o best_a agree_v with_o the_o character_n of_o those_o person_n from_o who_o we_o receive_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o those_o be_v christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o holy_a apostle_n for_o if_o their_o authority_n be_v lose_v our_o religion_n be_v go_v and_o their_o authority_n depend_v upon_o their_o sincerity_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o care_n to_o inform_v the_o world_n aright_o in_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n 1._o i_o begin_v with_o the_o character_n which_o the_o apostle_n give_v of_o christ_n jesus_n himself_o which_o be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o person_n of_o the_o great_a humility_n and_o condescension_n that_o he_o do_v not_o assume_v to_o himself_o that_o which_o he_o may_v just_o have_v do_v for_o let_v the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v understand_v either_o as_o to_o the_o nature_n or_o dignity_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o must_v imply_v thus_o much_o that_o when_o christ_n jesus_n be_v here_o on_o earth_n he_o be_v not_o of_o a_o vain_a assume_v humour_n that_o he_o do_v not_o boast_v of_o himself_o nor_o magnify_v his_o own_o greatness_n but_o be_v content_v to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o other_o man_n although_o he_o have_v at_o that_o time_n far_o great_a and_o divine_a excellency_n in_o he_o than_o the_o world_n will_v believe_v less_o than_o this_o can_v be_v make_v of_o those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o god_n he_o 7._o think_v it_o not_o robbery_n to_o be_v equal_a with_o god_n but_o make_v himself_o of_o no_o reputation_n and_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n now_o this_o be_v the_o character_n give_v of_o he_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o he_o do_v affirm_v concern_v himself_o for_o although_o he_o be_v far_o from_o draw_v the_o people_n after_o he_o by_o set_v forth_o his_o own_o perfection_n yet_o upon_o just_a occasion_n when_o the_o jew_n contest_v with_o he_o he_o do_v assert_v such_o thing_n which_o must_v savour_v of_o vanity_n and_o ostentation_n or_o else_o must_v imply_v that_o he_o be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n for_o all_o mankind_n be_v agree_v that_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o ambition_n lie_v in_o affect_v divine_a honour_n or_o for_o a_o mere_a man_n to_o be_v think_v a_o god_n how_o severe_o do_v god_n punish_v herod_n for_o be_v please_v with_o the_o people_n folly_n in_o cry_v out_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v never_o have_v bear_v with_o such_o positive_a 22._o assertion_n and_o such_o repeat_v defence_n of_o his_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o imply_v his_o be_v so_o from_o eternity_n this_o in_o his_o dispute_n with_o the_o jew_n he_o affirm_v several_a time_n that_o he_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n not_o in_o a_o metaphorical_a but_o in_o a_o proper_a sense_n 33._o as_o appear_v by_o those_o word_n what_o and_o if_o you_o shall_v see_v the_o son_n of_o man_n ascend_v up_o 62._o where_o he_o be_v before_o in_o another_o conference_n he_o assert_v that_o he_o be_v before_o abraham_n 58._o which_o the_o jew_n so_o literal_o understand_v that_o without_o a_o metaphor_n they_o go_v about_o to_o stone_n he_o little_o imagine_v 59_o that_o by_o abraham_n the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v but_o above_o all_o be_v that_o expression_n which_o he_o use_v to_o the_o jew_n at_o another_o conference_n i_o and_o my_o father_n be_v one_o which_o they_o 30._o understand_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o immediate_o they_o take_v up_o stone_n to_o have_v stone_v 31._o he_o what_o mean_v all_o this_o rage_n of_o the_o jew_n against_o he_o what_o for_o say_v that_o he_o have_v unity_n of_o consent_n with_o his_o father_n no_o certain_o but_o the_o jew_n misunderstand_v he_o let_v we_o suppose_v it_o will_v not_o our_o saviour_n have_v immediate_o explain_v himself_o to_o prevent_v so_o dangerous_a a_o misconstruction_n but_o he_o ask_v they_o what_o it_o be_v they_o stone_v he_o for_o they_o answer_v he_o direct_o and_o plain_o because_o that_o thou_o be_v a_o 33._o man_n make_v thyself_o god_n this_o be_v home_o to_o the_o purpose_n and_o here_o be_v the_o time_n for_o he_o to_o have_v deny_v it_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v so_o but_o do_v he_o deny_v it_o do_v he_o say_v it_o will_v be_v blasphemy_n in_o he_o to_o own_v it_o no_o but_o he_o go_v about_o to_o defend_v it_o and_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v no_o blasphemy_n for_o he_o to_o say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o 36._o god_n i._n e._n so_o as_o to_o be_v god_n as_o the_o jew_n
which_o be_v not_o like_o a_o river_n which_o grow_v great_a by_o run_v but_o like_o a_o mineral_n water_n which_o lose_v its_o strength_n by_o be_v carry_v too_o far_o we_o find_v in_o the_o time_n of_o papias_n who_o live_v but_o in_o the_o second_o century_n the_o authority_n of_o bare_a tradition_n be_v mighty_o sink_v for_o eusebius_n say_v he_o converse_v 39â—_n with_o the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n he_o say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o go_v up_o and_o down_o to_o they_o to_o get_v what_o he_o can_v from_o they_o have_v a_o great_a esteem_n of_o what_o he_o can_v learn_v from_o they_o than_o of_o what_o be_v write_v and_o what_o advantage_n do_v this_o bring_v to_o the_o church_n it_o bring_v some_o idle_a opinion_n into_o reputation_n say_v eusebius_n for_o afterward_o they_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o fix_v they_o upon_o papias_n but_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o he_o to_o mistake_v eusebius_n say_v that_o be_v a_o man_n of_o mean_a capacity_n he_o may_v easy_o misunderstand_v the_o meaning_n of_o what_o be_v speak_v but_o if_o tradition_n may_v fail_v after_o such_o a_o manner_n so_o near_o the_o apostle_n time_n then_o we_o must_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o capacity_n as_o well_o as_o integrity_n of_o those_o of_o every_o age_n through_o who_o a_o tradition_n pass_v or_o else_o they_o may_v deceive_v or_o be_v deceive_v about_o it_o but_o god_n be_v please_v to_o provide_v better_o for_o the_o security_n of_o our_o faith_n by_o cause_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v write_v either_o by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o as_o st._n matthew_n and_o st._n john_n or_o by_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o chief_a apostle_n while_o the_o other_o be_v survive_v as_o st._n mark_n and_o st._n luke_n and_o the_o latter_a give_v this_o account_n of_o his_o undertake_n to_o write_v it_o viz._n that_o thou_o may_v know_v the_o the_o certainty_n of_o those_o 4._o thing_n wherein_o thou_o have_v be_v instruct_v his_o instruction_n be_v by_o a_o oral_a tradition_n but_o that_o it_o seem_v want_v something_o to_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v it_o and_o that_o be_v by_o st._n luke_n writing_n his_o gospel_n how_o can_v they_o add_v any_o assurance_n to_o he_o if_o all_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o certainty_n be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o tradition_n st._n luke_n think_v it_o necessary_a then_o that_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o life_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v put_v into_o write_v that_o they_o may_v be_v more_o certain_o convey_v and_o that_o while_o they_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n 2._o and_o so_o i_o come_v to_o the_o second_o rule_n of_o discern_v the_o primitive_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n viz._n the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n when_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n come_v to_o be_v contest_v be_v the_o infallible_a rule_n whereby_o they_o be_v to_o judge_v which_o be_v the_o true_a and_o genuine_a doctrine_n of_o christ._n there_o be_v some_o who_o pretend_v that_o the_o apostle_n write_n be_v mere_o accidental_a and_o occasional_a thing_n but_o that_o the_o main_a design_n be_v to_o lodge_v the_o great_a assurance_n of_o thâ—_n doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o tradition_n from_o one_o to_o another_o and_o what_o they_o write_v be_v not_o to_o make_v any_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o only_o to_o give_v some_o good_a advice_n to_o those_o church_n they_o write_v to_o but_o i_o shall_v now_o prove_v that_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v intend_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v a_o stand_a rule_n whereby_o the_o church_n be_v to_o judge_v which_o be_v the_o true_a and_o genuine_a doctrine_n of_o christ._n 1._o from_o the_o reason_n and_o occasion_n of_o write_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o gospel_n we_o must_v distinguish_v the_o general_n reason_n of_o write_v they_o from_o the_o particular_a occasion_n as_o to_o the_o several_a gospel_n the_o general_a reason_n be_v to_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n which_o inspire_v and_o guide_v they_o the_o particular_a occasion_n relate_v to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o write_v they_o the_o general_a reason_n be_v that_o which_o irenoeus_n give_v viz._n that_o the_o gospel_n which_o 1._o they_o have_v first_o preach_v be_v by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n put_v into_o write_v that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o foundation_n and_o pillar_n of_o our_o faith_n not_o mere_o to_o keep_v up_o the_o remembranee_n of_o it_o which_o fevardentius_n yield_v and_o thereby_o overthrow_v the_o infallibility_n of_o oral_a tradition_n but_o that_o so_o it_o may_v be_v a_o certain_a rule_n of_o faith_n to_o all_o age_n the_o evangelist_n say_v st._n augustin_n be_v but_o christ_n 54._o hand_n which_o himself_o as_o the_o head_n direct_v in_o write_v the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o look_v on_o the_o gospel_n as_o his_o own_o handwriting_n the_o holy_a ghost_n 53._o say_v he_o direct_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o evangelist_n as_o to_o the_o order_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o write_n which_o vary_v according_o to_o the_o particular_a occasion_n but_o yet_o be_v all_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o general_n reason_n st._n matthew_n write_v the_o first_o gospel_n say_v eusebius_n to_o the_o jew_n to_o who_o he_o have_v 24._o preach_v because_o go_v into_o other_o part_n he_o will_v supply_v the_o want_n of_o his_o presence_n among_o they_o by_o his_o write_n what_o need_v this_o if_o tradition_n be_v a_o certain_a and_o infallible_a way_n of_o convey_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n st._n chrysostom_n say_v the_o jewish_a christian_n desire_v he_o to_o put_v into_o write_v matth_n what_o they_o have_v hear_v he_o preach_v do_v not_o they_o understand_v the_o force_n of_o tradition_n better_o or_o why_o shall_v st._n matthew_n put_v they_o out_o of_o a_o infallible_a way_n the_o author_n of_o the_o imperfect_a work_n on_o st._n matthew_n say_v they_o desire_v he_o to_o prologo_fw-la write_v his_o gospel_n that_o wherever_o they_o go_v they_o may_v carry_v a_o account_n of_o their_o faith_n with_o they_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n say_v the_o occasion_n of_o writing_n st._n mark_n be_v 15._o gospel_n be_v that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o a_o unwritten_a delivery_n of_o the_o holy_a doctrine_n and_o therefore_o importune_v mark_n who_o be_v the_o disciple_n of_o st._n peter_n that_o he_o will_v leave_v a_o monument_n of_o his_o doctrine_n in_o write_v which_o st._n peter_n understand_v by_o revelation_n approve_v and_o confirm_v his_o gospel_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n origen_n say_v he_o write_v it_o according_a to_o st._n peter_n direction_n epiphanius_n 155._o say_v by_o his_o authority_n athanasius_n say_v it_o be_v dictate_v by_o he_o at_o rome_n it_o seem_v that_o peter_n himself_o do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o leave_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o a_o oral_a tradition_n even_o at_o rome_n but_o irenoeus_n think_v it_o be_v write_v after_o st._n peter_n decease_n who_o therein_o differ_v from_o the_o rest_n and_o show_v how_o uncertain_a mere_a tradition_n be_v tertullian_n say_v st._n mark_n be_v eccles_n gospel_n be_v attribute_v to_o st._n peter_n and_o st._n luke_n be_v to_o st._n paul_n st._n jerom_n mention_n the_o opinion_n of_o some_o that_o when_o st._n paul_n say_v according_a to_o my_o gospel_n he_o mean_v that_o of_o st._n luke_n but_o st._n luke_n himself_o plain_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o occasion_n of_o his_o writing_n st._n ambrose_n think_v by_o those_o who_o have_v take_v 1._o in_o hand_n to_o write_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v firm_o believe_v among_o we_o he_o mean_v the_o author_n of_o the_o counterfeit_a gospel_n as_o that_o of_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o st._n mathias_n but_o we_o have_v no_o evidence_n that_o these_o be_v old_a than_o st._n luke_n his_o meaning_n be_v that_o in_o those_o part_n where_o he_o be_v there_o be_v some_o who_o do_v undertake_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o christ_n who_o want_v the_o advantage_n which_o he_o have_v have_v have_v great_a opportunity_n of_o know_a circumstance_n from_o the_o eye-witness_n and_o therefore_o he_o set_v himself_o to_o give_v a_o exact_a relation_n of_o they_o that_o not_o only_a theophilus_n 51._o but_o every_o one_o that_o answer_v his_o name_n may_v know_v the_o certainty_n of_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o have_v be_v instruct_v but_o do_v not_o they_o know_v the_o certainty_n of_o these_o thing_n by_o the_o apostle_n preach_v yes_o but_o the_o thing_n they_o hear_v may_v slip_v out_o of_o their_o memory_n and_o to_o prevent_v this_o say_v theophylact_v st._n luke_n luc._n write_v his_o gospel_n that_o they_o may_v retain_v these_o thing_n with_o great_a certainty_n and_o word_n that_o be_v
deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o here_o be_v a_o great_a difficulty_n to_o be_v remove_v as_o to_o the_o write_a word_n how_o can_v we_o be_v certain_a we_o have_v it_o if_o not_o by_o tradition_n and_o if_o tradition_n be_v so_o uncertain_a how_o can_v we_o be_v make_v certain_a by_o it_o that_o we_o have_v that_o write_v word_n which_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v for_o may_v not_o that_o fail_n in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o the_o creed_n and_o then_o what_o security_n can_v we_o have_v for_o our_o faith_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v show_v 1._o what_o advantage_n thing_n that_o be_v write_v have_v as_o to_o the_o certainty_n of_o conveyance_n above_o thing_n mere_o commit_v to_o memory_n and_o tradition_n 2._o what_o advantage_n the_o scripture_n have_v above_o any_o other_o thing_n commit_v to_o write_v as_o to_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o conveyance_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o advantage_n thing_n write_v have_v above_o those_o commit_v to_o memory_n and_o 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be_v then_o a_o dangerous_a and_o fundamental_a mistake_n and_o therefore_o christ_n appeal_v from_o they_o to_o the_o scripture_n and_o they_o be_v they_o which_o 46._o testify_v of_o i_o have_v you_o believe_v moses_n 47._o you_o will_v have_v believe_v i_o for_o he_o write_v of_o i_o but_o if_o you_o believe_v not_o his_o write_n how_o shall_v you_o believe_v my_o word_n and_o our_o saviour_n severe_o check_v the_o 9_o pharisee_n for_o regard_v their_o own_o tradition_n more_o than_o the_o write_v law_n and_o yet_o they_o pretend_v to_o a_o oral_a tradition_n down_o from_o moses_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v to_o this_o day_n and_o none_o be_v more_o gross_o deceive_v than_o they_o 4._o the_o general_a sense_n and_o experience_n of_o mankind_n agree_v herein_o that_o all_o matter_n of_o consequence_n be_v more_o certain_o preserve_v by_o write_n then_o by_o mere_a word_n there_o be_v no_o invention_n have_v be_v more_o value_v by_o the_o wise_a part_n of_o mankind_n than_o that_o of_o 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person_n of_o former_a time_n and_o be_v able_a to_o justify_v the_o scripture_n by_o the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o other_o writer_n by_o it_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o interpret_v prophecy_n and_o to_o make_v plain_a their_o accomplishment_n which_o without_o it_o we_o can_v never_o make_v out_o yea_o by_o it_o the_o wisdom_n of_o those_o be_v preserve_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n who_o think_v fit_a to_o write_v nothing_o themselves_o as_o socrates_n and_o pythagoras_n but_o their_o disciple_n take_v care_n in_o time_n to_o write_v their_o doctrine_n so_o that_o we_o have_v the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o wise_a part_n of_o mankind_n that_o write_v be_v a_o far_o more_o certain_a way_n of_o conveyance_n than_o mere_a tradition_n 2._o and_o especial_o in_o our_o case_n where_o there_o be_v so_o many_o particular_a advantage_n as_o to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n above_o any_o other_o write_n 1._o from_o the_o special_a providence_n of_o god_n with_o respect_n to_o they_o for_o since_o it_o be_v agree_v by_o all_o christian_n that_o these_o be_v write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a care_n will_v be_v take_v to_o preserve_v they_o and_o therefore_o to_o suppose_v any_o book_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v lose_v which_o contain_v any_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o great_a reflection_n on_o divine_a providence_n for_o if_o god_n watch_v over_o his_o church_n he_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o let_v such_o book_n be_v lose_v which_o be_v design_v for_o the_o universal_a and_o last_a benefit_n of_o his_o church_n 2._o from_o the_o mighty_a esteem_n which_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v always_o for_o they_o for_o they_o build_v their_o hope_n of_o heaven_n upon_o the_o promise_v contain_v in_o they_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v their_o evidence_n for_o their_o future_a inheritance_n the_o foundation_n of_o their_o hope_n and_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n their_o defence_n against_o assault_n and_o temptation_n their_o counsellor_n in_o case_n of_o difficulty_n their_o support_n under_o trouble_n and_o their_o sure_a guide_n to_o a_o happy_a eternity_n and_o therefore_o the_o primitive_a christian_n choose_v rather_o to_o endure_v any_o torment_n than_o base_o to_o betray_v it_o and_o give_v it_o up_o to_o their_o enemy_n 3._o from_o the_o early_a dispute_n that_o be_v about_o they_o which_o show_v that_o they_o be_v no_o invention_n of_o aftertime_n nor_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n by_o stealth_n and_o art_n for_o they_o endure_v the_o great_a shock_n of_o opposition_n at_o first_o while_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n concern_v they_o be_v the_o most_o easy_o prove_v and_o have_v pass_v the_o severe_a scrutiny_n of_o the_o first_o age_n when_o so_o many_o counterfeit_a write_n be_v send_v abroad_o the_o follow_a age_n can_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o call_v their_o authority_n in_o question_n 4._o from_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o divide_a church_n about_o they_o it_o may_v have_v please_v god_n to_o have_v keep_v his_o church_n from_o those_o unhappy_a breach_n which_o have_v be_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o the_o east_n and_o the_o west_n the_o north_n and_o the_o south_n can_v all_o bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o sad_a division_n of_o christendom_n and_o those_o of_o many_o age_n stand_v but_o yet_o we_o have_v this_o considerable_a advantage_n by_o they_o that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o mistrust_v a_o conspiracy_n where_o the_o several_a body_n be_v so_o much_o divide_v 5._o from_o the_o great_a internal_a satisfaction_n which_o the_o mind_n of_o good_a man_n have_v concern_v they_o and_o which_o no_o other_o write_v can_v pretend_v to_o give_v for_o here_o we_o read_v of_o the_o promise_n of_o divine_a
assistance_n to_o sincere_a and_o humble_a mind_n and_o that_o assistance_n carry_v a_o lumen_fw-la fidei_fw-la into_o the_o mind_n as_o aquinas_n call_v it_o 2._o 2._o a_o 3_o ad_fw-la 2._o and_o by_o that_o he_o say_v the_o mind_n be_v unite_v to_o truth_n that_o its_o assent_n be_v only_o fix_v upon_o it_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o damnation_n to_o those_o who_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o be_v thus_o illuminate_v by_o faith_n in_o he_o not_o that_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n to_o convince_v other_o who_o have_v not_o that_o inward_a sense_n which_o they_o have_v but_o the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n which_o do_v at_o first_o indite_v they_o may_v give_v such_o a_o inward_a and_o effectual_a testimony_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o they_o that_o from_o thence_o they_o may_v firm_o conclude_v these_o book_n to_o contain_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o assurance_n which_o the_o mind_n of_o good_a man_n have_v from_o the_o influence_n of_o divine_a grace_n may_v be_v more_o effectual_a and_o powerful_a in_o they_o than_o all_o the_o pretend_a infallibility_n or_o demonstration_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v certain_a those_o can_v be_v deceive_v who_o the_o holy_a spirit_n teach_v and_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a of_o the_o ancient_a schoolman_n do_v make_v the_o great_a firmness_n and_o certainty_n of_o faith_n not_o to_o depend_v on_o outward_a motive_n but_o on_o inward_a grace_n which_o so_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n and_o fix_v the_o inclination_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o nothing_o be_v able_a to_o remove_v it_o this_o sort_n of_o faith_n be_v no_o blind_a assent_n but_o after_o all_o the_o evidence_n which_o it_o have_v to_o make_v its_o assent_n reasonable_a it_o take_v so_o fast_o a_o hold_n of_o divine_a truth_n by_o discern_v the_o excellency_n and_o value_n of_o they_o that_o he_o that_o have_v it_o be_v willing_a to_o let_v go_v any_o thing_n rather_o than_o that_o and_o although_o the_o apprehension_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o so_o clear_a as_o that_o of_o science_n yet_o the_o hypostasis_fw-la as_o 1._o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o may_v be_v so_o firm_a that_o no_o temptation_n may_v be_v able_a to_o shake_v it_o and_o he_o that_o can_v die_v for_o his_o religion_n have_v a_o strong_a and_o better_a fâ—ith_n than_o he_o that_o think_v himself_o never_o so_o infallible_a in_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o that_o be_v a_o true_a divine_a faith_n which_o purify_v the_o 9_o heart_n and_o thereby_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n which_o work_v by_o love_n and_o not_o 6._o by_o cavil_v and_o wrangle_v about_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o which_o overcome_v the_o world_n 4._o and_o not_o that_o which_o be_v overcome_v by_o the_o temptation_n of_o it_o and_o such_o a_o faith_n and_o only_o such_o a_o one_o will_v carry_v we_o to_o heaven_n when_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o have_v the_o utmost_a infallibility_n in_o the_o act_n of_o believe_v yet_o if_o it_o do_v not_o work_v effectual_o on_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n we_o may_v go_v infallible_o to_o hell_n and_o so_o i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o discourse_n with_o the_o second_o sense_n of_o the_o obligation_n which_o lie_v on_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n so_o to_o walk_v in_o he_o i._n e._n to_o improve_v their_o sound_a faith_n into_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o good_a life_n for_o alas_o what_o advantage_n will_v it_o be_v to_o we_o to_o have_v the_o most_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a faith_n if_o our_o work_n be_v not_o answerable_a to_o it_o why_o call_v you_o i_o lord_n 46._o lord_n say_v christ_n and_o do_v not_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o say_v why_o do_v we_o pretend_v to_o receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n if_o we_o do_v not_o observe_v his_o command_n it_o be_v good_a say_v st._n paul_n to_o be_v zealous_o affect_v always_o in_o 18._o a_o good_a thing_n and_o no_o doubt_n our_o faith_n be_v such_o but_o then_o let_v we_o be_v zealous_a of_o good_a work_n too_o that_o we_o may_v show_v ourselves_o to_o be_v that_o peculiar_a people_n who_o be_v 14._o redeem_v by_o jesus_n christ._n so_o that_o our_o obligation_n arise_v every_o way_n from_o christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n to_o walk_v in_o he_o if_o we_o consider_v he_o as_o our_o lord_n so_o we_o be_v to_o obey_v he_o if_o as_o christ_n jesus_n so_o he_o die_v for_o we_o to_o redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n we_o can_v have_v no_o pretence_n to_o live_v in_o our_o sin_n if_o we_o have_v receive_v he_o who_o command_v we_o to_o forsake_v they_o for_o than_o we_o receive_v and_o reject_v he_o at_o the_o same_o time_n let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n 19_o depart_v from_o iniquity_n say_v st._n paul_n what_o shall_v those_o then_o do_v that_o profess_v to_o receive_v he_o as_o their_o lord_n who_o be_v thereby_o bind_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o his_o law_n one_o of_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n be_v the_o separate_a religion_n and_o morality_n when_o this_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o school_n of_o philosopher_n to_o instruct_v man_n in_o whereas_o their_o religion_n consist_v only_o of_o some_o solemn_a rite_n and_o sacrifice_n let_v we_o have_v a_o care_n of_o as_o dangerous_a a_o separation_n between_o faith_n and_o work_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o between_o receive_v christ_n and_o do_v his_o will._n for_o those_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o we_o own_o christ_n as_o our_o lord_n and_o do_v they_o because_o he_o command_v we_o and_o the_o apostle_n have_v sum_v up_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o christian_n in_o those_o comprehensive_a word_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n 12._o and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n look_v for_o that_o bless_a hope_n 13._o and_o the_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n to_o who_o etc._n etc._n sermon_n iii_o preach_v before_o the_o queen_n at_o whitehall_n february_n the_o 22_o d_o 1688_o 9_o 1_o pet._n iu_o 18._o and_o if_o the_o righteous_a scarce_o be_v save_v where_o shall_v the_o ungodly_a and_o the_o sinner_n appear_v this_o epistle_n be_v write_v by_o s._n peter_n for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o christian_n under_o all_o their_o suffering_n but_o these_o word_n seem_v to_o carry_v so_o much_o terror_n and_o severity_n in_o they_o as_o though_o none_o but_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n can_v have_v any_o reason_n to_o hope_v for_o salvation_n and_o all_o other_o be_v to_o be_v leave_v in_o despair_n although_o mankind_n be_v not_o easy_o satisfy_v concern_v the_o punishment_n denounce_v against_o the_o ungodly_a and_o sinner_n yet_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n the_o equity_n of_o his_o command_n the_o freedom_n of_o their_o choice_n the_o contempt_n of_o grace_n and_o their_o wilful_a and_o obstinate_a impenitency_n take_v away_o all_o just_a cause_n of_o complaint_n but_o that_o the_o righteous_a shall_v scarce_o be_v save_v seem_v hardly_o reconcilable_a with_o the_o grace_n and_o design_n and_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o righteous_a here_o be_v not_o vain_a proud_a self-conceited_a hypocrite_n such_o who_o think_v they_o need_v no_o repentance_n but_o such_o who_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v bring_v off_o from_o their_o former_a sin_n and_o be_v redeem_v from_o their_o vain_a conversation_n with_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o christ_n 20._o who_o have_v purify_v their_o soul_n in_o obey_v the_o truth_n through_o the_o spirit_n who_o be_v a_o choose_a generation_n a_o royal_a priesthood_n a_o 9_o holy_a nation_n a_o peculiar_a people_n yet_o of_o such_o as_o these_o it_o be_v say_v if_o the_o righteous_a scarce_o be_v save_v but_o how_o can_v this_o agree_v with_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n whereby_o sinner_n be_v court_v and_o encourage_v to_o repent_v with_o the_o hope_n and_o promise_v of_o salvation_n do_v not_o christ_n come_v to_o save_v sinner_n and_o st._n paul_n call_v this_o a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o shall_v the_o 15._o righteous_a scarce_o be_v save_v what_o joy_n in_o 10._o heaven_n can_v there_o be_v over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v if_o after_o his_o repentance_n it_o be_v so_o hard_a to_o come_v to_o heaven_n do_v not_o christ_n himself_o invite_v those_o who_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v to_o come_v to_o he_o with_o a_o promise_n that_o he_o will_v give_v rest_n to_o 28._o their_o soul_n but_o what_o rest_n can_v they_o have_v who_o notwithstanding_o their_o come_n to_o he_o do_v with_o so_o much_o difficulty_n attain_v to_o eternal_a rest_n how_o can_v that_o