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author_n and_o partly_o upon_o the_o proof_n that_o he_o give_v of_o his_o honesty_n and_o veracity_n in_o that_o particular_a and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o full_a concurrence_n of_o all_o these_o that_o be_v when_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o report_n be_v credible_a in_o its_o self_n when_o its_o author_n be_v a_o person_n of_o credit_n and_o when_o he_o give_v the_o best_a proof_n that_o can_v be_v of_o his_o veracity_n in_o that_o particular_a there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o reject_v his_o testimony_n there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v credit_n to_o it_o 1._o if_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o report_n be_v credible_a in_o its_o
he_o think_v he_o himself_o have_v write_v enough_o in_o his_o gospel_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o to_o direct_v they_o in_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a life_n there_o be_v therefore_o in_o those_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o we_o now_o have_v several_a abridgement_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a doctrine_n it_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n be_v pretend_v that_o all_o these_o book_n together_o be_v not_o sufficient_a full_o to_o instruct_v we_o therein_o beside_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v preach_v suppose_v by_o st._n thomas_n in_o india_n or_o by_o st._n simon_n in_o africa_n or_o by_o any_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n in_o country_n remote_a from_o judea_n or_o without_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n be_v undoubted_o the_o very_a same_o gospel_n that_o be_v preach_v by_o st._n peter_n and_o st._n paul_n or_o those_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n who_o book_n be_v now_o extant_a and_o receive_v by_o the_o catholic_n church_n for_o they_o be_v all_o teach_v by_o the_o same_o master_n christ_n and_o be_v all_o enlighten_v by_o the_o same_o holy_a ghost_n so_o that_o if_o any_o of_o they_o do_v as_o it_o be_v report_v they_o do_v write_v any_o gospel_n for_o the_o present_a use_n of_o those_o particular_a church_n which_o they_o have_v plant_v though_o they_o may_v be_v somewhat_o different_a from_o any_o of_o the_o four_o gospel_n which_o we_o now_o have_v in_o the_o expression_n or_o perhaps_o in_o the_o relation_n of_o some_o particular_a passage_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n which_o our_o evangelist_n have_v omit_v just_a as_o the_o four_o gospel_n which_o we_o now_o have_v do_v differ_v from_o one_o another_o yet_o for_o substance_n they_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v the_o same_o with_o these_o and_o with_o one_o another_o if_o indeed_o they_o be_v all_o true_a relation_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o which_o the_o author_n thereof_o have_v be_v witness_n so_o that_o if_o we_o have_v they_o all_o now_o they_o can_v all_o together_o teach_v we_o no_o other_o doctrine_n than_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n nevertheless_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o if_o we_o have_v more_o book_n of_o this_o kind_a than_o we_o have_v that_o if_o we_o have_v all_o the_o book_n that_o be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o their_o immediate_a successor_n who_o have_v be_v teach_v by_o they_o they_o may_v be_v of_o very_o good_a use_n to_o we_o to_o help_v we_o to_o understand_v more_o ready_o and_o easy_o those_o book_n which_o we_o have_v as_o now_o we_o receive_v from_o some_o portion_n of_o holy_a scripture_n great_a light_n to_o help_v we_o to_o understand_v and_o to_o put_v a_o right_a interpretation_n upon_o other_o but_o perhaps_o it_o be_v for_o this_o very_a reason_n that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v order_v no_o more_o to_o be_v write_v than_o be_v write_v or_o have_v suffer_v those_o to_o be_v lose_v that_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v lose_v that_o it_o may_v cost_v we_o some_o pain_n and_o study_n to_o understand_v our_o religion_n that_o so_o our_o knowledge_n as_o well_o as_o our_o practice_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n the_o fruit_n of_o our_o own_o industry_n may_v be_v a_o proper_a subject_n of_o reward_n in_o short_a that_o there_o be_v more_o book_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n write_v by_o apostle_n or_o other_o inspire_a man_n than_o be_v now_o extant_a or_o than_o if_o extant_a can_v be_v well_o prove_v to_o be_v of_o their_o write_n be_v a_o point_n which_o i_o believe_v can_v be_v now_o upon_o any_o certain_a evidence_n either_o affirm_v or_o deny_v but_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v i_o say_v however_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o infer_v from_o thence_o that_o those_o which_o we_o now_o have_v be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o truth_n in_o the_o scripture_n declaration_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n and_o that_o he_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n most_o certain_o the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o man_n salvation_n be_v a_o proper_a subject_n of_o the_o divine_a care_n and_o if_o so_o it_o can_v be_v think_v but_o that_o the_o same_o good_a providence_n which_o as_o be_v now_o suppose_v take_v care_n for_o the_o write_n of_o more_o book_n when_o more_o may_v be_v necessary_a have_v likewise_o take_v care_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o so_o many_o of_o these_o book_n as_o be_v now_o sufficient_a or_o if_o the_o man_n we_o be_v now_o argue_v with_o will_v not_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o particular_a providence_n of_o god_n yet_o if_o they_o will_v but_o allow_v that_o god_n be_v just_a that_o he_o be_v not_o a_o hard_a master_n expect_v to_o reap_v where_o he_o have_v not_o sow_o i_o think_v they_o must_v allow_v that_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n not_o knowable_a by_o reason_n be_v teach_v in_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o we_o now_o have_v because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o book_n extant_a which_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o receive_v and_o accept_v as_o divine_a revelation_n or_o if_o they_o deny_v this_o it_o will_v lie_v upon_o they_o to_o produce_v those_o other_o book_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o receive_v beside_o these_o and_o to_o give_v good_a evidence_n to_o the_o world_n of_o their_o divine_a authority_n which_o when_o they_o have_v do_v or_o if_o they_o shall_v but_o only_o show_v that_o there_o be_v as_o good_a reason_n to_o receive_v they_o as_o these_o we_o must_v own_v ourselves_o to_o blame_v if_o we_o shall_v not_o then_o take_v they_o also_o into_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n but_o till_o that_o shall_v be_v do_v what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v be_v enough_o to_o show_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o complete_a rule_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o manner_n especial_o consider_v as_o be_v note_v before_o that_o whenever_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o scripture_n in_o this_o respect_n be_v urge_v by_o those_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o person_n i_o have_v now_o to_o deal_v with_o it_o can_v be_v only_o for_o cavil_v sake_n the_o true_a reason_n of_o their_o backwardness_n to_o receive_v it_o as_o a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v not_o because_o it_o teach_v not_o enough_o but_o because_o it_o teach_v more_o than_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o believe_v and_o command_v more_o than_o they_o be_v dispose_v to_o practice_v for_o i_o can_v imagine_v that_o these_o man_n do_v true_o desire_v more_o duty_n than_o be_v lay_v upon_o they_o in_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n now_o receive_v by_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o what_o they_o may_v most_o reasonable_o be_v think_v to_o desire_v be_v either_o some_o better_a encouragement_n to_o undertake_v that_o difficult_a task_n which_o the_o scripture_n lay_v upon_o they_o or_o some_o better_a evidence_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n i_o proceed_v now_o therefore_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n propound_v which_o be_v 2._o to_o show_v that_o the_o motive_n which_o the_o scripture_n propose_v be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v man_n to_o do_v what_o it_o require_v now_o hope_n and_o fear_n be_v the_o great_a spring_n of_o action_n and_o the_o great_a the_o good_a be_v we_o hope_v for_o or_o the_o evil_n we_o fear_v the_o strongly_a do_v they_o move_v and_o incline_v we_o to_o action_n and_o therefore_o how_o difficult_a soever_o the_o undertake_n be_v so_o it_o be_v but_o possible_a if_o the_o motive_n be_v proportion_v to_o the_o difficulty_n they_o must_v be_v grant_v to_o be_v sufficient_a inducement_n to_o undertake_v it_o but_o that_o the_o task_n or_o business_n require_v of_o we_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v do_v need_v not_o to_o be_v prove_v now_o because_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v by_o those_o who_o say_v they_o believe_v they_o shall_v be_v persuade_v to_o do_v what_o be_v require_v if_o they_o have_v better_a encouragement_n for_o no_o argument_n or_o motive_n whatsoever_o can_v reasonable_o persuade_v a_o man_n to_o undertake_v a_o thing_n that_o he_o believe_v impossible_a suppose_v it_o therefore_o possible_a i_o say_v that_o whatsoever_o difficulty_n there_o real_o be_v or_o we_o may_v apprehend_v there_o be_v in_o a_o christian_a life_n if_o any_o motive_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o can_v be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o induce_v we_o to_o undertake_v it_o most_o evident_o those_o motive_n which_o the_o gospel_n propose_v be_v so_o because_o better_a or_o great_a can_v be_v so_o much_o as_o conceive_v or_o imagine_v see_v both_o the_o good_a thing_n which_o it_o promise_v to_o persuade_v we_o to_o virtue_n and_o
of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v write_v by_o those_o person_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n thereof_o 2._o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v full_a credit_n to_o they_o in_o their_o relation_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o have_v record_v and_o 3._o that_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a they_o be_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v therein_o teach_v these_o thing_n therefore_o i_o shall_v now_o endeavour_v to_o make_v good_a but_o in_o speak_v to_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v for_o brevity_n sake_n confine_v my_o discourse_n only_o to_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n partly_o because_o these_o be_v the_o book_n wherein_o our_o christian_a religion_n be_v chief_o teach_v and_o especial_o because_o i_o think_v there_o be_v none_o who_o receive_v the_o new_a testament_n as_o of_o divine_a authority_n that_o do_v or_o â—ndeed_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n reject_v the_o old_a 1._o then_o i_o be_o to_o show_v that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o particular_a be_v write_v by_o those_o person_n that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n thereof_o this_o indeed_o be_v a_o point_n that_o it_o do_v not_o proper_o lie_v upon_o we_o to_o make_v any_o proof_n of_o for_o as_o a_o man_n possession_n of_o a_o estate_n be_v alone_o a_o good_a and_o a_o sufficient_a title_n to_o it_o till_o a_o better_a be_v show_v by_o the_o person_n that_o endeavour_v to_o eject_v he_o so_o it_o be_v here_o these_o book_n be_v general_o receive_v as_o write_v by_o such_o and_o such_o person_n these_o author_n have_v the_o name_n these_o have_v as_o it_o be_v â—he_v possession_n of_o they_o and_o that_o be_v title_n enough_o if_o no_o other_o can_v be_v produce_v so_o long_o as_o no_o evidence_n be_v offer_v to_o show_v that_o any_o other_o person_n have_v a_o better_a title_n â—o_o they_o it_o lie_v on_o they_o therefore_o who_o deny_v that_o the_o book_n be_v they_o to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o what_o they_o say_v â—ither_o by_o allege_v some_o special_a matter_n out_o of_o the_o book_n themselves_o whereby_o it_o may_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o can_v â—ot_n be_v of_o their_o write_n or_o by_o produce_v some_o credible_a and_o authentic_a history_n testify_v that_o they_o be_v write_v by_o some_o other_o person_n and_o not_o by_o they_o and_o â—ill_v they_o can_v and_o shall_v do_v this_o which_o i_o be_o persuade_v â—an_v never_o be_v do_v we_o may_v very_o well_o refuse_v to_o produce_v any_o positive_a evidence_n to_o affirm_v or_o prove_v their_o title_n their_o possession_n be_v a_o good_a title_n enough_o till_o a_o better_a appear_v and_o a_o tenant_n may_v with_o as_o good_a reason_n refuse_v to_o pay_v rend_v to_o the_o person_n of_o who_o he_o â—ook_v the_o estate_n and_o to_o who_o he_o have_v ever_o hitherto_o â—aid_v rent_n and_o who_o right_a to_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o controvert_v until_o he_o shall_v suffer_v his_o write_n to_o be_v peruse_v and_o examine_v and_o by_o they_o make_v it_o plain_o appear_v that_o he_o be_v the_o lawful_a landlord_n as_o any_o man_n can_v now_o refuse_v to_o give_v that_o credit_n to_o these_o book_n as_o write_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o have_v be_v give_v hitherto_o and_o be_v still_o give_v by_o all_o christian_n unless_o he_o may_v have_v now_o as_o good_a positive_a evidence_n of_o their_o be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o may_v have_v be_v give_v thereof_o at_o first_o and_z as_o it_o may_v be_v presume_v be_v give_v before_o their_o title_n to_o they_o be_v so_o universal_o acknowledge_v but_o nevertheless_o what_o a_o man_n be_v not_o under_o any_o obligation_n to_o do_v for_o the_o assert_v of_o his_o right_n he_o may_v do_v wise_o enough_o for_o his_o own_o satisfaction_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o satisfaction_n and_o pleasure_n to_o a_o man_n although_o his_o title_n to_o his_o estate_n be_v not_o at_o present_a controvert_v if_o in_o look_v over_o the_o write_n and_o evidence_n of_o it_o he_o see_v plain_o how_o it_o descend_v to_o he_o by_o a_o lineal_a succession_n from_o father_n to_o son_n for_o many_o generation_n past_a and_o how_o it_o come_v at_o first_o to_o his_o ancestor_n by_o a_o clear_a and_o fair_a purchase_n from_o the_o former_a possessor_n or_o by_o donation_n from_o the_o prince_n in_o the_o division_n of_o a_o waist_n or_o conquer_a country_n and_o if_o he_o also_o find_v ancient_a terrier_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o measure_n and_o bounding_n and_o exact_o describe_v the_o same_o estate_n which_o he_o now_o possess_v and_o if_o moreover_o look_v far_o back_o he_o see_v that_o upon_o some_o dispute_n or_o lawsuit_n that_o have_v former_o be_v concern_v it_o judgement_n have_v be_v always_o give_v on_o his_o side_n it_o can_v but_o please_v he_o i_o say_v that_o upon_o such_o a_o search_n into_o antiquity_n he_o find_v that_o he_o be_v so_o very_o well_o provide_v to_o make_v out_o his_o title_n if_o there_o shall_v ever_o be_v any_o occasion_n for_o it_o although_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o long_a and_o quiet_a possession_n that_o he_o and_o his_o ancestor_n before_o he_o time_n out_o of_o mind_n have_v have_v of_o it_o he_o have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o fear_n he_o shall_v ever_o meet_v â—ith_o any_o disturbance_n and_o so_o it_o be_v here_o these_o write_n the_o book_n of_o â—he_n new_a testament_n be_v general_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v â—ritten_v by_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o authority_n be_v at_o present_a uncontested_a it_o may_v therefore_o reasonable_o be_v presume_v especial_o by_o those_o who_o have_v â—ot_n part_n or_o learning_n or_o leisure_n to_o examine_v into_o the_o â—easons_n of_o such_o thing_n that_o they_o will_v not_o have_v â—â—en_o so_o universal_o acknowledge_v and_o reverence_v as_o â—â—ey_n be_v upon_o this_o account_n but_o upon_o very_o good_a ground_n though_o what_o the_o ground_n thereof_o be_v they_o â—â—ve_v not_o yet_o inquire_v their_o be_v in_o possession_n be_v â—one_n reason_n enough_o to_o acknowledge_v and_o assert_v their_o â—â—tle_n it_o lie_v upon_o they_o that_o deny_v these_o book_n to_o 〈◊〉_d they_o to_o produce_v satisfactory_a evidence_n of_o their_o â—ing_n forge_v or_o counterfeit_a and_o till_o they_o shall_v proâ—â—ce_v some_o evidence_n thereof_o that_o have_v a_o show_n and_o appearance_n of_o truth_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v stagger_v in_o our_o belief_n by_o their_o bare_a however_o bold_a and_o confident_a denial_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o much_o â—s_n shall_v we_o need_v to_o give_v our_o reason_n for_o our_o reâ—â—ving_v they_o as_o write_v by_o the_o apostle_n till_o our_o adversary_n shall_v offer_v some_o reason_n why_o we_o ought_v not_o 〈◊〉_d receive_v they_o as_o such_o but_o nevertheless_o because_o we_o see_v there_o be_v some_o in_o â—s_n incredulous_a age_n that_o show_v a_o good_a will_n to_o deny_v 〈◊〉_d authority_n of_o these_o sacred_a book_n and_o who_o inâ—est_n it_o will_v be_v to_o prove_v they_o spurious_a and_o beâ—se_o we_o can_v tell_v what_o unwarrantable_a practice_n â—ir_a inclination_n and_o interest_n may_v put_v they_o upon_o 〈◊〉_d what_o write_n or_o evidence_n plausible_o forge_a 〈◊〉_d counterfeit_v they_o may_v hereafter_o produce_v it_o can_v be_v amiss_o for_o we_o to_o inquire_v and_o see_v and_o it_o can_v but_o be_v a_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o we_o who_o hold_v our_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n chief_o by_o these_o write_n to_o find_v and_o consider_v how_o well_o provide_v we_o be_v to_o detect_v and_o disprove_v any_o such_o forgery_n if_o they_o shall_v be_v offer_v by_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v in_o opposition_n thereto_o as_o good_a positive_a proof_n that_o these_o book_n be_v genuine_a as_o such_o a_o matter_n be_v capable_a of_o much_o better_a than_o i_o believe_v can_v be_v produce_v for_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o other_o book_n of_o the_o like_a antiquity_n and_o it_o give_v we_o some_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o belief_n wâ—_n have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o that_o these_o be_v the_o genuiâ—â—_n book_n of_o the_o author_n to_o who_o they_o be_v ascribe_v tâ—_n find_v that_o they_o be_v receive_v as_o such_o not_o by_o a_o smaâ—â—_n party_n of_o man_n not_o by_o that_o church_n and_o nation_n only_o to_o which_o we_o belong_v but_o by_o all_o christian_n disperseâ—_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o likewise_o that_o they_o aâ—_n agree_v with_o we_o in_o the_o same_o testimony_n viz._n that_o theâ—_n receive_v then_o as_o such_o from_o their_o father_n for_o thâ—â—_n these_o book_n shall_v be_v thus_o general_o receive_v anâ—_n acknowledge_v
mention_v as_o brief_o as_o may_v be_v the_o answer_n that_o have_v be_v usual_o give_v to_o these_o objection_n and_o 1._o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o of_o some_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o author_n name_n be_v not_o certain_o know_v as_o namely_o of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n and_o that_o of_o other_o the_o author_n have_v be_v doubt_v particular_o of_o the_o second_o and_o three_o epiâ—tles_n of_o st._n john_n to_o this_o it_o have_v be_v answer_v 1._o that_o the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o book_n depend_v many_o time_n much_o more_o upon_o the_o good_a assurance_n that_o we_o have_v of_o the_o time_n when_o it_o be_v write_v and_o of_o the_o character_n of_o the_o person_n that_o write_v it_o than_o upon_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o his_o name_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o matter_n of_o no_o great_a consequence_n whether_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v writâ—en_v by_o st._n paul_n himself_o as_o be_v common_o and_o upon_o â—ery_o probable_a ground_n believe_v or_o as_o some_o have_v conjecture_v by_o st._n luke_n his_o constant_a companion_n or_o as_o other_o by_o st._n clemens_n his_o fellow-labourer_n â—hose_v name_n be_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n 4.3_o phil._n 4.3_o or_o as_o other_o â—y_a st._n barnabas_n his_o assistant_n in_o preach_v the_o goâ—pel_n 14.14_o act_n 14.14_o and_o who_o be_v dignify_v by_o st._n luke_n with_o the_o tiâ—e_n of_o a_o apostle_n and_o so_o neither_o be_v it_o very_o maâ—erial_a whether_o the_o epistle_n call_v the_o second_o and_o three_o epistle_n of_o st._n john_n and_o common_o believe_v to_o be_v write_v by_o the_o same_o person_n that_o write_v the_o first_o be_v indeed_o write_v by_o st._n john_n the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n or_o as_o some_o have_v think_v by_o another_o â—ohn_n who_o be_v make_v bishop_n of_o the_o jewish_a christiansâ—t_n â—t_z ephesus_n by_o he_o for_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o the_o writer_n of_o these_o book_n which_o soever_o they_o be_v of_o the_o person_n beforementioned_a be_v of_o good_a ability_n and_o integrity_n and_o well_o instruct_v in_o that_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n which_o they_o write_v about_o and_o of_o this_o beside_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o ancient_n there_o be_v good_a evidence_n enough_o in_o the_o write_n themselves_o 2._o in_o answer_n to_o this_o and_o to_o all_o other_o objection_n of_o this_o sort_n against_o these_o or_o any_o other_o book_n or_o chapter_n or_o paragraph_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o have_v be_v far_o true_o say_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o singular_a in_o these_o book_n that_o there_o be_v no_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n teach_v in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n of_o the_o author_n or_o authority_n of_o which_o there_o have_v ever_o be_v any_o doubt_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o teach_v in_o some_o other_o undoubted_a and_o uncontroverted_a part_n of_o the_o same_o book_n so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o those_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n of_o which_o there_o have_v be_v former_o any_o doubt_n be_v still_o of_o uncertain_a authority_n our_o christianity_n will_v suffer_v no_o real_a loss_n thereby_o only_o give_v up_o these_o controvert_v place_n we_o shall_v sometime_o want_v a_o good_a help_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o understand_v ready_o those_o other_o uncontroverted_a place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n wherein_o the_o same_o doctrine_n be_v but_o perhaps_o more_o brief_o or_o obscure_o deliver_v 2._o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o some_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v be_v reject_v in_o ancient_a time_n this_o be_v grant_v but_o than_o it_o have_v be_v show_v that_o consider_v by_o who_o they_o have_v be_v reject_v and_o under_o what_o notion_n and_o for_o what_o reason_n they_o be_v reject_v this_o objection_n be_v of_o no_o force_n to_o invalidate_v the_o authority_n even_o of_o those_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o have_v be_v so_o reject_v and_o much_o less_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o book_n which_o have_v be_v allow_v by_o all_o thus_o some_o portion_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v be_v reject_v by_o heretic_n because_o they_o contradict_v their_o private_a and_o singular_a notion_n some_o by_o judaize_v christian_n as_o the_o two_o first_o chapter_n of_o st._n matthew_n because_o they_o be_v not_o find_v in_o that_o hebrew_n copy_n of_o that_o gospel_n which_o they_o use_v and_o all_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v likewise_o reject_v by_o the_o same_o person_n but_o not_o as_o not_o write_v by_o st._n paul_n but_o only_o because_o they_o be_v write_v by_o he_o who_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o enemy_n to_o their_o nation_n because_o he_o level_v they_o with_o other_o nation_n and_o as_o too_o averse_a to_o that_o religion_n which_o have_v be_v introduce_v by_o moses_n which_o they_o continue_v so_o wed_v to_o even_o after_o their_o embrace_a christianity_n that_o they_o can_v not_o but_o suspect_v he_o to_o be_v a_o false_a apostle_n who_o have_v so_o plain_o teach_v the_o abrogation_n thereof_o and_o for_o the_o like_a reason_n some_o other_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v be_v likewise_o reject_v by_o some_o few_o man_n that_o be_v not_o because_o they_o want_v the_o same_o attestation_n which_o the_o other_o part_n of_o it_o have_v or_o because_o it_o appear_v by_o credible_a history_n that_o they_o be_v spurious_a but_o only_o because_o they_o contradict_v too_o plain_o some_o notion_n which_o their_o former_a prejudices_fw-la or_o education_n have_v make_v they_o fond_a of_o so_o that_o this_o argument_n against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n take_v from_o the_o rejection_n of_o some_o part_n of_o it_o by_o some_o particular_a man_n or_o sect_n be_v manifest_o of_o no_o strength_n unless_o there_o be_v some_o good_a reason_n for_o their_o reject_v they_o and_o that_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n for_o it_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v show_v but_o the_o contrary_n have_v be_v show_v very_o plain_o by_o the_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n in_o several_a book_n write_v by_o they_o in_o confutation_n of_o those_o sect_n and_o heresy_n which_o be_v still_o extant_a and_o 3._o whereas_o it_o be_v further_o say_v that_o some_o book_n which_o be_v now_o receive_v as_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o universal_o receive_v in_o the_o most_o early_a time_n when_o their_o authority_n if_o they_o be_v authentic_a may_v have_v be_v assert_v upon_o more_o certain_a ground_n than_o it_o can_v be_v now_o viz._n the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n the_o epistle_n of_o st._n james_n the_o second_o of_o st._n peter_n the_o second_o and_o 3d._n of_o st._n john_n the_o epistle_n of_o st._n judas_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n this_o be_v likewise_o grant_v but_o in_o answer_n to_o it_o it_o be_v say_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v good_a evidence_n from_o antiquity_n that_o these_o controvert_v book_n be_v receive_v in_o the_o most_o early_a time_n by_o those_o who_o have_v the_o best_a opportunity_n of_o satisfy_v themselves_o of_o the_o author_n and_o authority_n thereof_o viz._n by_o those_o to_o who_o they_o be_v send_v and_o in_o general_a by_o the_o whole_a greek_a church_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o these_o book_n be_v write_v either_o to_o christian_n disperse_v and_o consequent_o only_o publish_v by_o give_v out_o copy_n thereof_o to_o some_o to_o be_v communicate_v as_o there_o be_v opportunity_n to_o other_o or_o else_o to_o private_a person_n live_v perhaps_o at_o great_a distance_n from_o the_o place_n from_o which_o they_o be_v send_v be_v not_o so_o easy_a to_o be_v attest_v and_o upon_o that_o account_n be_v not_o at_o first_o so_o general_o receive_v as_o the_o other_o be_v which_o be_v either_o write_v to_o particular_a church_n to_o which_o the_o author_n hand_n and_o the_o messenger_n that_o bring_v they_o be_v well_o know_v or_o which_o be_v first_o publish_v and_o receive_v in_o the_o same_o place_n where_o they_o be_v write_v and_o 3._o that_o even_o those_o church_n which_o do_v for_o some_o time_n doubt_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o book_n be_v persuade_v at_o last_o to_o receive_v they_o as_o the_o authentic_a write_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o other_o inspire_a men._n if_o therefore_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o while_o they_o doubt_v of_o these_o book_n they_o have_v reason_n for_o their_o doubt_n that_o be_v that_o they_o do_v it_o because_o they_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o full_o satisfy_v that_o they_o be_v apostolical_a write_n which_o the_o objector_n i_o believe_v will_v ready_o enough_o grant_v it_o may_v be_v very_o reasonable_o presume_v that_o they_o have_v afterward_o great_a reason_n to_o lay_v aside_o their_o doubt_n and_o that_o when_o they_o do_v receive_v
they_o it_o be_v because_o there_o have_v be_v then_o late_o such_o evidence_n and_o attestation_n give_v of_o their_o be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o other_o inspire_a man_n as_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v of_o before_o such_o as_o they_o can_v not_o then_o with_o any_o reason_n contradict_v or_o gainsay_v for_o ordinary_o a_o less_o reason_n will_v persuade_v a_o man_n to_o take_v up_o a_o opinion_n at_o first_o than_o will_v persuade_v he_o to_o go_v back_o from_o a_o opinion_n how_o weak_o soever_o ground_v which_o he_o have_v before_o embrace_v and_o defend_v so_o that_o this_o objection_n be_v so_o far_o from_o lessen_v that_o it_o rather_o strengthen_v the_o proof_n we_o have_v of_o the_o authority_n even_o of_o these_o once_o controvert_v book_n and_o it_o be_v beside_o a_o very_a good_a corroborate_n evidence_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o all_o the_o other_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o the_o backwardness_n of_o some_o church_n to_o receive_v these_o controvert_v book_n at_o first_o when_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o object_n to_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o first_o age_n be_v not_o so_o very_o easy_a and_o credulous_a as_o some_o have_v represent_v they_o that_o they_o do_v not_o so_o very_o greedy_o swallow_v any_o book_n for_o divine_a revelation_n that_o contain_v a_o great_a many_o miracle_n mix_v with_o a_o few_o good_a moral_n without_o make_v due_a enquiry_n concern_v the_o author_n and_o authority_n thereof_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a their_o be_v so_o hard_o to_o be_v persuade_v to_o receive_v these_o controvert_v book_n for_o some_o time_n while_o they_o want_v as_o they_o think_v sufficient_a attestation_n although_o the_o doctrine_n of_o they_o be_v in_o all_o point_n agreeable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o other_o book_n which_o they_o have_v before_o receive_v their_o be_v so_o hard_o i_o say_v to_o receive_v these_o book_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o which_o there_o nevertheless_o real_o be_v such_o evidence_n as_o they_o themselves_o after_o have_v well_o weigh_v and_o consider_v it_o declare_v themselves_o satisfy_v with_o gives_z very_o good_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o have_v from_o the_o beginning_n such_o evidence_n as_o be_v without_o exception_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o all_o those_o other_o book_n that_o be_v of_o much_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v never_o controvert_v which_o be_v from_o the_o first_o and_o with_o universal_a consent_n receive_v by_o all_o christian_a church_n for_o if_o there_o have_v not_o be_v very_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o their_o be_v the_o genuine_a write_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o other_o inspire_a man_n there_o will_v certain_o have_v be_v the_o same_o doubt_n and_o controversy_n concern_v they_o that_o there_o once_o be_v concern_v these_o but_o 4._o it_o have_v be_v further_o object_v that_o in_o the_o early_a time_n of_o christianity_n there_o be_v several_a counterfeit_n gospel_n and_o epistle_n which_o pass_v among_o some_o for_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a some_o of_o they_o may_v have_v slip_v into_o the_o canon_n unaware_o to_o the_o first_o christian_n who_o by_o all_o the_o account_n of_o those_o time_n be_v more_o remarkable_a for_o their_o honesty_n and_o simplicity_n and_o zeal_n than_o for_o their_o extraordinary_a part_n and_o learning_n but_o this_o objection_n grant_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n allege_v in_o it_o to_o be_v true_a be_v so_o far_o from_o lessen_v that_o it_o rather_o add_v to_o that_o reasonable_a assurance_n that_o we_o have_v that_o all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o canon_n be_v true_a and_o genuine_a for_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o apt_a to_o put_v man_n upon_o use_v caution_n as_o a_o great_a probability_n of_o be_v cheat_v if_o they_o be_v not_o cautious_a thus_o when_o the_o coin_n be_v general_o good_a and_o there_o be_v very_o little_a base_a or_o counterfeit_a money_n stir_v man_n common_o take_v it_o by_o tale_n without_o examine_v the_o weight_n and_o purity_n of_o every_o piece_n and_o so_o may_v more_o easy_o have_v a_o single_a piece_n of_o light_a weight_n or_o base_a metal_n put_v upon_o they_o without_o discern_v it_o but_o if_o the_o coin_n be_v much_o corrupt_v they_o look_v more_o narrow_o upon_o every_o single_a piece_n of_o money_n that_o they_o take_v and_o if_o there_o be_v the_o least_o cause_n to_o suspect_v it_o make_v trial_n of_o it_o by_o the_o scale_n or_o touchstone_n before_o they_o accept_v it_o as_o good_a if_o therefore_o there_o be_v in_o the_o early_a time_n of_o christianity_n many_o counterfeit_a piece_n give_v out_o and_o perhaps_o receive_v by_o some_o as_o write_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o which_o be_v some_o of_o they_o discover_v to_o be_v spurious_a and_o there_o be_v not_o great_a evidence_n from_o antiquity_n that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o spurious_a write_n than_o there_o be_v that_o the_o spuriousness_n of_o some_o of_o they_o be_v soon_o discern_v this_o can_v not_o but_o put_v the_o christian_n of_o those_o time_n upon_o examine_v more_o strict_o what_o evidence_n and_o attestation_n there_o be_v that_o those_o other_o book_n be_v true_a and_o genuine_a which_o have_v be_v general_o receive_v as_o such_o so_o that_o the_o more_o there_o be_v of_o these_o spurious_a and_o counterfeit_a book_n so_o much_o the_o more_o assure_v and_o confident_a we_o may_v reasonable_o be_v that_o none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v undoubted_o true_a and_o authentic_a and_o very_a well_o attest_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o canon_n and_o of_o the_o two_o it_o be_v much_o more_o probable_a that_o they_o do_v for_o want_v of_o clear_a attestation_n refuse_v to_o admit_v some_o that_o have_v be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n than_o that_o they_o do_v without_o sufficient_a attestation_n admit_v any_o that_o be_v not_o and_o that_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o early_a time_n who_o have_v the_o best_a mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o satisfy_v themselves_o whether_o any_o book_n give_v out_o as_o write_v by_o a_o apostle_n be_v so_o or_o not_o want_v not_o skill_n to_o discern_v between_o a_o true_a and_o a_o spurious_a write_n as_o be_v malicious_o suggest_v by_o some_o man_n be_v abundant_o evident_a from_o those_o monument_n of_o the_o excellent_a part_n and_o learning_n of_o some_o of_o the_o first_o convert_v to_o christianity_n which_o be_v still_o extant_a in_o their_o book_n and_o from_o the_o testimony_n that_o be_v therein_o give_v to_o the_o like_a good_a ability_n of_o several_a other_o who_o be_v famous_a in_o their_o generation_n for_o their_o preach_a and_o write_n and_o for_o their_o stout_o maintain_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n both_o against_o infidel_n and_o heretic_n but_o who_o book_n be_v now_o unhappy_o lose_v but_o 5._o and_o last_o it_o be_v further_o say_v that_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a 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honourable_a the_o house_n of_o commons_o at_o st._n margaret_n westminster_n january_n the_o 30_o 1698_o 9_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o a_o stand_a revelation_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral_n church_n of_o st._n paul_n jan._n one_a 1699_o 700._o be_v the_o first_o for_o the_o year_n 1700._o of_o the_o lecture_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n revelation_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v the_o second_o for_o the_o year_n 1700._o of_o the_o lecture_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n these_o three_o by_o offspring_n blackall_n rector_n of_o st._n marry_o aldermary_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n a_o persuasive_a to_o prayer_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n at_o st._n james_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o lord_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a in_o parliament_n assemble_v in_o the_o abbey_n church_n at_o westminster_n jan._n 30_o fifteen_o sermon_n preach_v on_o several_a occasion_n the_o last_o of_o which_o be_v never_o before_o print_v these_o three_o by_o the_o most_o reverend_a father_n in_o god_n john_n lord_n archbishop_n of_o york_n primate_n of_o england_n and_o metropolitan_a the_o faith_n and_o practice_n of_o a_o church_n of_o england_n man._n a_o false_a faith_n not_o justify_v by_o care_n for_o the_o poor_a prove_v in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o st._n paul_n church_n mystery_n in_o religion_n vindicated_n or_o the_o filiation_n deity_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o saviour_n assert_v against_o socinian_o and_o other_o with_o occasional_a reflection_n on_o several_a late_a pamphlet_n these_o two_o by_o luke_n milbourn_n a_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n two_o sermon_n of_o mr._n young_n about_o nature_n and_o grace_n preach_v at_o whitehall_n the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture-revelation_n as_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o part_n ii_o two_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral-church_n of_o st._n paul_n april_n 1_o st_o and_o may_v 6_o the_o 1700._o be_v the_o four_o and_o five_o for_o the_o year_n 1700_o of_o the_o lecture_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n by_o offspring_n blackall_n rector_n of_o st._n marry_o aldermary_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v by_o j._n leake_n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1700._o st._n luke_n xvi_o 29_o 30_o 31._o abraham_n say_v unto_o he_o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o and_o he_o say_v nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o point_n i_o enter_v upon_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o last_o time_n be_v this_o 3._o that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n give_v we_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o consequent_o of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v teach_v by_o it_o and_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o have_v for_o brevity_n sake_n confine_v my_o discourse_n upon_o it_o to_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n only_o the_o rather_o because_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o be_v grant_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n can_v reasonable_o be_v question_v i_o propound_v to_o show_v 1._o that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v by_o those_o person_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n thereof_o 2._o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v full_a credit_n to_o they_o in_o their_o relation_n of_o those_o
gratify_v man_n in_o this_o unreasonable_a desire_n work_v every_o day_n new_a miracle_n before_o their_o eye_n or_o send_v their_o decease_a friend_n to_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a to_o assure_v they_o of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o to_o warn_v they_o to_o prepare_v for_o it_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o very_o few_o or_o none_o of_o those_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o be_v not_o bring_v to_o repentance_n by_o the_o preach_a and_o stand_v revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v persuade_v by_o this_o mean_n if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n nor_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a i._o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o the_o present_a stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o persuade_v man_n to_o repentance_n if_o they_o be_v not_o unreasonable_o blind_a and_o 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this_o point_n it_o do_v not_o lie_v upon_o i_o to_o prove_v that_o god_n can_v not_o reveal_v his_o mind_n afresh_o to_o every_o man_n in_o every_o age_n of_o the_o world_n if_o he_o so_o please_v for_o there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o that_o the_o same_o god_n who_o in_o divers_a manner_n speak_v in_o time_n pass_v to_o our_o father_n by_o the_o prophet_n can_v if_o he_o please_v speak_v to_o every_o one_o of_o we_o their_o child_n in_o such_o manner_n as_o he_o then_o speak_v to_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o so_o that_o we_o may_v be_v all_o immediate_o teach_v of_o god_n as_o they_o be_v but_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v do_v be_v not_o expedient_a to_o be_v do_v and_o whether_o this_o method_n will_v be_v expedient_a or_o not_o will_v be_v hereafter_o inquire_v neither_o do_v it_o now_o lie_v upon_o i_o to_o prove_v that_o this_o way_n which_o god_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o take_v to_o instruct_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n viz._n by_o a_o stand_a 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such_o a_o book_n as_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o confute_v all_o the_o error_n that_o can_v possible_o at_o any_o time_n afterward_o spring_v up_o or_o to_o compile_v such_o a_o body_n of_o law_n as_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o prevent_v or_o punish_v all_o future_a crime_n but_o what_o be_v impossible_a with_o man_n may_v be_v possible_a with_o god_n who_o have_v a_o perfect_a foresight_n of_o all_o the_o error_n that_o will_v ever_o be_v broach_v and_o of_o all_o the_o wickedness_n that_o will_v ever_o be_v practise_v by_o man_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o a_o be_v of_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n it_o may_v be_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o very_o easy_a so_o to_o contrive_v a_o revelation_n design_v by_o he_o for_o the_o direction_n of_o future_a age_n that_o no_o addition_n shall_v ever_o after_o need_n to_o be_v make_v to_o it_o nay_o indeed_o 2._o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o be_v that_o a_o stand_a revelation_n shall_v be_v thus_o perfect_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o contrive_v at_o once_o and_o at_o first_o as_o to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o answer_v all_o the_o end_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n as_o long_o as_o the_o world_n shall_v last_v be_v not_o very_o hard_a to_o be_v conceive_v for_o though_o error_n be_v infinite_a truth_n at_o least_o all_o truth_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v be_v finite_a and_o limit_v and_o after_o a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v once_o give_v no_o more_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o after_o age_n than_o be_v at_o first_o nor_o will_v there_o ever_o be_v more_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n unless_o god_n shall_v please_v to_o add_v some_o new_a revelation_n to_o the_o former_a and_o this_o revelation_n of_o all_o necessary_a truth_n once_o make_v be_v give_v to_o man_n that_o be_v endue_v with_o reason_n nothing_o more_o be_v or_o ever_o will_v be_v needful_a for_o the_o discovery_n and_o confutation_n of_o all_o error_n that_o can_v possible_o spring_v up_o in_o after_o age_n but_o only_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o truth_n already_o deliver_v and_o a_o right_a use_n of_o reason_n in_o make_v inference_n and_o draw_v consequence_n therefrom_o and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o be_v pretend_v to_o by_o the_o book_n of_o controversy_n that_o be_v write_v in_o every_o age_n the_o design_n of_o they_o be_v not_o to_o declare_v new_a truth_n or_o to_o establish_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n but_o only_o to_o show_v that_o those_o opinion_n which_o they_o represent_v as_o false_a and_o erroneous_a be_v either_o in_o themselves_o or_o in_o their_o true_a consequence_n contrary_a to_o some_o maxim_n that_o be_v already_o receive_v as_o true_a and_o it_o be_v no_o
less_o easy_a to_o conceive_v that_o a_o stand_a revelation_n may_v be_v at_o once_o so_o contrive_v as_o to_o be_v for_o ever_o sufficient_a to_o direct_v man_n in_o all_o point_n of_o practice_n because_o although_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o every_o age_n may_v afford_v new_a instance_n of_o wickedness_n yet_o the_o law_n that_o they_o be_v all_o transgression_n of_o may_v be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o rule_n once_o give_v be_v a_o perpetual_a direction_n not_o only_o what_o to_o do_v but_o likewise_o what_o to_o avoid_v and_o this_o as_o well_o in_o those_o instance_n of_o wickedness_n which_o may_v be_v invent_v afterward_o as_o in_o those_o which_o be_v in_o practice_n before_o the_o rule_n be_v make_v for_o he_o that_o give_v direction_n to_o a_o traveller_n in_o his_o way_n bid_v he_o keep_v straight_o forward_o shall_v not_o need_v if_o he_o speak_v to_o a_o man_n of_o reason_n to_o tell_v he_o over_z and_o above_o that_o he_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o avoid_v all_o turn_n to_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o to_o the_o left_a and_o much_o less_o shall_v he_o need_v to_o give_v he_o a_o particular_a account_n of_o every_o turn_v that_o he_o be_v to_o avoid_v and_o though_o in_o time_n to_o come_v there_o will_v be_v many_o more_o byway_n and_o turn_n out_o of_o the_o road_n than_o there_o be_v at_o present_a yet_o the_o same_o one_o direction_n to_o keep_v straight_o forward_o will_v be_v as_o full_a and_o as_o sufficient_a a_o direction_n then_o as_o it_o be_v now_o and_o the_o necessity_n that_o humane_a lawgiver_n find_v themselves_o under_o to_o be_v every_o day_n repeal_n former_a law_n and_o add_v new_a one_o be_v not_o cause_v by_o a_o absolute_a impossibility_n of_o make_v at_o once_o such_o a_o body_n of_o law_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a for_o all_o after_o time_n but_o arise_v as_o i_o suppose_v partly_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o humane_a law_n which_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n negative_a and_o prohibitive_a only_a and_o by_o such_o a_o law_n nothing_o be_v render_v unlawful_a but_o what_o be_v name_v and_o to_o name_v at_o once_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v then_o or_o may_v be_v in_o all_o after_o age_n needful_a to_o be_v prohibit_v will_v indeed_o be_v a_o work_n of_o very_o great_a difficulty_n partly_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o obedience_n that_o be_v due_a to_o a_o mere_a humane_a law_n which_o be_v only_o a_o external_a obedience_n and_o to_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n and_o that_o indeed_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o law_n or_o a_o body_n of_o law_n of_o a_o prodigious_a bulk_n and_o very_o difficult_a to_o be_v contrive_v at_o once_o which_o in_o the_o letter_n thereof_o shall_v comprehend_v and_o give_v direction_n concern_v every_o action_n and_o every_o mode_n of_o action_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v do_v or_o forbear_v in_o order_n to_o the_o preserve_a justice_n and_o peace_n among_o man_n partly_o from_o the_o little_a regard_n that_o man_n general_o have_v to_o the_o good_a of_o posterity_n which_o make_v they_o only_o careful_a to_o contrive_v such_o order_n and_o constitution_n as_o they_o hope_v will_v suffice_v to_o preserve_v peace_n in_o their_o own_o time_n leave_v it_o to_o those_o that_o come_v after_o to_o take_v the_o like_a care_n for_o themselves_o in_o their_o time_n partly_o from_o the_o weakness_n and_o ignorance_n of_o the_o wise_a of_o man_n who_o not_o understand_v exact_o the_o temper_n of_o all_o their_o subject_n can_v know_v certain_o what_o effect_v their_o law_n will_v have_v till_o after_o they_o have_v be_v for_o some_o time_n experience_v and_o partly_o from_o the_o unexpected_a difficulty_n that_o be_v sometime_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o a_o law_n which_o may_v make_v it_o necessary_a afterward_o to_o enforce_v it_o with_o a_o great_a penalty_n or_o to_o take_v some_o further_a care_n than_o at_o first_o be_v think_v needful_a to_o see_v it_o execute_v but_o none_o of_o these_o reason_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o new_a law_n among_o man_n be_v of_o any_o force_n to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v also_o necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v be_v every_o day_n make_v new_a declaration_n of_o his_o will_n and_o that_o no_o stand_v revelation_n can_v be_v sufficient_a for_o all_o time_n for_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v positive_a and_o command_a enjoin_v the_o true_a and_o hearty_a love_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n and_o every_o natural_a and_o proper_a expression_n thereof_o and_o by_o consequence_n prohibit_v every_o affection_n of_o mind_n and_o every_o outward_a act_n that_o be_v contrary_a thereto_o whether_o it_o be_v express_o name_v or_o not_o and_o the_o obedience_n that_o we_o owe_v to_o a_o divine_a law_n be_v the_o obedience_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a inner_a man_n such_o as_o look_n beyond_o the_o letter_n to_o the_o design_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o law_n and_o avoid_v as_o careful_o whatsoever_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o law_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v forbid_v in_o the_o most_o express_a word_n and_o god_n be_v king_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o have_v the_o same_o relation_n to_o all_o man_n in_o all_o age_n and_o can_v but_o be_v suppose_v to_o design_n the_o good_a government_n of_o his_o subject_n in_o after_o as_o well_o as_o in_o former_a time_n and_o he_o also_o understand_v full_o the_o temper_n of_o all_o his_o subject_n know_v beforehand_o what_o effect_v the_o law_n he_o give_v they_o will_v have_v and_o can_v never_o be_v disappoint_v in_o his_o expectation_n and_o so_o can_v never_o be_v oblige_v to_o repeal_v or_o alter_v any_o of_o his_o law_n by_o a_o unforeseen_a experience_n that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o convenient_a or_o so_o effectual_a as_o he_o think_v they_o will_v be_v and_o last_o he_o have_v all_o power_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o a_o sovereign_a and_o uncontrollable_a dominion_n over_o all_o can_v appoint_v what_o penalty_n he_o please_v to_o the_o transgression_n of_o his_o law_n can_v at_o any_o time_n convict_v transgressor_n by_o his_o own_o unerring_a knowledge_n only_o and_o the_o testimony_n of_o their_o guilty_a conscience_n without_o other_o witness_n and_o have_v it_o in_o his_o own_o single_a power_n without_o any_o help_n of_o other_o to_o execute_v whenever_o he_o will_v whatever_o penalty_n he_o threaten_v thus_o i_o think_v it_o appear_v that_o a_o stand_a revelation_n may_v be_v so_o well_o contrive_v as_o to_o be_v sufficient_a for_o all_o time_n that_o all_o matter_n necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o do_v by_o man_n at_o all_o time_n may_v be_v at_o once_o commit_v to_o write_v 2._o but_o second_o though_o this_o be_v grant_v it_o may_v be_v still_o further_o object_v against_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o a_o stand_a revelation_n that_o it_o can_v hardly_o be_v sufficient_o attest_v that_o there_o can_v be_v sufficient_a evidence_n give_v to_o satisfy_v a_o rational_a man_n that_o any_o such_o write_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o authority_n be_v indeed_o so_o and_o that_o 1._o because_o there_o be_v no_o way_n but_o eye-witness_n to_o be_v sufficient_o assure_v that_o any_o book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o person_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o 2._o because_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o be_v sufficient_o assure_v that_o the_o author_n of_o such_o a_o book_n do_v not_o design_n to_o impose_v upon_o his_o reader_n and_o 3._o because_o no_o man_n can_v be_v sure_a that_o he_o himself_o be_v not_o deceive_v in_o his_o opinion_n of_o his_o own_o inspiration_n or_o of_o a_o revelation_n make_v to_o he_o or_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o other_o matter_n which_o he_o have_v relate_v as_o of_o his_o own_o knowledge_n 1._o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n but_o eye-witness_n to_o be_v sufficient_o assure_v that_o any_o book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o person_n that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o but_o that_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o be_v sufficient_o assure_v of_o the_o author_n of_o any_o book_n and_o yet_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o book_n in_o the_o world_n ancient_a as_o well_o as_o modern_a the_o author_n whereof_o be_v never_o in_o the_o least_o doubt_v of_o who_o yet_o i_o suppose_v do_v not_o use_v to_o call_v together_o a_o company_n of_o man_n to_o stand_v by_o and_o see_v they_o write_v those_o book_n which_o they_o intend_v to_o publish_v it_o seem_v then_o that_o either_o there_o may_v be_v beside_o eye-witness_n sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o a_o book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o person_n under_o who_o name_n it_o go_v or_o else_o that_o all_o the_o world_n have_v be_v extreme_o credulous_a in_o receive_v a_o infinite_a number_n
in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o must_v be_v either_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o or_o in_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o it_o must_v be_v either_o that_o it_o do_v not_o give_v we_o sufficient_a direction_n what_o to_o do_v or_o that_o it_o do_v not_o propose_v sufficient_a motive_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o do_v what_o it_o require_v and_o therefore_o in_o speak_v to_o this_o head_n i_o shall_v show_v 1._o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v we_o sufficient_a direction_n what_o to_o do_v 2._o that_o the_o motive_n which_o the_o scripture_n propose_v be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v we_o to_o do_v what_o it_o require_v and_o 3._o that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n give_v we_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o consequent_o of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v teach_v by_o it_o 1._o i_o shall_v show_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v we_o sufficient_a direction_n what_o to_o do_v and_o of_o this_o there_o can_v be_v little_a doubt_n among_o those_o that_o believe_v the_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n because_o to_o they_o its_o own_o testimony_n of_o its_o own_o sufficiency_n be_v a_o proof_n thereof_o beyond_o all_o exception_n for_o if_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 2._o tim._n 3.16_o it_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n and_o for_o reproof_n and_o for_o correction_n and_o for_o instruction_n in_o rigteousness_n it_o be_v plain_o profitable_a for_o all_o the_o purpose_n for_o which_o we_o can_v desire_v a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o if_o as_o he_o say_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n it_o be_v give_v to_o make_v perfect_a the_o man_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o man_n who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v other_o and_o thorough_o to_o furnish_v he_o unto_o all_o good_a work_n it_o can_v be_v deficient_a in_o deliver_v all_o such_o rule_n and_o direction_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v give_v by_o a_o pastor_n to_o the_o people_n commit_v to_o his_o care_n and_o if_o as_o the_o same_o apostle_n have_v say_v at_o the_o 15_o verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n it_o be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o desire_v to_o be_v wise_a than_o this_o excellent_a book_n can_v make_v we_o and_o if_o all_o this_o can_v true_o be_v say_v by_o the_o apostle_n before_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v complete_v if_o it_o can_v be_v say_v by_o he_o of_o those_o holy_a scripture_n which_o timothy_n have_v know_v from_o a_o child_n that_o be_v of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n only_o much_o more_o may_v it_o be_v now_o say_v of_o the_o book_n of_o both_o testament_n together_o but_o to_o speak_v at_o large_a of_o this_o point_n at_o present_a will_v be_v too_o great_a a_o digression_n from_o the_o design_n of_o these_o lecture_n which_o be_v intend_v only_o against_o infidel_n not_o against_o any_o sect_n of_o christian_n and_o such_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v such_o because_o they_o hold_v the_o foundation_n christ_n jesus_n they_o may_v in_o charity_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v who_o do_v chief_o differ_v from_o we_o in_o this_o article_n and_o deny_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n only_o because_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o maintain_v some_o gainful_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o their_o own_o church_n which_o they_o be_v sensible_a have_v no_o warrant_n from_o scripture_n and_o so_o can_v be_v maintain_v no_o other_o way_n but_o by_o affirm_v that_o they_o have_v be_v deliver_v down_o to_o they_o by_o tradition_n and_o that_o unwritten_a tradition_n be_v a_o necessary_a supplement_n to_o the_o write_a word_n and_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o it_o for_o between_o we_o and_o infidel_n who_o reject_v the_o scripture_n the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n be_v hardly_o matter_n of_o controversy_n for_o these_o do_v not_o reject_v the_o scripture_n because_o it_o teach_v too_o little_a but_o rather_o because_o it_o teach_v too_o much_o because_o it_o teach_v doctrine_n above_o their_o reason_n and_o command_v such_o duty_n as_o they_o do_v not_o like_a to_o practice_v and_o if_o it_o teach_v less_o than_o it_o do_v they_o will_v be_v more_o ready_a to_o own_o its_o divine_a authority_n but_o nevertheless_o even_a these_o man_n that_o they_o may_v leave_v no_o stone_n unturned_a will_v be_v sometime_o discourse_v upon_o this_o point_n and_o although_o those_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v now_o extant_a and_o which_o be_v now_o general_o receive_v do_v teach_v much_o more_o than_o they_o themselves_o be_v willing_a to_o believe_v and_o practice_v yet_o that_o they_o may_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v unsettle_v the_o belief_n of_o other_o do_v not_o stick_v to_o argue_v againast_n the_o christian_a religion_n from_o this_o topick_n and_o to_o affirm_v that_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v now_o receive_v do_v not_o contain_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n for_o there_o be_v say_v they_o in_o former_a time_n several_a other_o gospel_n and_o epistle_n and_o other_o tract_n design_v to_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o other_o inspire_a man_n and_o which_o be_v consequent_o of_o the_o same_o authority_n in_o themselves_o with_o those_o which_o be_v now_o receive_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o which_o nevertheless_o we_o have_v nothing_o now_o leave_v but_o the_o name_n and_o title_n or_o some_o imperfect_a and_o uncertain_a fragment_n so_o that_o it_o may_v well_o be_v doubt_v whether_o those_o few_o book_n which_o be_v now_o remain_v be_v sufficient_a to_o instruct_v we_o in_o all_o necessary_a point_n of_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n and_o of_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n there_o be_v they_o say_v some_o evidence_n even_o from_o the_o scripture_n its_o self_n for_o st._n 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all_o true_a we_o be_v tell_v by_o st._n john_n who_o write_v his_o gospel_n the_o last_o of_o the_o four_o evangelist_n joh._n 20.30_o many_o other_o sign_n true_o do_v jesus_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o disciple_n which_o be_v not_o write_v in_o this_o book_n and_o again_o ch._n 21._o verse_n 25._o there_o be_v also_o many_o other_o thing_n which_o jesus_n do_v the_o which_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v write_v every_o one_o i_o suppose_v that_o even_o the_o world_n its_o self_n can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n that_o shall_v be_v write_v now_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v several_a other_o book_n former_o extant_a but_o which_o be_v now_o lose_v that_o be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o inspire_a man_n and_o consequent_o by_o divine_a inspiration_n either_o these_o be_v needless_a when_o write_v and_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o any_o book_n write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v needless_a or_o else_o the_o loss_n of_o these_o 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christ_n every_o one_o that_o have_v hear_v he_o preach_v and_o have_v be_v a_o witness_n of_o his_o life_n and_o miracle_n and_o resurrection_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v write_v a_o distinct_a gospel_n give_v a_o account_n of_o some_o of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a passage_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n which_o he_o have_v be_v a_o witness_n of_o and_o do_v likewise_o as_o he_o have_v occasion_n write_v epistle_n or_o other_o tract_n for_o the_o use_n and_o instruction_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n every_o one_o of_o all_o which_o book_n if_o they_o be_v now_o extant_a and_o as_o well_o attest_v as_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v will_v be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o they_o because_o dictate_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n by_o which_o all_o the_o apostle_n be_v lead_v into_o all_o truth_n and_o have_v all_o thing_n that_o jesus_n have_v speak_v bring_v to_o their_o remembrance_n yet_o i_o say_v it_o will_v 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no_o suspicion_n of_o what_o be_v do_v nor_o any_o sense_n of_o that_o great_a alteration_n that_o have_v be_v make_v in_o the_o world_n by_o these_o book_n nor_o any_o remembrance_n afterward_o when_o they_o awake_v and_o find_v themselves_o christian_n that_o they_o have_v be_v of_o some_o other_o religion_n before_o when_o they_o be_v first_o take_v with_o that_o lethargic_a fit_n but_o if_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v what_o be_v there_o of_o this_o kind_n that_o may_v not_o be_v if_o the_o world_n be_v so_o much_o mistake_v in_o this_o matter_n it_o may_v be_v as_o much_o mistake_v in_o any_o other_o matter_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n and_o then_o it_o may_v be_v that_o there_o never_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o homer_n or_o virgil_n or_o caesar_n or_o cicero_n or_o plutarch_n or_o any_o other_o of_o those_o person_n as_o who_o write_n we_o now_o receive_v the_o book_n that_o go_v under_o their_o name_n but_o that_o all_o the_o book_n pretend_v to_o be_v write_v by_o those_o 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of_o the_o apostle_n or_o else_o in_o after_o time_n and_o if_o they_o be_v destroy_v by_o the_o christian_n this_o must_v have_v be_v do_v either_o soon_o after_o they_o be_v write_v or_o else_o after_o they_o have_v be_v for_o some_o time_n receive_v and_o allow_v as_o true_a history_n by_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n now_o if_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o these_o book_n be_v not_o write_v till_o a_o good_a while_n after_o the_o apostle_n have_v preach_v and_o the_o evangelist_n write_v the_o gospel_n they_o be_v write_v too_o late_o to_o be_v of_o sufficient_a authority_n to_o weaken_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o gospel-history_n for_o how_o can_v those_o that_o be_v not_o bear_v when_o the_o thing_n record_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v say_v to_o be_v do_v pretend_v to_o contradict_v the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o be_v live_v at_o that_o time_n and_o who_o testify_v either_o that_o they_o see_v they_o with_o their_o own_o eye_n or_o that_o they_o receive_v 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be_v enough_o in_o all_o reason_n and_o as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v expect_v in_o this_o case_n suppose_v there_o fact_n to_o be_v true_a that_o they_o be_v not_o by_o any_o historian_n that_o be_v of_o another_o religion_n contradict_v or_o attempt_v to_o be_v disprove_v more_o than_o this_o will_v have_v be_v too_o much_o and_o shall_v we_o now_o in_o some_o ancient_a manuscript_n history_n new_o bring_v 〈◊〉_d light_n and_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o some_o jewish_a or_o heathen_a author_n find_v a_o large_a and_o formal_a account_n of_o any_o of_o those_o fact_n relate_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o be_v record_v in_o the_o gospel_n this_o will_v give_v very_o just_a ground_n to_o suspect_v that_o the_o whole_a history_n whatever_o other_o appearance_n it_o have_v of_o truth_n be_v forge_v and_o counterfeit_n or_o at_o least_o that_o those_o passage_n speak_v honourable_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o the_o author_n of_o it_o be_v knavish_o foist_v into_o the_o 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they_o be_v and_o have_v be_v by_o our_o adversary_n we_o may_v reasonable_o conclude_v that_o the_o truth_n be_v in_o the_o mean_a and_o that_o there_o be_v indeed_o no_o more_o nor_o no_o few_o testimony_n of_o this_o kind_a to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o other_o writer_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o either_o more_o or_o less_o to_o the_o purpose_n than_o suppose_v the_o christian_a history_n to_o be_v true_a may_v fair_o be_v expect_v it_o only_o remain_v then_o that_o we_o inquire_v whether_o there_o be_v in_o the_o gospel_n history_n any_o intrinsic_a evidence_n of_o falsehood_n and_o it_o be_v pretend_v by_o the_o adversary_n of_o our_o religion_n that_o there_o be_v many_o such_o for_o there_o be_v they_o say_v some_o thing_n relate_v in_o the_o gospel_n history_n that_o be_v altogether_o incredible_a and_o there_o be_v they_o say_v oftentimes_o great_a difference_n in_o the_o several_a relation_n of_o the_o same_o story_n by_o the_o several_a evangelist_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o there_o be_v they_o say_v beside_o in_o their_o several_a history_n compare_v together_o some_o flat_a contradiction_n and_o repugnancy_n i_o intend_v therefore_o at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o discourse_n if_o i_o have_v have_v time_n for_o it_o to_o have_v speak_v large_o upon_o this_o subject_a but_o because_o i_o have_v not_o must_v refer_v you_o to_o those_o book_n that_o have_v be_v write_v on_o purpose_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o difficult_a text_n of_o scripture_n and_o to_o reconcile_v those_o that_o be_v seem_o repugnant_a or_o for_o want_v of_o such_o book_n to_o any_o good_a commentary_n on_o the_o bible_n in_o which_o you_o will_v hardly_o fail_v to_o meet_v with_o satisfaction_n in_o any_o difficulty_n of_o this_o kind_n if_o you_o read_v it_o with_o a_o mind_n dispose_v to_o receive_v satisfaction_n and_o i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o discourse_n with_o only_o observe_v in_o general_n 1._o that_o the_o pretend_a impossibility_n that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o sacred_a history_n be_v only_a difficulty_n they_o be_v indeed_o event_n above_o and_o beyond_o the_o know_a power_n and_o common_a course_n of_o nature_n but_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v easy_o credible_a when_o they_o be_v ascribe_v as_o they_o must_v be_v to_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n 2._o that_o the_o difference_n that_o may_v sometime_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o several_a relation_n of_o the_o same_o story_n by_o the_o several_a evangelist_n be_v very_o inconsiderable_a consist_v only_o in_o this_o that_o one_o perhaps_o relate_v the_o story_n in_o a_o different_a order_n of_o thing_n than_o another_o do_v or_o that_o one_o tell_v it_o brief_o another_o more_o at_o large_a or_o one_o with_o a_o few_o another_o with_o more_o circumstance_n or_o that_o some_o circumstance_n be_v mention_v by_o each_o of_o they_o which_o the_o other_o have_v omit_v so_o that_o this_o observation_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o just_a objection_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n that_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o proof_n and_o confirmation_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o the_o evangelist_n do_v not_o confer_v together_o in_o the_o write_n of_o their_o history_n and_o that_o they_o do_v not_o copy_n or_o transcribe_v from_o one_o another_o but_o that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o report_v the_o story_n he_o write_v in_o such_o manner_n as_o he_o himself_o remember_v it_o to_o have_v be_v and_o with_o such_o circumstance_n as_o he_o himself_o take_v most_o notice_n of_o and_o 3._o as_o to_o the_o repugnancy_n and_o inconsistence_n that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o the_o evangelical_n history_n these_o we_o absolute_o deny_v i_o have_v not_o time_n now_o to_o consider_v or_o attempt_v to_o reconcile_v all_o the_o place_n that_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v contradictory_n to_o each_o other_o but_o those_o passage_n which_o seem_v most_o liable_a to_o this_o exception_n be_v i_o think_v the_o relation_n of_o judas_n death_n and_o the_o account_n of_o our_o saviour_n genealogy_n but_o as_o to_o the_o first_o there_o be_v plain_o no_o impossibility_n no_o contradiction_n in_o it_o if_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o after_o he_o have_v hang_v himself_o as_o st._n matthew_n 1.18_o mat._n 27.5_o act_n 1.18_o say_v he_o do_v fall_v down_o and_o his_o bowel_n gush_v out_o as_o st._n luke_n affirm_v or_o it_o may_v be_v that_o he_o do_v not_o hang_v himself_o but_o only_o be_v 〈◊〉_d be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d choke_v or_o suffocate_v by_o the_o violence_n of_o his_o grief_n and_o that_o the_o same_o passion_n by_o which_o he_o be_v strangle_v make_v he_o also_o fall_v down_o headlong_o and_o burst_v asunder_o in_o the_o midst_n so_o that_o all_o his_o bowel_n gush_v out_o and_o as_o to_o the_o other_o when_o it_o be_v remember_v that_o by_o the_o jewish_a law_n the_o next_o of_o kin_n be_v to_o raise_v up_o seed_n to_o his_o near_a relation_n that_o die_v without_o issue_n 25.5_o deut._n 25.5_o by_o marry_v his_o widow_n and_o that_o the_o first-born_a of_o the_o woman_n after_o such_o second_o marriage_n be_v repute_v in_o law_n the_o son_n as_o well_o as_o he_o be_v the_o heir_n of_o the_o decease_a so_o that_o consequent_o the_o same_o person_n may_v be_v the_o legal_a son_n of_o one_o man_n and_o the_o natural_a son_n of_o another_o man_n though_o it_o may_v be_v difficult_a perhaps_o impossible_a for_o we_o at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n to_o say_v with_o certainty_n which_o of_o the_o two_o different_a line_n by_o which_o our_o saviour_n pedigree_n be_v deduce_v from_o david_n be_v the_o legal_a and_o which_o the_o natural_a line_n it_o be_v very_o easy_a nevertheless_o to_o believe_v that_o one_o be_v the_o legal_a and_o that_o the_o other_o be_v the_o natural_a line_n and_o if_o so_o there_o be_v plain_o no_o contradiction_n between_o the_o two_o evangelist_n although_o st._n matthew_n 1.16_o mat._n 1.16_o make_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v descend_v from_o solomon_n and_o st._n luke_n from_o nathan_n although_o st._n matthew_n say_v that_o joseph_n the_o husband_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n be_v the_o son_n of_o jacob_n and_o st._n luke_n 3.23_o luâ—e_n 3.23_o that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o heli._n and_o now_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n history_n be_v as_o i_o hope_v by_o what_o have_v bâ—en_o say_v sufficient_o establish_v i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o show_v that_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v true_a they_o be_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v therein_o teach_v but_o i_o be_o sensible_a that_o i_o have_v trespass_v too_o much_o upon_o your_o patience_n already_o and_o so_o shall_v reserve_v this_o for_o the_o subject_a of_o my_o next_o discourse_n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la in_o
sermon_n iii_o page_n 25._o line_n 1._o for_o once_o read_v now_o for_o those_o read_v these_o advertisement_n the_o three_o remain_a lecture_n for_o this_o year_n be_v to_o be_v at_o st._n paul_n on_o the_o first_o mondays_n in_o september_n october_n and_o november_n but_o the_o first_o monday_n in_o september_n be_v the_o fast-day_n for_o the_o fire_n of_o london_n when_o there_o will_v be_v in_o the_o morning_n a_o sermon_n suitable_a to_o that_o occasion_n preach_v before_o the_o lord_n mayor_n aldermen_z and_o company_n of_o the_o city_n mr._n boyle_n lecture_n on_o that_o day_n be_v order_v to_o be_v preach_v in_o the_o afternoon_n the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture-revelation_n as_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o part_n iii_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral-church_n of_o st._n paul_n september_n 2d_o 1700._o be_v the_o six_o for_o the_o year_n 1700_o of_o thâ—_n lecture_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n by_o offspring_n blackall_n d._n d._n rector_n of_o st._n marry_o aldermary_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v by_o j._n leake_n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1700._o st._n luke_n xvi_o 29_o 30_o 31._o abraham_n say_v unto_o he_o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o and_o he_o say_v nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a in_o order_n to_o show_v that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n give_v we_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o new-testament_n and_o of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v teach_v by_o it_o i_o have_v former_o propound_v to_o show_v 1._o that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n be_v write_v by_o those_o person_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n thereof_o 2._o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v full_a credit_n to_o they_o in_o their_o relation_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o have_v record_v and_o 3._o that_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n therein_o record_v be_v true_a they_o be_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v therein_o teach_v and_o the_o two_o first_o of_o these_o point_n i_o have_v i_o hope_v already_o make_v good_a i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o three_o viz._n 3._o to_o show_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v well_o ground_v upon_o the_o history_n of_o it_o that_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n record_v in_o the_o new-testament_n be_v true_a they_o be_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v therein_o teach_v and_o here_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o understand_v both_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o it_o propose_v to_o our_o belief_n and_o the_o rule_n which_o it_o prescribe_v to_o our_o practice_n many_o of_o the_o former_a of_o which_o be_v themselves_o part_v of_o the_o gospel_n history_n as_o the_o incarnation_n life_n suffering_n death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o both_o sort_n be_v teach_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n either_o by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o or_o by_o his_o apostle_n and_o i_o suppose_v it_o will_v be_v ready_o grant_v that_o all_o their_o doctrine_n be_v true_a and_o also_o of_o divine_a authority_n if_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o they_o be_v commission_v and_o send_v by_o god_n to_o instruct_v the_o world_n for_o he_o who_o god_n have_v send_v speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n joh._n iii._o 34._o the_o single_a point_n therefore_o to_o be_v consider_v at_o this_o time_n be_v whether_o there_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n from_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n record_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v commission_v and_o send_v by_o god_n to_o instruct_v the_o world_n and_o first_o whether_o there_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n from_o thence_o that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o be_v a_o teacher_n send_v from_o god_n now_o that_o he_o say_v he_o be_v send_v from_o god_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o a_o part_n of_o the_o gospel_n history_n joh._n twelve_o 49._o 24._o see_v joh._n 5.37_o 38.8.38.14.10_o 24._o i_o have_v not_o speak_v of_o myself_o but_o the_o father_n which_o send_v i_o he_o give_v i_o a_o commandment_n what_o i_o shall_v say_v and_o what_o i_o shall_v speak_v and_o that_o he_o say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n which_o have_v be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n be_v likewise_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o a_o part_n of_o the_o same_o history_n joh._n four_o 25_o 26._o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n say_v unto_o he_o i_o know_v that_o messiah_n come_v which_o be_v call_v christ_n 9.47_o mat._n 16.16_o 17._o mar._n 9.41_o luke_n 24.46_o joh._n 9.47_o when_o he_o be_v come_v he_o will_v tell_v we_o all_o thing_n jesus_n say_v unto_o he_o i_o that_o speak_v unto_o thou_o am_z he._n the_o question_n therefore_o be_v whether_o from_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v record_v of_o he_o by_o the_o evangelist_n there_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o either_o or_o both_o these_o pretence_n i_o say_v of_o either_o or_o both_o of_o they_o because_o either_o of_o they_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o receive_v his_o doctrine_n as_o true_a and_o divine_a for_o which_o cause_n therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o in_o speak_v to_o this_o subject_a distinguish_v between_o the_o evidence_n which_o the_o gospel-history_n afford_v of_o his_o be_v a_o prophet_n and_o those_o which_o it_o afford_v of_o his_o be_v the_o messiah_n but_o shall_v propose_v they_o promiscuous_o as_o they_o come_v to_o mind_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v consider_v first_o the_o credibility_n of_o our_o saviour_n own_o testimony_n concern_v himself_o and_o second_o the_o confirmation_n that_o be_v give_v to_o this_o testimony_n by_o god_n ground_v all_o that_o shall_v be_v say_v on_o both_o these_o head_n upon_o the_o gospel-history_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o i_o now_o take_v for_o grant_v as_o be_v i_o hope_v already_o sufficient_o prove_v first_o then_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o credibility_n of_o our_o saviour_n own_o testimony_n concern_v himself_o when_o he_o say_v that_o he_o be_v send_v by_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o i_o know_v it_o be_v common_o say_v that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v in_o his_o own_o case_n and_o this_o very_a thing_n be_v object_v to_o our_o saviour_n by_o the_o jew_n joh._n viij_o 13._o thou_o bear_v record_n of_o thyself_o thy_o record_n be_v not_o true_a but_o this_o say_v be_v not_o without_o exception_n when_o indeed_o what_o a_o man_n witness_n be_v for_o his_o own_o benefit_n his_o testimony_n if_o it_o be_v single_a may_v reasonable_o be_v reject_v especial_o if_o any_o proof_n be_v make_v that_o at_o other_o time_n he_o have_v tell_v a_o lie_n or_o do_v any_o other_o ill_a thing_n for_o his_o advantage_n but_o otherwise_o a_o man_n testimony_n concern_v himself_n may_v be_v credible_a nay_o in_o some_o case_n it_o may_v be_v more_o credible_a than_o another_o man_n because_o he_o may_v sometime_o be_v sure_a of_o what_o he_o say_v concern_v himself_o than_o another_o man_n can_v be_v and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n who_o in_o joh._n v._n 31._o allow_v of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o that_o say_v if_o i_o bear_v witness_n of_o myself_o my_o witness_n be_v not_o true_a yet_o when_o this_o very_a thing_n be_v afterward_o object_v to_o he_o by_o the_o pharisee_n in_o the_o place_n before-cited_n make_v answer_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n though_o i_o bear_v record_n of_o myself_o 8.14_o joh._n 8.14_o yet_o my_o record_n be_v true_a for_o i_o know_v whence_o i_o come_v etc._n etc._n and_o that_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n concern_v his_o own_o divine_a mission_n be_v such_o as_o we_o may_v rational_o give_v credit_n to_o though_o we_o have_v no_o other_o evidence_n of_o it_o will_n i_o suppose_v sufficient_o appear_v if_o these_o follow_a thing_n be_v consider_v 1._o that_o his_o whole_a life_n according_a to_o the_o account_n that_o be_v give_v of_o it_o by_o the_o evangelist_n which_o we_o now_o build_v upon_o as_o true_a be_v in_o all_o respect_n spotless_a and_o unblameable_a 1.19_o 1_o pet._n 2.22_o 1_o pet._n 1.19_o he_o do_v no_o sin_n neither_o be_v guile_n find_v in_o his_o mouth_n he_o be_v a_o lamb_n without_o blemish_n and_o without_o spot_n
1700._o be_v the_o seven_o for_o the_o year_n 1700_o of_o the_o lecture_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n by_o offspring_n blackall_n d._n d._n rector_n of_o st._n marry_o aldermary_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v by_o j._n leake_n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1700._o st._n luke_n xvi_o 29_o 30_o 31._o abraham_n say_v unto_o he_o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o and_o he_o say_v nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a when_o i_o first_o begin_v to_o discourse_n on_o these_o word_n i_o propose_v to_o speak_v to_o these_o three_o point_n i._o to_o show_v that_o the_o present_a stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o persuade_v man_n to_o repentance_n if_o they_o be_v not_o unreasonable_o blind_a and_o obstinate_a they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n i_o add_v they_o have_v also_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o ii_o to_o show_v that_o have_v already_o such_o good_a ground_n of_o faith_n such_o full_a direction_n for_o practice_n and_o such_o strong_a motive_n to_o repentance_n it_o be_v a_o unreasonable_a request_n to_o desire_v more_o nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o iii_o last_o to_o show_v that_o in_o case_n god_n shall_v condescend_v to_o gratify_v man_n in_o this_o unreasonable_a desire_n work_v every_o day_n new_a miracle_n before_o their_o eye_n or_o send_v their_o decease_a friend_n to_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a to_o assure_v they_o of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o to_o 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shall_v be_v give_v of_o they_o and_o it_o be_v what_o we_o never_o think_v reasonable_a to_o desire_v in_o other_o the_o like_a case_n that_o when_o god_n require_v we_o to_o believe_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n and_o send_v a_o special_a messenger_n to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o his_o will_n he_o shall_v grant_v to_o this_o messenger_n such_o testimonial_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v reasonable_a man_n that_o he_o be_v no_o impostor_n but_o a_o teacher_n send_v from_o god_n be_v indeed_o a_o thing_n that_o may_v fair_o be_v expect_v and_o if_o god_n shall_v not_o do_v thus_o we_o shall_v be_v excusable_a in_o not_o harken_v to_o such_o a_o messenger_n because_o we_o can_v not_o know_v whether_o he_o be_v a_o true_a or_o a_o false_a prophet_n and_o god_n do_v not_o require_v neither_o indeed_o be_v it_o reasonable_a that_o we_o shall_v believe_v every_o pretender_n to_o revelation_n and_o the_o clear_a proof_n of_o any_o man_n be_v be_v send_v from_o god_n to_o teach_v we_o any_o thing_n be_v a_o power_n of_o do_v such_o miracle_n and_o mighty_a work_n as_o be_v manifest_o above_o the_o skill_n and_o strength_n of_o a_o man_n to_o do_v it_o be_v therefore_o high_o requisite_a and_o what_o may_v reasonable_o be_v look_v for_o that_o god_n shall_v grant_v such_o a_o power_n as_o this_o to_o all_o those_o who_o he_o have_v ever_o inspire_v with_o new_a light_n and_o commission_v to_o make_v any_o new_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o mankind_n and_o this_o he_o have_v always_o do_v he_o give_v this_o power_n to_o moses_n in_o a_o large_a measure_n because_o the_o matter_n that_o man_n be_v to_o trust_v he_o for_o be_v many_o and_o very_o considerable_a he_o give_v it_o also_o to_o some_o of_o the_o succeed_a prophet_n but_o in_o a_o less_o measure_n because_o their_o business_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v only_o to_o interpret_v or_o to_o press_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o have_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v before_o and_o he_o 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evangelist_n be_v indeed_o they_o and_o contain_v in_o substance_n all_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o no_o other_o which_o they_o have_v before_o declare_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n after_o this_o i_o say_v when_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v thus_o once_o at_o the_o first_o publish_v of_o it_o so_o full_o confirm_v there_o be_v no_o need_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v prove_v any_o more_o and_o all_o other_o proof_n thereof_o will_v have_v be_v superfluous_a because_o the_o whole_a matter_n both_o doctrine_n and_o proof_n be_v once_o faithful_o record_v and_o those_o record_n well_o attest_v there_o can_v afterward_o be_v no_o reasonable_a cause_n to_o call_v it_o again_o in_o question_n so_o that_o the_o reason_n of_o work_a miracle_n be_v then_o cease_v it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o the_o
our_o freedom_n of_o choice_n and_o with_o it_o the_o virtue_n and_o excellency_n of_o believe_v for_o it_o be_v not_o faith_n to_o believe_v what_o we_o see_v and_o feel_v and_o it_o be_v no_o commendation_n to_o a_o man_n to_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a if_o his_o virtue_n be_v not_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o wise_a judgement_n and_o a_o free_a choice_n which_o it_o will_v not_o be_v if_o his_o judgement_n be_v over_o bear_v by_o irrefragable_a demonstration_n and_o if_o that_o far_a proof_n and_o evidence_n that_o be_v desire_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v no_o other_o than_o such_o as_o will_v leave_v we_o a_o freedom_n of_o choice_n and_o a_o possibility_n of_o doubt_v than_o i_o say_v it_o be_v not_o likely_a it_o shall_v be_v more_o convince_a to_o we_o than_o that_o which_o we_o have_v already_o in_o the_o stand_a revelation_n of_o holy_a scripture_n for_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v further_o in_o the_o second_o place_n 2._o that_o the_o proof_n and_o evidence_n 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they_o say_v they_o have_v in_o the_o case_n of_o religion_n but_o we_o see_v the_o quite_o contrary_a every_o day_n we_o live_v for_o that_o same_o infidel_n who_o will_v not_o allow_v of_o the_o testimony_n which_o be_v give_v to_o our_o saviour_n by_o his_o apostle_n though_o they_o give_v the_o best_a assurance_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o give_v both_o of_o their_o knowledge_n of_o what_o they_o testify_v and_o of_o their_o honesty_n in_o relate_v it_o yet_o ready_o allow_v that_o in_o all_o other_o case_n the_o testimony_n of_o two_o or_o three_o credible_a person_n shall_v be_v receive_v without_o any_o collateral_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n and_o think_v it_o reasonable_a that_o all_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n among_o man_n concern_v their_o civil_a right_n their_o estate_n nay_o and_o their_o life_n too_o shall_v be_v thereby_o determine_v and_o he_o that_o question_n whether_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v 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write_n of_o those_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n thereof_o yet_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o alexander_n the_o great_a who_o live_v above_o three_o hundred_o year_n before_o and_o that_o he_o translate_v the_o empire_n of_o the_o world_n from_o persia_n to_o greece_n and_o he_o also_o give_v full_a credit_n to_o the_o other_o thing_n which_o he_o find_v relate_v of_o he_o by_o curtius_n plutarch_n and_o arrian_n although_o none_o of_o these_o author_n be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o war_n and_o greatness_n but_o either_o copy_v what_o they_o write_v from_o former_a history_n or_o take_v it_o up_o from_o report_n and_o although_o there_o be_v perhaps_o no_o remain_n of_o that_o empire_n now_o leave_v in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o he_o be_v but_o as_o sure_a of_o a_o good_a estate_n as_o that_o the_o history_n of_o alexander_n expedition_n and_o conquest_n be_v in_o the_o main_a a_o true_a history_n he_o will_v not_o i_o believe_v give_v the_o hundreth_o part_n of_o its_o value_n to_o ascertain_v his_o title_n to_o it_o those_o therefore_o be_v manifest_o unreasonable_a exception_n to_o the_o proof_n of_o christianity_n which_o no_o man_n will_v allow_v which_o even_o those_o that_o make_v they_o in_o this_o case_n do_v not_o think_v reasonable_a to_o make_v in_o other_o case_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o likely_a that_o any_o person_n that_o be_v not_o convince_v by_o these_o proof_n shall_v be_v convince_v if_o more_o be_v give_v for_o as_o i_o far_o note_v there_o be_v no_o proof_n that_o can_v be_v give_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n unless_o it_o be_v such_o as_o be_v not_o resistible_a and_o consequent_o not_o fit_a for_o god_n to_o give_v we_o while_o we_o be_v here_o in_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n but_o what_o be_v liable_a to_o foolish_a cavil_n and_o unreasonable_a exception_n this_o i_o think_v be_v so_o self-evident_a that_o nothing_o plain_a or_o more_o undeniable_a can_v be_v say_v to_o prove_v it_o for_o though_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v as_o plain_a as_o demonstration_n in_o the_o mathematics_n yet_o even_o these_o may_v be_v cavile_v at_o by_o such_o as_o will_v allow_v of_o no_o postulata_n nor_o grant_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o clear_a axiom_n nay_o there_o have_v be_v sceptic_n in_o the_o plain_a matter_n of_o sense_n and_o some_o have_v deny_v motion_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o their_o own_o tongue_n be_v move_v to_o deny_v it_o not_o that_o i_o think_v the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v as_o clear_a as_o any_o propostion_n in_o euclid_n or_o as_o the_o shine_a of_o the_o sun_n at_o noon_n for_o that_o can_v be_v and_o i_o have_v
and_o we_o do_v not_o take_v care_n to_o avoid_v it_o our_o lot_n will_v be_v extreme_o miserable_a and_o we_o shall_v be_v torment_v day_n and_o night_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o in_o the_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n and_o when_o we_o consider_v withal_o the_o very_a little_a trouble_n in_o comparison_n that_o it_o will_v cost_v we_o to_o attain_v that_o and_o to_o avoid_v this_o that_o it_o be_v but_o the_o labour_n of_o a_o few_o year_n and_o that_o the_o most_o we_o can_v suffer_v by_o it_o be_v the_o loss_n of_o a_o little_a sensual_a pleasure_n for_o which_o after_o this_o life_n be_v over_o we_o shall_v be_v never_o the_o better_a or_o the_o endure_a of_o some_o little_a pain_n or_o hardship_n which_o will_v be_v soon_o over_o and_o for_o which_o if_o no_o good_a shall_v ever_o come_v of_o it_o after_o this_o life_n we_o shall_v however_o be_v then_o never_o the_o worse_o consider_v i_o say_v thus_o the_o infinite_o vast_a and_o wide_a difference_n that_o there_o be_v between_o be_v eternal_o happy_a and_o eternal_o miserable_a it_o be_v enough_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a it_o be_v more_o than_o enough_o that_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o there_o will_v be_v such_o a_o state_n and_o if_o we_o neglect_v to_o make_v provision_n for_o it_o because_o we_o be_v not_o absolute_o certain_a that_o it_o will_v be_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o do_v not_o act_v so_o prudent_o in_o this_o as_o we_o do_v in_o other_o case_n that_o be_v of_o infinite_o less_o moment_n and_o concern_v to_o we_o and_o that_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v the_o child_n of_o tâ—â—_n world_n be_v in_o their_o generation_n wise_a than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n now_o this_o be_v the_o most_o that_o the_o profess_a atheist_n or_o infidel_n can_v pretend_v they_o will_v say_v perhaps_o that_o for_o their_o own_o part_n they_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n or_o a_o judgement_n or_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o that_o they_o do_v not_o see_v any_o good_a reason_n to_o believe_v these_o thing_n forasmuch_o as_o all_o the_o proof_n that_o be_v bring_v for_o they_o do_v in_o their_o judgement_n fall_v short_a of_o demonstration_n and_o they_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o believe_v they_o till_o such_o proof_n thereof_o shall_v be_v offer_v as_o they_o can_v make_v no_o exception_n against_o not_o till_o they_o shall_v see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n that_o there_o be_v a_o heaven_n and_o a_o hell_n or_o till_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o messenger_n send_v to_o they_o from_o thence_o on_o purpose_n to_o assure_v they_o thereof_o and_o be_v it_o so_o as_o they_o say_v that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o we_o have_v not_o yet_o such_o a_o sure_a proof_n of_o they_o as_o ocular_a or_o mathematical_a demonstration_n will_v be_v yet_o this_o be_v the_o most_o they_o can_v say_v they_o themselves_o can_v pretend_v that_o there_o be_v any_o demonstration_n on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o be_v not_o sure_a they_o say_v that_o there_o will_v be_v another_o life_n or_o that_o it_o will_v be_v everlasting_a well_o but_o be_v they_o sure_a that_o there_o will_v not_o be_v such_o a_o life_n be_v it_o absurd_a or_o impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o life_n this_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o can_v say_v and_o all_o that_o they_o have_v yet_o dare_v to_o say_v be_v only_o that_o those_o proof_n thereof_o that_o we_o rely_v upon_o be_v not_o in_o their_o opinion_n sufficient_a but_o suppose_v they_o as_o insufficient_a as_o they_o can_v think_v they_o yet_o still_o if_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o certainty_n they_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o probability_n of_o what_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o prove_v or_o if_o not_o so_o yet_o still_o a_o future_a life_n if_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a nay_o if_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a however_o may_v be_v possible_a and_o if_o it_o be_v only_o possible_a that_o we_o may_v live_v for_o ever_o and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v eternal_o happy_a or_o eternal_o miserable_a this_o possibility_n alone_o consider_v what_o a_o infinite_a difference_n there_o be_v between_o these_o two_o state_n ought_v in_o reason_n to_o put_v we_o upon_o take_v the_o best_a care_n we_o can_v that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o eternal_a life_n we_o may_v be_v eternal_o happy_a in_o it_o but_o after_o all_o our_o proof_n of_o this_o and_o other_o great_a truth_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v not_o so_o very_o weak_a and_o slender_a as_o these_o man_n will_v represent_v it_o it_o be_v indeed_o as_o good_a as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v bear_v and_o he_o be_v a_o unreasonable_a man_n that_o require_v a_o better_a proof_n of_o any_o thing_n than_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o this_o therefore_o be_v what_o i_o shall_v now_o in_o the_o next_o place_n proceed_v to_o do_v viz._n 3._o to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o scripture_n wherein_o these_o truth_n be_v plain_o teach_v but_o this_o be_v too_o large_a a_o subject_a to_o be_v handle_v now_o i_o have_v already_o say_v i_o will_v defer_v it_o to_o the_o next_o opportunity_n finis_fw-la the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture-revelation_n as_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o part_n i._n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral-church_n of_o st._n paul_n march_v the_o 4_o the_o 1699_o 700._o be_v the_o three_o for_o the_o year_n 1700_o of_o the_o lecture_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n by_o offspring_n blackall_n rector_n of_o st._n marry_o aldermary_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v by_o j._n leake_n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1700._o st._n luke_n xvi_o 29_o 30_o 31._o abraham_n say_v unto_o he_o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o and_o he_o say_v nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a have_v in_o my_o first_o discourse_n on_o these_o word_n endeavour_v to_o show_v in_o general_n that_o a_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n may_v be_v so_o well_o contrive_v and_o so_o well_o attest_v as_o to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v man_n to_o repentance_n if_o they_o be_v not_o unreasonable_o blind_a and_o obstinate_a i_o come_v the_o last_o time_n to_o consider_v whether_o that_o stand_a revelation_n which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v such_o a_o revelation_n or_o whether_o there_o be_v not_o some_o particular_a defect_n in_o it_o which_o render_v it_o not_o so_o sufficient_a for_o this_o purpose_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a a_o stand_a revelation_n may_v be_v and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o defect_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o must_v be_v as_o i_o say_v either_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o or_o in_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o if_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o it_o must_v be_v either_o that_o it_o do_v not_o give_v sufficient_a direction_n what_o to_o do_v or_o that_o it_o do_v not_o propose_v sufficient_a motive_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o do_v what_o it_o require_v and_o therefore_o in_o speak_v to_o this_o head_n i_o propound_v to_o show_v 1._o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v we_o sufficient_a direction_n what_o to_o do_v 2._o that_o the_o motive_n which_o it_o propose_v be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v we_o to_o do_v what_o it_o require_v and_o 3._o that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n give_v we_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o consequent_o of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v teach_v by_o it_o and_o the_o two_o first_o of_o these_o i_o have_v already_o do_v i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o three_o viz._n 3._o to_o show_v that_o 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