the_o help_n of_o other_o mean_n 4._o on_o these_o supposition_n i_o fear_v not_o to_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v on_o every_o individual_a book_n of_o the_o scripture_n particular_o those_o name_v those_o divine_a character_n and_o criteria_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o difference_n they_o from_o all_o other_o write_n whatever_n and_o to_o testify_v their_o divine_a authority_n unto_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o believer_n i_o say_v of_o believer_n for_o we_o inquire_v not_o on_o what_o ground_n unbeliever_n or_o those_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v do_v believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o yet_o direct_o on_o what_o outward_a motive_n such_o person_n may_v be_v induce_v so_o to_o do_v but_o our_o sole_a enquiry_n at_o present_a be_v what_o the_o faith_n of_o they_o who_o do_v believe_v be_v resolve_v into_o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o say_v that_o when_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n of_o the_o first_o give_v out_o of_o divine_a revelation_n as_o be_v of_o the_o scripture_n come_v and_o preach_v unto_o the_o jew_n that_o those_o mere_a word_n i_o be_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n or_o the_o like_a have_v all_o this_o evidence_n in_o they_o or_o with_o they_o for_o nothing_o he_o say_v of_o that_o kind_n may_v be_v separate_v from_o its_o circumstance_n but_o suppose_v the_o testimony_n give_v in_o the_o scripture_n before_o hand_n to_o his_o person_n work_n time_n and_o manner_n of_o come_v with_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n with_o he_o in_o the_o declaration_n that_o he_o make_v of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n the_o jew_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v what_o he_o teach_v and_o himself_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o do_v many_o of_o they_o upon_o his_o preach_a only_o john_n 4._o 42._o and_o in_o like_a manner_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o john_n baptist_n and_o to_o submit_v unto_o his_o institution_n although_o he_o wrought_v no_o miracle_n and_o those_o who_o do_v not_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n for_o their_o good_a and_o perish_v in_o their_o unbelief_n but_o although_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n wrought_v no_o miracle_n to_o prove_v the_o scripture_n then_o extant_a to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n see_v he_o wrought_v they_o among_o such_o only_a as_o by_o who_o that_o be_v firm_o believe_v yet_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n see_v it_o necessary_a to_o confirm_v his_o personal_a ministry_n by_o they_o and_o without_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o divine_a truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n propose_v miracle_n themselves_o will_v be_v despise_v so_o they_o be_v by_o some_o who_o be_v afterward_o convert_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n act_v 2._o 13._o chap._n 3._o 7_o 8._o or_o they_o will_v produce_v only_o a_o false_a faith_n or_o a_o ravish_a assent_n upon_o a_o amazement_n that_o will_v not_o abide_v act_v 8._o 13_o 21._o appendix_n a_o summary_n representation_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o that_o faith_n wherewith_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o some_o attestation_n give_v unto_o the_o substance_n of_o what_o have_v be_v deliver_v concern_v it_o shall_v give_v a_o close_a to_o this_o discourse_n as_o to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o design_n the_o thing_n that_o follow_v be_v propose_v i._o unto_o the_o enquiry_n on_o what_o ground_n or_o for_o what_o reason_n we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n many_o thing_n be_v suppose_v as_o on_o all_o hand_n agree_v upon_o who_o demonstration_n or_o proof_n belong_v not_o unto_o our_o present_a work_n such_o be_v 1._o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o his_o self-subsistence_n with_o all_o the_o essential_a property_n of_o his_o nature_n 2._o our_o relation_n unto_o he_o and_o dependence_n on_o he_o as_o our_o creator_n benefactor_n preserver_n judge_n and_o rewarder_n both_o as_o unto_o thing_n temporal_a and_o eternal_a wherefore_o 3._o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whatever_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n whatever_o be_v manifest_a in_o or_o from_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n or_o providence_n and_o necessary_a act_n of_o conscience_n as_o to_o the_o be_v rule_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v suppose_v as_o acknowledge_v in_o this_o enquiry_n 4._o that_o beyond_o the_o conduct_n and_o guidance_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n that_o man_n may_v live_v unto_o god_n believe_v and_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o according_a to_o their_o duty_n in_o that_o obedience_n which_o he_o require_v of_o they_o so_o as_o to_o come_v unto_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o a_o supernatural_a revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n unto_o they_o especial_o in_o that_o condition_n wherein_o all_o mankind_n be_v since_o the_o entrance_n of_o sin_n be_v necessary_a 5._o that_o all_o those_o unto_o who_o god_n have_v grant_v divine_a revelation_n immediate_o from_o himself_o for_o their_o own_o use_n and_o that_o of_o all_o other_o man_n unto_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v communicate_v be_v infallible_o assure_v that_o they_o come_v from_o god_n and_o that_o their_o mind_n be_v no_o way_n impose_v on_o in_o they_o 6._o that_o all_o these_o divine_a revelation_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v any_o way_n necessary_a to_o guide_v and_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o that_o obedience_n which_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o he_o be_v now_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o those_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v common_o receive_v and_o own_a among_o all_o sort_n of_o christian_n these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v suppose_v unto_o our_o present_a enquiry_n and_o take_v for_o grant_v so_o as_o that_o the_o reader_n be_v not_o to_o look_v for_o any_o direct_a proof_n of_o they_o in_o the_o precede_a discourse_n but_o on_o these_o supposition_n it_o be_v allege_v and_o prove_v 1._o that_o all_o man_n unto_o who_o it_o be_v due_o propose_v as_o such_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v this_o scripture_n these_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o contain_v and_o exhibit_v a_o immediate_a divine_a supernatural_a revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n so_o far_o as_o be_v any_o way_n needful_a that_o they_o may_v live_v unto_o he_o and_o that_o nothing_o be_v contain_v in_o they_o but_o what_o be_v of_o the_o same_o divine_a original_a 2._o the_o obligation_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o thus_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n arise_v partly_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o partly_o from_o the_o especial_a command_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v that_o revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n without_o the_o knowledge_n whereof_o and_o assent_v whereunto_o we_o can_v live_v unto_o god_n as_o we_o ought_v nor_o come_v unto_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v believe_v it_o unto_o those_o end_n and_o god_n require_v it_o of_o we_o that_o so_o we_o shall_v do_v 3._o we_o can_v thus_o believe_v it_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n but_o upon_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n and_o prevalent_a testimony_n that_o so_o it_o be_v 4._o there_o be_v many_o cogent_a argument_n testimony_n and_o motive_n to_o persuade_v convince_v and_o satisfy_v unprejudiced_a person_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o every_o way_n sufficient_a to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o gainsayers_a proceed_v on_o such_o principle_n of_o reason_n as_o be_v own_a and_o approve_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n and_o argument_n of_o this_o nature_n may_v be_v take_v from_o almost_o all_o consideration_n of_o the_o property_n of_o god_n and_o his_o government_n of_o the_o world_n of_o our_o relation_n unto_o he_o of_o what_o belong_v unto_o our_o present_a peace_n and_o future_a happiness_n 5._o from_o the_o argument_n and_o testimony_n of_o this_o nature_n a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o mind_n defensible_a against_o all_o objection_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v be_v attain_v and_o that_o such_o as_o that_o those_o who_o live_v not_o in_o contradiction_n unto_o their_o own_o light_n and_o reason_n through_o the_o power_n of_o their_o lust_n can_v but_o judge_v it_o their_o wisdom_n duty_n and_o interest_n to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o his_o will_n as_o reveal_v therein_o 6._o but_o yet_o that_o persuasion_n of_o mind_n which_o may_v be_v thus_o attain_v and_o which_o rest_v whole_o upon_o these_o argument_n and_o testimony_n be_v not_o entire_o that_o faith_n wherewith_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v the_o
have_v advantage_n thereby_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n be_v now_o rise_v upon_o we_o and_o immortality_n be_v bring_v to_o light_n by_o the_o gospel_n if_o we_o look_v now_o on_o the_o revelation_n grant_v unto_o they_o of_o old_a we_o may_v yet_o see_v there_o be_v light_n in_o they_o which_o yield_v we_o little_a more_o advantage_n than_o the_o light_n of_o a_o candle_n in_o the_o sun_n but_o unto_o they_o who_o live_v before_o this_o sun_n arise_v they_o be_v a_o sufficient_a guide_n unto_o all_o duty_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n for_o 3._o there_o be_v during_o this_o season_n a_o sufficient_a ministry_n for_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o revelation_n which_o god_n make_v of_o himself_o and_o his_o will._n there_o be_v the_o natural_a ministry_n of_o parent_n who_o be_v oblige_v to_o instruct_v their_o child_n and_o family_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v and_o whereas_o this_o begin_v in_o adam_n who_o first_o receive_v the_o promise_n and_o therewithal_o whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a unto_o faith_n and_o obedience_n the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o can_v not_o be_v lose_v without_o the_o wilful_a neglect_n of_o parent_n in_o teach_v or_o of_o child_n and_o family_n in_o learning_n and_o they_o have_v the_o extraordinary_a ministry_n of_o such_o as_o god_n entrust_v new_a revelation_n withal_o for_o the_o confirmation_n and_o inlargment_n of_o those_o before_o receive_v who_o be_v all_o of_o they_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n unto_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o it_o may_v be_v manifest_v that_o from_o the_o give_v of_o the_o first_o promise_n when_o divine_a external_a revelation_n begin_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n unto_o the_o church_n to_o the_o write_n of_o the_o law_n there_o be_v always_o alive_a one_o or_o other_o who_o receive_v divine_a revelation_n immediate_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o infallible_a guide_n unto_o other_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o at_o any_o time_n it_o be_v after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o patriarch_n before_o the_o call_v of_o moses_n during_o which_o time_n all_o thing_n go_v into_o darkness_n and_o confusion_n for_o oral_a tradition_n alone_o will_v not_o preserve_v the_o truth_n of_o former_a revelation_n but_o by_o who_o these_o instruction_n be_v receive_v they_o have_v a_o sufficient_a outward_a mean_n for_o their_o illumination_n before_o any_o divine_a revelation_n be_v record_v by_o write_v yet_o 4._o this_o way_n of_o instruction_n as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o imperfect_a and_o liable_a to_o many_o disadvantage_n so_o through_o the_o weakness_n negligence_n and_o wickedness_n of_o man_n it_o prove_v insufficient_a to_o retain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n for_o under_o this_o dispensation_n the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n fall_v into_o their_o great_a apostasy_n from_o god_n and_o betake_v themselves_o unto_o the_o conduct_n and_o service_n of_o the_o devil_n of_o the_o way_n mean_n and_o degree_n whereof_o i_o have_v discoursed*_n elsewhere_o 3._o hereon_o god_n also_o regard_v they_o not_o but_o suffer_v all_o nation_n to_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o way_n act_n 14._o 16._o give_v they_o up_o to_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n to_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o counsel_n as_o it_o be_v express_v psal._n 81._o 12._o and_o although_o this_o fall_v not_o out_o without_o the_o horrible_a wickedness_n and_o ingratitude_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o there_o be_v then_o no_o certain_a standard_n of_o divine_a truth_n whereunto_o they_o may_v repair_v they_o break_v off_o the_o easy_a from_o god_n through_o the_o imperfection_n of_o this_o dispensation_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v that_o since_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n have_v be_v commit_v unto_o write_v man_n have_v apostatise_v from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o many_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n which_o sometime_o profess_v the_o gospel_n but_o be_v now_o overrun_v with_o heathenism_n mahometism_n and_o idolatry_n i_o say_v this_o have_v not_o come_v to_o pass_v through_o any_o defect_n in_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o illumination_n or_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o truth_n unto_o they_o but_o god_n have_v give_v they_o up_o to_o be_v destroy_v for_o their_o wickedness_n and_o ingratitude_n and_o unless_o we_o repent_v we_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v rom._n 1._o 18._o 2_o thes._n 2._o 11_o 12._o otherwise_o where_o the_o standard_n of_o the_o word_n be_v once_o fix_v there_o be_v a_o constant_a mean_n of_o preserve_v divine_a revelation_n wherefore_o three_o god_n have_v gather_v up_o into_o the_o scripture_n all_o divine_a revelation_n give_v out_o by_o himself_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o all_o that_o ever_o shall_v be_v so_o to_o the_o end_n thereof_o which_o be_v of_o general_a use_n unto_o the_o church_n that_o it_o may_v be_v thorough_o instruct_v in_o the_o whole_a mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n and_o direct_v in_o all_o that_o worship_n of_o he_o and_o obedience_n unto_o he_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o give_v we_o acceptance_n with_o he_o here_o and_o to_o bring_v we_o unto_o the_o eternal_a enjoyment_n of_o he_o hereafter_o for_o 1._o when_o god_n first_o commit_v the_o law_n to_o writing_n with_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o accompany_v it_o he_o oblige_v the_o church_n unto_o the_o use_n of_o it_o alone_o without_o addition_n of_o any_o kind_n now_o this_o he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v have_v he_o not_o express_v therein_o that_o be_v the_o book_n of_o moses_n all_o that_o be_v any_o way_n needful_a unto_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o church_n for_o he_o do_v not_o only_o command_v they_o to_o attend_v with_o all_o diligence_n unto_o his_o word_n as_o it_o be_v then_o write_v for_o their_o instruction_n and_o direction_n in_o faith_n and_o obedience_n annex_v all_o sort_n of_o promise_n unto_o their_o so_o do_v deut._n 6._o 6_o 7._o but_o also_o express_o forbid_v they_o as_o be_v say_v to_o add_v any_o thing_n thereunto_o or_o to_o conjoin_v any_o thing_n therewith_o deut._n 4._o 2._o chap._n 12_o 32._o which_o he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v have_v he_o omit_v other_o divine_a revelation_n before_o give_v that_o be_v any_o way_n necessary_a unto_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n as_o he_o add_v many_o new_a one_o so_o he_o gather_v in_o all_o the_o old_a from_o the_o unfaithful_a repository_n of_o tradition_n and_o fix_v they_o in_o a_o write_n give_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n 2._o for_o all_o other_o divine_a revelation_n which_o be_v give_v out_o to_o the_o church_n for_o its_o use_n in_o general_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n they_o be_v all_o comprise_v in_o the_o follow_a book_n thereof_o nor_o be_v this_o that_o i_o know_v of_o ever_o question_v by_o any_o person_n pretend_v to_o sobriety_n though_o some_o who_o will_v be_v glad_a of_o any_o pretence_n against_o the_o integrity_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v fruitless_o wrangle_v about_o the_o loss_n of_o some_o book_n which_o they_o can_v never_o prove_v concern_v any_o one_o that_o be_v certain_o of_o a_o divine_a original_a 3._o the_o full_a revelation_n of_o the_o whole_a mind_n of_o god_n whereunto_o nothing_o pretend_v thereunto_o be_v ever_o to_o be_v add_v be_v commit_v unto_o and_o perfect_v by_o jesus_n christ_n heb._n 1._o 1_o 2._o that_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n make_v by_o he_o whether_o in_o his_o own_o person_n or_o by_o his_o spirit_n unto_o his_o apostle_n be_v also_o by_o divine_a inspiration_n commit_v to_o write_v be_v express_o affirm_v concern_v what_o he_o deliver_v in_o his_o own_o personal_a ministry_n luk._n 1._o 4._o act_n 1._o 1._o john_n 20._o 31._o and_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o uncontrollable_a argument_n concern_v the_o rest_n of_o they_o hence_o as_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v shut_v up_o with_o a_o caution_n and_o admonition_n unto_o the_o church_n to_o adhere_v unto_o the_o law_n and_o testimony_n with_o threaten_v of_o a_o curse_n unto_o the_o contrary_a mal._n 4._o 4_o 5_o 6._o so_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v close_v with_o a_o curse_n on_o any_o that_o shall_v presume_v to_o add_v any_o thing_n more_o thereunto_o rev._n 22._o 18._o wherefore_o four_o the_o scripture_n be_v now_o become_v the_o only_a external_a mean_n of_o divine_a supernatural_a illumination_n because_o it_o be_v the_o only_a repository_n of_o all_o divine_a supernatural_a revelation_n psal._n 19_o 7_o 8._o isa._n 8._o 20._o 2_o tim._n 3._o 15_o 16_o 17._o the_o pretence_n of_o tradition_n as_o a_o collateral_a mean_n of_o preserve_v and_o communicate_v supernatural_a revelation_n have_v be_v so_o often_o evict_v of_o falsity_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o further_o press_v their_o impeachment_n beside_o i_o intend_v those_o in_o this_o discourse_n by_o who_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o bible_n be_v
as_o a_o sufficient_a and_o perfect_a so_o the_o only_a treasury_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o what_o have_v be_v offer_v by_o any_o to_o weaken_v or_o impair_v its_o esteem_n by_o take_v off_o from_o its_o credibility_n perfection_n and_o sufficiency_n as_o unto_o all_o its_o own_o proper_a end_n have_v bring_v no_o advantage_n unto_o the_o church_n nor_o benefit_n unto_o the_o faith_n of_o believer_n but_o yet_o five_o in_o assert_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o only_a external_a mean_n of_o divine_a revelation_n i_o do_v it_o not_o exclusive_o unto_o those_o institution_n of_o god_n which_o be_v subordinate_a unto_o it_o and_o appoint_v as_o mean_n to_o make_v it_o effectual_a unto_o our_o soul_n as_o 1._o our_o own_o personal_a endeavour_n in_o read_v study_v and_o meditate_v on_o the_o scripture_n that_o we_o my_o come_v unto_o a_o right_a apprehension_n of_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o be_v require_v unto_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v know_v to_o all_o how_o frequent_o this_o duty_n be_v press_v upon_o we_o and_o what_o promise_n be_v annex_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o see_v deut._n 6._o 6_o 7._o chap._n 11._o 18_o 19_o josh._n 1._o 8._o psal._n 1._o 2._o psal._n 119._o col._n 3._o 16._o 2_o tim._n 3._o 15._o without_o this_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o expect_v illumination_n by_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v see_v multitude_n live_v and_o walk_v in_o extreme_a darkness_n when_o yet_o the_o word_n be_v everywhere_o nigh_o unto_o they_o bread_n which_o be_v the_o staff_n of_o life_n will_v yet_o nourish_v no_o man_n who_o do_v not_o provide_v it_o and_o feed_v upon_o it_o no_o more_o will_v manna_n unless_o it_o be_v gather_v and_o prepare_v our_o own_o nature_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o divine_a revelation_n consider_v and_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o application_n of_o the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o make_v this_o evident_a for_o god_n will_v instruct_v we_o in_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n as_o we_o be_v man_n in_o and_o by_o the_o rational_a faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n nor_o be_v a_o external_a revelation_n capable_a of_o make_v any_o other_o impression_n on_o we_o but_o what_o be_v so_o receive_v wherefore_o when_o i_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a external_a mean_n of_o our_o illumination_n i_o include_v therein_o all_o our_o own_o personal_a endeavour_n to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n therein_o which_o shall_v be_v afterward_o speak_v unto_o and_o those_o who_o under_o any_o pretence_n do_v keep_v drive_v or_o persuade_v man_n from_o read_v and_o meditate_v on_o the_o scripture_n do_v take_v a_o effectual_a course_n to_o keep_v they_o in_o and_o under_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n 2._o the_o mutual_a instruction_n of_o one_o another_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n be_v also_o require_v hereunto_o for_o we_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n to_o endeavour_v the_o good_a of_o other_o in_o various_a degree_n as_o our_o child_n our_o family_n our_o neighbour_n and_o all_o with_o who_o we_o have_v conversation_n and_o this_o be_v the_o principal_a good_a absolute_o consider_v that_o we_o can_v communicate_v unto_o other_o namely_o to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n this_o whole_a duty_n in_o all_o the_o degree_n of_o it_o be_v represent_v in_o that_o command_n thou_o shall_v teach_v my_o word_n diligent_o unto_o thy_o child_n and_o shall_v talk_v of_o they_o when_o thou_o sit_v in_o thy_o house_n and_o when_o thou_o walk_v by_o the_o way_n and_o when_o thou_o lie_v down_o and_o when_o thou_o rise_v up_o deut._n 6._o 7._o thus_o when_o our_o saviour_n find_v his_o disciple_n talk_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n by_o the_o way_n side_n he_o bear_v unto_o they_o the_o person_n of_o a_o private_a man_n instruct_v they_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n luk._n 24._o 26_o 27_o 32._o and_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v so_o great_a that_o the_o very_a mention_n of_o it_o or_o the_o least_o attempt_n to_o perform_v it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o scorn_n and_o reproach_n be_v one_o cause_n of_o the_o great_a ignorance_n &_o darkness_n which_o yet_o abound_v among_o we_o but_o the_o nakedness_n of_o this_o folly_n whereby_o man_n will_v be_v esteem_v christian_n in_o the_o open_a contempt_n of_o all_o duty_n of_o christianity_n will_v in_o due_a time_n be_v lay_v open_a 3._o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o church_n be_v that_o which_o be_v principal_o include_v in_o this_o assertion_n the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o illumination_n but_o it_o become_v so_o principal_o by_o the_o application_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n see_v mat._n 5._o 14_o 15._o 2_o cor._n 5._o 18_o 19_o 20._o eph._n 4._o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15._o 1_o tim._n 3._o 15._o the_o church_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o it_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n unto_o this_o end_n that_o his_o mind_n and_o will_v as_o reveal_v in_o the_o word_n may_v be_v make_v know_v to_o the_o child_n of_o man_n whereby_o they_o be_v enlighten_v and_o that_o church_n and_o ministry_n whereof_o this_o be_v not_o the_o first_o principal_a design_n and_o work_v be_v neither_o appoint_v of_o god_n nor_o approve_v by_o he_o man_n will_v one_o day_n find_v themselves_o deceive_v in_o trust_v to_o empty_a name_n it_o be_v duty_n alone_o that_o will_v be_v comfort_n and_o reward_n dan._n 12._o 3._o six_o that_o the_o scripture_n which_o thus_o contain_v the_o whole_a of_o divine_a revelation_n may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a external_a cause_n of_o illumination_n unto_o we_o two_o thing_n be_v require_v 1._o that_o we_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n that_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o a_o declaration_n of_o himself_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n immediate_o proceed_v from_o he_o or_o that_o it_o be_v of_o a_o pure_a divine_a original_a proceed_v neither_o from_o the_o folly_n or_o deceit_n nor_o from_o the_o skill_n or_o honesty_n of_o man_n so_o be_v it_o state_v 2_o pet._n 1._o 19_o 20_o 21._o heb._n 1._o 1._o 2_o tim._n 3._o 16._o isa._n 8._o 20._o it_o tender_v no_o light_n or_o instruction_n under_o any_o other_o notion_n but_o as_o it_o come_v immediate_o from_o god_n not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o the_o live_a god_n 1_o thes._n 2._o 13._o and_o what_o ever_o any_o one_o may_v learn_v from_o or_o by_o the_o scripture_n under_o any_o other_o consideration_n it_o belong_v not_o unto_o the_o illumination_n we_o inquire_v after_o nehem._n 8._o 8._o isa._n 28._o 9_o hos._n 14._o 9_o prov._n 1._o 6._o psal._n 119._o 34_o mat._n 15._o 16._o 2_o tim._n 2._o 7._o 1_o john_n 5._o 20._o 2._o that_o we_o understand_v the_o thing_n declare_v in_o it_o or_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n as_o reveal_v and_o express_v therein_o for_o if_o it_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o a_o seal_a book_n which_o we_o can_v read_v either_o because_o it_o be_v seal_v or_o because_o we_o be_v ignorant_a and_o can_v read_v whatever_o vision_n or_o mean_n of_o light_n it_o have_v in_o it_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o advantage_n thereby_o isa._n 29._o 11_o 12._o it_o be_v not_o the_o word_n themselves_o of_o the_o scripture_n only_o but_o our_o understand_v they_o that_o give_v we_o light_a psal._n 119._o 130._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o open_a the_o door_n the_o entrance_n of_o thy_o word_n give_v light_a it_o must_v be_v open_v or_o it_o will_v not_o enlighten_v so_o the_o disciple_n understand_v not_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n concern_v the_o lord_n christ_n they_o be_v not_o enlighten_v by_o they_o until_o he_o expound_v they_o unto_o they_o luk._n 24._o 27_o 45._o as_o we_o have_v the_o same_o instance_n in_o the_o eunuch_n and_o philip_n act_v 8._o 31_o 35_o 36._o to_o this_o very_a day_n the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o outward_a letter_n of_o they_o in_o such_o esteem_n and_o veneration_n that_o they_o even_o adore_v and_o worship_v they_o yet_o be_v they_o not_o enlighten_v by_o it_o and_o the_o same_o be_v fall_v out_o among_o many_o that_o be_v call_v christian_n or_o they_o can_v never_o embrace_v such_o foolish_a opinion_n and_o practice_v such_o idolatry_n in_o worship_n as_o some_o of_o they_o do_v who_o yet_o enjoy_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o my_o design_n which_o we_o have_v be_v thus_o far_o make_v way_n unto_o and_o it_o be_v to_o show_v that_o both_o these_o be_v from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n namely_o that_o we_o true_o believe_v
satan_n and_o the_o prevalent_a power_n and_o rage_n of_o mankind_n have_v combine_v and_o be_v set_v at_o work_n to_o the_o ruin_n and_o utter_v suppression_n of_o this_o book_n proceed_v sometime_o so_o far_o as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o appear_v way_n for_o its_o escape_n yet_o through_o the_o watchful_a care_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n sometime_o put_v itself_o forth_o in_o miraculous_a instance_n it_o have_v be_v preserve_v unto_o this_o day_n and_o shall_v be_v so_o to_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o event_n of_o that_o which_o be_v speak_v by_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 5._o 18._o do_v invincible_o prove_v the_o divine_a approbation_n of_o this_o book_n as_o that_o do_v its_o divine_a original_a till_o heaven_n and_o earth_n pass_v away_o one_o jot_n or_o one_o tittle_n shall_v in_o no_o wise_a pass_n from_o the_o law_n god_n perpetual_a care_n over_o the_o scripture_n for_o so_o many_o age_n that_o not_o a_o letter_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v utter_o lose_v nothing_o that_o have_v the_o least_o tendency_n towards_o its_o end_n shall_v perish_v be_v evidence_n sufficient_a of_o his_o regard_n unto_o it_o especial_o will_v it_o be_v so_o if_o we_o shall_v consider_v with_o what_o remarkable_a judgement_n and_o severe_a reflection_n of_o vengeance_n on_o its_o opposer_n this_o care_n have_v be_v manage_v instance_n whereof_o may_v be_v easy_o multiply_v and_o if_o any_o will_v not_o ascribe_v this_o preservation_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o bible_n not_o only_o in_o their_o be_v but_o in_o their_o purity_n and_o integrity_n free_a from_o the_o least_o just_a suspicion_n of_o corruption_n or_o the_o intermixture_n of_o any_o thing_n humane_a or_o heterogeneous_a unto_o the_o care_n of_o god_n it_o be_v incumbent_n on_o he_o to_o assign_v some_o other_o cause_n proportionate_a to_o such_o a_o effect_n whilst_o it_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o endeavour_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o hell_n to_o have_v it_o corrupt_v and_o destroy_v for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v but_o judge_v that_o he_o that_o see_v not_o a_o hand_n of_o divine_a providence_n stretch_v out_o in_o the_o preservation_n of_o this_o book_n and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o it_o its_o word_n and_o syllable_n for_o thousand_o of_o year_n through_o all_o the_o overthrow_n and_o deluge_n of_o calamity_n that_o have_v befall_v the_o world_n with_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o it_o have_v be_v preserve_v and_o the_o interest_n in_o some_o age_n of_o all_o those_o in_o who_o power_n it_o be_v to_o have_v it_o corrupt_v as_o it_o be_v of_o the_o apostate_n church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o christian_n with_o the_o open_a opposition_n that_o have_v be_v make_v unto_o it_o do_v not_o believe_v there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o divine_a providence_n at_o all_o it_o be_v first_o write_v in_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o the_o babylonian_a empire_n with_o which_o it_o afterward_o contemporize_v about_o 900_o year_n by_o this_o monarchy_n that_o people_n which_o alone_o have_v these_o oracle_n of_o god_n commit_v unto_o they_o be_v oppress_v destroy_v and_o carry_v into_o captivity_n but_o this_o book_n be_v then_o preserve_v among_o they_o whilst_o they_o be_v absolute_o under_o the_o power_n of_o their_o enemy_n although_o it_o condemn_v they_o and_o all_o their_o god_n and_o religious_a worship_n wherewith_o we_o know_v how_o horrible_o mankind_n be_v enrage_v satan_n have_v enthrone_v himself_o as_o the_o object_n of_o their_o worship_n and_o the_o author_n of_o all_o way_n of_o divine_a veneration_n among_o they_o these_o they_o adhere_v unto_o as_o their_o principal_a interest_n as_o all_o people_n do_v unto_o that_o they_o esteem_v their_o religion_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o judge_v condemn_v oppose_v he_o or_o they_o but_o this_o book_n only_o which_o be_v now_o absolute_o in_o their_o power_n if_o that_o by_o any_o mean_n can_v have_v be_v destroy_v then_o when_o it_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n but_o of_o a_o few_o and_o those_o for_o the_o most_o part_n flagitious_a in_o their_o life_n hate_v the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o and_o whole_o under_o the_o power_n of_o their_o adversary_n the_o interest_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n in_o idolatry_n have_v be_v secure_v but_o through_o the_o mere_a provision_n of_o divine_a care_n it_o outlive_v that_o monarchy_n and_o see_v the_o ruin_n of_o its_o great_a adversary_n so_o it_o do_v also_o during_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o persian_a monarchy_n which_o succeed_v whilst_o the_o people_n be_v still_o under_o the_o power_n of_o idolater_n against_o who_o this_o be_v the_o only_a testimony_n in_o the_o world_n by_o some_o branch_n of_o the_o grecian_a monarchy_n a_o most_o fierce_a and_o diligent_a attempt_n be_v make_v to_o have_v utter_o destroy_v it_o but_o still_o it_o be_v snatch_v by_o divine_a power_n out_o of_o the_o furnace_n not_o one_o hair_n of_o it_o be_v singe_v or_o the_o least_o detriment_n bring_v unto_o its_o perfection_n the_o roman_n destroy_v both_o the_o people_n and_o place_n design_v until_o then_o for_o its_o preservation_n carry_v the_o ancient_a copy_n of_o the_o law_n in_o triumph_n to_o rome_n on_o the_o conquest_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o whilst_o all_o absolute_a power_n and_o dominion_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n where_o this_o book_n be_v know_v or_o hear_v of_o be_v in_o their_o hand_n they_o exercise_v a_o rage_n against_o it_o for_o sundry_a age_n with_o the_o same_o success_n that_o former_a enemy_n have_v from_o the_o very_a first_o all_o the_o endeavour_n of_o mankind_n that_o profess_v a_o open_a enmity_n against_o it_o have_v be_v utter_o frustrate_a and_o whereas_o also_o those_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v outward_o commit_v as_o the_o jew_n first_o and_o the_o antichristian_a church_n of_o apostatise_v christian_n afterward_o not_o only_o fall_v into_o opinion_n and_o practice_n absolute_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o but_o also_o build_v all_o their_o present_a and_o future_a interest_n on_o those_o opinion_n and_o practice_n yet_o none_o of_o they_o dare_v ever_o attempt_v the_o corrupt_a of_o one_o line_n in_o it_o but_o be_v force_v to_o attempt_v their_o own_o security_n by_o a_o pretence_n of_o additional_a tradition_n and_o keep_v the_o book_n itself_o as_o much_o as_o they_o dare_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n and_o knowledge_n of_o all_o not_o engage_v in_o the_o same_o interest_n with_o themselves_o whence_o can_v all_o this_o proceed_v but_o from_o the_o watchful_a care_n and_o power_n of_o divine_a providence_n and_o it_o be_v brutish_a folly_n not_o to_o believe_v that_o what_o god_n do_v so_o protect_v do_v original_o proceed_v from_o himself_o see_v it_o plead_v and_o pretend_v so_o to_o do_v for_o every_o wise_a man_n will_v take_v more_o care_n of_o a_o stranger_n than_o a_o bastard_n false_o impose_v on_o he_o unto_o his_o dishonour_n 3._o the_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o have_v a_o impress_n on_o it_o of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o authority_n and_o hereof_o there_o be_v two_o part_n first_o to_o reveal_v god_n unto_o man_n and_o second_o to_o direct_v man_n to_o come_v unto_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n that_o these_o be_v the_o only_a two_o great_a concern_v of_o our_o nature_n of_o any_o rational_a be_v be_v easy_a to_o prove_v but_o that_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o those_o with_o who_o i_o treat_v now_o never_o do_v any_o book_n or_o write_v in_o the_o world_n any_o single_a or_o joint_a endeavour_n of_o mankind_n or_o invisible_a spirit_n in_o the_o way_n of_o authority_n give_v out_o a_o law_n rule_n guide_n and_o light_n for_o all_o mankind_n universal_o in_o both_o these_o namely_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o ourselves_o but_o this_o book_n only_o and_o if_o any_o other_o it_o may_v be_v like_o the_o alcoran_n do_v pretend_v in_o the_o least_o thereunto_o it_o quick_o discover_v its_o own_o folly_n and_o expose_v itself_o to_o the_o contempt_n of_o all_o wise_a and_o considerate_a man_n the_o only_a question_n be_v how_o it_o have_v discharge_v itself_o in_o this_o design_n for_o if_o it_o have_v complete_o and_o perfect_o accomplish_v it_o it_o be_v not_o only_o evident_a that_o it_o must_v be_v from_o god_n but_o also_o that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a benefit_n and_o kindness_n that_o divine_a benignity_n and_o goodness_n ever_o grant_v unto_o mankind_n for_o without_o it_o all_o man_n universal_o must_v necessary_o wander_v in_o a_o endless_a maze_n of_o uncertainty_n without_o ever_o attain_v light_n rest_v or_o blessedness_n here_o or_o hereafter_o wherefore_o 1._o as_o it_o take_v on_o itself_o to_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o deliver_v nothing_o command_v nothing_o but_o what_o become_v his_o infinite_a holiness_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n so_o it_o make_v that_o
place_n that_o the_o plea_n hitherto_o insist_v on_o can_v be_v manage_v without_o great_a disadvantage_n to_o christian_a religion_n for_o if_o we_o take_v away_o the_o rational_a ground_n on_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v true_a and_o divine_a and_o the_o whole_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v lay_v on_o thing_n not_o only_o deride_v by_o man_n of_o atheistical_a spirit_n but_o in_o themselves_o such_o as_o can_v be_v discern_v by_o any_o but_o such_o as_o do_v believe_v on_o what_o ground_n can_v we_o proceed_v to_o convince_v a_o unbeliever_n answer_v 1_o by_o the_o way_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o prove_v and_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v true_a and_o divine_a another_o to_o prove_v and_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n or_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o alone_o be_v propose_v unto_o consideration_n a_o doctrine_n true_a and_o divine_a may_v be_v write_v in_o and_o propose_v unto_o we_o by_o write_n that_o be_v not_o divine_o and_o infallible_o inspire_v and_o so_o may_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v but_o not_o without_o the_o unspeakable_a disadvantage_n of_o the_o church_n and_o there_o be_v sundry_a argument_n which_o forcible_o and_o effectual_o prove_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o have_v be_v true_a and_o divine_a which_o be_v not_o of_o any_o efficacy_n to_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n though_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n whatever_o do_v prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v equal_o prove_v the_o divine_a truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n 2._o there_o be_v two_o way_n of_o convince_a unbeliever_n the_o one_o insist_v on_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o follower_n the_o other_o by_o some_o learned_a man_n since_o their_o day_n the_o way_n principal_o insist_v on_o by_o the_o apostle_n be_v by_o preach_v the_o word_n itself_o unto_o they_o in_o the_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o the_o power_n whereof_o manifest_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o it_o they_o be_v convince_v and_o fall_v down_o acknowledge_v god_n to_o be_v in_o it_o of_o a_o truth_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 4_o 5._o ch_z 14._o 25_o 26._o it_o be_v likely_a that_o in_o this_o their_o proposal_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o doctrine_n and_o truth_n contain_v in_o it_o unto_o unbeliever_n that_o those_o of_o atheistical_a spirit_n will_v both_o deride_v they_o and_o it_o and_o so_o indeed_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v many_o esteem_v themselves_o to_o be_v babbler_n and_o their_o doctrine_n to_o be_v errant_a folly_n but_o yet_o they_o desist_v not_o from_o pursue_v their_o work_n in_o the_o same_o way_n whereunto_o god_n give_v success_n the_o other_o way_n be_v to_o prove_v unto_o unbeliever_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a and_o divine_a by_o rational_a argument_n wherein_o some_o learned_a person_n have_v labour_v especial_o in_o these_o last_o age_n to_o very_o good_a purpose_n and_o certain_o their_o labour_n be_v great_o to_o be_v commend_v whilst_o they_o attend_v unto_o these_o rule_n 1._o that_o they_o produce_v no_o argument_n but_o such_o as_o be_v cogent_a and_o not_o liable_a unto_o just_a exception_n for_o if_o to_o manifest_v their_o own_o skill_n or_o learning_n they_o plead_v such_o reason_n as_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o answer_n and_o solution_n they_o exceed_o prejudice_v the_o truth_n by_o subject_v it_o unto_o dubious_a disputation_n whereas_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v clear_a firm_a and_o sacred_a 2._o that_o they_o do_v not_o pretend_v their_o rational_a ground_n and_o argument_n to_o be_v the_o sole_a foundation_n that_o faith_n have_v to_o rest_v upon_o or_o which_o it_o be_v resolve_v into_o for_o this_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o set_v up_o a_o opinion_n instead_o of_o faith_n supernatural_a and_o divine_a accept_v but_o of_o these_o two_o limitation_n and_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o rational_a ground_n and_o argument_n intend_v may_v be_v rational_o plead_v and_o aught_o so_o to_o be_v unto_o the_o conviction_n of_o gainsayer_n for_o no_o man_n do_v so_o plead_v the_o self-evidencing_a power_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o to_o deny_v that_o the_o use_v of_o other_o external_a motive_n and_o argument_n be_v necessary_a to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o atheist_n as_o also_o unto_o the_o further_a establishment_n of_o they_o who_o do_v believe_v these_o thing_n be_v subordinate_a and_o no_o way_n inconsistent_a the_o truth_n be_v if_o we_o will_v attend_v unto_o our_o own_o and_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n the_o way_n whereby_o we_o come_v to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n ordinary_o be_v this_o and_o no_o other_o god_n have_v first_o give_v his_o word_n as_o the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n have_v appoint_v the_o ministry_n of_o man_n at_o first_o extraordinary_a afterward_o ordinary_a to_o propose_v unto_o we_o the_o doctrine_n truth_n precept_n promise_n and_o threaten_n contain_v therein_o together_o with_o this_o proposition_n of_o they_o they_o be_v appoint_v to_o declare_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o from_o themselves_o nor_o of_o their_o own_o invention_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o and_o this_o be_v do_v various_o unto_o some_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o this_o ministry_n thus_o come_v or_o be_v thus_o propose_v preach_v or_o declare_v whilst_o they_o be_v in_o a_o condition_n not_o only_o utter_o unacquainted_a with_o the_o mystery_n of_o it_o but_o fill_v with_o contrary_a apprehension_n and_o consequent_o prejudices_fw-la against_o it_o thus_o it_o come_v of_o old_a unto_o the_o pagan_a world_n and_o must_v do_v so_o unto_o such_o person_n and_o nation_n as_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o same_o state_n with_o they_o unto_o these_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o produce_v the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o will_v evidence_n itself_o unto_o they_o so_o to_o be_v for_o this_o have_v be_v to_o despise_v the_o wisdom_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o their_o own_o ministry_n but_o they_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o unto_o they_o ground_v themselves_o on_o the_o divine_a revelation_n contain_v therein_o and_o this_o proposition_n of_o the_o truth_n or_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o leave_v of_o god_n to_o work_v itself_o into_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n by_o the_o suitableness_n of_o it_o thereunto_o but_o be_v his_o own_o institution_n for_o their_o illumination_n and_o conversion_n he_o accompany_v it_o with_o divine_a power_n and_o make_v it_o effectual_a unto_o the_o end_v design_v rom._n 1._o 16._o and_o the_o event_n hereof_o among_o mankind_n be_v that_o by_o some_o this_o new_a doctrine_n be_v deride_v and_o scorn_v by_o other_o who_o heart_n god_n open_v to_o attend_v unto_o it_o it_o be_v embrace_v and_o submit_v unto_o among_o those_o who_o after_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v bear_v as_o they_o say_v within_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o church_n the_o same_o doctrine_n be_v various_o instill_v into_o person_n according_a unto_o the_o several_a duty_n and_o concern_v of_o other_o to_o instruct_v they_o principal_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v ordain_v of_o god_n unto_o that_o end_n whereon_o the_o church_n be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n those_o of_o both_o sort_n unto_o who_o the_o doctrine_n mention_v be_v preach_v or_o propose_v be_v direct_v unto_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o sacred_a repository_n thereof_o for_o they_o be_v tell_v that_o these_o thing_n come_v by_o revelation_n from_o god_n and_o that_o revelation_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o bible_n which_o be_v his_o word_n upon_o this_o proposal_n with_o enquiry_n into_o it_o and_o consideration_n of_o it_o god_n cooperate_a by_o his_o spirit_n there_o be_v that_o evidence_n of_o its_o divine_a original_a communicate_v unto_o their_o mind_n through_o its_o power_n and_o efficacy_n with_o the_o character_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o holiness_n implant_v on_o it_o which_o they_o be_v now_o enable_v to_o discern_v that_o they_o believe_v it_o and_o rest_n in_o it_o as_o the_o immediate_a word_n of_o god_n thus_o be_v it_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o sychar_n with_o respect_n unto_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n john_n 4._o 42._o this_o be_v the_o way_n whereby_o man_n ordinary_o be_v bring_v to_o believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n rom._n 10._o 14_o 15._o and_o that_o neither_o by_o external_a argument_n or_o motive_n which_o no_o one_o soul_n be_v ever_o convert_v unto_o god_n by_o nor_o by_o any_o mere_a naked_a proposal_n and_o offer_n of_o the_o book_n unto_o they_o
nor_o by_o miracle_n nor_o by_o immediate_a revelation_n or_o private_a subjective_n testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n nor_o be_v their_o faith_n a_o persuasion_n of_o mind_n that_o they_o can_v give_v no_o reason_n of_o but_o only_o that_o they_o be_v so_o persuade_v but_o it_o will_v be_v yet_o further_o object_v that_o if_o there_o be_v such_o clear_a evidence_n in_o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o be_v in_o the_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o none_o who_o free_o use_v their_o reason_n can_v deny_v it_o than_o it_o lie_v either_o in_o the_o naked_a proposal_n of_o the_o thing_n unto_o the_o understanding_n and_o if_o so_o than_o every_o one_o that_o assent_v unto_o this_o proposition_n that_o the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o the_o part_n must_v likewise_o assent_v unto_o this_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o the_o evidence_n must_v not_o lie_v in_o the_o naked_a proposal_n but_o in_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o they_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v propose_v answ._n 1._o i_o know_v no_o divine_a ancient_a or_o modern_a popish_a or_o protestant_n who_o do_v not_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v a_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n necessary_a unto_o a_o due_a belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o consideration_n hereof_o ought_v not_o by_o any_o christian_n to_o be_v exclude_v but_o they_o say_v not_o that_o this_o be_v the_o objective_a testimony_n or_o evidence_n on_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n concern_v which_o alone_a be_v our_o enquiry_n 2._o we_o do_v not_o dispute_v how_o far_o or_o by_o what_o mean_v this_o proposition_n the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v be_v evidence_v mere_o unto_o our_o reason_n but_o unto_o our_o understanding_n as_o capable_a of_o give_v a_o assent_n upon_o testimony_n it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o this_o be_v a_o first_o principle_n of_o reason_n though_o it_o be_v of_o faith_n nor_o that_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o mathematical_a demonstration_n that_o the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o the_o part_n be_v self-evident_a unto_o our_o reason_n upon_o its_o first_o proposal_n but_o such_o none_o pretend_v to_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n because_o it_o be_v a_o subject_n not_o capable_a of_o it_o nor_o do_v those_o who_o deny_v the_o self-evidence_n of_o the_o scripture_n pretend_v by_o their_o argument_n for_o its_o divine_a authority_n to_o give_v such_o a_o evidence_n of_o it_o unto_o reason_n as_o be_v in_o first_o principles_n or_o mathematical_a demonstration_n but_o content_v themselves_o with_o that_o which_o they_o call_v a_o moral_a certainty_n but_o it_o be_v by_o faith_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n which_o respect_v the_o power_n of_o our_o mind_n of_o assent_n unto_o truth_n upon_o testimony_n infallible_o on_o that_o which_o be_v infallible_a and_o hereunto_o it_o evidence_v its_o own_o truth_n not_o with_o the_o same_o but_o with_o a_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n and_o noble_a kind_n than_o that_o of_o the_o strict_a demonstration_n in_o thing_n natural_a or_o the_o most_o forcible_a arguman_n in_o thing_n moral_a 3._o it_o will_v be_v object_v that_o if_o this_o be_v so_o then_o none_o can_v be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o have_v not_o faith_n and_o none_o have_v faith_n but_o those_o in_o who_o it_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o thereinto_o all_o will_v be_v resolve_v at_o last_o answ._n 1._o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o this_o objection_n for_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v plead_v only_o as_o he_o be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o believe_v and_o not_o the_o objective_n or_o reason_n why_o we_o do_v believe_v but_o 2._o we_o must_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o resolve_v all_o we_o do_v well_o spiritual_o and_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o efficacious_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o we_o unless_o we_o intend_v to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n but_o this_o still_o make_v his_o internal_a operation_n to_o be_v the_o efficient_a and_o not_o his_o internal_a testimony_n to_o be_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o faith_n 3._o it_o be_v another_o question_n whether_o all_o obligation_n unto_o duty_n be_v and_o must_v be_v proportionate_a unto_o our_o own_o strength_n without_o divine_a assistance_n which_o we_o deny_v and_o affirm_v that_o we_o be_v oblige_v unto_o many_o thing_n by_o virtue_n of_o god_n command_n which_o we_o have_v no_o power_n to_o answer_v but_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o grace_n 4._o where_o the_o proposal_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v make_v in_o the_o way_n before_o describe_v those_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v propose_v be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v it_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o evidence_n which_o it_o give_v of_o itself_o so_o to_o be_v yea_o every_o real_a true_a divine_a revelation_n make_v unto_o man_n or_o every_o proposal_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o divine_a providence_n have_v that_o evidence_n of_o its_o be_v from_o god_n accompany_v of_o it_o as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o oblige_v they_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v make_v to_o believe_v it_o on_o pain_n of_o his_o displeasure_n if_o this_o be_v otherwise_o then_o either_o be_v god_n oblige_v to_o confirm_v every_o particular_a divine_a revelation_n with_o a_o miracle_n which_o as_o to_o its_o obligation_n unto_o believe_v want_v not_o its_o difficulty_n which_o he_o do_v not_o as_o in_o many_o of_o the_o prophet_n nor_o do_v at_o this_o day_n at_o the_o first_o proposal_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o heathen_a or_o else_o when_o he_o require_v faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o such_o way_n as_o in_o his_o wisdom_n he_o judge_v meet_v that_o be_v in_o the_o ordinary_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n they_o be_v not_o oblige_v thereby_o nor_o be_v it_o their_o sin_n to_o refuse_v a_o compliance_n with_o his_o will._n 5._o if_o this_o difficulty_n can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o avoid_v but_o by_o affirm_v that_o the_o faith_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o with_o respect_n unto_o his_o word_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o natural_a assent_n unto_o it_o upon_o rational_a argument_n and_o consideration_n which_o we_o have_v a_o ability_n for_o without_o any_o spiritual_a aid_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o respect_n unto_o his_o testimony_n as_o before_o describe_v which_o overthrow_v all_o faith_n especial_o that_o which_o be_v divine_a i_o shall_v rather_o ten_o thousand_o time_n allow_v of_o all_o the_o just_a consequence_n that_o can_v follow_v on_o the_o supposition_n mention_v than_o admit_v of_o this_o relief_n but_o of_o those_o consequence_n this_o be_v none_o that_o any_o unto_o who_o the_o scripture_n be_v propose_v be_v except_v from_o a_o obligation_n unto_o believe_v in_o like_a manner_n there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n in_o the_o usual_a objection_n which_o respect_v particular_a book_n of_o the_o scripture_n why_o we_o receive_v they_o as_o canonical_a and_o reject_v other_o as_o namely_o the_o book_n of_o proverb_n and_o not_o of_o wisdom_n of_o ecclesiaste_n and_o not_o ecclesiasticus_fw-la for_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o have_v the_o canon_n of_o they_o give_v we_o in_o the_o new_a where_o it_o be_v affirm_v that_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n which_o both_o confirm_v all_o that_o we_o receive_v and_o exclude_v all_o that_o we_o exclude_v and_o unto_o the_o new_a there_o be_v no_o pretender_n nor_o ever_o be_v to_o the_o least_o exercise_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o any_o 2._o all_o book_n whatever_o that_o have_v either_o themselves_o pretend_a unto_o a_o divine_a original_a or_o have_v be_v plead_v by_o other_o to_o be_v of_o that_o extract_v have_v be_v and_o may_v be_v from_o themselves_o without_o further_a help_n evict_v of_o falsehood_n in_o that_o pretence_n they_o have_v all_o of_o they_o hitherto_o in_o matter_n or_o manner_n in_o plain_a confession_n or_o other_o sufficient_a evidence_n manifest_v themselves_o to_o be_v of_o a_o human_a original_a and_o much_o danger_n be_v not_o to_o be_v fear_v from_o any_o that_o for_o the_o future_a shall_v set_v forth_o with_o the_o same_o pretence_n 3._o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o refuse_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o advantage_n of_o providence_n whereby_o the_o scripture_n be_v bring_v unto_o we_o with_o the_o testimony_n which_o either_o direct_o or_o collateral_o any_o one_o part_n of_o it_o give_v unto_o another_o although_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o believe_v for_o itself_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o ordinary_o to_o be_v believe_v by_o itself_o without_o