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book_n holy_a scripture_n word_n 10,018 5 4.3679 3 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A28280 The sufficiency of a standing revelation in general, and of the Scripture revelation in particular both as to the matter of it and as to the proof of it : and that new revelations cannot reasonably be desired and would probably be unsuccessful in eight sermons preach'd in the Cathedral-Church of St. Paul, London, at the lecture founded by the Honourable Robert Boyle, Esq., in the year MDCC / by Ofspring Blackall ... Blackall, Offspring, 1654-1716. 1700 (1700) Wing B3055; ESTC R6615 150,254 268

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he_o think_v he_o himself_o have_v write_v enough_o in_o his_o gospel_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o to_o direct_v they_o in_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a life_n there_o be_v therefore_o in_o those_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o we_o now_o have_v several_a abridgement_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a doctrine_n it_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n be_v pretend_v that_o all_o these_o book_n together_o be_v not_o sufficient_a full_o to_o instruct_v we_o therein_o beside_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v preach_v suppose_v by_o st._n thomas_n in_o india_n or_o by_o st._n simon_n in_o africa_n or_o by_o any_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n in_o country_n remote_a from_o judea_n or_o without_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n be_v undoubted_o the_o very_a same_o gospel_n that_o be_v preach_v by_o st._n peter_n and_o st._n paul_n or_o those_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n who_o book_n be_v now_o extant_a and_o receive_v by_o the_o 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alone_o present_o reject_v either_o of_o they_o but_o we_o inquire_v which_o of_o they_o be_v in_o the_o best_a capacity_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o which_o of_o they_o be_v the_o least_o liable_a to_o the_o suspicion_n of_o falsehood_n and_o which_o story_n be_v the_o most_o probable_o relate_v and_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o that_o we_o incline_v if_o therefore_o there_o be_v any_o man_n that_o think_v there_o be_v any_o truth_n in_o history_n and_o who_o do_v give_v credit_n to_o other_o history_n and_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o do_v so_o and_o yet_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o allow_v that_o the_o gospel_n history_n be_v very_o credible_a which_o contain_v a_o relation_n only_o of_o such_o matter_n of_o sense_n as_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v any_o cheat_n or_o deceit_n in_o and_o in_o which_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o deceit_n or_o mistake_v it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v discover_v and_o 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the_o consideration_n of_o the_o first_o of_o these_o thing_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o viz._n 2._o the_o good_a capacity_n that_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o evangelical_n history_n be_v in_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v relate_v now_o the_o matter_n of_o history_n which_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o epistle_n be_v but_o few_o and_o those_o for_o the_o most_o part_n such_o as_o have_v be_v do_v by_o or_o have_v happen_v to_o either_o the_o person_n that_o write_v they_o or_o the_o church_n or_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v write_v so_o that_o of_o these_o we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o say_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o bulk_n or_o body_n of_o the_o evangelical_n history_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o four_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o author_n of_o these_o book_n there_o be_v no_o controversy_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o if_o they_o be_v write_v by_o the_o repute_a author_n a_o few_o 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think_v be_v agree_v to_o by_o all_o that_o st._n mark_n be_v for_o some_o part_n of_o his_o life_n a_o constant_a companion_n of_o st._n peter_n who_o be_v not_o only_o one_o of_o the_o twelve_o but_o most_o probable_o the_o first_o that_o be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o apostle_n and_o who_o be_v also_o one_o of_o the_o three_o with_o who_o our_o lord_n be_v most_o intimate_a and_o familiar_a for_o we_o often_o read_v that_o peter_n 5.37_o matt._n 17.4.26_o 37._o mark_v 5.37_o and_o james_n and_o john_n be_v single_v from_o the_o rest_n to_o be_v witness_n of_o some_o of_o the_o most_o private_a transaction_n of_o his_o life_n and_o it_o be_v general_o believe_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n that_o st._n peter_n be_v more_o true_o the_o author_n of_o the_o gospel_n call_v st._n mark_n be_v then_o st._n mark_v himself_o he_o be_v only_o the_o scribe_n or_o amanuensis_fw-la and_o st._n peter_n the_o person_n that_o dictate_v the_o thing_n write_v by_o he_o whence_o also_o this_o gospel_n 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think_v thereon_o he_o weep_v it_o be_v likewise_o agree_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o st._n luke_n if_o not_o one_o of_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n which_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a he_o be_v not_o be_v however_o a_o very_a early_a convert_n to_o christianity_n that_o he_o converse_v frequent_o with_o the_o apostle_n and_o immediate_a disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o be_v a_o constant_a companion_n of_o st._n paul_n for_o a_o good_a while_n in_o his_o preach_a and_o travel_n so_o that_o of_o almost_o all_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o relate_v in_o his_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n he_o may_v be_v and_o of_o much_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a and_o of_o some_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o be_v a_o eye_n or_o earwitness_a so_o then_o there_o be_v three_o of_o the_o five_o historical_a book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o be_v write_v by_o those_o who_o be_v present_a at_o most_o of_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v relate_v 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thing_n credible_a which_o in_o itself_o be_v incredible_a and_o such_o it_o may_v be_v pretend_v some_o of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v which_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o especial_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v clear_o teach_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o free_o grant_v but_o why_o shall_v it_o be_v deem_v incredible_a do_v it_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n can_v they_o that_o except_o against_o it_o or_o against_o the_o gospel-revelation_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o it_o show_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v true_a can_v they_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a be_v to_o beget_v a_o son_n in_o his_o own_o likeness_n 1.3_o heb._n 1.3_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n or_o can_v they_o show_v it_o to_o be_v impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o three_o person_n proceed_v from_o both_o these_o no_o perhaps_o they_o will_v say_v but_o that_o these_o three_o shall_v be_v one_o as_o the_o scripture_n teach_v that_o they_o think_v exceed_v all_o the_o measure_n of_o belief_n that_o they_o can_v but_o think_v a_o manifest_a contradiction_n but_o why_o so_o do_v the_o christian_n hold_v or_o do_v the_o scripture_n say_v that_o they_o be_v three_o and_o one_o in_o the_o same_o respect_n do_v it_o say_v that_o the_o one_o god_n be_v three_o god_n or_o that_o those_o three_o who_o it_o speak_v of_o as_o three_o distinct_a person_n ascribe_v personal_a act_n to_o each_o of_o they_o be_v nevertheless_o but_o one_o single_a person_n no_o it_o only_o tell_v we_o in_o general_a that_o these_o three_o be_v one_o but_o how_o they_o be_v three_o or_o how_o they_o be_v one_o wherein_o consist_v their_o distinction_n and_o wherein_o their_o unity_n it_o say_v not_o at_o least_o not_o very_o plain_o and_o i_o think_v it_o the_o safe_a course_n in_o such_o high_a matter_n 131.1_o psal_n 131.1_o in_o matter_n so_o much_o too_o high_a for_o we_o not_o to_o exercise_v ourselves_o nor_o to_o pretend_v to_o be_v wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v if_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n as_o there_o be_v not_o unless_o we_o say_v that_o god_n be_v one_o and_o three_o in_o the_o same_o respect_n that_o be_v enough_o that_o be_v all_o that_o need_v to_o be_v say_v upon_o this_o occasion_n for_o though_o we_o may_v as_o indeed_o we_o must_v allow_v it_o to_o be_v a_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o cavil_v at_o the_o gospel-revelation_n or_o to_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v a_o true_a divine_a revelation_n upon_o this_o account_n for_o we_o live_v in_o a_o world_n of_o mystery_n we_o must_v believe_v mystery_n in_o abundance_n whether_o we_o will_v or_o no_o i_o mean_v there_o be_v some_o truth_n so_o very_o plain_a even_o to_o our_o reason_n that_o we_o can_v doubt_v of_o they_o and_o yet_o so_o very_o high_a and_o mysterious_a that_o we_o can_v no_o more_o fathom_v they_o than_o we_o can_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n for_o thus_o that_o matter_n be_v not_o eternal_a we_o be_v as_o sure_a almost_o as_o we_o be_v of_o any_o thing_n for_o matter_n can_v not_o exist_v of_o itself_o and_o yet_o how_o matter_n shall_v be_v make_v out_o of_o nothing_o be_v as_o incomprehensible_a by_o we_o as_o it_o be_v how_o the_o one_o undivided_a godhead_n do_v personal_o subsist_v in_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy-ghost_n and_o thus_o again_o that_o god_n be_v eternal_a we_o be_v certain_a by_o reason_n for_o by_o god_n we_o mean_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o and_o he_o who_o be_v first_o can_v have_v none_o before_o he_o and_o yet_o that_o any_o thing_n shall_v exist_v without_o a_o cause_n of_o its_o existence_n be_v unaccountable_a and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o sure_a that_o it_o must_v be_v so_o we_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a and_o a_o manifest_a contradiction_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o thus_o i_o say_v we_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n only_o to_o a_o firm_a belief_n of_o some_o truth_n which_o yet_o we_o can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o by_o our_o reason_n and_o i_o think_v it_o be_v very_o hard_a that_o we_o will_v not_o receive_v a_o incomprehensible_a doctrine_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o a_o very_a plain_a and_o well_o attest_v divine_a revelation_n as_o well_o as_o we_o do_v and_o must_v do_v the_o same_o upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o natural_a reason_n especial_o consider_v the_o subject_a of_o this_o incomprehensible_a doctrine_n which_o be_v the_o essence_n or_o substance_n of_o god_n who_o be_v a_o infinite_a be_v and_o so_o must_v needs_o be_v incomprehensible_a by_o our_o finite_a understanding_n by_o our_o understanding_n i_o say_v which_o be_v so_o very_o shallow_a that_o i_o believe_v i_o may_v true_o say_v we_o understand_v not_o the_o essence_n or_o substance_n of_o any_o thing_n for_o we_o understand_v not_o what_o be_v the_o essence_n or_o substance_n of_o matter_n or_o body_n though_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o all_o our_o sense_n be_v continual_o exercise_v about_o all_o that_o we_o know_v of_o it_o be_v some_o property_n or_o accident_n thereof_o that_o it_o be_v something_o but_o what_o we_o know_v not_o that_o have_v figure_n and_o dimension_n that_o be_v hard_a soft_a fix_a fluid_a or_o the_o like_a and_o we_o understand_v no_o more_o but_o rather_o less_o what_o the_o essence_n or_o substance_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v all_o that_o we_o know_v of_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v something_o that_o think_v and_o because_o it_o think_v we_o know_v it_o must_v be_v something_o and_o because_o none_o of_o those_o property_n which_o we_o observe_v in_o matter_n have_v any_o relation_n at_o all_o to_o thought_n we_o conclude_v that_o the_o think_v soul_n be_v a_o immaterial_a something_o though_o what_o be_v immaterial_a can_v be_v explain_v by_o we_o unless_o we_o can_v say_v what_o be_v material_a see_v therefore_o as_o the_o wise_a hebrew_n speak_v we_o do_v hardly_o guess_v aright_o at_o thing_n that_o be_v upon_o earth_n 9.16_o wisd_v 9.16_o and_o with_o labour_n do_v find_v out_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v before_o we_o be_v it_o any_o wonder_n that_o we_o can_v search_v out_o and_o full_o know_v and_o comprehend_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n if_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o understand_v even_o our_o own_o essence_n and_o how_o by_o a_o ineffable_a union_n of_o spirit_n with_o matter_n the_o whole_a together_o become_v one_o man_n be_v it_o any_o wonder_n 11.7_o job_n 11.7_o that_o by_o all_o our_o search_v we_o can_v find_v out_o god_n that_o we_o can_v find_v out_o the_o almighty_a unto_o perfection_n and_o what_o have_v be_v thus_o brief_o say_v be_v i_o hope_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o a_o divine_a revelation_n can_v reasonable_o be_v except_v against_o or_o refuse_v only_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o some_o mysterious_a and_o incomprehensible_a doctrine_n that_o be_v therein_o contain_v and_o if_o not_o then_o i_o hope_v what_o be_v say_v before_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v any_o consider_a man_n that_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o true_a divine_a revelation_n to_o conclude_v all_o therefore_o have_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n continual_o preach_v to_o we_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n 22._o jam._n 1.21_o 22._o let_v we_o as_o the_o text_n say_v hear_v they_o let_v we_o reverence_n these_o sacred_a write_n as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o receive_v with_o meekness_n the_o engraft_a word_n which_o be_v able_a to_o save_v our_o soul_n but_o let_v we_o be_v doer_n of_o the_o word_n and_o not_o hearer_n only_o deceive_v our_o own_o self_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n argue_v heb._n 11.3_o etc._n etc._n if_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o angel_n be_v steadfast_a and_o every_o transgression_n and_o disobedience_n receive_v a_o just_a recompense_n of_o reward_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n which_o at_o the_o first_o begin_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v confirm_v unto_o we_o by_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o god_n also_o bear_v they_o witness_n both_o with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o with_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la in_o sermon_n iv_o and_o v._o page_n 14._o line_n 23._o for_o more_o read_v most_o p._n 47._o l._n 12._o for_o they_o r._n be_v l._n 27._o for_o there_o r._n they_o in_o sermon_n vi_o p._n 5._o l._n 3._o for_o he_o r._n by'r_o no_o reason_n to_o desire_v new_a revelation_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral-church_n of_o st._n paul_n october_n seven_o
1700._o be_v the_o seven_o for_o the_o year_n 1700_o of_o the_o lecture_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n by_o offspring_n blackall_n d._n d._n rector_n of_o st._n marry_o aldermary_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v by_o j._n leake_n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1700._o st._n luke_n xvi_o 29_o 30_o 31._o abraham_n say_v unto_o he_o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o and_o he_o say_v nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a when_o i_o first_o begin_v to_o discourse_n on_o these_o word_n i_o propose_v to_o speak_v to_o these_o three_o point_n i._o to_o show_v that_o the_o present_a stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o persuade_v man_n to_o repentance_n if_o they_o be_v not_o unreasonable_o blind_a and_o obstinate_a they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n i_o add_v they_o have_v also_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o ii_o to_o show_v that_o have_v already_o such_o good_a ground_n of_o faith_n such_o full_a direction_n for_o practice_n and_o such_o strong_a motive_n to_o repentance_n it_o be_v a_o unreasonable_a request_n to_o desire_v more_o nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o iii_o last_o to_o show_v that_o in_o case_n god_n shall_v condescend_v to_o gratify_v man_n in_o this_o unreasonable_a desire_n work_v every_o day_n new_a miracle_n before_o their_o eye_n or_o send_v their_o decease_a friend_n to_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a to_o assure_v they_o of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o to_o 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nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o the_o request_n which_o the_o rich_a man_n here_o make_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o his_o brethren_n viz._n that_o god_n will_v be_v please_v to_o send_v one_o from_o the_o dead_a to_o preach_v to_o they_o or_o in_o general_a how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v for_o man_n now_o a-days_o to_o desire_v or_o look_v for_o more_o mean_n of_o conversion_n or_o motive_n to_o repentance_n than_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o afford_v we_o in_o the_o stand_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o follow_a thing_n 1._o that_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o motive_n to_o repentance_n which_o we_o have_v already_o be_v well_o ground_v upon_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o have_v be_v once_o already_o sufficient_o prove_v and_o attest_v it_o be_v altogether_o needless_a that_o any_o fresh_a or_o further_a proof_n 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