too_o little_a and_o not_o those_o who_o believe_v too_o much_o second_o i_o must_v premise_v that_o we_o be_v not_o here_o to_o expect_v the_o necessity_n of_o demonstration_n but_o must_v content_v ourselves_o with_o such_o argument_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o subject_n will_v admit_v there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a and_o perfect_a demonstration_n unless_o the_o property_n to_o be_v demonstrate_v do_v natural_o flow_v from_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o demonstration_n in_o matter_n then_o depend_v upon_o the_o free_a election_n of_o cause_n there_o can_v possible_o be_v any_o perfect_a demonstration_n and_o such_o be_v the_o give_n of_o a_o rule_n of_o life_n in_o respect_n of_o god_n so_o that_o there_o can_v be_v a_o perfect_a demonstration_n of_o it_o so_o than_o we_o must_v content_v ourselves_o with_o argument_n fall_v short_a of_o the_o necessity_n of_o demonstration_n but_o such_o as_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o deny_v without_o deny_v some_o such_o principle_n as_o all_o man_n do_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v true_a sect._n ii_o the_o assertion_n resolve_v into_o two_o proposition_n the_o former_a undertake_v that_o whosoever_o believe_v the_o historical_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n must_v believe_v the_o doctrinal_a 1._o to_o believe_v that_o these_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n there_o be_v very_o great_a and_o important_a reason_n 2._o to_o disbelieve_v it_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n or_o not_o any_o sufficient_a reason_n and_o first_o of_o all_o to_o prove_v that_o those_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o we_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o because_o themselves_o pretend_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n all_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n the_o tenor_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n run_v general_o so_o the_o lord_n speak_v unto_o moses_n or_o other_o of_o the_o prophet_n such_o as_o be_v the_o penman_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n indeed_o the_o general_a pretence_n of_o those_o that_o write_v both_o testament_n be_v that_o holy_a man_n do_v speak_v and_o write_v as_o they_o be_v inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o then_o if_o this_o pretence_n of_o it_o be_v true_a it_o must_v be_v true_a that_o it_o proceed_v from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o consequent_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o will_v conclude_v that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o as_o concerning_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o writing_n we_o have_v 1._o the_o same_o argument_n or_o as_o great_a as_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o writing_n in_o the_o world_n nay_o 2._o we_o have_v argument_n moral_a argument_n to_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o such_o as_o no_o other_o writing_n can_v pretend_v to_o that_o we_o may_v shorten_v that_o we_o have_v to_o perform_v you_o may_v consider_v that_o the_o thing_n deliver_v to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v either_o matter_n of_o history_n or_o doctrine_n and_o that_o these_o be_v frequent_o interweave_v in_o the_o scripture_n so_o as_o when_o saint_n matthew_n do_v in_o a_o historical_a narration_n bring_v in_o our_o saviour_n preach_v in_o the_o mount_n and_o deliver_v there_o a_o summary_n of_o his_o doctrine_n so_o that_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o if_o the_o historical_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v undoubted_o true_a there_o can_v rational_o be_v any_o doubt_n make_v of_o those_o doctrinal_a rule_n and_o precept_n which_o there_o be_v deliver_v as_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o any_o party_n whatsoever_o concerning_o god_n there_o be_v not_o imaginable_a any_o argument_n so_o ready_a to_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o as_o god_n himself_o free_o attest_v to_o the_o deliverer_n of_o it_o by_o mighty_a sign_n and_o wonder_n by_o great_a and_o undeniable_a miracle_n such_o as_o be_v instance_n of_o the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n such_o as_o by_o skilful_a and_o know_a man_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v no_o way_n performable_a by_o the_o 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lightning_n and_o a_o thick_a cloud_n upon_o the_o mount_n exo._n 19_o how_o mount_n sinai_n be_v altogether_o on_o a_o smoke_n because_o the_o lord_n descend_v upon_o it_o in_o fire_n and_o the_o smoke_n thereof_o ascend_v as_o the_o smoke_n of_o a_o furnace_n and_o the_o whole_a mountain_n shake_v exceed_o whosoever_o believe_v these_o work_n to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o the_o same_o party_n that_o profess_v a_o revelation_n from_o god_n can_v avoid_v the_o belief_n of_o his_o profession_n unless_o he_o can_v believe_v that_o god_n by_o so_o great_a miracle_n will_v attest_v to_o blasphemy_n and_o sacrilegious_a imposture_n a_o thing_n which_o be_v palpable_o mad_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o be_v against_o the_o light_n of_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n so_o likewise_o whosoever_o do_v believe_v that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o augustus_n caesar_n there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n common_o call_v christ_n and_o that_o this_o man_n do_v profess_v himself_o the_o 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of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v attainable_a but_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o eternal_a word_n of_o the_o father_n and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o spirit_n and_o life_n as_o the_o argument_n do_v imply_v and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a and_o mystical_a meaning_n of_o that_o letter_n of_o the_o word_n they_o either_o owe_v their_o faith_n unto_o that_o word_n or_o else_o they_o have_v not_o do_v very_o charitable_o in_o conceal_v those_o way_n whereby_o they_o come_v to_o know_v it_o and_o very_o improvident_o in_o give_v occasion_n for_o we_o to_o believe_v that_o their_o pretence_n of_o illumination_n be_v but_o pretence_n now_o for_o that_o other_o party_n who_o do_v reject_v the_o scripture_n the_o whole_a bulk_n of_o they_o their_o argument_n be_v these_o i._n because_o they_o deliver_v thing_n impossible_a and_o consequent_o incredible_a and_o so_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v 2._o because_o they_o deliver_v thing_n repugnant_a and_o contradictory_a to_o one_o another_o 3._o because_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v doubtful_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o text_n and_o margin_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v likewise_o uncertain_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o various_a read_n of_o several_a copy_n 1._o those_o thing_n which_o the_o atheistical_a party_n use_v to_o object_n against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o impossible_a and_o incredible_a they_o be_v the_o miracle_n perform_v by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o if_o we_o shall_v attentive_o consider_v they_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o do_v include_v in_o they_o no_o contradiction_n nor_o any_o absolute_a impossibility_n of_o the_o performance_n the_o utmost_a that_o can_v be_v just_o conclude_v from_o they_o be_v that_o they_o transcend_v the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o that_o providence_n which_o order_v the_o world_n and_o administer_v the_o law_n of_o the_o government_n thereof_o but_o upon_o the_o hear_n or_o read_v of_o extraordinary_a event_n present_o though_o they_o have_v be_v sufficient_o attest_v to_o disbelieve_v they_o upon_o conceit_n of_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a discover_v palpable_o the_o want_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o reason_n whereto_o they_o so_o much_o pretend_v for_o a_o man_n to_o deny_v such_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v the_o reason_n of_o must_v either_o suppose_v the_o party_n to_o know_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o appearance_n in_o nature_n or_o conclude_v he_o guilty_a of_o childish_a and_o ridiculous_a incredulity_n we_o have_v before_o demonstrate_v the_o omniscience_n and_o the_o omnipotence_n of_o the_o divinity_n and_o that_o be_v as_o have_v be_v actual_o prove_v clear_o and_o evident_o demonstrable_a for_o the_o contemptible_a wit_n and_o reason_v of_o man_n to_o prescribe_v limit_n and_o bound_n to_o that_o power_n and_o 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and_o contradiction_n which_o some_o man_n vain_o please_v themselves_o imagine_v they_o have_v find_v they_o in_o the_o scripture_n if_o they_o be_v well_o examine_v they_o will_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v but_o so_o many_o instance_n of_o the_o weakness_n or_o inadvertancy_n of_o the_o objector_n those_o which_o have_v be_v make_v against_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v long_o ago_o be_v find_v by_o rabbi_n moses_n ben_n maimoni_n not_o to_o have_v take_v in_o all_o those_o condition_n which_o have_v be_v by_o philosopher_n discover_v to_o be_v require_v to_o make_v up_o a_o perfect_a contradiction_n that_o be_v that_o contrary_a assertion_n be_v make_v of_o the_o same_o thing_n at_o the_o same_o time_n according_a to_o the_o same_o part_n or_o motion_n or_o apprehension_n and_o the_o same_o have_v be_v late_o perform_v by_o manasseh_n ben_n israel_n in_o his_o conciliator_n for_o the_o old_a testament_n it_o have_v likewise_o for_o the_o new_a be_v long_o since_o perform_v by_o many_o of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o late_a by_o diverse_a of_o all_o profession_n papist_n protestant_n and_o their_o several_a subdivision_n the_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n be_v easy_o reconcile_v by_o distinguish_v the_o notion_n of_o several_a term_n so_o for_o example_n as_o faith_n be_v say_v by_o paul_n to_o justify_v and_o work_n by_o james_n by_o distinguish_v of_o justification_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o history_n be_v reconcile_v by_o attend_v to_o time_n and_o place_n person_n and_o form_n of_o speech_n thus_o be_v the_o difference_n clear_v which_o be_v about_o the_o genealogy_n of_o our_o saviour_n deliver_v by_o saint_n matthew_n and_o saint_n luke_n the_o truth_n be_v there_o can_v never_o any_o considerable_a difference_n either_o in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n or_o history_n be_v urge_v against_o the_o scripture_n yet_o if_o some_o slight_a and_o inconsiderable_a circumstance_n shall_v seem_v to_o we_o so_o to_o differ_v that_o we_o can_v not_o reconcile_v they_o it_o ought_v rather_o to_o confirm_v our_o belief_n than_o any_o way_n to_o shake_v it_o see_v it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o those_o who_o design_n to_o impose_v upon_o man_n belief_n so_o to_o contrive_v all_o circumstance_n as_o they_o may_v be_v sure_a to_o have_v no_o difference_n discover_v such_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o agreement_n and_o harmony_n of_o all_o these_o author_n so_o distant_a in_o time_n in_o place_n in_o institution_n as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o other_o author_n in_o the_o world_n though_o of_o the_o same_o sect_n either_o in_o philosophy_n law_n physic_n or_o any_o other_o faculty_n nor_o yet_o in_o any_o one_o man_n with_o himself_o as_o may_v be_v manifest_v if_o either_o this_o time_n or_o place_n require_v it_o and_o so_o instead_o of_o a_o objection_n to_o shake_v we_o we_o have_v find_v a_o argument_n to_o confirm_v we_o 3._o the_o three_o argument_n or_o objection_n against_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o scripture_n be_v take_v from_o the_o keri_fw-he and_o chetib_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o from_o the_o various_a read_n of_o the_o new_a from_o those_o they_o conclude_v they_o to_o be_v doubtful_a from_o these_o corrupt_a now_o the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v answer_v by_o the_o jewish_a rr_n isaac_n jacob_n of_o old_a elias_n levita_n of_o late_a time_n who_o do_v deny_v the_o consequence_n of_o that_o argument_n and_o make_v it_o manifest_a that_o those_o be_v add_v for_o signification_n of_o some_o mystery_n and_o not_o because_o the_o text_n be_v doubtful_a and_o for_o proof_n of_o their_o assertion_n they_o prove_v that_o the_o book_n of_o haggai_n zachary_n malachy_n daniel_n and_o ezra_n have_v those_o marginal_a note_n add_v to_o they_o by_o their_o author_n who_o all_o be_v member_n of_o the_o synagoga_fw-la magna_fw-la and_o make_v the_o consignation_n of_o the_o jewish_a canon_n these_o can_v not_o be_v doubtful_a of_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o writing_n and_o consequent_o from_o those_o marginal_a note_n the_o doubtfulness_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n can_v no_o way_n just_o be_v conclude_v as_o touch_v the_o various_a read_n of_o some_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o through_o the_o fail_n of_o some_o scribe_n there_o be_v find_v in_o the_o most_o ancient_a copy_n of_o those_o book_n some_o difference_n of_o letter_n or_o some_o few_o syllable_n or_o word_n but_o this_o we_o deny_v that_o those_o be_v sufficient_a from_o whence_o to_o conclude_v the_o book_n not_o to_o be_v credit_v for_o upon_o the_o same_o reason_n it_o will_v be_v conclude_v that_o no_o book_n in_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v credit_v unless_o they_o can_v be_v manifest_v to_o be_v exempt_v from_o the_o slip_n and_o fail_n of_o transcriber_n nay_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o various_a read_n be_v very_o strong_a argument_n that_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o writing_n be_v incorrupt_v and_o that_o they_o be_v never_o change_v
undertake_v that_o whosoever_o believe_v the_o historical_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n must_v believe_v the_o doctrinal_a p._n 81._o sect._n iii_o the_o kind_n and_o degree_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o historical_a faith_n in_o general_n p._n 89._o sect._n iv._o a_o application_n of_o those_o general_a ground_n to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o a_o proof_n of_o this_o assertion_n that_o there_o be_v as_o great_a reason_n to_o believe_v the_o new_a testament_n as_o to_o believe_v any_o other_o history_n in_o the_o world_n p._n 97._o sect._n v._o that_o there_o be_v much_o great_a reason_n to_o believe_v the_o history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n than_o any_o other_o history_n p._n 206._o sect._n vi_o that_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o proposal_n of_o three_o several_a assertion_n whereby_o it_o be_v conclude_v p._n 119._o sect._n vii_o the_o first_o assertion_n prove_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o we_o now_o receive_v be_v the_o same_o which_o the_o jew_n do_v now_o receive_v p._n 124._o sect._n viii_o that_o the_o book_n which_o the_o jew_n do_v now_o receive_v be_v the_o same_o which_o they_o have_v receive_v ever_o since_o the_o consignation_n of_o their_o canon_n p._n 128._o sect._n ix._o that_o in_o our_o saviour_n time_n these_o book_n be_v true_a and_o consequent_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n p._n 135._o sect._n x._o that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o disbelieve_v the_o scripture_n objection_n brief_o propose_v and_o answer_v first_o general_a objection_n against_o the_o whole_a p._n 138._o sect._n xi_o objection_n against_o particular_a part_n brief_o propose_v and_o answer_v p._n 149._o part_n i._n preface_n sect._n i._n although_o i_o be_o not_o without_o apprehension_n that_o the_o discourse_n which_o i_o design_n may_v be_v prejudge_v unprofitable_a as_o pretend_v to_o lay_v again_o that_o foundation_n which_o have_v long_o since_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o that_o will_v be_v reader_n of_o it_o yet_o when_o i_o consider_v those_o scandal_n which_o the_o looseness_n of_o our_o time_n have_v offer_v even_o to_o the_o religious_a and_o the_o bold_a and_o horrid_a pride_n and_o presumption_n of_o atheist_n and_o epicure_n which_o by_o a_o profane_a and_o confident_a assert_v the_o uncertainty_n of_o all_o thing_n undervalue_v the_o ability_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o raise_v a_o opinion_n of_o their_o personal_a excellency_n have_v labour_v to_o introduce_v into_o the_o world_n a_o general_a athiesm_n or_o at_o least_o a_o doubtful_a scepticism_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o mind_n which_o be_v upon_o any_o ill_a suggestion_n apt_a still_o to_o receive_v some_o impression_n those_o thing_n be_v of_o like_a operation_n with_o calumny_n which_o if_o it_o be_v confident_o and_o bold_o charge_v will_v be_v sure_a to_o leave_v some_o scar_n behind_o it_o when_o we_o observe_v this_o use_n and_o inclination_n in_o ourselves_o which_o be_v in_o thing_n where_o we_o have_v not_o a_o belief_n of_o what_o be_v speak_v or_o do_v not_o give_v perfect_a credit_n to_o a_o accusation_n yet_o to_o admit_v of_o a_o suspicion_n that_o thing_n may_v be_v as_o they_o be_v speak_v and_o although_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o contrary_a belief_n do_v keep_v we_o from_o a_o full_a assent_n to_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n yet_o if_o it_o happen_v that_o the_o thing_n concern_v ourselves_o and_o we_o have_v happen_v to_o cross_v our_o opinion_n or_o our_o belief_n in_o our_o way_n of_o practice_n such_o be_v the_o perverseness_n of_o our_o heart_n that_o in_o such_o case_n they_o will_v make_v use_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o other_o especial_o if_o they_o have_v the_o reputation_n of_o know_v man_n to_o oppose_v against_o their_o own_o belief_n and_o interpose_v betwixt_o the_o lash_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o themselves_o i_o say_v the_o present_a condition_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o corrupt_a nature_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v such_o i_o can_v think_v it_o useless_a nay_o not_o unnecessary_a to_o raise_v a_o discourse_n of_o religion_n even_o from_o the_o common_a element_n and_o fundamental_n and_o for_o a_o while_n neglect_v the_o more_o know_a party_n of_o man_n to_o undertake_v so_o far_o as_o the_o argument_n will_v bear_v to_o follow_v the_o way_n of_o demonstration_n and_o lead_v on_o the_o weak_a from_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o themselves_o can_v deny_v to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o law_n and_o injunction_n of_o our_o religion_n sect._n ii_o of_o the_o design_n and_o definition_n of_o religion_n the_o prejudice_n and_o pretence_n against_o the_o christian_a the_o sum_n of_o what_o be_v in_o controversy_n deduce_v to_o three_o question_n 1._o of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n attribute_n 2._o of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n 3._o of_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n we_o may_v begin_v with_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o definition_n and_o the_o design_n of_o ourselves_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n however_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o world_n may_v contradict_v it_o i_o hope_v we_o may_v take_v this_o definition_n of_o religion_n as_o one_o that_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o apprehension_n which_o all_o of_o we_o have_v of_o it_o religion_n be_v a_o resignation_n of_o ourselves_o to_o god_n with_o a_o expectation_n of_o reward_n the_o design_n indeed_o of_o religion_n however_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v mere_o obedience_n to_o the_o pleasure_n and_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o height_n of_o it_o be_v bare_o terminate_v in_o his_o glory_n so_o that_o the_o high_a act_n of_o it_o be_v adoration_n yet_o i_o say_v the_o design_n of_o man_n religion_n be_v that_o it_o may_v be_v well_o unto_o themselves_o and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o estate_n of_o happiness_n the_o very_a definition_n of_o religion_n suppose_v a_o godhead_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o god_n be_v the_o very_a design_n of_o it_o suppose_v that_o both_o the_o party_n worship_v be_v capable_a of_o reward_n and_o that_o god_n likewise_o do_v not_o neglect_v his_o service_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o he_o be_v the_o rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o again_o the_o resignation_n of_o ourselves_o suppose_v the_o resignation_n of_o our_o supreme_a faculty_n those_o be_v our_o understanding_n and_o our_o will_n viz._n our_o will_n to_o a_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n to_o a_o performance_n of_o his_o injunction_n to_o a_o submission_n to_o his_o providence_n and_o a_o resignation_n likewise_o of_o our_o understanding_n to_o his_o truth_n now_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o apostle_n that_o we_o can_v practise_v the_o will_n of_o god_n unless_o we_o know_v it_o and_o that_o we_o can_v know_v it_o unless_o it_o be_v discover_v to_o we_o so_o then_o in_o our_o profession_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v these_o supposal_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o seek_v he_o and_o that_o suppose_v that_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o his_o way_n of_o reward_v that_o the_o diligence_n of_o our_o seek_n must_v be_v exercise_v in_o a_o way_n conformable_a to_o his_o will_n and_o that_o to_o this_o purpose_n we_o want_v not_o rule_n for_o this_o conformity_n these_o be_v i_o say_v the_o general_a supposition_n of_o every_o religion_n under_o heaven_n you_o see_v that_o the_o being_n of_o religion_n be_v in_o self-resignation_n but_o the_o end_n of_o that_o resignation_n it_o be_v reward_n still_o retain_v in_o mind_n that_o caution_n that_o mercenary_o to_o labour_v for_o reward_n be_v not_o the_o supreme_a exaltation_n of_o religious_a act_n but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o ordinary_a degree_n of_o man_n religion_n and_o a_o allowable_a and_o commendable_a step_n and_o a_o degree_n unto_o the_o other_o it_o be_v the_o strong_a powerful_a motive_n to_o moses_n to_o neglect_v the_o momentany_a pleasure_n of_o pharaoh_n court_n because_o he_o have_v respect_n unto_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n i_o say_v it_o be_v the_o natural_a way_n of_o reason_n in_o every_o act_n to_o look_v at_o some_o or_o other_o end_n and_o to_o undertake_v no_o labour_n without_o a_o eye_n upon_o reward_n now_o so_o it_o be_v that_o some_o man_n who_o account_v themselves_o the_o wise_a observe_v as_o they_o think_v the_o design_n and_o issue_n of_o religion_n and_o compare_v the_o labour_n and_o the_o wage_n they_o with_o much_o wisdom_n as_o they_o think_v conclude_v that_o all_o the_o business_n of_o gain_n which_o come_v by_o religion_n be_v no_o way_n worth_n the_o pain_n and_o labour_n they_o see_v that_o all_o thing_n come_v
eternity_n so_o than_o whatsoever_o befall_v we_o here_o we_o shall_v conclude_v it_o requisite_a to_o provide_v that_o we_o be_v not_o miserable_a hereafter_o and_o consequent_o that_o we_o make_v ourselves_o a_o friend_n of_o he_o that_o have_v the_o issue_n of_o death_n in_o his_o power_n and_o moderate_v and_o dispense_v the_o reward_n of_o eternity_n but_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o have_v he_o propitious_a to_o we_o but_o by_o obedience_n no_o reason_n to_o expect_v that_o he_o shall_v satisfy_v our_o longing_n or_o fulfil_v our_o will_n to_o all_o eternity_n unless_o we_o fulfil_v his_o will_n for_o our_o time_n of_o trial_n in_o this_o life_n and_o that_o be_v by_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n only_o attainable_a so_o that_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n will_v likewise_o enforce_v we_o to_o a_o necessity_n of_o religion_n thus_o far_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n will_v force_v we_o even_o the_o first_o and_o most_o common_a principle_n of_o intelligence_n such_o as_o be_v ground_n of_o clear_a evident_a and_o perfect_a demonstration_n so_o that_o it_o must_v be_v the_o fool_n alone_o as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v which_o can_v be_v a_o atheist_n so_o that_o they_o be_v without_o excuse_n whoever_o glorify_v he_o not_o as_o god_n thus_o far_o those_o poor_a remain_v of_o sight_n which_o yet_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o corrupt_a offspring_n of_o our_o degenerate_a parent_n will_v serve_v to_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o general_a necessity_n of_o religion_n but_o here_o indeed_o it_o jeave_v we_o destitute_a of_o the_o certain_a way_n of_o please_a god_n and_o consequent_o destitute_a of_o clear_a and_o solid_a ground_n of_o hope_n of_o attain_v to_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o here_o it_o be_v that_o the_o scoffer_n and_o irreligious_a man_n take_v occasion_n to_o reason_n themselves_o and_o other_o to_o destruction_n see_v that_o nature_n have_v here_o desert_v we_o and_o leave_v we_o no_o infallible_a rule_n of_o particular_a way_n of_o devotion_n they_o contend_v that_o there_o be_v none_o such_o and_o consequent_o that_o our_o religion_n be_v vain_a and_o uncertain_a uncertain_a in_o the_o issue_n because_o uncertain_a in_o the_o ground_n and_o principle_n and_o here_o now_o against_o they_o we_o pretend_v that_o wherein_o our_o natural_a light_n have_v fail_v we_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o supply_v we_o that_o god_n have_v not_o leave_v we_o without_o a_o certain_a rule_n and_o canon_n of_o religion_n not_o without_o a_o light_n shine_v to_o we_o in_o this_o dark_a place_n particular_o that_o he_o have_v give_v to_o we_o his_o holy_a word_n to_o be_v a_o light_n to_o our_o foot_n and_o a_o lantern_n to_o our_o path_n and_o that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v that_o word_n of_o god_n part_n iii_o concerning_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o our_o scripture_n sect._n i._n petition_n and_o caution_n premise_v to_o the_o question_n you_o will_v do_v i_o the_o favour_n to_o consider_v that_o our_o present_a controversy_n be_v against_o those_o that_o deny_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o that_o we_o can_v have_v the_o advantage_n of_o those_o argument_n which_o in_o every_o other_o controversy_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o most_o valid_a i_o mean_v argument_n draw_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o which_o be_v the_o best_a if_o not_o the_o only_a authentic_a rule_n of_o decision_n of_o such_o difference_n as_o do_v arise_v such_o as_o do_v indeed_o arise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n who_o all_o do_v agree_v in_o a_o profession_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v deliver_v in_o these_o holy_a book_n this_o i_o say_v they_o agree_v upon_o in_o these_o general_a term_n however_o with_o wonderful_a heat_n and_o distance_n they_o vary_v in_o their_o judgement_n whether_o or_o no_o some_o particular_n be_v of_o the_o recommendation_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v then_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o christian_n and_o the_o ultimate_a rule_n for_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o that_o be_v within_o but_o as_o for_o they_o that_o be_v without_o the_o church_n they_o ae_z likewise_o out_o of_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o this_o canon_n or_o judge_n and_o to_o give_v over_o their_o incredulity_n or_o rather_o infidelity_n as_o some_o of_o our_o divine_n have_v do_v with_o this_o ill-interpreted_a axiom_n for_o rejection_n that_o they_o deny_v our_o principle_n and_o so_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v dispute_v with_o or_o to_o refer_v they_o only_o to_o the_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o spirit_n work_v with_o the_o read_n and_o hear_v of_o they_o it_o may_v be_v to_o prove_v a_o scandal_n to_o they_o without_o and_o to_o such_o as_o be_v weak_a and_o waver_a within_o it_o be_v tacit_o to_o imply_v that_o we_o have_v no_o way_n to_o gain_v the_o question_n unless_o our_o of_o courtesy_n the_o adversary_n be_v please_v to_o yield_v it_o to_o we_o to_o resolve_v the_o motive_n of_o our_o catholic_a faith_n into_o private_a impulse_n and_o particular_a dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n argument_n of_o very_o great_a credit_n and_o reputation_n due_a to_o ourselves_o as_o particular_a favourite_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o such_o as_o be_v desert_v by_o the_o tenor_n and_o regiment_n of_o our_o life_n render_v we_o dishonourable_a to_o that_o holy_a spirit_n whereto_o we_o pretend_v while_o in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o man_n we_o do_v at_o least_o oblique_o entitle_v it_o to_o such_o action_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o it_o profess_v we_o hold_v our_o faith_n by_o private_a revelation_n and_o consequent_o have_v our_o understanding_n take_v up_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n at_o such_o time_n as_o our_o will_n be_v guilty_a of_o enormous_a sin_n a_o fancy_n that_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o diverse_a prodigy_n late_o break_v into_o the_o church_n as_o that_o either_o god_n see_v no_o sin_n in_o believer_n that_o murder_n adultery_n incest_n sacrilege_n any_o thing_n may_v be_v commit_v and_o that_o these_o be_v no_o sin_n in_o believer_n argue_v thus_o that_o they_o which_o have_v the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v free_a from_o sin_n such_o as_o do_v believe_v the_o gospel_n they_o have_v the_o holy_a spirit_n because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o motive_n sufficient_a beside_o a_o private_a illumination_n so_o than_o they_o can_v be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n but_o yet_o they_o may_v and_o do_v commit_v such_o thing_n as_o those_o we_o mention_v wherefore_o those_o be_v no_o sin_n thus_o do_v satan_n transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o act_v his_o tragedy_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n nay_o we_o say_v and_o do_v believe_v that_o the_o devil_n also_o believe_v and_o tremble_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v like_o a_o net_n which_o draw_v to_o shore_n fish_n of_o all_o sort_n some_o to_o be_v put_v into_o vessel_n and_o other_o to_o be_v throw_v away_o we_o say_v and_o do_v acknowledge_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o the_o internal_a light_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a to_o salvation_n and_o that_o in_o some_o it_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o generate_a faith_n in_o man_n but_o that_o the_o most_o of_o those_o believer_n who_o have_v the_o happiness_n to_o be_v train_v up_o from_o their_o infancy_n in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n by_o observe_v the_o esteem_n which_o in_o their_o church_n be_v have_v of_o those_o holy_a book_n they_o do_v betimes_o upon_o the_o reputation_n of_o their_o church_n receive_v they_o with_o a_o kind_n of_o veneration_n that_o upon_o this_o motive_n they_o receive_v the_o faith_n and_o that_o other_o do_v upon_o other_o inducement_n entertain_v it_o and_o once_o for_o all_o we_o say_v that_o beside_o the_o secret_a and_o free_a illumination_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n these_o want_v not_o argument_n to_o enforce_v the_o reason_n of_o unbvassed_a man_n to_o entertain_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o all_o such_o as_o without_o the_o engagement_n of_o perverse_a affection_n shall_v admit_v those_o argument_n in_o their_o apprehension_n must_v necessary_o be_v of_o that_o belief_n before_o i_o betake_v myself_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o assertion_n i_o must_v premise_v that_o by_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i_o mean_v such_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v be_v account_v canonical_a and_o that_o i_o intend_v not_o here_o to_o take_v up_o the_o controversy_n which_o be_v betwixt_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o we_o concerning_o the_o book_n which_o be_v apocryphal_a the_o drift_n of_o my_o discourse_n be_v against_o those_o who_o believe_v
ghost_n by_o the_o imposition_n of_o their_o hand_n unless_o they_o can_v have_v heal_v all_o manner_n of_o disease_n the_o blind_a the_o lame_a the_o deaf_a the_o dumb_a etc._n etc._n by_o word_n touch_n shadow_n or_o can_v have_v speak_v all_o sort_n of_o language_n or_o rather_o at_o one_o speak_v can_v have_v bring_v to_o pass_v that_o man_n of_o every_o language_n shall_v perfect_o have_v understand_v their_o speech_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v their_o own_o parthian_n and_o mede_n and_o elamite_n and_o the_o dweller_n in_o mesopotamia_n and_o judea_n and_o cappadocia_n pontus_n and_o asia_n phrygia_n and_o pamphilia_n egypt_n and_o the_o part_n of_o lybia_n about_o cyrene_n stranger_n of_o rome_n jew_n and_o proselyte_n crete_z and_o arabian_n they_o all_o hear_v they_o speak_v in_o their_o own_o tongue_n nor_o do_v it_o please_v the_o lord_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o all_o flesh_n here_o to_o stint_v the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o he_o give_v they_o not_o only_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n he_o unfold_v to_o they_o the_o everlasting_a roll_n and_o admit_v they_o into_o his_o decree_n and_o will_v not_o hide_v from_o they_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o mean_v to_o bring_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o generation_n to_o come_v he_o urge_v they_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o they_o foretell_v the_o fate_n of_o the_o world_n they_o foretell_v it_o and_o god_n bring_v it_o to_o pass_v i_o can_v stand_v to_o reckon_v up_o all_o their_o prophecy_n which_o they_o deliver_v and_o short_o after_o they_o be_v fulfil_v of_o the_o spread_n of_o that_o leaven_n of_o the_o growth_n of_o that_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n of_o the_o mighty_a and_o wonderful_a propagation_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o perpetual_a endure_n of_o it_o of_o the_o rejection_n of_o it_o by_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o by_o the_o gentile_n of_o the_o hatred_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o torment_n which_o be_v to_o be_v undergo_v by_o the_o glorious_a martyr_n of_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o calamity_n of_o that_o faithless_a nation_n all_o these_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o god_n be_v with_o they_o that_o there_o be_v infinite_o more_o reason_n to_o believe_v the_o writer_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n than_o any_o other_o writer_n that_o none_o can_v disbelieve_v they_o without_o forfeit_v his_o reason_n by_o assert_v that_o god_n will_v give_v testimony_n to_o imposture_n sect._n vi_o that_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o proposal_n of_o three_o several_a assertion_n whereby_o it_o be_v conclude_v have_v demonstrate_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v all_o of_o they_o to_o be_v receive_v under_o the_o authority_n and_o credit_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o the_o dogmatic_a part_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o history_n and_o the_o history_n upon_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o reason_n and_o consequent_o that_o no_o man_n profess_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o reason_n and_o judgement_n can_v refuse_v they_o it_o remain_v that_o we_o demonstrate_v the_o same_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o that_o we_o take_v off_o those_o colour_n and_o answer_v those_o sophism_n which_o by_o some_o man_n be_v urge_v against_o the_o scripture_n and_o so_o conclude_v this_o argument_n before_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o former_a of_o these_o i_o must_v call_v to_o your_o remembrance_n that_o which_o in_o the_o beginning_n i_o do_v premise_v that_o under_o the_o title_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n i_o do_v comprehend_v those_o and_o those_o only_o which_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v be_v admit_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n and_o that_o i_o have_v no_o purpose_n at_o all_o to_o meddle_v with_o the_o controversy_n which_o be_v betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o roman_a church_n about_o the_o book_n which_o be_v apocryphal_a the_o reason_n why_o the_o church_n have_v entertain_v they_o only_o into_o the_o canon_n be_v because_o they_o only_o be_v of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o jew_n belief_n before_o the_o come_n of_o our_o saviour_n they_o only_o be_v write_v in_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n and_o consign_v by_o esdras_n at_o the_o return_n of_o the_o jew_n from_o the_o babylonish_a captivity_n as_o be_v general_o believe_v among_o the_o jewish_a rabbin_n while_o the_o prophet_n haggai_n zachary_n and_o malachy_n be_v yet_o alive_a now_o although_o the_o way_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o consider_v the_o question_n apart_o and_o by_o ic_fw-mi self_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o way_n whereby_o we_o do_v demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o assert_v the_o author_n of_o they_o to_o have_v be_v those_o man_n to_o who_o they_o be_v evermore_o ascribe_v and_o from_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o thing_n deliver_v in_o matter_n of_o history_n and_o the_o character_n of_o those_o person_n who_o have_v deliver_v the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o no_o reason_n can_v be_v imagine_v why_o such_o man_n as_o those_o be_v and_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v shall_v deliver_v such_o imposture_n as_o those_o must_v be_v suppose_v they_o to_o be_v imposture_n that_o no_o end_n or_o motive_n can_v be_v discover_v which_o they_o shall_v propound_v to_o themselves_o for_o their_o reward_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o many_o reason_n be_v visible_a why_o they_o shall_v have_v hold_v their_o peace_n if_o they_o dare_v have_v conceal_v those_o thing_n from_o the_o world_n the_o reason_n from_o safety_n gain_n glory_n and_o the_o like_a as_o may_v either_o joint_o or_o several_o be_v demonstrate_v of_o even_o all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o the_o prophet_n which_o make_v up_o the_o great_a part_n moses_n together_o with_o the_o law_n have_v deliver_v likewise_o the_o shame_n of_o himself_o and_o miriam_n and_o aaron_n the_o prophet_n have_v be_v all_o or_o most_o of_o they_o hardly_o use_v which_o of_o the_o prophet_n have_v not_o your_o father_n persecute_v although_o i_o say_v this_o have_v be_v the_o natural_a way_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o matter_n in_o question_n take_v single_o and_o apart_o by_o itself_o yet_o partly_o to_o avoid_v the_o similitude_n of_o matter_n which_o render_v unpleasant_a even_o the_o most_o profitable_a discourse_n and_o partly_o to_o make_v a_o present_a dispatch_n of_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v content_v myself_o to_o have_v put_v you_o thus_o in_o mind_n that_o all_o those_o general_a argument_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o credit_n of_o those_o writer_n be_v common_a to_o these_o as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o other_o and_o that_o there_o need_v no_o variation_n of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o question_n now_o in_o hand_n any_o other_o than_o the_o interchange_n of_o their_o several_a name_n their_o personal_a relation_n and_o quality_n and_o other_o accident_n in_o a_o word_n that_o the_o kind_n of_o the_o argument_n be_v the_o same_o and_o the_o force_n of_o reason_n alike_o in_o both_o allow_v only_o the_o difference_n of_o gradual_a and_o individual_a circumstance_n this_o be_v premise_v the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o shall_v further_o say_v be_v brief_o this_o that_o 1._o in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n these_o book_n be_v true_a 2._o that_o since_o that_o time_n they_o have_v not_o be_v change_v from_o which_o two_o proposition_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o still_o they_o be_v so_o and_o consequent_o that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o new_a be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o touch_v these_o proposition_n the_o truth_n of_o they_o will_v be_v infer_v by_o this_o ratiocination_n 1._o the_o book_n which_o we_o now_o receive_v be_v the_o same_o which_o the_o jew_n do_v now_o receive_v 2._o the_o book_n which_o the_o jew_n now_o receive_v be_v the_o same_o which_o they_o do_v former_o receive_v even_o up_o to_o the_o consignation_n of_o their_o canon_n 3._o the_o book_n which_o then_o they_o do_v receive_v be_v true_a sect._n vii_o the_o first_o assertion_n prove_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o we_o now_o receive_v be_v the_o same_o which_o the_o jew_n do_v now_o receive_v that_o those_o canonical_a book_n which_o we_o receive_v be_v the_o self_n same_o with_o those_o which_o the_o jew_n at_o the_o present_a do_v receive_v be_v a_o case_n so_o plain_a that_o it_o need_v no_o manner_n of_o proof_n but_o only_o this_o that_o it_o be_v obvious_a to_o every_o man_n to_o compare_v our_o english_a or_o latin_a bible_n with_o the_o hebrew_n bible_n which_o be_v use_v among_o the_o jew_n at_o present_a and_o daily_o put_v forth_o by_o the_o present_a
which_o they_o can_v not_o have_v do_v if_o any_o and_o not_o all_o of_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v corrupt_v and_o that_o all_o of_o they_o shall_v either_o casual_o or_o by_o design_n be_v corrupt_v beside_o that_o no_o end_n can_v appear_v to_o encourage_v such_o a_o design_n the_o thing_n itself_o make_v it_o impossible_a beside_o have_v any_o such_o thing_n be_v they_o must_v to_o make_v a_o correspondence_n have_v corrupt_v likewise_o the_o septuagint_n translation_n which_o for_o almost_o three_o hundred_o year_n before_o our_o saviour_n be_v extant_a in_o egypt_n that_o i_o speak_v nothing_o of_o the_o chaldee_n paraphrase_n extant_a before_o the_o time_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n so_o then_o as_o far_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o moral_a subject_n will_v admit_v we_o have_v show_v as_o from_o the_o cause_n that_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n can_v not_o be_v corrupt_v now_o as_o from_o the_o sign_n we_o have_v likewise_o powerful_a argument_n that_o to_o our_o saviour_n time_n they_o be_v uncorrupted_a because_o our_o saviour_n never_o discover_v any_o corruption_n of_o the_o text_n which_o certain_o he_o will_v not_o have_v spare_v at_o such_o time_n as_o he_o tax_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n of_o make_v the_o law_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_n by_o their_o tradition_n now_o that_o the_o hebrew_n canon_n have_v not_o be_v corrupt_v since_o our_o saviour_n time_n we_o have_v this_o sign_n likewise_o that_o never_o any_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n have_v in_o their_o great_a heat_n of_o zeal_n against_o the_o jew_n accuse_v they_o of_o such_o corruption_n though_o justin_n martyr_n complain_v of_o wrong_v the_o septuagint_n translation_n and_o certain_o if_o they_o shall_v have_v corrupt_v they_o upon_o design_n either_o before_o or_o since_o it_o will_v have_v be_v in_o all_o those_o place_n which_o conclude_v against_o they_o for_o christ_n the_o true_a messiah_n that_o stumble_a stone_n upon_o which_o they_o stumble_v and_o fall_v but_o those_o do_v remain_v unaltered_a the_o truth_n be_v to_o they_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o they_o have_v by_o the_o visible_a ordination_n of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n discover_v so_o much_o care_n and_o diligence_n that_o way_n as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v to_o have_v be_v bestow_v upon_o any_o other_o writing_n under_o heaven_n witness_v the_o critical_a note_n of_o their_o massore_v which_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o number_n of_o of_o letter_n in_o every_o book_n almost_o and_o almost_o if_o not_o altogether_o of_o every_o various_a lection_n i_o conclude_v then_o that_o they_o have_v never_o be_v corrupt_v sect._n ix._o that_o in_o our_o saviour_n time_n these_o book_n be_v true_a and_o consequent_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o we_o in_o our_o saviour_n time_n they_o be_v true_a and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o appear_v by_o our_o saviour_n testimony_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o still_o refer_v to_o they_o as_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n as_o be_v the_o truth_n and_o word_n of_o god_n their_o use_v the_o testimony_n almost_o of_o every_o particular_a book_n as_o anthenticall_a their_o disputation_n found_v upon_o their_o authority_n particular_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o plain_a that_o without_o any_o more_o speak_v i_o will_v conclude_v that_o we_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o old_a testament_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o new_a and_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o i_o have_v former_o demonstrate_v upon_o great_a reason_n far_o than_o any_o other_o writing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o that_o we_o must_v receive_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n upon_o the_o same_o authority_n we_o have_v already_o discover_v some_o of_o those_o many_o reason_n whereupon_o we_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o new_a under_o the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n beside_o those_o whereupon_o i_o have_v insist_v there_o be_v many_o more_o some_o of_o they_o take_v from_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o writer_n some_o from_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o writing_n the_o former_a show_v that_o those_o man_n from_o who_o they_o proceed_v be_v not_o fit_a person_n to_o devise_v such_o thing_n they_o be_v many_o if_o not_o most_o of_o they_o simple_a and_o unlearned_a man_n the_o latter_a manifest_n that_o such_o thing_n be_v not_o of_o their_o nature_n obvious_a to_o be_v devise_v because_o they_o transcend_v the_o wit_n and_o invention_n of_o man_n the_o majesty_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o stile_n the_o concord_n and_o harmony_n the_o end_n and_o scope_n the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n the_o antiquity_n beside_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n but_o the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n no_o way_n depend_v upon_o the_o multitude_n of_o argument_n or_o reason_n and_o all_o of_o these_o be_v insist_v on_o in_o some_o or_o other_o of_o those_o author_n which_o be_v obvious_a i_o shall_v at_o this_o time_n finish_v what_o remain_v of_o that_o which_o at_o the_o first_o i_o propound_v which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o as_o there_o be_v many_o and_o important_a reason_n move_v wise_a man_n to_o receive_v they_o so_o there_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v any_o sufficient_a argument_n on_o the_o contrary_a to_o make_v man_n to_o refuse_v they_o sect._n x._o that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o disbelieve_v the_o scripture_n objection_n brief_o propose_v and_o answer_v first_o general_a objection_n against_o the_o whole_a it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o many_o both_o of_o old_a and_o late_a time_n have_v refuse_v either_o all_o or_o several_a part_n of_o the_o holy_a canon_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v hope_v or_o expect_v that_o they_o shall_v ever_o be_v general_o receive_v by_o all_o the_o world_n there_o must_v be_v heresy_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n there_o always_o have_v be_v and_o sure_o there_o ever_o will_v be_v antiscripturian_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n have_v ever_o live_v according_a to_o sense_n and_o appetite_n and_o to_o prove_v that_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la it_o be_v deny_v be_v not_o to_o manifest_v that_o there_o be_v reason_n why_o it_o be_v so_o yet_o see_v there_o be_v of_o those_o dispute_v and_o theoretical_a heretic_n as_o well_o as_o practical_a to_o conceal_v or_o dissemble_v the_o argument_n which_o be_v allege_v against_o the_o truth_n it_o will_v be_v to_o betray_v the_o cause_n that_o we_o have_v undertake_v and_o give_v occasion_n for_o some_o jealousy_n that_o their_o objection_n be_v unanswerable_a to_o come_v then_o to_o a_o issue_n some_o have_v reject_v all_o by_o reason_n of_o  _fw-fr impossibility_n  _fw-fr  _fw-fr  _fw-fr repugnance_n  _fw-fr  _fw-fr  _fw-fr mutation_n  _fw-fr part_n accuse_v they_o as_o sine_fw-la nomine_fw-la authoris_fw-la  _fw-fr  _fw-fr  _fw-fr dubitati_fw-la  _fw-fr  _fw-fr  _fw-fr ab_fw-la intrinseco_fw-la matter_n those_o who_o refuse_v the_o whole_a scripture_n they_o be_v some_o of_o they_o atheist_n other_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n and_o yet_o do_v deny_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o write_a word_n pretend_v to_o private_a and_o secret_a illumination_n as_o the_o last_o rule_n of_o their_o action_n the_o design_n of_o my_o discourse_n be_v against_o the_o former_a i_o shall_v only_o intimate_v the_o frenzy_n of_o the_o late_a they_o pretend_v that_o that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o write_a word_n be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o 1._o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v god_n himself_o 2._o christ_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n 3._o the_o letter_n kill_v 4._o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v spirit_n and_o life_n these_o be_v the_o argument_n which_o by_o some_o enthusiast_n be_v use_v against_o the_o write_a letter_n and_o for_o answer_v to_o they_o we_o may_v only_o observe_v how_o by_o argue_v against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n these_o man_n do_v tacit_o assert_v it_o 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impudence_n to_o make_v that_o objection_n julian_n the_o apostate_n do_v free_o acknowledge_v cyrill_n 10._o grot._n 3._o ver._n that_o the_o book_n which_o by_o the_o christian_n be_v receive_v under_o the_o name_n of_o peter_n paul_n matthew_n mark_n luke_n they_o be_v the_o writing_n of_o those_o author_n it_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v some_o book_n receive_v of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n who_o author_n be_v unknown_a as_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n and_o some_o other_o but_o concerning_o they_o i_o hope_v to_o speak_v in_o answer_v those_o objection_n which_o be_v make_v against_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o may_v just_o assume_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o those_o whereof_o no_o question_n have_v be_v make_v in_o ancient_a time_n they_o be_v the_o writing_n of_o those_o to_o who_o they_o be_v ascribe_v and_o now_o this_o be_v suppose_v which_o can_v with_o any_o pretence_n of_o reason_n be_v deny_v it_o follow_v clear_o that_o 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his_o conversation_n and_o moreover_o saint_n mark_n be_v as_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a first_o a_o disciple_n of_o saint_n paul_n who_o be_v miraculous_o choose_v to_o deliver_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n afterwards_o he_o be_v undoubted_o a_o disciple_n and_o companion_n of_o saint_n peter_n who_o be_v a_o apostle_n of_o our_o saviour_n do_v live_v familiar_o together_o with_o he_o be_v present_a at_o almost_o all_o thing_n which_o mark_n have_v write_v and_o beside_o whatever_o be_v deliver_v by_o saint_n mark_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o apostle_n luke_n be_v a_o individual_a companion_n of_o paul_n and_o so_o he_o may_v learn_v of_o he_o such_o thing_n as_o he_o deliver_v beside_o that_o he_o say_v that_o he_o speak_v with_o those_o that_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o the_o
thing_n which_o he_o deliver_v he_o be_v bear_v near_o hand_n he_o travel_v through_o palestina_n may_v converse_v with_o those_o very_a man_n upon_o who_o jesus_n have_v wrought_v his_o miracle_n such_o as_o have_v see_v the_o life_n of_o jesus_n his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v likewise_o write_v by_o saint_n luke_n and_o that_o book_n contain_v some_o thing_n do_v by_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o the_o most_o of_o it_o be_v concerning_o the_o action_n of_o paul_n after_o his_o miraculous_a conversion_n the_o former_a it_o be_v easy_a for_o he_o to_o know_v either_o from_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o or_o other_o of_o the_o latter_a he_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a because_o he_o be_v continual_o with_o paul_n in_o all_o his_o labour_n and_o his_o journey_n even_o from_o the_o time_n of_o his_o conversion_n to_o his_o imprisonment_n at_o rome_n as_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o epistle_n of_o 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he_o have_v those_o vision_n which_o he_o have_v deliver_v now_o these_o be_v all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o author_n of_o they_o have_v as_o much_o opportunity_n to_o know_v the_o thing_n which_o they_o deliver_v as_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v have_v wherefore_o the_o business_n be_v clear_a in_o respect_n of_o their_o sufficiency_n of_o knowledge_n and_o all_o the_o question_n which_o remain_v it_o must_v be_v in_o regard_n of_o their_o integrity_n whosoever_o challenge_v or_o question_n the_o integrity_n of_o a_o historian_n and_o upon_o that_o cause_n refuse_v to_o receive_v his_o testimony_n it_o be_v requisite_a that_o he_o produce_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o suspicion_n that_o he_o charge_v the_o author_n of_o corruption_n and_o prove_v the_o charge_n which_o he_o have_v object_v or_o that_o he_o discover_v and_o manifest_v the_o end_n which_o he_o may_v propound_v to_o himself_o as_o the_o reward_n of_o his_o imposture_n that_o he_o show_v the_o gain_n that_o may_v accrue_v or_o the_o loss_n or_o peril_n or_o ignominy_n that_o he_o may_v avoid_v and_o manifest_a that_o his_o accusation_n have_v not_o proceed_v from_o malice_n but_o from_o judgement_n from_o some_o ground_n of_o reason_n and_o not_o from_o perverseness_n or_o spite_n or_o any_o inhumanity_n here_o than_o it_o be_v that_o we_o challenge_v man_n or_o devil_n to_o produce_v the_o crime_n to_o detect_v and_o prove_v the_o villainy_n of_o these_o writer_n nay_o to_o assign_v the_o end_n which_o they_o may_v have_v in_o relate_v falsehood_n the_o gain_n the_o pleasure_n the_o glory_n the_o safety_n or_o whatsoever_o it_o be_v that_o prevail_v upon_o the_o appetite_n and_o lust_n of_o man_n and_o let_v their_o infidelity_n and_o jealousy_n outdo_v the_o malice_n of_o the_o grand_a apostate_n indeed_o i_o think_v scorn_n to_o stand_v upon_o this_o argument_n it_o be_v the_o contemplation_n of_o these_o thing_n chief_o that_o gain_v from_o i_o that_o 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be_v that_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o believe_v they_o then_o to_o believe_v any_o historian_n whatsoever_o and_o this_o now_o will_v be_v manifest_v to_o we_o by_o these_o argument_n follow_v 1._o great_a obligation_n 2._o their_o suffering_n 3._o their_o miracle_n 4._o their_o prediction_n first_o then_o they_o be_v more_o powerful_o oblige_v to_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o truth_n than_o other_o not_o that_o other_o be_v not_o oblige_v likewise_o to_o deliver_v nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n there_o be_v in_o the_o conscience_n of_o every_o soul_n settle_v a_o principle_n dictate_v unto_o he_o that_o he_o ought_v not_o not_o to_o recede_v from_o the_o truth_n in_o his_o relation_n but_o yet_o this_o principle_n be_v in_o the_o most_o of_o man_n very_o much_o overcloud_v and_o overbear_v as_o be_v manifest_a not_o only_o by_o the_o fabulous_a relation_n of_o ancient_a history_n even_o after_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o olympiad_n but_o by_o that_o inclination_n which_o we_o find_v almost_o in_o all_o man_n to_o make_v their_o relation_n handsome_a in_o order_n whereunto_o even_o the_o grave_a of_o they_o josephus_n livy_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o those_o order_n of_o historian_n have_v often_o change_v the_o form_n of_o circumstance_n and_o vary_v from_o the_o truth_n to_o make_v a_o coherence_n of_o thing_n according_a to_o their_o fancy_n such_o as_o may_v please_v their_o own_o imagination_n the_o truth_n be_v that_o which_o hold_v in_o the_o heathen_a so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v hold_v within_o the_o boundary_n of_o truth_n it_o can_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o certain_a magnanimity_n and_o a_o moral_a generosity_n that_o be_v actuate_v and_o quicken_v in_o they_o by_o the_o conceit_n of_o a_o reputation_n thereby_o gain_v among_o the_o people_n of_o their_o own_o generation_n their_o hope_n of_o perpetuate_v their_o own_o fame_n together_o with_o the_o act_n which_o they_o record_v and_o consecrate_v they_o to_o eternity_n and_o immortality_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o this_o be_v all_o the_o motive_n which_o they_o have_v but_o that_o upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o they_o in_o the_o whole_a complexion_n of_o their_o circumstance_n i_o can_v find_v out_o any_o more_o powerful_a motive_n nor_o any_o strong_a obligation_n but_o beside_o all_o that_o these_o man_n have_v to_o move_v they_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v likewise_o other_o motive_n as_o far_o beyond_o these_o as_o the_o heaven_n be_v beyond_o the_o earth_n either_o in_o dignity_n or_o situation_n a_o most_o severe_a injunction_n of_o their_o master_n such_o as_o they_o themselves_o have_v deliver_v such_o as_o they_o can_v not_o neither_o dare_v neglect_v their_o writing_n abound_v in_o precept_n of_o truth_n and_o of_o veracity_n and_o that_o prescribe_v under_o far_o other_o condition_n and_o settle_v upon_o a_o far_o sure_a foundation_n upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o truth_n itself_o the_o original_a and_o the_o 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upon_o design_n see_v the_o difference_n that_o be_v do_v no_o way_n infer_v any_o difference_n either_o in_o the_o doctrine_n or_o history_n of_o the_o testament_n it_o be_v of_o the_o favour_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o preserve_v to_o his_o church_n those_o various_a read_n that_o by_o compare_v they_o together_o and_o likewise_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n both_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o the_o true_a read_n of_o they_o might_n at_o once_o be_v manifest_v sect._n xi_o objection_n against_o particular_a part_n brief_o propose_v and_o answer_v now_o objection_n against_o particular_a book_n of_o either_o testament_n will_v be_v find_v likewise_o inconsiderable_a it_o be_v true_a that_o many_o of_o they_o have_v be_v either_o doubt_v of_o or_o reject_v by_o some_o man_n but_o those_o who_o have_v pertinacious_o refuse_v they_o have_v do_v it_o rather_o out_o of_o the_o interest_n of_o their_o passion_n and_o corrupt_a affection_n than_o out_o of_o judgement_n brief_o ecclesiastes_n have_v be_v reject_v by_o some_o as_o write_a by_o solomon_n in_o his_o dotage_n place_v felicity_n in_o sense_n but_o the_o first_o of_o these_o can_v no_o way_n be_v prove_v nay_o the_o contrary_a appear_v by_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o it_o well_o consider_v and_o the_o latter_a be_v evident_o confute_v by_o the_o conclusion_n fear_v cod_n etc._n etc._n for_o god_n shall_v bring_v etc._n etc._n the_o canticle_n have_v be_v take_v for_o a_o lovesong_n compile_v in_o a_o compliment_n to_o pharaoh_n daughter_n but_o it_o have_v be_v but_o a_o slender_a compliment_n to_o tell_v she_o that_o her_o eye_n be_v like_o fish-pool_n and_o her_o nose_n like_o the_o tower_n of_o lebanon_n that_o look_v towards_o damascus_n the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n have_v be_v charge_v by_o porphyrius_n to_o have_v be_v a_o history_n write_v after_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v write_v in_o the_o time_n of_o antiochus_n and_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n under_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o name_n of_o daniel_n but_o beside_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o saviour_n it_o appear_v out_o of_o history_n that_o that_o prophecy_n be_v show_v to_o alexander_n the_o great_a in_o his_o advance_n towards_o jerusalem_n 150._o year_n before_o antiochus_n new_a testament_n hebrew_n be_v reject_v by_o the_o latin_a church_n because_o the_o author_n be_v unknown_a and_o because_o of_o some_o passage_n especial_o seem_v to_o favour_v the_o novatian_a heresy_n i_o answer_v 1._o it_o be_v not_o the_o name_n of_o a_o author_n which_o give_v credit_n to_o his_o writing_n but_o that_o character_n of_o his_o person_n which_o be_v draw_v from_o his_o ability_n and_o integrity_n now_o these_o be_v never_o doubt_v of_o in_o that_o author_n 2._o those_o passage_n be_v very_o well_o to_o be_v understand_v otherwise_o then_o in_o favour_n of_o the_o novatian_n 3._o it_o be_v ever_o receive_v in_o the_o greek_a church_n and_o recite_v among_o the_o canonical_a book_n by_o the_o counsel_n of_o nice_a laodicea_n and_o carthage_n 4._o if_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v the_o western_a church_n have_v ground_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o credit_n of_o it_o at_o such_o time_n as_o it_o do_v not_o admit_v it_o we_o may_v as_o well_o believe_v that_o that_o church_n have_v reason_n which_o satisfy_v they_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o it_o at_o such_o time_n as_o they_o do_v receive_v it_o the_o epistle_n of_o saint_n james_n 2d_o of_o st_n peter_n the_o second_o and_o three_o of_o st_n john_n jude_n revelation_n have_v all_o of_o they_o be_v doubt_v of_o for_o some_o time_n by_o some_o party_n whether_o or_o no_o they_o be_v indeed_o write_v by_o those_o author_n under_o who_o name_n they_o be_v now_o receive_v but_o though_o they_o be_v some_o time_n doubt_v by_o some_o they_o be_v always_o receive_v by_o other_o and_o those_o church_n which_o do_v refuse_v they_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v unsatisfy_v be_v to_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v satisfy_v when_o they_o do_v receive_v they_o and_o so_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v as_o great_a if_o not_o great_a cedit_fw-la to_o they_o then_o to_o such_o other_o as_o have_v not_o be_v question_v inasmuch_o as_o that_o which_o have_v be_v deliberate_v and_o debate_v and_o then_o decide_v be_v to_o be_v credit_v as_o well_o as_o that_o which_o silent_o have_v pass_v on_o unquestioned_a and_o now_o i_o have_v with_o brevity_n as_o i_o suppose_v congruous_a to_o such_o a_o essay_n as_o i_o intend_v make_v evident_a the_o last_o assertion_n which_o i_o undertake_v that_o to_o disbelieve_v either_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o scripture_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n or_o not_o any_o sufficient_a reason_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o eternity_n necessity_n simplicity_n independency_n incorporeality_n immensity_n unity_n omnipotence_n omniscience_n