the_o design_n of_o they_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o be_v not_o neither_o can_v be_v the_o contriver_n of_o what_o they_o reveal_v but_o that_o the_o revelation_n be_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o do_v inspire_v the_o prophet_n and_o be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n who_o man_n of_o insight_n in_o the_o scripture_n may_v plain_o perceive_v to_o be_v guide_v and_o act_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o their_o revelation_n of_o the_o contrivement_n and_o way_n of_o man_n salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ._n 4._o a_o four_o character_n of_o divinity_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o purity_n and_o holiness_n of_o they_o the_o scripture_n be_v like_o silver_n or_o gold_n purify_v and_o seven_o time_n try_v in_o the_o fire_n wherein_o no_o dross_n do_v remain_v psal._n 12._o 7._o the_o scripture_n be_v pure_a and_o holy_a from_o the_o begin_n of_o they_o to_o the_o end_n in_o no_o history_n shall_v we_o find_v such_o example_n of_o holiness_n as_o the_o scripture_n do_v record_v in_o no_o write_n of_o moral_a philosopher_n shall_v we_o find_v such_o precept_n of_o holiness_n as_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v enjoin_v indeed_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n have_v be_v improve_v by_o some_o heathen_n so_o far_o that_o they_o have_v give_v excellent_a rule_n for_o the_o restrain_v of_o vice_n and_o obtain_v of_o moral_a virtue_n and_o the_o order_n their_o conversation_n in_o such_o a_o virtuous_a way_n that_o those_o person_n who_o have_v observe_v these_o rule_n have_v be_v illustrious_a in_o their_o generation_n and_o have_v shine_v with_o some_o kind_n of_o brightness_n in_o the_o dark_a place_n where_o they_o have_v live_v but_o in_o no_o book_n that_o ever_o issue_v from_o the_o brain_n of_o man_n shall_v we_o find_v such_o exact_a rule_n for_o holy_a live_n as_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o this_o book_n we_o find_v the_o moral_a law_n summary_o comprehend_v in_o the_o ten_o commandment_n which_o be_v write_v by_o god_n himself_o on_o the_o table_n of_o stone_n when_o moses_n be_v with_o he_o in_o the_o mount_n in_o which_o there_o be_v such_o holy_a precept_n as_o no_o heathen_a author_n can_v show_v the_o like_a the_o heathen_n be_v blind_a as_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o first_o table_n of_o the_o law_n which_o have_v a_o reference_n unto_o god_n and_o in_o observance_n of_o which_o man_n holiness_n do_v chief_o consist_v in_o the_o second_o table_n duty_n they_o have_v some_o understanding_n yet_o they_o be_v much_o mistake_v in_o some_o thing_n account_v some_o sin_n as_o ambition_n self-murder_n in_o some_o case_n and_o the_o like_a to_o be_v virtue_n and_o they_o have_v not_o so_o deep_a a_o insight_n into_o sin_n they_o do_v not_o apprehend_v the_o inclination_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o previous_a motion_n to_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o will_v to_o evil_a which_o the_o scripture_n do_v discover_v to_o be_v sinful_a and_o offensive_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o pure_a and_o holy_a god_n moreover_o in_o the_o scripture_n we_o find_v the_o holy_a precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o the_o heathen_n be_v stranger_n unto_o and_o a_o way_n discover_v not_o only_o for_o the_o obtain_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n but_o also_o for_o the_o subdue_a and_o mortify_v of_o sin_n where_o mean_n be_v make_v know_v not_o only_o for_o the_o restrain_v of_o a_o vicious_a nature_n but_o also_o for_o the_o change_n of_o it_o for_o the_o regenerate_v of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o form_v it_o after_o the_o image_n of_o the_o holy_a god_n in_o knowledge_n righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n the_o make_v man_n partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o heathen_n never_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n show_v the_o way_n of_o obtain_v the_o sanctify_a grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o do_v further_o exceed_v the_o moral_a virtue_n of_o the_o heathen_a in_o lustre_n than_o the_o sun_n do_v exceed_v the_o lesser_a star_n in_o brightness_n and_o glory_n marvellous_a be_v the_o purity_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o word_n such_o as_o do_v not_o savour_n of_o any_o thing_n terâ—ene_v and_o humane_a yea_o it_o be_v such_o as_o be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o natural_a bias_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n and_o woman_n in_o the_o world_n whilst_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n such_o as_o do_v contradict_v carnal_a affection_n and_o against_o which_o the_o carnal_a mind_n have_v a_o natural_a enmity_n and_o unto_o which_o all_o such_o and_o none_o but_o such_o have_v a_o like_n and_o love_n as_o be_v â—egenerated_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n whence_o it_o strong_o follow_v that_o the_o scripture_n can_v not_o proceed_v from_o man_n but_o that_o this_o holy_a book_n do_v proceed_v from_o the_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o those_o holy_a man_n which_o be_v the_o penman_n thereof_o 2._o it_o will_v appear_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n from_o the_o marvellous_a power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o they_o such_o a_o power_n and_o spirit_n have_v and_o do_v accompany_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v contain_v as_o do_v evidence_n they_o to_o be_v from_o god_n alone_o we_o read_v 1_o pet._n 1._o 12._o of_o they_o which_o preach_v the_o gospel_n with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n send_v down_o from_o heaven_n this_o have_v be_v this_o be_v unto_o this_o day_n 1._o the_o wonderful_a power_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o it_o do_v evince_n that_o it_o be_v from_o god_n when_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v in_o so_o shoâ—â—_n a_o time_n subdue_v unto_o the_o obedience_n thereof_o wheâ—_n the_o gospel_n prevail_v not_o only_o among_o many_o 〈◊〉_d the_o jew_n after_o christ_n ascension_n and_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n more_o large_o upon_o the_o apostle_n so_o that_o three_o thousand_o people_n be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n by_o one_o sermon_n of_o the_o apostle_n peter_n act_v 2._o 41._o and_o five_o thousand_o moâ—e_n act._n 4_o 4._o but_o especial_o in_o that_o it_o prevail_v amongst_o the_o gentile_n and_o heathen_n and_o so_o many_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v plant_v and_o bring_v not_o bâ—_n carnal_a weapon_n but_o by_o spiritual_a to_o the_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n this_o power_n will_v appear_v to_o have_v be_v from_o god_n if_o we_o consider_v 1._o how_o few_o man_n be_v employ_v in_o the_o firsâ—_o preach_v thereof_o there_o be_v not_o many_o whicâ—_n we_o read_v of_o beside_o paul_n and_o sarâ—abas_n who_o preach_v unto_o the_o gentile_n at_o the_o first_o if_o there_o haâ—_n be_v multitude_n of_o witness_n it_o may_v have_v give_v the_o more_o credit_n to_o the_o doctrine_n when_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o few_o be_v not_o easy_o believe_v and_o receive_v 2._o that_o these_o man_n be_v but_o of_o little_a esteem_n in_o the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v jew_n who_o the_o gentile_n have_v a_o antipathy_n against_o and_o so_o be_v not_o so_o ready_a to_o believe_v their_o report_n and_o entertain_v their_o message_n that_o their_o person_n be_v contemptible_a in_o their_o eye_n that_o they_o be_v like_o crucify_a person_n to_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o unlikely_a to_o find_v acceptation_n 3._o that_o whatever_o humane_a learning_n and_o wisdom_n any_o of_o they_o be_v endow_v withal_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o it_o in_o their_o preach_n they_o do_v not_o come_v with_o excellency_n of_o speech_n and_o wisdom_n in_o declare_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n but_o use_v all_o plainness_n which_o be_v not_o likely_a in_o itself_o to_o produce_v such_o great_a effect_n 4._o that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v be_v 1._o new_a to_o the_o world_n and_o tend_v direct_o to_o pull_v down_o the_o old_a religion_n and_o superstitious_a worship_n of_o the_o heathenish_a god_n which_o they_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o and_o wed_v unto_o which_o can_v not_o be_v do_v by_o any_o humane_a power_n 2._o strange_a they_o preach_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v above_o reason_n and_o therefore_o the_o world_n may_v have_v have_v much_o show_n and_o pretence_n of_o reason_n to_o have_v excuse_v themselves_o from_o yield_a obedience_n thereunto_o 3._o strict_a severe_a and_o contrary_a unto_o natural_a inclination_n and_o interest_n they_o teach_v the_o world_n to_o deny_v themselves_o to_o crucify_v the_o flesh_n to_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n to_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n to_o mourn_v and_o weep_v for_o sin_n to_o endure_v hardship_n to_o forsake_v father_n and_o mother_n and_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o house_n and_o land_n if_o they_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o jesus_n christ_n to_o venture_v imprisonment_n
infinite_o perfect_a be_v his_o essential_a property_n that_o god_n do_v know_v whether_o christ_n shall_v appear_v to_o judgement_n i_o suppose_v none_o will_v deny_v who_o acknowledge_v the_o deity_n and_o by_o consequence_n his_o omniscience_n and_o prescience_n especial_o when_o the_o futurity_n of_o thing_n do_v depend_v upon_o his_o predetermination_n and_o that_o his_o revelation_n of_o future_a thing_n be_v true_a i_o suppose_v none_o will_v deny_v who_o acknowledge_v his_o be_v and_o perfection_n whence_o follow_v a_o impossibility_n of_o god_n speak_v untruth_n and_o falsehood_n beside_o that_o he_o need_v not_o do_v it_o but_o then_o the_o question_n will_v be_v concern_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n whether_o they_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o if_o prove_v will_v evidence_n the_o certainty_n of_o christ_n come_v to_o judgement_n which_o be_v there_o reveal_v and_o foretell_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n will_v appear_v 1._o from_o the_o superscription_n and_o image_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o 2._o from_o the_o marvellous_a power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o they_o 3._o from_o the_o historical_a relation_n in_o they_o of_o prophecy_n fulfil_v and_o miracle_n whereby_o they_o be_v confirm_v and_o the_o rational_o unquestionable_a certainty_n of_o this_o history_n as_o it_o be_v hand_v down_o to_o posterity_n 1._o from_o the_o superscription_n and_o image_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o i_o mean_v in_o that_o 1_o they_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 2_o in_o that_o they_o bear_v such_o evident_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o divinity_n 1._o the_o scripture_n bear_v the_o name_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 16._o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n we_o can_v rational_o imagine_v that_o the_o all-seeing_a and_o jealous_a god_n shall_v permit_v such_o a_o impious_a forgery_n and_o deceit_n to_o receive_v credit_n for_o so_o many_o generation_n among_o the_o most_o zealous_a worshipper_n of_o he_o in_o the_o world_n and_o by_o such_o wonderful_a providence_n preserve_v and_o maintain_v the_o scripture_n against_o the_o rage_n and_o fury_n of_o a_o ungodly_a world_n who_o have_v oppose_v the_o truth_n therein_o contain_v and_o endeavour_v the_o suppress_n of_o the_o light_n which_o therein_o have_v shine_v if_o so_o be_v that_o they_o have_v be_v a_o forgery_n and_o deceit_n indeed_o and_o the_o fancy_n and_o invention_n of_o man_n father_v upon_o he_o as_o his_o word_n and_o will_v and_o proceed_v from_o the_o inspiration_n of_o his_o spirit_n but_o that_o he_o will_v have_v make_v know_v their_o falsehood_n unto_o some_o at_o least_o who_o have_v the_o great_a love_n and_o respect_n to_o his_o name_n and_o honour_n and_o have_v be_v the_o most_o diligent_a enquirer_n after_o truth_n and_o unwilling_a to_o be_v impose_v upon_o with_o deceit_n especial_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v of_o the_o high_a concernment_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v no_o testimony_n against_o but_o all_o along_o own_a and_o when_o none_o in_o the_o world_n either_o worshipper_n of_o he_o or_o other_o of_o high_a pretension_n to_o reason_n have_v any_o evident_a and_o sway_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o deceit_n whatever_o some_o black_a mouth_n mutter_v in_o corner_n it_o be_v not_o irrational_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o they_o bear_v the_o title_n of_o 2._o moreover_o and_o especial_o the_o scripture_n appear_v to_o be_v from_o divine_a inspiration_n insomuch_o as_o they_o bear_v such_o evident_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o divinity_n beyond_o all_o other_o book_n 1._o the_o first_o character_n of_o divinity_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o clear_a discovery_n and_o high_a praise_n which_o they_o give_v of_o god_n and_o the_o chief_a design_n of_o the_o whole_a book_n which_o be_v god_n glory_n no_o heathen_a philosopher_n or_o writer_n can_v think_v or_o speak_v so_o high_o of_o god_n as_o the_o scripture_n do_v speak_v however_o god_n have_v put_v character_n of_o himself_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o creature_n to_o be_v read_v of_o all_o make_v know_v by_o his_o work_n his_o eternal_a be_v his_o infinite_a power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n yet_o most_o of_o the_o wise_a man_n who_o have_v live_v in_o the_o heathen_a world_n and_o have_v be_v the_o great_a student_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o have_v have_v no_o view_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v so_o gross_a in_o their_o conception_n of_o god_n that_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v rom._n 1._o 22_o 23._o when_o they_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v wise_a they_o become_v fool_n and_o change_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o incorruptible_a god_n into_o a_o image_n make_v like_a to_o corruptible_a man_n and_o to_o bird_n and_o fourfooted_a beast_n and_o creep_a thing_n they_o have_v figure_v to_o themselves_o and_o worship_v many_o god_n unto_o the_o dishonour_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o if_o some_o of_o they_o have_v arrive_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n unto_o the_o notion_n of_o one_o god_n yet_o their_o conception_n of_o he_o have_v be_v low_a mean_a and_o unworthy_a of_o he_o and_o in_o no_o book_n in_o the_o world_n be_v god_n set_v forth_o so_o full_o and_o high_o in_o his_o glorious_a attribute_n and_o superlative_a excellency_n as_o he_o have_v set_v forth_o himself_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o may_v find_v in_o heathen_a writer_n high_a elogium_n and_o panegyric_n of_o some_o man_n and_o woman_n famous_a in_o their_o time_n for_o their_o valour_n and_o some_o moral_a virtue_n who_o they_o have_v deify_v in_o after_o age_n and_o give_v room_n among_o their_o feign_a god_n and_o goddess_n dedicate_a temple_n and_o give_v worship_n unto_o they_o but_o in_o no_o heathen_a write_n shall_v we_o find_v the_o praise_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o rule_v give_v for_o the_o service_n and_o worship_n of_o he_o alone_o as_o we_o shall_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n large_a volume_n some_o heathen_n have_v leave_v behind_o they_o the_o design_n of_o which_o have_v be_v their_o own_o glory_n and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lay_v the_o eternize_n their_o fame_n which_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o themselves_o be_v author_n of_o they_o because_o we_o can_v rational_o think_v that_o any_o motive_n shall_v induce_v other_o to_o make_v and_o put_v forth_o book_n in_o their_o name_n that_o they_o may_v obtain_v glory_n for_o they_o unto_o who_o it_o do_v not_o belong_v so_o this_o little_a volume_n of_o the_o scripture_n design_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o promote_a of_o his_o interest_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o the_o penman_n employ_v in_o the_o write_n thereof_o not_o in_o the_o least_o pretend_v that_o what_o they_o write_v be_v the_o invention_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n do_v evidence_n god_n himself_o to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n wherefore_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o clear_a in_o their_o discovery_n of_o the_o one_o true_a god_n and_o set_v he_o forth_o more_o glorious_o than_o any_o other_o book_n and_o ascribe_v all_o praise_n and_o honour_n to_o he_o and_o appoint_v all_o religious_a worship_n to_o be_v give_v to_o he_o only_o and_o design_v his_o glory_n throughout_o the_o whole_a do_v evince_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 2._o the_o second_o character_n of_o divinity_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o sublime_a mystery_n therein_o reveal_v namely_o concern_v the_o trinity_n of_o person_n in_o one_o nature_n and_o essence_n of_o god_n the_o hypostatical_a union_n of_o the_o two_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o man_n in_o one_o person_n of_o christ_n the_o mystical_a union_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o member_n and_o the_o like_a which_o mystery_n be_v so_o sublime_a so_o high_a that_o no_o mortal_a man_n of_o the_o high_a reason_n and_o most_o elevate_a understanding_n can_v possible_o invent_v in_o as_o much_o as_o noâ—_n they_o be_v reveal_v they_o exceed_v the_o capacity_n of_o the_o most_o enlighten_v to_o understand_v especial_o if_o we_o further_o consider_v by_o who_o these_o mystery_n be_v reveal_v not_o by_o the_o great_a scholar_n and_o subtle_a philosopher_n of_o the_o world_n not_o by_o they_o who_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o school_n and_o have_v converse_v with_o book_n and_o learned_a man_n not_o by_o man_n of_o high_a part_n who_o have_v polish_v their_o reason_n and_o heighten_v their_o understanding_n by_o all_o possible_a humane_a help_n but_o the_o most_o of_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n especial_o those_o by_o who_o the_o great_a mystery_n be_v reveal_v be_v fisherman_n publican_n and_o the_o like_a man_n of_o mean_a education_n illiterate_a man_n man_n of_o no_o read_n and_o of_o but_o mean_v
natural_a ability_n as_o appear_v not_o only_o by_o the_o history_n but_o also_o by_o the_o stile_n of_o their_o write_n which_o have_v not_o that_o politeness_n as_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o many_o humane_a author_n which_o do_v not_o run_v in_o such_o a_o golden_a stream_n of_o eloquence_n neither_o be_v dress_v with_o such_o neatness_n of_o wit_n nor_o garnish_v with_o such_o flower_n of_o rhetoric_n which_o be_v not_o methodise_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o logic_n nor_o interlard_v with_o any_o peeping_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n which_o do_v not_o savour_n of_o high_a part_n and_o great_a natural_a ingenuity_n or_o give_v the_o least_o suspicion_n of_o cunning_a and_o subtlety_n which_o these_o man_n have_v above_o other_o but_o some_o of_o the_o high_a mystery_n of_o divinity_n be_v set_v forth_o by_o these_o pen_n man_n in_o a_o passsing-mean_a and_o homespun_a dress_n yea_o they_o be_v leave_v even_o naked_a and_o bare_a of_o such_o apparel_n as_o the_o ingenuous_a man_n of_o the_o world_n have_v clothe_v their_o matter_n withal_o which_o have_v give_v the_o light_n of_o the_o most_o glorious_a truth_n and_o mystery_n more_o evident_a discovery_n not_o but_o that_o some_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v such_o a_o strain_n of_o divine_a eloquence_n as_o do_v exceed_v humane_a write_n but_o the_o plainness_n of_o the_o stile_n especial_o of_o the_o apostle_n john_n in_o his_o gospel_n and_o matthew_n etc._n etc._n do_v evince_n that_o what_o they_o deliver_v be_v not_o their_o own_o invention_n but_o that_o they_o be_v act_v by_o another_o spirit_n in_o the_o write_n of_o they_o even_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o do_v reveal_v all_o the_o mystery_n which_o they_o speak_v of_o in_o whole_a unto_o they_o 3._o a_o three_o character_n of_o divinity_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o wisdom_n which_o there_o do_v appear_v especial_o the_o wonderful_a contrivement_n of_o god_n wisdom_n in_o man_n redemption_n and_o salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v there_o make_v know_v no_o book_n in_o the_o world_n do_v shine_v with_o such_o beam_n of_o wisdom_n as_o the_o word_n do_v it_o do_v teach_v man_n wisdom_n spiritual_a and_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o comparison_n with_o which_o all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o world_n be_v but_o foolishness_n it_o do_v irradiate_a the_o mind_n with_o the_o most_o glorious_a light_n and_o propose_v to_o the_o understanding_n the_o most_o noble_a object_n it_o discover_v the_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o great_a concernment_n it_o show_v the_o way_n to_o avoid_v the_o most_o dreadful_a effect_n which_o sin_n will_v produce_v and_o to_o obtain_v the_o high_a happiness_n which_o humane_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o which_o be_v one_o part_n of_o its_o divine_a stamp_n moreover_o the_o scripture_n do_v set_v forth_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o wonderful_a contrivement_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o fall_a man_n by_o his_o only_a son_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o only_a saviour_n of_o mankind_n which_o wisdom_n be_v so_o transcendent_a do_v evidence_n both_o the_o contrivement_n thereof_o in_o man_n salvation_n and_o the_o discovery_n thereof_o in_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v from_o himself_o so_o that_o as_o by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n we_o may_v know_v what_o this_o wisdom_n be_v even_o so_o by_o this_o wisdom_n we_o may_v know_v the_o word_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o clear_v this_o argument_n i_o shall_v show_v 1._o that_o the_o way_n of_o man_n salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n which_o the_o scripture_n reveal_v must_v needs_o be_v the_o contrivement_n of_o god_n wisdom_n 2._o that_o the_o revelation_n of_o this_o contrivement_n must_v needs_o be_v from_o god_n which_o i_o suppose_v will_v be_v a_o evident_a demonstration_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n 1._o that_o the_o way_n of_o man_n salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o contrivement_n of_o god_n wisdom_n will_v appear_v because_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n of_o the_o most_o search_a brain_n and_o most_o notable_a invention_n to_o have_v imagine_v it_o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n inscribe_v upon_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n which_o natural_a conscience_n will_v accuse_v of_o if_o sinner_n listen_v thereunto_o and_o god_n justice_n be_v engage_v to_o inflict_v a_o punishment_n proportionable_a unto_o the_o crime_n without_o a_o satisfaction_n which_o right_a reason_n will_v say_v be_v but_o reasonable_a and_o this_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v infinite_a must_v in_o reason_n require_v a_o infinite_a satisfaction_n now_o what_o create_a understanding_n can_v of_o itself_o have_v contrive_v or_o conceive_v a_o way_n how_o this_o shall_v be_v do_v every_o thing_n that_o have_v a_o be_v be_v either_o god_n or_o a_o creature_n all_o the_o creature_n be_v finite_a in_o their_o being_n and_o action_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o make_v a_o infinite_a satisfaction_n it_o be_v god_n only_o who_o be_v infinite_a and_o he_o be_v the_o party_n offend_v can_v not_o make_v satisfaction_n to_o his_o own_o justice_n especial_o since_o his_o justice_n require_v punishment_n for_o satisfaction_n which_o god_n as_o god_n be_v impassable_a be_v uncapable_a of_o not_o to_o say_v any_o thing_n that_o the_o same_o nature_n which_o do_v commit_v sin_n shall_v in_o justice_n suffer_v the_o punishment_n will_v not_o reason_v now_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o this_o satisfaction_n to_o be_v make_v sure_o it_o be_v none_o but_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o can_v contrive_v the_o way_n of_o satisfaction_n to_o his_o justice_n by_o the_o incarnation_n of_o his_o son_n by_o the_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o the_o second_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n unto_o the_o humane_a nature_n in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n that_o so_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o hypostatical_a union_n the_o humane_a nature_n may_v not_o only_o be_v strengthen_v to_o undergo_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n which_o be_v due_a for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n in_o the_o suffering_n which_o he_o endure_v before_o and_o upon_o the_o cross_n but_o also_o that_o through_o the_o communication_n of_o attribute_n the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v of_o infinite_a value_n because_o the_o suffering_n of_o such_o a_o person_n as_o be_v god_n as_o well_o as_o man_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v a_o full_a satisfaction_n unto_o god_n justice_n for_o sin_n and_o through_o god_n covenant_n with_o he_o and_o gracious_a acceptation_n of_o this_o satisfaction_n from_o the_o surety_n instead_o of_o the_o offender_n themselves_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n may_v be_v pardon_v and_o their_o soul_n save_v o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n here_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o a_o mystery_n sure_o they_o be_v blind_v and_o hoodwink_v by_o the_o devil_n who_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o this_o be_v the_o contrivement_n of_o god_n wisdom_n 2._o that_o the_o revelation_n of_o this_o contrivement_n of_o wisdom_n be_v from_o god_n will_v appear_v in_o that_o none_o can_v know_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n herein_o unless_o he_o himself_o have_v discover_v it_o what_o man_n say_v the_o apostle_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n 〈…〉_z which_o be_v in_o he_o even_o so_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n know_v no_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 11._o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n search_v all_o thing_n even_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o unless_o the_o spirit_n have_v reveal_v these_o thing_n we_o must_v have_v remain_v in_o our_o ignorance_n of_o they_o since_o it_o can_v not_o have_v enter_v into_o our_o heart_n to_o have_v conceive_v they_o see_v than_o none_o can_v have_v discover_v the_o deep_a contrivement_n of_o god_n wisdom_n unless_o god_n by_o his_o spirit_n have_v reveal_v they_o and_o see_v these_o contrivement_n be_v reveal_v in_o no_o other_o book_n but_o the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o scripture_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o also_o will_v further_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o man_n redemption_n and_o salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n that_o it_o be_v reveal_v by_o piece_n and_o more_o obscure_o at_o first_o and_o that_o divers_a man_n be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o discovery_n thereof_o in_o divers_a age_n who_o speak_v hereof_o most_o in_o dark_a say_n and_o where_o they_o speak_v most_o clear_o yet_o themselves_o have_v not_o a_o clear_a understanding_n of_o what_o they_o be_v move_v to_o speak_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o search_v what_o and_o what_o manner_n of_o time_n the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v in_o they_o do_v signify_v when_o it_o testify_v of_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n and_o
yea_o to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o christ_n as_o many_o of_o necessity_n must_v and_o do_v do_v that_o will_v be_v christian_n indeed_o in_o those_o day_n and_o when_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v such_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a of_o itself_o to_o receive_v entertainment_n unless_o the_o power_n of_o god_n have_v accompany_v it_o 5._o the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o first_o preach_v appear_v in_o that_o it_o meet_v with_o so_o much_o opposition_n the_o devil_n stir_v up_o instrument_n against_o it_o the_o power_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v against_o it_o as_o well_o as_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n great_a man_n do_v oppose_v it_o philosopher_n be_v against_o it_o learned_a man_n do_v oppose_v it_o the_o jew_n be_v against_o it_o and_o raise_v up_o persecution_n against_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n natural_o be_v against_o it_o and_o when_o there_o be_v such_o a_o opposition_n against_o it_o sure_o it_o be_v none_o but_o the_o power_n of_o god_n which_o can_v cause_v it_o to_o prevail_v and_o conquer_v and_o cause_n so_o many_o nation_n to_o bow_n and_o yield_v obedience_n hereunto_o 2._o the_o wonderful_a power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o word_n where_o it_o be_v preach_v unto_o this_o day_n be_v a_o strong_a argument_n that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n 1._o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n to_o search_v the_o heart_n and_o convince_v of_o sin_n heb._n 4._o 12._o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a and_o sharp_a than_o any_o two-edged_a sword_n pierce_v even_o to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o the_o soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n there_o be_v a_o light_n in_o the_o word_n which_o discover_v the_o dark_a filthy_a corner_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o convince_v of_o secret_a sin_n and_o there_o be_v a_o sharp_a edge_n in_o the_o word_n to_o cut_v and_o wound_n no_o word_n in_o the_o world_n search_v and_o pierce_v like_o the_o word_n in_o the_o scripture_n 2._o and_o especial_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n do_v appear_v in_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n which_o it_o effect_v it_o be_v call_v the_o incorruptible_a seed_n by_o which_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 23._o of_o his_o own_o will_n beget_v he_o we_o by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n jam._n 1._o 18._o there_o be_v a_o great_a power_n go_v along_o with_o it_o â—o_o break_v rocky_a heart_n to_o bow_v stubborn_a will_n to_o spiritualise_v carnal_a affection_n to_o subdue_v strong_a lust_n to_o work_v a_o gracious_a and_o thorough_a change_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n or_o moral_a suasion_n and_o in_o so_o much_o as_o all_o be_v not_o wrought_v upon_o by_o it_o which_o read_v or_o hear_v it_o yea_o sometime_o the_o more_o dispose_v subject_n receive_v no_o impression_n thereby_o and_o the_o less_o dispose_v subject_n be_v effectual_o change_v which_o show_v that_o the_o â—ower_n do_v proceed_v from_o god_n and_o that_o the_o work_n be_v effect_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o prove_v the_o diâ—ine_a authority_n of_o this_o word_n 3._o the_o word_n be_v powerful_a not_o only_o for_o the_o first_o work_v of_o grace_n but_o also_o for_o the_o increase_n thereof_o for_o the_o build_n up_o believer_n act._n 20._o 32._o for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n and_o the_o edify_a the_o body_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v milk_n in_o the_o word_n for_o babe_n and_o strong_a meat_n for_o strong_a man_n wholesome_a word_n which_o have_v much_o spiritual_a nourish_a virtue_n in_o they_o the_o word_n be_v powerful_a for_o the_o quench_a satan_n fiery_a dart_n for_o the_o repel_v and_o drive_v back_o the_o tempter_n for_o the_o comfort_v and_o rejoice_v of_o distress_a and_o disconsolate_a soul_n â—hen_o they_o be_v bring_v even_o to_o the_o brink_n of_o deâ—air_a there_o be_v no_o such_o joy_n in_o the_o world_n as_o â—â—ose_v joy_n which_o christian_n sometime_o find_v in_o â—eading_v and_o apply_v the_o word_n when_o they_o mingâ—e_v it_o with_o faith_n and_o have_v the_o breathe_n of_o the_o spirit_n therewith_o and_o there_o be_v no_o book_n in_o the_o world_n that_o can_v produce_v such_o powerful_a effect_n aâ—_n the_o scripture_n do_v wherefore_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o these_o scripture_n be_v indeed_o the_o word_n oâ—_n god_n 3._o the_o scripture_n appear_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n from_o the_o historical_a relation_n in_o they_o of_o prophecy_n fulâ—filled_v &_o of_o miracle_n whereby_o they_o be_v confirm_v aâ—â—_n the_o rational_o unquestionable_a certainty_n of_o this_o history_n as_o it_o be_v hand_v down_o to_o posterity_n 1._o in_o the_o scripture_n we_o have_v relation_n of_o prâ—â—phecies_n and_o the_o fulfil_n of_o they_o which_o doâ—â—_n prove_v these_o write_n to_o be_v from_o god_n alone_o because_o he_o alone_o can_v certain_o foretell_v future_a thing_n indeed_o wise_a man_n may_v guess_v and_o through_o prudence_n foresee_v the_o effect_n of_o some_o thing_n in_o their_o cause_n and_o foretell_v some_o thing_n thâ—_n be_v not_o very_o far_o off_o yet_o not_o certain_o and_o wiâ—â—_n all_o their_o circumstance_n but_o it_o be_v god_n prerogâ—â—tive_a to_o foresee_v and_o foretell_v such_o thing_n certain_o and_o with_o their_o circumstance_n and_o long_o before_o 〈◊〉_d time_n for_o which_o no_o cause_n in_o nature_n can_v be_v assign_v sucâ—_n as_o many_o of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o 〈◊〉_d scripture_n be_v by_o this_o argument_n god_n do_v 〈◊〉_d the_o prophet_n isaiah_n prove_v the_o heathenish_a god_n 〈◊〉_d be_v no_o god_n because_o they_o can_v not_o foretell_v fuâ—ture_a event_n isa._n 41._o 21_o 22_o 23._o produce_v your_o cauâ—â—_n say_v the_o lord_n bring_v forth_o your_o strong_a reason_n 〈◊〉_d they_o show_v we_o what_o shall_v happen_v and_o declare_v to_o 〈◊〉_d thing_n to_o come_v show_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o 〈◊〉_d hereafter_o that_o we_o may_v know_v that_o you_o be_v go_n 〈◊〉_d v._n 26._o there_o be_v none_o that_o show_v there_o be_v none_o thâ—â—_n declare_v etc._n etc._n therefore_o he_o conclude_v v_o 29_o behold_v they_o be_v all_o vanity_n their_o work_n be_v nothing_o their_o melt_a image_n be_v wind_n and_o confusion_n 〈◊〉_d the_o prophecy_n of_o scripture_n as_o they_o prove_v the_o lord_n who_o speak_v they_o by_o the_o prophet_n to_o be_v god_n so_o they_o prove_v the_o scripture_n in_o which_o they_o be_v speak_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n it_o will_v take_v up_o too_o much_o room_n in_o this_o small_a treatise_n to_o enumerate_v all_o the_o prophecy_n of_o scripture_n take_v two_o or_o three_o instance_n see_v gen._n 15._o 13_o 14._o god_n foretel_v to_o abraham_n that_o his_o seed_n shall_v be_v stranger_n in_o a_o land_n which_o be_v not_o they_o and_o serve_v they_o and_o be_v afflict_v by_o they_o four_o hundred_o year_n and_o that_o afterward_o they_o shall_v come_v forth_o with_o great_a substance_n this_o prophecy_n be_v fulfil_v exod._n 12._o so_o also_o the_o return_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israelâ—rom_n â—rom_z the_o babylonish_n captivity_n after_o seventy_o year_n be_v foretell_v jer._n 25._o 12._o and_o the_o name_n of_o cyrus_n who_o shall_v deliver_v they_o before_o he_o be_v bear_v â—sa_fw-la 45._o 1_o 2._o so_o also_o the_o name_n of_o josiah_n who_o â—hould_v destroy_v the_o altar_n which_o jeroboam_fw-la have_v reaâ—ed_v and_o burn_v the_o bone_n of_o the_o priest_n upon_o it_o be_v foretell_v three_o hundred_o thirty_o and_o three_o year_n before_o he_o be_v bear_v the_o prophecy_n be_v in_o 1_o king_n â—3_n 2._o the_o fulfil_n of_o it_o 2_o king_n 23._o 17._o but_o especial_o the_o prophecy_n in_o the_o scripture_n concerâ—ing_v the_o messiah_n be_v remarkable_a of_o his_o birth_n lâ—fe_n death_n and_o the_o fulfil_n of_o they_o in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o evangelist_n the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o jerusalem_n by_o daâ—iel_n and_o especial_o by_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o fulfil_n thereof_o before_o that_o generation_n wherein_o our_o saviour_n live_v be_v all_o in_o their_o grave_n 2._o in_o the_o scripture_n we_o have_v relation_n of_o miracle_n whereby_o they_o be_v confirm_v such_o as_o the_o â—lague_n of_o egypt_n the_o divide_v of_o the_o sea_n for_o the_o israelite_n to_o pass_v thorough_o the_o rain_v of_o manna_n from_o heaven_n the_o stand_v still_o and_o go_v back_o of_o the_o sun_n the_o preservation_n of_o the_o three_o child_n in_o the_o fiery_a furnace_n and_o the_o like_a in_o the_o old_a testament_n especial_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n which_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v record_n such_o as_o heal_v the_o sick_a the_o lame_a blind_a deaf_a leprous_a by_o a_o word_n the_o fee_v many_o