the_o divine_a witness_n whereunto_o our_o faith_n be_v ultimate_o resolve_v do_v not_o consist_v herein_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o great_a corroborate_n testimony_n whereof_o we_o be_v capable_a this_o be_v that_o which_o bring_v we_o unto_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o understanding_n col._n 2._o 2._o as_o also_o 1_o thes._n 1._o 5._o and_o on_o the_o account_n of_o this_o spiritual_a experience_n be_v our_o perception_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n so_o often_o express_v by_o act_n of_o sense_n as_o taste_v see_v feel_a and_o the_o like_a mean_n of_o assurance_n in_o thing_n natural_a and_o when_o believer_n have_v attain_v hereunto_o they_o do_v find_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n goodness_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n so_o present_a unto_o they_o as_o that_o they_o need_v neither_o argument_n nor_o motive_n nor_o any_o thing_n else_o to_o persuade_v they_o unto_o or_o confirm_v they_o in_o believe_v and_o whereas_o this_o spiritual_a experience_n which_o believer_n obtain_v through_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v such_o as_o can_v rational_o be_v contend_v about_o see_v those_o who_o have_v receive_v it_o can_v full_o express_v it_o and_o those_o who_o have_v not_o can_v understand_v it_o nor_o the_o efficacy_n which_o it_o have_v to_o secure_v and_o establish_v the_o mind_n it_o be_v leave_v to_o be_v determine_v on_o by_o they_o alone_o who_o have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v good_a and_o evil._n and_o this_o belong_v unto_o the_o internal_a subjective_n testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 2._o he_o assist_v help_n and_o relieve_v we_o against_o temptation_n to_o the_o contrary_a so_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v prevalent_a our_o first_o prime_a assent_n unto_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o its_o proper_a ground_n and_o reason_n will_v not_o secure_v we_o against_o future_a objection_n and_o temptation_n unto_o the_o contrary_a from_o all_o manner_n of_o cause_n and_o occasion_n david_n faith_n be_v so_o assault_v by_o they_o as_o that_o he_o say_v in_o his_o haste_n that_o all_o man_n be_v liar_n and_o abraham_n himself_o after_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n that_o in_o his_o seed_n all_o nation_n shall_v be_v bless_v be_v reduce_v unto_o that_o anxious_a enquiry_n lord_n god_n what_o will_v thou_o give_v i_o see_v i_o go_v childless_a gen_n 15._o 2._o and_o peter_n be_v so_o winnow_v by_o satan_n that_o although_o his_o faith_n fail_v not_o yet_o he_o great_o fail_v and_o faint_v in_o its_o exercise_n and_o we_o all_o know_v what_o fear_v from_o within_o what_o fight_n from_o without_o we_o be_v expose_v unto_o in_o this_o matter_n and_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v all_o those_o atheistical_a objection_n against_o the_o scripture_n which_o these_o day_n abound_v withal_o which_o the_o devil_n use_v as_o fiery_a dart_n to_o inflame_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o to_o destroy_v their_o faith_n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v that_o work_n which_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n be_v principal_o engage_v in_o at_o this_o day_n have_v lop_v off_o many_o branch_n they_o now_o lay_v their_o axe_n to_o the_o root_n of_o faith_n and_o thence_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o christian_a religion_n there_o be_v no_o great_a controversy_n than_o whether_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o not_o against_o all_o these_o temptation_n do_v the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v in_o such_o a_o continual_a supply_n of_o spiritual_a strength_n and_o assistance_n unto_o believer_n as_o that_o they_o shall_v at_o no_o time_n prevail_v nor_o their_o faith_n total_o fail_v in_o such_o case_n the_o lord_n christ_n intercede_v for_o we_o that_o our_o faith_n fail_v not_o and_o god_n grace_n be_v sufficient_a against_o the_o buffet_n of_o these_o temptation_n and_o herein_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n intercession_n with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o its_o efficacy_n be_v communicate_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n what_o be_v those_o internal_a aid_n whereby_o he_o establish_v and_o assure_v our_o mind_n against_o the_o force_n and_o prevalency_n of_o objection_n and_o temptation_n against_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n how_o they_o be_v communicate_v unto_o we_o and_o receive_v by_o we_o this_o be_v no_o place_n to_o declare_v in_o particular_a it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o any_o to_o pretend_v unto_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n by_o who_o they_o be_v deny_v and_o these_o also_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o internal_a real_a testimony_n whereby_o faith_n be_v establish_v and_o because_o it_o be_v somewhat_o strange_a that_o after_o a_o long_a quiet_a possession_n of_o the_o profess_a faith_n and_o assent_v of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n thereunto_o there_o shall_v now_o arise_v among_o we_o such_o a_o open_a opposition_n unto_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o we_o find_v there_o be_v by_o experience_n it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o in_o our_o passage_n to_o name_v the_o principal_a cause_n or_o occasion_n thereof_o for_o if_o we_o shall_v bring_v they_o all_o into_o one_o reckon_a as_o just_o we_o may_v who_o either_o open_o oppose_v it_o and_o reject_v it_o or_o who_o use_v it_o or_o neglect_v it_o at_o their_o pleasure_n or_o who_o set_v up_o other_o guide_n in_o competition_n with_o it_o or_o above_o it_o or_o otherwise_o declare_v that_o they_o have_v no_o sense_n of_o the_o immediate_a authority_n of_o god_n therein_o we_o shall_v find_v they_o to_o be_v like_o the_o moor_n or_o slave_n in_o some_o country_n or_o plantation_n they_o be_v so_o great_a in_o number_n and_o force_v above_o their_o ruler_n and_o other_o inhabitant_n that_o it_o be_v only_a want_n of_o communication_n with_o confidence_n and_o some_o distinct_a interest_n that_o keep_v they_o from_o cast_v off_o their_o yoke_n and_o restraint_n i_o shall_v name_v three_o cause_n only_o of_o this_o surprise_v and_o perilous_a event_n 1._o a_o long_a continue_a outward_a profession_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n without_o a_o inward_a experience_n of_o its_o power_n betray_v man_n at_o length_n to_o question_v the_o truth_n itself_o at_o least_o not_o to_o regard_v it_o as_o divine_a the_o own_v of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n bespeak_v a_o divine_a majesty_n authority_n and_o power_n to_o be_v present_a in_o it_o and_o with_o it_o wherefore_o after_o man_n who_o have_v for_o a_o long_a time_n so_o profess_v do_v find_v that_o they_o never_o have_v any_o real_a experience_n of_o such_o a_o divine_a presence_n in_o it_o by_o any_o effect_n upon_o their_o own_o mind_n they_o grow_v insensible_o regardless_o of_o it_o or_o to_o allow_v it_o a_o very_a common_a place_n in_o their_o thought_n when_o they_o have_v wear_v off_o the_o impression_n that_o be_v on_o their_o mind_n from_o tradition_n education_n and_o custom_n they_o do_v for_o the_o future_a rather_o not_o oppose_v it_o than_o in_o any_o way_n believe_v it_o and_o when_o once_o a_o reverence_n unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n on_o the_o account_n of_o its_o authority_n be_v lose_v a_o assent_n unto_o it_o on_o the_o account_n of_o truth_n will_v not_o long_o abide_v and_o all_o such_o person_n under_o a_o concurrence_n of_o temptation_n and_o outward_a occasion_n will_v either_o reject_v it_o or_o prefer_v other_o gnide_n before_o it_o 2._o the_o power_n of_o lust_n rise_v up_o unto_o a_o resolution_n of_o live_v in_o those_o sin_n whereunto_o the_o scripture_n do_v unavoidable_o annex_v eternal_a ruin_n have_v prevail_v with_o many_o to_o cast_v off_o its_o authority_n for_o whilst_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o live_v in_o a_o outrage_n of_o sin_n to_o allow_v a_o divine_a truth_n and_o power_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o cast_v themselves_o under_o a_o present_a torment_n as_o well_o as_o to_o ascertain_v their_o future_a misery_n for_o no_o other_o can_v be_v his_o condition_n who_o be_v perpetual_o sensible_a that_o god_n always_o condemn_v he_o in_o all_o that_o he_o do_v and_o will_v assure_o take_v vengeance_n of_o he_o which_o be_v the_o constant_a language_n of_o the_o scripture_n concern_v such_o person_n wherefore_o although_o they_o will_v not_o immediate_o fall_v into_o a_o open_a atheistical_a opposition_n unto_o it_o as_o that_o which_o it_o may_v be_v be_v not_o consistent_a with_o their_o interest_n and_o reputation_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o devil_n do_v on_o jesus_n christ_n as_o that_o which_o come_v to_o torment_v they_o before_o their_o time_n they_o keep_v it_o at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o their_o thought_n and_o mind_n until_o they_o have_v habituate_v themselves_o unto_o a_o contempt_n of_o it_o there_o be_v therefore_o a_o utter_a impossibility_n of_o give_v any_o pretence_n of_o reconciliation_n between_o the_o own_v of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n
and_o a_o resolution_n to_o live_v in_o a_o excess_n of_o know_a sin_n multitude_n suffer_v their_o mind_n to_o be_v bribe_v by_o their_o corrupt_a affection_n to_o a_o relinquishment_n of_o any_o regard_n unto_o it_o 3._o the_o scandalous_a quarrel_n and_o disputation_n of_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n against_o the_o scripture_n and_o its_o authority_n have_v contribute_v much_o unto_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o many_o their_o great_a design_n be_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o secure_v the_o power_n authority_n and_o infallibility_n of_o their_o church_n of_o these_o they_o say_v continual_o as_o the_o apostle_n in_o another_o case_n of_o the_o mariner_n unless_o these_o stay_n in_o the_o ship_n we_o can_v be_v save_v without_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o these_o thing_n they_o will_v have_v it_o that_o man_n can_v neither_o at_o present_a believe_v nor_o be_v save_v hereafter_o to_o secure_v this_o interest_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n must_v be_v by_o all_o mean_v question_v and_o impair_v a_o divine_a authority_n in_o itself_o they_o will_v allow_v it_o but_o with_o respect_n unto_o we_o it_o have_v none_o but_o what_o it_o obtain_v by_o the_o suffrage_n and_o testimony_n of_o their_o church_n but_o whereas_o authority_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o consist_v essential_o in_o the_o relation_n and_o respect_n which_o it_o have_v unto_o other_o or_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v subject_a unto_o it_o to_o say_v that_o it_o have_v a_o authority_n in_o itself_o but_o none_o towards_o we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o deny_v that_o it_o have_v any_o authority_n at_o all_o but_o also_o to_o reproach_v it_o with_o a_o empty_a name_n they_o deal_v with_o it_o as_o the_o soldier_n do_v with_o christ_n they_o put_v a_o crown_n on_o his_o head_n and_o clothe_v he_o with_o a_o purple_a robe_n and_o bow_v the_o knee_n before_o he_o mock_v he_o say_v hail_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o ascribe_v unto_o it_o the_o crown_n and_o robe_n of_o divine_a authority_n in_o itself_o but_o not_o towards_o any_o one_o person_n in_o the_o world_n so_o if_o they_o please_v god_n shall_v be_v god_n and_o his_o word_n be_v of_o some_o credit_n among_o man_n herein_o they_o seek_v continual_o to_o entangle_v those_o of_o the_o weak_a sort_n by_o urge_v they_o vehement_o with_o this_o question_n how_o do_v you_o know_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o have_v in_o continual_a readiness_n a_o number_n of_o sophistical_a artifices_fw-la to_o weaken_v all_o evidence_n that_o shall_v be_v plead_v in_o its_o behalf_n nor_o be_v that_o all_o but_o on_o all_o occasion_n they_o insinuate_v such_o objection_n against_o it_o from_o its_o obscurity_n imperfection_n want_v of_o order_n difficulty_n and_o seem_a contradiction_n in_o it_o as_o be_v suit_v to_o take_v off_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o a_o firm_a assent_n unto_o it_o or_o reliance_n on_o it_o as_o if_o a_o company_n of_o man_n shall_v conspire_v by_o crafty_a multiply_v insinuation_n divulge_v on_o all_o advantage_n to_o weaken_v the_o reputation_n of_o a_o chaste_a and_o sober_a matron_n although_o they_o can_v deprive_v she_o of_o her_o virtue_n yet_o unless_o the_o world_n be_v wise_a than_o for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o appear_v to_o be_v they_o will_v insensible_o take_v off_o from_o her_o due_a esteem_n and_o this_o be_v as_o bold_a a_o attempt_n as_o can_v well_o be_v make_v in_o any_o case_n for_o the_o first_o tendency_n of_o these_o course_n be_v to_o make_v man_n atheist_n after_o which_o success_n it_o be_v leave_v at_o uncertain_a hazard_n whether_o they_o will_v be_v papist_n or_o no._n wherefore_o as_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a nor_o more_o dishonourable_a reflection_n make_v on_o christian_a religion_n than_o that_o it_o have_v no_o other_o evidence_n or_o testimony_n of_o its_o truth_n but_o the_o authority_n and_o witness_n of_o those_o by_o who_o it_o be_v at_o present_a profess_a and_o who_o have_v notable_a worldly_a advantage_n thereby_o so_o the_o mind_n of_o multitude_n be_v secret_o influence_v by_o the_o poison_n of_o these_o dispute_n to_o think_v it_o no_o way_n necessary_a to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o at_o least_o be_v shake_v off_o from_o the_o ground_n whereon_o they_o have_v profess_v it_o so_o to_o be_v and_o the_o like_a dis-service_n be_v do_v unto_o faith_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o such_o as_o advance_v a_o light_n within_o or_o immediate_a inspiration_n into_o competition_n with_o it_o or_o the_o room_n of_o it_o for_o as_o such_o imagination_n take_v place_n and_o prevail_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n so_o their_o respect_n unto_o the_o scripture_n and_o all_o sense_n of_o its_o divine_a authority_n do_v decay_v as_o experience_n do_v open_o manifest_a it_o be_v i_o say_v from_o a_o unusual_a concurrence_n of_o these_o and_o the_o like_a cause_n and_o occasion_n that_o there_o be_v at_o present_a among_o we_o such_o a_o decay_n in_o relinquishment_n of_o and_o opposition_n unto_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o may_v be_v former_a age_n can_v not_o parallel_v but_o against_o all_o these_o objection_n and_o temptation_n the_o mind_n of_o true_a believer_n be_v secure_v by_o supply_n of_o spiritual_a light_n wisdom_n and_o grace_n from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n there_o be_v several_a other_o especial_a gracious_a act_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o believer_n which_o belong_v also_o unto_o this_o internal_a real_a testimony_n whereby_o their_o faith_n be_v establish_v such_o be_v his_o anoint_v and_o seal_v of_o they_o his_o witness_v with_o they_o and_o his_o be_v a_o earnest_a in_o they_o all_o which_o must_v be_v elsewhere_o speak_v unto_o hereby_o be_v our_o faith_n every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o increase_v and_o establish_v wherefore_o although_o no_o internal_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n can_v be_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o that_o which_o it_o be_v resolve_v into_o yet_o be_v it_o such_o as_o without_o it_o we_o can_v never_o sincere_o believe_v as_o we_o ought_v nor_o be_v establish_v in_o believe_v against_o temptation_n and_o objection_n and_o with_o respect_n unto_o this_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o be_v that_o divine_n at_o the_o first_o reformation_n do_v general_o resolve_v our_o faith_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n into_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o this_o they_o do_v not_o do_v exclusive_o unto_o the_o proper_a use_n of_o external_a argument_n and_o motive_n of_o credibility_n who_o store_n indeed_o be_v great_a and_o who_o fountain_n be_v inexhaustible_a for_o they_o arise_v from_o all_o the_o indubitable_a notion_n that_o we_o have_v of_o god_n or_o ourselves_o in_o reference_n unto_o our_o present_a duty_n or_o future_a happiness_n much_o less_o do_v they_o exclude_v that_o evidence_n thereof_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v unto_o it_o in_o and_o by_o itself_o their_o judgement_n be_v well_o express_v in_o the_o excellent_a word_n of_o one_o of_o they_o maneat_fw-la ergo_fw-la say_v he_o hoc_fw-la fixum_fw-la quos_fw-la spiritus_fw-la intus_fw-la docuit_fw-la solidè_fw-la acquiescere_fw-la in_o scripturâ_fw-la &_o hanc_fw-la quidem_fw-la esse_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d neque_fw-la demonstrationi_fw-la &_o rationibus_fw-la subjici_fw-la eam_fw-la fas_fw-la esse_fw-la quam_fw-la tamen_fw-la meretur_fw-la apud_fw-la nos_fw-la certitudinem_fw-la spiritus_fw-la testimonio_fw-la consequi_fw-la eisi_fw-la enim_fw-la reverentiam_fw-la sua_fw-la sibi_fw-la ultro_fw-la majestate_fw-la conciliat_fw-la tunc_fw-la tamen_fw-la demum_fw-la serio_fw-la nos_fw-la afficit_fw-la quum_fw-la per_fw-la spiritum_fw-la obsignata_fw-la est_fw-la cordibus_fw-la nostris_fw-la istius_fw-la ergo_fw-la veritate_fw-la illuminati_fw-la jam_fw-la non_fw-la aut_fw-la nostro_fw-la aut_fw-la aliorum_fw-la judicio_fw-la credimus_fw-la a_o deo_fw-la esse_fw-la scripturam_fw-la sed_fw-la supra_fw-la humanum_fw-la judicium_fw-la certo_fw-la certius_fw-la constituimus_fw-la non_fw-la secus_fw-la ac_fw-la si_fw-la ipsius_fw-la dei_fw-la numen_fw-la illic_fw-la intueremur_fw-la hominum_fw-la ministerio_fw-la ab_fw-la ipsissimo_fw-la dei_fw-la ore_fw-la ad_fw-la nos_fw-la fluxisse_fw-la non_fw-la argumenta_fw-la non_fw-la very_fw-la similitudines_fw-la quaerimus_fw-la quibus_fw-la judicium_fw-la nostrum_fw-la incumbat_fw-la sed_fw-la ut_fw-la rei_fw-la extra_fw-la estimandi_fw-la aleam_fw-la positae_fw-la judicium_fw-la ingeniumque_fw-la nostrum_fw-la subjicimus_fw-la non_fw-la qualiter_fw-la superstitionibus_fw-la solent_fw-la miseri_fw-la homines_fw-la captivam_fw-la mentem_fw-la addicere_fw-la sed_fw-la quia_fw-la non_fw-la dubiam_fw-la vim_o numinis_fw-la illic_fw-la sentimus_fw-la vigere_fw-la &_o spirare_fw-la quam_fw-la ad_fw-la parendum_fw-la scientes_fw-la ac_fw-la volentes_fw-la vividius_fw-la tamen_fw-la &_o efficacius_fw-la quam_fw-la pro_fw-la humana_fw-la aut_fw-la voluntate_fw-la aut_fw-la scientia_fw-la trahimur_fw-la &_o accendimur_fw-la talis_fw-la ergo_fw-la est_fw-la persuasio_fw-la quae_fw-la rationes_fw-la non_fw-la requirat_fw-la talis_fw-la notitia_fw-la cui_fw-la optima_fw-la ratio_fw-la cosnstet_fw-la
insist_v on_o especial_o ought_v they_o to_o be_v plead_v when_o the_o scripture_n be_v attack_v by_o a_o atheism_n arise_v from_o the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o those_o lust_n and_o sin_n which_o be_v severe_o condemn_v therein_o and_o threaten_v with_o the_o utmost_a vengeance_n with_o other_o they_o may_v be_v consider_v as_o previous_a inducement_n unto_o believe_v or_o concomitant_a mean_n of_o strengthen_v faith_n in_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v in_o the_o first_o way_n i_o confess_v to_o the_o best_a of_o my_o observation_n of_o thing_n past_a and_o present_a their_o use_n be_v not_o great_a nor_o ever_o have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o assure_o the_o most_o that_o do_v sincere_o believe_v the_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v it_o without_o any_o great_a consideration_n of_o they_o or_o be_v much_o influence_v by_o they_o and_o there_o be_v many_o who_o as_o austin_n speak_v be_v save_v simplicitate_fw-la credendi_fw-la and_o not_o subtilitate_fw-la disputandi_fw-la that_o be_v not_o able_a to_o inquire_v much_o into_o they_o nor_o yet_o to_o apprehend_v much_o of_o their_o force_n and_o efficacy_n when_o they_o be_v propose_v unto_o they_o most_o person_n therefore_o be_v effectual_o convert_v to_o god_n and_o have_v save_v faith_n whereby_o they_o believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o virtual_o all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o before_o they_o have_v ever_o once_o consider_v they_o and_o god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v think_v that_o none_o believe_v the_o scripture_n aright_o but_o those_o who_o be_v able_a to_o apprehend_v and_o manage_v the_o subtle_a argument_n of_o learned_a man_n produce_v in_o their_o confirmation_n yea_o we_o affirm_v on_o the_o contrary_a that_o those_o who_o believe_v they_o on_o no_o other_o ground_n have_v indeed_o no_o true_a divine_a faith_n at_o all_o hence_o they_o be_v not_o of_o old_a insist_v on_o for_o the_o ingenerate_v of_o faith_n in_o they_o to_o who_o the_o word_n be_v preach_v nor_o ordinary_o be_v so_o to_o this_o day_n by_o any_o who_o understand_v what_o be_v their_o work_n and_o duty_n but_o in_o the_o second_o way_n wherever_o there_o be_v occasion_n from_o objection_n opposition_n or_o temptation_n they_o may_v be_v plead_v to_o good_a use_n and_o purpose_n and_o they_o may_v do_v well_o to_o be_v furnish_v with_o they_o who_o be_v unavoidable_o expose_v unto_o trial_n of_o that_o nature_n for_o as_o for_o that_o course_n which_o some_o take_v in_o all_o place_n and_o at_o all_o time_n to_o be_v dispute_v about_o the_o scripture_n and_o their_o authority_n it_o be_v a_o practice_n give_v countenance_n unto_o atheism_n and_o be_v to_o be_v abhor_v of_o all_o that_o fear_n god_n and_o the_o consequent_n of_o it_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_a 2._o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n hold_v it_o up_o and_o declare_v it_o be_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n previous_o necessary_a unto_o believe_v for_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o itself_o alone_o but_o not_o by_o itself_o alone_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v the_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o declaration_n and_o make_v know_v the_o testimony_n which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n give_v in_o the_o scripture_n unto_o its_o divine_a original_a and_o this_o be_v the_o ordinary_a way_n whereby_o man_n be_v bring_v to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o church_n in_o its_o ministry_n own_v witness_v and_o avow_v it_o so_o to_o be_v instruct_v all_o sort_n of_o person_n out_o of_o it_o there_o be_v together_o with_o a_o sense_n and_o apprehension_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o the_o thing_n teach_v and_o reveal_v in_o it_o faith_n in_o itself_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n ingenerate_v in_o they_o 3._o we_o do_v also_o here_o suppose_v the_o internal_a effectual_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n beget_v faith_n in_o we_o as_o be_v before_o declare_v without_o which_o we_o can_v believe_v neither_o the_o scripture_n nor_o any_o thing_n else_o with_o faith_n divine_a not_o for_o want_v of_o evidence_n in_o they_o but_o of_o faith_n in_o ourselves_o these_o thing_n be_v suppose_v we_o do_v affirm_v that_o it_o be_v the_o authority_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n as_o manifest_v themselves_o in_o the_o supernatural_a revelation_n make_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o our_o faith_n arise_v from_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o and_o herein_o consist_v that_o testimony_n which_o the_o spirit_n give_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v so_o for_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o bear_v witness_v because_o the_o spirit_n be_v truth_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o immediate_a author_n of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n do_v therein_o and_o thereby_o give_v testimony_n unto_o the_o divine_a truth_n and_o original_a of_o it_o by_o the_o character_n of_o divine_a authority_n and_o veracity_n impress_v on_o it_o and_o evidence_v themselves_o in_o its_o power_n and_o efficacy_n and_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o what_o we_o assert_v respect_n the_o revelation_n itself_o the_o scripture_n the_o write_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o not_o mere_o the_o thing_n write_v or_o contain_v in_o it_o the_o argument_n produce_v by_o some_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n reach_v not_o the_o cause_n in_o hand_n for_o our_o enquiry_n be_v not_o about_o believe_v the_o truth_n reveal_v but_o about_o believe_v the_o revelation_n itself_o the_o scripture_n itself_o to_o be_v divine_a and_o this_o we_o do_v only_o because_o of_o the_o authority_n and_o veracity_n of_o the_o revealer_n that_o be_v of_o god_n himself_o manifest_v themselves_o therein_o to_o manifest_v this_o full_o i_o shall_v do_v these_o thing_n 1._o prove_v that_o our_o faith_n be_v so_o resolve_v into_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o not_o into_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o its_o own_o sake_n and_o not_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o thing_n else_o either_o external_a argument_n or_o authoritative_a testimony_n of_o man_n whatever_o 2._o show_v how_o or_o by_o what_o mean_v the_o scripture_n do_v evidence_n its_o own_o divine_a original_a or_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v so_o evidence_v in_o it_o and_o by_o it_o as_o that_o we_o need_v no_o other_o formal_a cause_n or_o reason_n of_o our_o faith_n whatever_o motive_n or_o mean_n of_o believe_v we_o may_v make_v use_n of_o and_o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o 1._o that_o be_v the_o formal_a reason_n whereon_o we_o do_v believe_v which_o the_o scripture_n propose_v as_o the_o only_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v so_o do_v why_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o do_v so_o and_o whereunto_o it_o require_v our_o assent_n now_o this_o be_v to_o itself_o as_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o because_o it_o be_v so_o or_o it_o propose_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o itself_o and_o that_o alone_a which_o we_o be_v to_o acquiesce_v in_o and_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o that_o alone_a which_o our_o faith_n be_v to_o rest_v on_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o it_o do_v not_o require_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o any_o church_n or_o on_o any_o other_o argument_n that_o it_o give_v we_o to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v from_o god_n but_o speak_v unto_o we_o immediate_o in_o his_o name_n and_o thereon_o require_v faith_n and_o obedience_n some_o it_o may_v be_v will_v ask_v whether_o this_o prove_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o it_o say_v so_o of_o itself_o when_o any_o other_o write_v may_v say_v the_o same_o but_o we_o be_v not_o now_o give_v argument_n to_o prove_v unto_o other_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o only_o prove_v and_o show_v what_o our_o own_o faith_n rest_v on_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o or_o at_o least_o ought_v so_o to_o be_v how_o it_o evidence_v itself_o unto_o our_o faith_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v afterward_o declare_v it_o be_v sufficient_a unto_o our_o present_a purpose_n that_o god_n require_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o it_o be_v his_o word_n or_o a_o divine_a revelation_n from_o he_o and_o if_o so_o his_o authority_n and_o truth_n be_v the_o formal_a reason_n why_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n or_o any_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o to_o this_o purpose_n do_v testimony_n abound_v in_o particular_a beside_o that_o general_a attestation_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o it_o in_o that_o sole_a preface_n of_o divine_a revelation_n thus_o say_v the_o
be_v mistake_v but_o only_o its_o own_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n make_v our_o duty_n necessary_a and_o secure_v our_o faith_n infallible_o and_o those_o testimony_n be_v with_o i_o of_o more_o weight_n a_o thousand_o time_n than_o the_o plausible_a reason_n of_o any_o to_o the_o contrary_n with_o some_o indeed_o it_o be_v grow_v a_o matter_n of_o contempt_n to_o quote_v or_o cite_v the_o scripture_n in_o our_o write_n such_o reverence_n have_v they_o for_o the_o ancient_a father_n some_o of_o who_o write_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o perpetual_a contexture_n of_o scripture_n but_o for_o such_o who_o pretend_v to_o despise_v those_o testimony_n in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v because_o either_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v what_o they_o be_v produce_v to_o confirm_v or_o can_v answer_v the_o proof_n that_o be_v in_o they_o for_o it_o be_v not_o unlikely_a but_o that_o some_o person_n well_o conceit_v of_o their_o own_o understanding_n in_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v most_o ignorant_a will_v pride_n and_o please_v themselves_o in_o the_o ridiculousness_n of_o prove_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o testimony_n take_v out_o of_o it_o but_o as_o be_v say_v we_o must_v not_o forgo_v the_o truth_n because_o either_o they_o will_v not_o or_o can_v understand_v what_o we_o discourse_v about_o 2._o our_o assertion_n be_v confirm_v by_o the_o uniform_a practice_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o propose_v these_o divine_a revelation_n which_o they_o receive_v by_o immediate_a inspiration_n from_o god_n for_o that_o which_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n unto_o who_o they_o first_o declare_v those_o divine_a revelation_n be_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o faith_n now_o they_o be_v record_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o write_n of_o it_o be_v by_o god_n appointment_n it_o come_v into_o the_o room_n and_o supply_v the_o place_n of_o their_o oral_a ministry_n on_o what_o ground_n soever_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v and_o believe_v divine_a revelation_n when_o make_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n on_o the_o same_o be_v we_o oblige_v to_o receive_v and_o believe_v they_o now_o they_o be_v make_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n the_o write_v be_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o appoint_v as_o the_o mean_n and_o cause_n of_o our_o faith_n it_o be_v true_a god_n be_v please_v sometime_o to_o bear_v witness_n unto_o their_o personal_a ministry_n by_o miracle_n or_o sign_n and_o wonder_n as_o heb._n 2._o 4._o god_n bear_v they_o witness_n but_o this_o be_v only_o at_o some_o season_n and_o with_o some_o of_o they_o that_o which_o they_o universal_o insist_v on_o whether_o they_o wrought_v any_o miracle_n or_o no_o be_v that_o the_o word_n which_o they_o preach_v declare_v write_v be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o man_n come_v not_o by_o any_o private_a suggestion_n or_o from_o any_o invention_n of_o their_o own_o but_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 1_o thes._n 2._o 13._o and_o declare_v by_o they_o as_o they_o be_v act_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 21._o under_o the_o old_a testament_n although_o the_o prophet_n sometime_o refer_v person_n unto_o the_o word_n already_o write_v as_o that_o which_o their_o faith_n be_v to_o acquiesce_v in_o isa._n 8._o 20_o mal._n 4._o 4._o set_v out_o its_o power_n and_o excellency_n for_o all_o the_o end_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n psal._n 19_o 7_o 8_o 9_o psal._n 119._o and_o not_o to_o any_o thing_n else_o nor_o to_o any_o other_o motive_n or_o argument_n to_o beget_v and_o require_v faith_n but_o it_o be_v own_o authority_n only_o yet_o as_o to_o their_o own_o especial_a message_n and_o revelation_n they_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o they_o require_v in_o this_o alone_a thus_o say_v the_o lord_n the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o infallible_a preacher_n and_o writer_n thereof_o do_v in_o the_o first_o place_n propose_v the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o be_v receive_v for_o their_o own_o sake_n or_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o divine_a original_a see_v john_n 45._o 46_o 47._o luk._n 16._o 29_o 31._o mat._n 21._o 42._o act_n 18._o 24_o 25_o 28._o act_n 24._o 14._o chap._n 26._o 22._o 2_o pet._n 1._o 21._o hence_o be_v they_o call_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n rom._n 3._o 2._o and_o oracle_n always_o require_v a_o assent_n for_o their_o own_o sake_n and_o other_o evidence_n they_o plead_v none_o and_o for_o the_o revelation_n which_o they_o superad_v they_o plead_v that_o they_o have_v they_o immediate_o from_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ_n gal._n 1._o 1._o and_o this_o be_v accompany_v with_o such_o a_o infallible_a assurance_n in_o they_o that_o receive_v it_o as_o to_o be_v prefer_v above_o a_o supposition_n of_o the_o high_a miracle_n to_o confirm_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_a gal._n 1._o 8._o for_o if_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v have_v preach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n than_o what_o they_o reveal_v and_o propose_v in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n they_o be_v to_o esteem_v he_o accurse_v for_o this_o cause_n they_o still_o insist_v on_o their_o apostolical_a authority_n and_o mission_n which_o include_v infallible_a inspiration_n and_o direction_n as_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o they_o unto_o who_o they_o preach_v and_o write_v and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o be_v not_o themselves_o divine_o inspire_v or_o wherein_o those_o that_o be_v so_o do_v not_o act_v by_o immediate_a inspiration_n they_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v by_o its_o consonancy_n unto_o the_o scripture_n already_o write_v refer_v the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n unto_o they_o for_o their_o ultimate_a satisfaction_n act_v 18._o 28._o chap._n 28._o 33._o 3._o it_o be_v before_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v require_v as_o subservient_fw-fr unto_o believe_v as_o a_o mean_n of_o it_o or_o the_o resolution_n of_o our_o faith_n into_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n the_o ministerial_a proposal_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o truth_n contain_v in_o they_o with_o the_o command_n of_o god_n for_o obedience_n unto_o they_o rom._n 16._o 25._o 26._o this_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n either_o extraordinary_a or_o ordinary_a god_n have_v appoint_v unto_o this_o end_n and_o ordinary_o it_o be_v indispensible_a thereunto_o rom._n 10._o 14_o 15._o how_o shall_v they_o believe_v in_o he_o of_o who_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o hear_v without_o a_o preacher_n and_o how_o shall_v they_o preach_v unless_o they_o be_v send_v without_o this_o ordinary_o we_o can_v believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o to_o be_v from_o he_o though_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o for_o it_o i_o do_v grant_v that_o in_o extraordinary_a case_n outward_a providence_n may_v supply_v the_o room_n of_o this_o ministerial_a proposal_n for_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o unto_o our_o duty_n by_o what_o mean_v the_o scripture_n be_v bring_v unto_o we_o but_o upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o this_o ministerial_a proposal_n of_o the_o word_n which_o ordinary_o include_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o testimony_n and_o declaration_n of_o the_o truth_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v whether_o those_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v propose_v be_v oblige_v without_o further_a external_a evidence_n to_o receive_v it_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o rest_v their_o faith_n in_o it_o and_o submit_v their_o conscience_n unto_o it_o the_o rule_n seem_v plain_a that_o they_o be_v oblige_v so_o to_o do_v mark_v 16._o 16._o we_o may_v consider_v this_o under_o the_o distinct_a way_n of_o its_o proposal_n extraordinary_a and_o ordinary_a upon_o the_o preach_a of_o any_o of_o the_o prophet_n by_o immediate_a inspiration_n 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god_n preach_v write_a or_o teach_v of_o it_o but_o yet_o as_o if_o we_o have_v see_v he_o we_o believe_v and_o firm_o hold_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o read_v proceed_v from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o may_v be_v this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o we_o so_o firm_o adhere_v unto_o it_o that_o truth_n be_v more_o solid_a in_o it_o though_o not_o more_o clear_a than_o in_o other_o write_n for_o all_o truth_n have_v a_o persuasive_a power_n the_o great_a truth_n the_o great_a power_n and_o that_o which_o be_v great_a the_o great_a efficacy_n of_o all_o but_o why_o then_o do_v not_o all_o believe_v the_o gospel_n answ._n because_o all_o be_v not_o draw_v of_o god_n but_o what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o any_o long_a disputation_n we_o therefore_o firm_o believe_v the_o scripture_n because_o we_o have_v receive_v a_o divine_a inspiration_n assure_v of_o we_o and_o in_o what_o sense_n this_o be_v allow_v have_v be_v declare_v in_o the_o precede_a discourse_n i_o shall_v close_v the_o 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affirm_v that_o there_o be_v a_o inward_a testimony_n or_o witness_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n whereby_o he_o assure_v and_o confirm_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o scripture_n with_o a_o efficacy_n exceed_v all_o the_o persuasive_a evidence_n of_o outward_a argument_n and_o motive_n this_o also_o by_o some_o they_o be_v traduce_v for_o and_o yet_o those_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n who_o be_v look_v on_o as_o most_o averse_a from_o that_o resolution_n of_o faith_n which_o most_o protestant_n acquiesce_v in_o do_v express_o maintain_v both_o these_o assertion_n the_o design_n of_o stapleton_n de_fw-fr principiis_fw-la fidei_fw-la controver_n 4._o lib._n 8._o cap._n 1._o be_v to_o prove_v impossibile_fw-it esse_fw-la sine_fw-la speciali_fw-la gratia_fw-la ac_fw-la dono_fw-la fidei_fw-la divinitùs_fw-la infuso_fw-la actum_fw-la verae_fw-la fidei_fw-la producere_fw-la aut_fw-la ex_fw-la very_fw-la nominis_fw-la fide_fw-la credere_fw-la which_o he_o there_o prove_v with_o sundry_a argument_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o produce_v any_o act_n of_o faith_n or_o to_o believe_v with_o faith_n right_o so_o call_v without_o special_a grace_n and_o the_o divine_a infusion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o faith_n and_o bellarmin_n speak_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n argumenta_fw-la quae_fw-la articulos_fw-la fidei_fw-la nostrae_fw-la credibiles_fw-la faciunt_fw-la non_fw-la talia_fw-la sunt_fw-la ut_fw-la fidem_fw-la omnino_fw-la indubitatam_fw-la reddant_fw-la nisi_fw-la mens_fw-la divinitùs_fw-la adjuvetur_fw-la de_fw-fr grat._n &_o lib._n arbit_n lib._n 6._o cap._n 3._o the_o argument_n which_o render_v the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n credible_a be_v not_o such_o as_o produce_v a_o undoubted_a faith_n unless_o the_o mind_n be_v divine_o assist_v melchior_n canus_n loc_n theol._n lib._n 2._o cap._n 8._o dispute_n express_o to_o this_o purpose_n id_fw-la statuendum_fw-la est_fw-la authoritatem_fw-la humanam_fw-la &_o incitamenta_fw-la omne_fw-la illa_fw-la praedicta_fw-la sive_fw-la alia_fw-la quaecunque_fw-la adhibita_fw-la ab_fw-la eo_fw-la qui_fw-la proponit_fw-la fidem_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la sufficientes_fw-la causas_fw-la ad_fw-la credendum_fw-la ut_fw-la credere_fw-la tenemur_fw-la sed_fw-la praeterea_fw-la opus_fw-la esse_fw-la interiori_fw-la causa_fw-la efficiente_a id_fw-la est_fw-la dei_fw-la speciali_fw-la auxilio_fw-la moventis_fw-la ad_fw-la credendum_fw-la this_o be_v firm_o to_o be_v hold_v that_o human_a authority_n and_o all_o the_o motive_n before_o mention_v nor_o any_o other_o which_o may_v be_v use_v by_o he_o who_o propose_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v believe_v be_v not_o sufficient_a cause_n of_o believe_v as_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v but_o there_o be_v moreover_o necessary_a a_o internal_a efficient_a cause_n move_v we_o to_o believe_v which_o be_v the_o especial_a help_n or_o aid_n of_o god_n and_o a_o little_a after_o he_o speak_v yet_o more_o plain_o externae_fw-la igitur_fw-la omnes_fw-la &_o humanae_fw-la persuasiones_fw-la non_fw-la sunt_fw-la satis_fw-la ad_fw-la credendum_fw-la quantumcunque_fw-la ab_fw-la hominibus_fw-la competenter_fw-la ea_fw-la quae_fw-la sunt_fw-la fidei_fw-la proponantur_fw-la sed_fw-la necessaria_fw-la est_fw-la insuper_fw-la causa_fw-la interior_a hoc_fw-la est_fw-la divinum_fw-la quoddam_fw-la lumen_fw-la incitans_fw-la ad_fw-la credendum_fw-la &_o oculi_fw-la quidam_fw-la interiores_fw-la dei_fw-la beneficio_fw-la ad_fw-la videndum_fw-la dati_fw-la wherefore_o all_o external_a human_a persuasion_n or_o argument_n be_v not_o sufficient_a cause_n of_o faith_n however_o the_o thing_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v sufficient_o propose_v by_o man_n there_o be_v moreover_o necessary_a a_o internal_a cause_n that_o be_v a_o certain_a divine_a light_n incite_v to_o believe_v or_o certain_a internal_a eye_n to_o see_v give_v we_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n yea_o all_o other_o learned_a man_n of_o the_o same_o profession_n do_v speak_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n the_o other_o assertion_n also_o they_o do_v no_o less_o comply_v withal_o arcanum_n divini_fw-la spiritus_fw-la testimonium_fw-la prorsus_fw-la necessarium_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la quis_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la testimonio_fw-la ac_fw-la judicio_fw-la circa_fw-la scripturarum_fw-la approbationem_fw-la credat_fw-la say_v stapleton_n the_o secret_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v altogether_o necessary_a that_o a_o man_n may_v believe_v the_o testimony_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n about_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o word_n of_o gregory_n de_fw-fr valentia_n be_v remarkable_a cum_fw-la hactenus_fw-la ejusmodi_fw-la argumenta_fw-la pro_fw-la authoritate_fw-la christianae_n doctrinae_fw-la fecerimus_fw-la quae_fw-la per_fw-la seipsa_fw-la satis_fw-la prudentibus_fw-la esse_fw-la debeant_fw-la ut_fw-la animum_fw-la inducant_fw-la velle_fw-la credere_fw-la tamen_fw-la nescio_fw-la a_o non_fw-la sit_fw-la argumentum_fw-la iis_fw-la omnibus_fw-la majus_fw-la quod_fw-la qui_fw-la veer_fw-la christiani_n sunt_fw-la ita_fw-la se_fw-la animo_fw-la affectos_fw-la esse_fw-la quod_fw-la ad_fw-la fidem_fw-la attinet_fw-la sentiunt_fw-la ut_fw-la praecipue_fw-la quidem_fw-la propter_fw-la nullum_fw-la argumentum_fw-la quod_fw-la vel_fw-la hactenus_fw-la fecimus_fw-la vel_fw-la ratione_fw-la similiter_fw-la excogitari_fw-la possit_fw-la sed_fw-la propter_fw-la aliud_fw-la nescio_fw-la quid_fw-la quod_fw-la alio_fw-la quodam_fw-la modo_fw-la &_o long_o fortius_fw-la quam_fw-la ulla_fw-la argumenta_fw-la persuadet_fw-la at_o ad_fw-la firmiter_fw-la credendum_fw-la se_fw-la intelligant_fw-la tom._n 3._o in_o thom._n disp._n 7._o qu._n 1._o punc_fw-la 4._o §._o 2._o let_v any_o man_n compare_v these_o word_n with_o those_o of_o calvin_n institut_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 7._o sect_n 5._o which_o as_o i_o remember_v i_o have_v cite_v before_o and_o he_o will_v know_v whence_o the_o sense_n of_o they_o be_v take_v whereas_o say_v he_o we_o have_v hitherto_o plead_v argument_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o even_o by_o themselves_o ought_v to_o suffice_v prudent_a person_n to_o induce_v their_o mind_n to_o belief_n yet_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o there_o be_v not_o a_o argument_n great_a than_o they_o all_o namely_o that_o those_o who_o be_v true_o christian_n do_v find_v or_o feel_v by_o experience_n their_o mind_n so_o affect_v in_o this_o matter_n of_o faith_n that_o they_o be_v move_v and_o oblige_v firm_o to_o believe_v neither_o for_o any_o argument_n that_o we_o have_v use_v nor_o for_o any_o of_o the_o like_a sort_n that_o can_v be_v find_v out_o by_o reason_n but_o for_o somewhat_o else_o which_o persuade_v our_o mind_n in_o another_o manner_n and_o far_o more_o effectual_o than_o any_o argument_n whatever_o and_o to_o show_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o this_o internal_a argument_n and_o persuasion_n he_o affirm_v elsewhere_o that_o deus_fw-la ipse_fw-la imprimis_fw-la est_fw-la qui_fw-la christianam_fw-la doctrinam_fw-la atque_fw-la adeo_fw-la scripturam_fw-la sacram_fw-la veram_fw-la esse_fw-la voce_fw-la revelationis_fw-la suae_fw-la &_o interno_fw-la quodam_fw-la instinctu_fw-la &_o impulsu_fw-la humanis_fw-la mentibus_fw-la contestatur_fw-la it_o be_v god_n himself_o who_o by_o the_o voice_n of_o his_o revelation_n and_o by_o a_o certain_a internal_a instinct_n and_o impulse_n witness_v unto_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o truth_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n or_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n these_o few_o testimony_n have_v i_o produce_v among_o the_o many_o that_o may_v be_v urge_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n not_o to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n which_o we_o have_v plead_v for_o which_o stand_v on_o far_o sure_a foundation_n but_o only_o to_o obviate_v prejudices_fw-la in_o the_o mind_n of_o some_o who_o be_v not_o much_o conversant_a in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v ready_a to_o charge_v what_o have_v be_v deliver_v unto_o this_o purpose_n with_o singularity_n finis_fw-la de_fw-fr naturae_fw-la theologiae_n lib._n 3._o 3._o de_fw-fr naturae_fw-la theologiae_n lib._n cap._n cap._n vbi_fw-la supra_fw-la de_fw-la origine_fw-la &_o progressu_fw-la idololatriae_fw-la idololatriae_fw-la exercitat_fw-la on_o the_o epist._n to_o the_o heb._n exer._n 1._o
the_o reason_n of_o faith_n or_o a_o answer_n unto_o that_o enquiry_n wherefore_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o the_o cause_n and_o nature_n of_o that_o faith_n wherewith_o we_o do_v so_o wherein_o the_o ground_n whereon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v believe_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a be_v declare_v and_o vindicate_v by_o john_n owen_n d._n d._n 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 luk._n 16._o 51._o london_n print_v for_o nathaniel_n ponder_n at_o the_o peacock_n in_o the_o poultry_n near_o cornhill_n 1677._o to_o the_o reader_n have_v add_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o design_n order_n and_o method_n of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n in_o a_o appendix_n at_o the_o close_a of_o it_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o detain_v the_o reader_n with_o the_o proposal_n of_o they_o yet_o some_o few_o 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those_o rational_a consideration_n whereby_o our_o assent_n unto_o the_o divine_a original_a of_o it_o be_v fortify_v and_o confirm_v against_o the_o exception_n and_o objection_n of_o such_o who_o love_n of_o sin_n and_o resolution_n to_o live_v therein_o tempt_v they_o to_o seek_v for_o shelter_n in_o a_o atheistical_a contempt_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n evidence_v itself_o therein_o but_o as_o neither_o of_o these_o be_v utter_o neglect_v in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n so_o the_o peculiar_a design_n of_o it_o be_v of_o another_o nature_n for_o the_o inquiry_n manage_v therein_o namely_o what_o be_v the_o obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n what_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o faith_n whereby_o we_o do_v so_o what_o it_o rest_v on_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o so_o as_o to_o become_v a_o divine_a and_o acceptable_a duty_n do_v respect_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n immediate_o and_o the_o way_n whereby_o they_o may_v come_v to_o rest_n and_o assurance_n in_o believe_v whereas_o therefore_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o may_v be_v often_o shake_v in_o their_o mind_n with-those_a atheistical_a objection_n against_o the_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o they_o frequent_o meet_v 〈◊〉_d that_o many_o know_v not_o how_o to_o extricate_v themselves_o from_o the_o ensnare_a question_n that_o they_o be_v often_o attaque_v withal_o about_o they_o not_o for_o want_v of_o a_o due_a assent_n unto_o they_o but_o of_o a_o right_a understanding_n what_o be_v the_o true_a and_o formal_a reason_n of_o that_o assent_n what_o be_v the_o firm_a basis_n and_o foundation_n that_o it_o rest_v upon_o what_o answer_v they_o may_v direct_o and_o peremptoty_o give_v unto_o that_o enquiry_n wherefore_o do_v you_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o give_v they_o those_o direction_n herein_o that_o upon_o a_o due_a examination_n they_o will_v find_v compliant_a with_o the_o scripture_n itself_o right_a reason_n and_o their_o own_o experience_n i_o be_o not_o therefore_o altogether_o without_o hope_n that_o this_o small_a discourse_n may_v have_v its_o use_n and_o be_v give_v out_o in_o its_o proper_a season_n moreover_o i_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o acquaint_v the_o reader_n that_o as_o i_o have_v allow_v all_o the_o argument_n plead_v by_o other_o to_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n their_o proper_a place_n and_o force_n so_o where_o i_o differ_v in_o the_o explication_n of_o any_o thing_n belong_v unto_o this_o subject_n from_o the_o conception_n of_o other_o man_n i_o have_v candid_o examine_v such_o opinion_n and_o the_o argument_n wherewith_o they_o be_v confirm_v without_o strain_v the_o word_n cavil_v at_o the_o expression_n or_o reflection_n on_o the_o person_n of_o any_o of_o the_o author_n of_o they_o and_o whereas_o i_o have_v myself_o be_v otherwise_o deal_v withal_o by_o many_o and_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o i_o may_v be_v so_o again_o i_o do_v hereby_o free_a the_o person_n of_o such_o humour_n and_o inclination_n from_o all_o fear_n of_o any_o reply_n from_o i_o or_o the_o least_o notice_n of_o what_o they_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o write_v or_o say_v such_o kind_n of_o write_n be_v of_o the_o same_o consideration_n with_o i_o as_o those_o multiply_v false_a report_n which_o some_o have_v raise_v concern_v i_o the_o most_o of_o they_o so_o ridiculous_a and_o foolish_a so_o alien_a from_o my_o principle_n practice_n and_o course_n of_o life_n as_o i_o can_v not_o but_o wonder_v how_o any_o person_n pretend_v to_o gravity_n and_o sobriety_n be_v not_o sensible_a how_o their_o credulity_n and_o inclination_n be_v abuse_v in_o the_o hear_n and_o repetition_n of_o they_o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o discourse_n be_v that_o which_o in_o the_o last_o place_n i_o shall_v acquaint_v the_o reader_n withal_o about_o three_o year_n since_o i_o publish_v a_o book_n about_o the_o dispensation_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o book_n be_v one_o part_n only_o of_o what_o i_o design_v on_o that_o subject_a the_o consideration_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o illumination_n of_o supplication_n of_o consolation_n and_o as_o the_o immediate_a author_n of_o all_o spiritual_a office_n and_o gift_n extraordinary_a and_o ordinary_a be_v design_v unto_o the_o second_o part_n of_o it_o hereof_o this_o ensue_a discourse_n be_v concern_v one_o part_n of_o his_o work_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o illumination_n which_o upon_o the_o earnest_a request_n of_o some_o acquaint_v with_o the_o nature_n and_o substance_n of_o it_o i_o have_v suffer_v to_o come_v out_o by_o itself_o that_o it_o may_v be_v of_o the_o more_o common_a use_n and_o more_o easy_o obtain_v may_v 11_o 1677._o the_o reason_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o ground_n whereon_o the_o scripture_n be_v believe_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a the_o principal_a design_n of_o that_o discourse_n whereof_o the_o ensue_a treatise_n be_v a_o part_n be_v to_o declare_v the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n for_o this_o work_n be_v particular_o and_o eminent_o ascribe_v unto_o he_o or_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n by_o he_o dispense_v ephes._n 1._o 17_o 18._o heb._n 6._o 4._o luke_n 2._o 32._o act_n 13._o 47._o chap._n 24._o 45._o chap._n 26._o 18._o 2_o cor._n 4._o 4._o 1_o pet._n 2._o 9_o the_o objective_a cause_n and_o outward_a mean_n of_o it_o be_v the_o subject_n at_o present_a design_v unto_o consideration_n and_o it_o will_v issue_v in_o these_o two_o inquiry_n 1._o on_o what_o ground_n or_o for_o what_o reason_n we_o do_v believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o faith_n
the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o we_o understand_v save_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n therein_o both_o which_o belong_v unto_o our_o illumination_n that_o which_o i_o shall_v first_o inquire_v into_o be_v the_o way_n how_o and_o the_o ground_n whereon_o we_o come_v to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n for_o that_o this_o be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n namely_o that_o we_o shall_v believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a i_o suppose_v will_v not_o be_v deny_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v afterward_o prove_v and_o what_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n herein_o will_v be_v our_o first_o enquiry_n second_o whereas_o we_o see_v by_o experience_n that_o all_o who_o have_v or_o enjoy_v the_o scripture_n do_v not_o yet_o understand_v it_o or_o come_v to_o a_o useful_a save_a knowledge_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n therein_o reveal_v our_o other_o enquiry_n shall_v be_v how_o we_o may_v come_v to_o understand_v the_o word_n of_o god_n aright_o and_o what_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o assistance_n which_o he_o afford_v we_o unto_o that_o purpose_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o first_o of_o these_o inquiry_n whereunto_o the_o present_a discourse_n be_v single_o design_v i_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o the_o supernatural_a immediate_a revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n unto_o we_o and_o infallible_o to_o evidence_n it_o unto_o our_o mind_n so_o as_o that_o we_o may_v spiritual_o and_o save_o acquiesce_v therein_o some_o upon_o a_o mistake_n of_o this_o proposition_n do_v seem_v to_o suppose_v that_o we_o resolve_v all_o faith_n into_o private_a suggestion_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o delude_a pretence_n thereof_o and_o some_o it_o may_v be_v will_v be_v ready_a to_o apprehend_v that_o we_o confound_v the_o efficient_a cause_n and_o formal_a reason_n of_o faith_n or_o believe_v render_v all_o rational_a argument_n and_o external_a testimony_n useless_a but_o indeed_o there_o neither_o be_v nor_o shall_v be_v any_o occasion_n administer_v unto_o these_o fear_n or_o imagination_n for_o we_o shall_v plead_v nothing_o in_o this_o matter_n but_o what_o be_v consonant_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o ancient_n and_o present_a church_n of_o god_n as_o shall_v be_v full_o evidence_v in_o our_o progress_n i_o know_v some_o have_v find_v out_o other_o way_n whereby_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o they_o suppose_v may_v be_v sufficient_o satisfy_v in_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o i_o have_v taste_v of_o their_o new_a wine_n and_o desire_v it_o not_o because_o i_o know_v the_o old_a to_o be_v better_o though_o what_o they_o plead_v be_v of_o use_n in_o its_o proper_a place_n my_o design_n require_v that_o i_o shall_v confine_v my_o discourse_n unto_o as_o narrow_a bound_n as_o possible_a and_o i_o shall_v so_o do_v show_v 1._o what_o it_o be_v in_o general_a infallible_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o what_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o so_o do_v or_o what_o it_o be_v to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o we_o be_v require_v to_o believe_v it_o so_o to_o be_v in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v external_a argument_n of_o the_o divine_a original_a of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v effectual_a motive_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o give_v a_o unfeigned_a assent_n thereunto_o 3._o that_o yet_o moreover_o god_n require_v of_o we_o that_o we_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v his_o word_n with_o faith_n divine_a supernatural_a and_o infallible_a 4._o evidence_n the_o ground_n and_o reason_n whereon_o we_o do_v so_o believe_v and_o aught_o so_o to_o do_v unto_o these_o head_n most_o of_o what_o ensue_v in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o discourse_n may_v be_v reduce_v it_o be_v meet_v that_o we_o shall_v clear_v the_o foundation_n whereon_o we_o build_v and_o the_o principle_n whereon_o we_o do_v proceed_v that_o what_o we_o design_v to_o prove_v may_v be_v the_o better_o understand_v by_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n who_o edification_n we_o intend_v for_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o equal_a concernment_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o unlearned_a wherefore_o some_o thing_n must_v be_v insist_v on_o which_o be_v general_o know_v and_o grant_v and_o our_o first_o enquiry_n be_v what_o it_o be_v to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a according_a as_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v and_o in_o our_o believe_v or_o our_o faith_n two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v 1._o what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o do_v believe_v and_o 2._o wherefore_o we_o do_v so_o believe_v it_o the_o first_o be_v the_o material_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n namely_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v believe_v the_o latter_a the_o formal_a object_n of_o it_o or_o the_o cause_n and_o reason_n why_o we_o do_v believe_v they_o and_o these_o thing_n be_v distinct_a the_o material_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v the_o thing_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n declare_v unto_o we_o in_o proposition_n of_o truth_n for_o thing_n must_v be_v so_o propose_v unto_o we_o or_o we_o can_v believe_v they_o that_o god_n be_v one_o in_o three_o person_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o like_a proposition_n of_o truth_n be_v the_o material_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o do_v believe_v and_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o do_v believe_v they_o be_v because_o they_o be_v propose_v in_o the_o scripture_n thus_o the_o apostle_n express_v the_o whole_a of_o what_o we_o intend_v 1_o cor._n 15._o 3_o 4._o i_o deliver_v unto_o you_o first_o of_o all_o that_o which_o i_o also_o receive_v how_o that_o christ_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o he_o be_v bury_v and_o that_o he_o rise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n christ_n death_n and_o burial_n and_o resurrection_n be_v the_o thing_n propose_v unto_o we_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o so_o the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o believe_v they_o be_v because_o they_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o scripture_n see_v act_n 8._o 28_o 29_o 30._o sometime_o indeed_o this_o expression_n of_o believe_v the_o scripture_n by_o a_o metonymy_n denote_v both_o the_o formal_a and_o material_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o scripture_n themselves_o as_o such_o and_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o they_o so_o john_n 2._o 22._o they_o believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o word_n that_o jesus_n say_v or_o the_o thing_n deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o further_o declare_v by_o christ_n which_o before_o they_o understand_v not_o and_o they_o do_v so_o believe_v what_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o scripture_n because_o it_o be_v so_o declare_v in_o they_o both_o be_v intend_v in_o the_o same_o expression_n they_o believe_v the_o scripture_n under_o various_a consideration_n so_o act_v 26._o 27._o the_o material_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n therefore_o be_v the_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n by_o who_o enumeration_n we_o answer_v unto_o that_o question_n what_o we_o believe_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v act_v 26._o 22_o 23._o but_o if_o moreover_o we_o be_v ask_v a_o reason_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o hope_n or_o why_o we_o believe_v the_o thing_n we_o do_v profess_v as_o god_n to_o be_v one_o in_o three_o person_n jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n we_o do_v not_o answer_v because_o so_o it_o be_v for_o this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o believe_v which_o be_v senseless_a but_o we_o must_v give_v some_o other_o answer_n unto_o that_o enquiry_n whether_o it_o be_v make_v by_o other_o or_o ourselves_o the_o proper_a answer_n unto_o this_o question_n contain_v the_o formal_a reason_n and_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o which_o it_o rest_v upon_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o look_v after_o 2._o we_o do_v not_o in_o this_o enquiry_n intend_v any_o kind_n of_o persuasion_n or_o faith_n but_o that_o which_o be_v divine_a and_o infallible_a both_o which_o it_o be_v from_o its_o formal_a reason_n or_o objective_a cause_n man_n may_v be_v able_a to_o give_v some_o kind_n of_o reason_n why_o they_o believe_v what_o they_o profess_v so_o to_o do_v that_o will_v not_o suffice_v or_o abide_v the_o trial_n in_o this_o case_n although_o they_o themselves_o may_v rest_v in_o
and_o which_o he_o can_v but_o design_n when_o the_o scripture_n be_v propose_v unto_o he_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n attest_v by_o the_o argument_n insist_v on_o there_o will_v appear_v unto_o he_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o it_o or_o in_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o such_o a_o evidence_n of_o the_o majesty_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n as_o will_v prevail_v with_o he_o to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o this_o persuasion_n be_v such_o that_o the_o mind_n be_v establish_v in_o its_o assent_n unto_o the_o truth_n so_o as_o to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o all_o that_o be_v require_v of_o we_o and_o whereas_o our_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v in_o order_n only_o to_o the_o right_a performance_n of_o our_o duty_n or_o all_o that_o obedience_n which_o god_n expect_v from_o we_o our_o mind_n be_v guide_v by_o the_o precept_n and_o direction_n and_o due_o influence_v by_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o it_o thereunto_o there_o be_v no_o other_o faith_n require_v of_o we_o but_o what_o be_v sufficient_a to_o oblige_v we_o unto_o that_o obedience_n this_o be_v so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v apprehend_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o be_v by_o some_o learned_a man_n propose_v and_o adhere_v unto_o it_o shall_v be_v brief_o examine_v and_o i_o say_v here_o as_o on_o other_o occasion_n that_o i_o shall_v rejoice_v to_o see_v more_o of_o such_o a_o faith_n in_o the_o world_n as_o will_v effectual_o oblige_v man_n unto_o obedience_n out_o of_o a_o conviction_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o doctrine_n &_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o word_n though_o learned_a man_n shall_v never_o agree_v about_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o faith_n such_o notion_n of_o truth_n when_o most_o diligent_o inquire_v into_o be_v but_o as_o sacrifice_v compare_v with_o obedience_n but_o the_o truth_n itself_o be_v also_o to_o be_v inquire_v after_o diligent_o this_o opinion_n therefore_o either_o suppose_v what_o we_o shall_v immediate_o declare_v namely_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o internal_a effectual_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o illumination_n of_o our_o mind_n so_o enable_v we_o to_o believe_v with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a or_o it_o do_v not_o if_o it_o do_v it_o will_v be_v find_v as_o i_o suppose_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o to_o be_v co-incident_a with_o what_o we_o shall_v afterward_o assert_v and_o prove_v to_o be_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o believe_v however_o as_o it_o be_v usual_o propose_v i_o can_v absolute_o comply_v with_o it_o for_o these_o two_o reason_n among_o other_o 1._o it_o belong_v unto_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n of_o what_o sort_n soever_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v build_v on_o and_o resolve_v into_o testimony_n this_o be_v that_o which_o distinguish_v it_o from_o any_o other_o conception_n knowledge_n or_o assent_v of_o our_o mind_n on_o other_o reason_n and_o cause_n and_o if_o this_o testimony_n be_v divine_a so_o be_v that_o faith_n whereby_o we_o give_v assent_v unto_o it_o on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o object_n but_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o be_v believe_v have_v not_o in_o they_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o testimony_n but_o be_v the_o material_a not_o formal_a object_n of_o faith_n which_o must_v always_o differ_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o these_o truth_n or_o doctrine_n do_v so_o evidence_n themselves_o to_o be_v from_o god_n as_o that_o in_o and_o by_o they_o we_o have_v the_o witness_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n himself_o propose_v unto_o we_o to_o resolve_v our_o faith_n into_o i_o will_v not_o further_o contend_v about_o it_o but_o only_o say_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o so_o his_o veracity_n do_v manifest_v themselves_o primary_o in_o the_o revelation_n itself_o before_o they_o do_v so_o in_o the_o thing_n reveal_v which_o be_v that_o we_o plead_v for_o 2._o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o doctrine_n or_o thing_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n respect_v not_o so_o much_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o in_o speculation_n as_o their_o goodness_n and_o suitableness_n unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n as_o to_o their_o present_a condition_n and_o eternal_a end_n now_o thing_n under_o that_o consideration_n respect_v not_o so_o much_o faith_n as_o spiritual_a sense_n and_o experience_n neither_o can_v any_o man_n have_v a_o due_a apprehension_n of_o such_o a_o goodness_n suitable_a unto_o our_o constitution_n and_o condition_n with_o absolute_a usefulness_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o on_o a_o supposition_n of_o that_o antecedent_n assent_v of_o the_o mind_n unto_o they_o which_o be_v believe_v which_o therefore_o can_v be_v the_o reason_n why_o we_o do_v believe_v but_o if_o this_o opinion_n proceed_v not_o upon_o the_o aforesaid_a supposition_n immediate_o to_o be_v prove_v but_o require_v no_o more_o unto_o our_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o assent_n thereon_o but_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o reason_n or_o the_o natural_a faculty_n of_o our_o mind_n about_o they_o when_o propose_v unto_o we_o than_o i_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v most_o remote_a from_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o among_o many_o other_o reason_n for_o these_o that_o ensue_v 1._o on_o this_o supposition_n the_o whole_a work_n of_o believe_v will_v be_v a_o work_n of_o reason_n be_v it_o so_o say_v some_o nor_o be_v it_o meet_v it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o conceive_v but_o if_o so_o than_o the_o object_n of_o it_o must_v be_v thing_n so_o evident_a in_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o nature_n as_o that_o the_o mind_n be_v as_o it_o be_v compel_v by_o that_o evidence_n unto_o a_o assent_n and_o can_v do_v otherwise_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o light_n and_o evidence_n in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o with_o respect_n unto_o our_o reason_n in_o the_o right_a use_n and_o exercise_v of_o it_o then_o be_v the_o mind_n thereby_o necessitate_v unto_o its_o assent_n which_o both_o overthrow_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n substitute_v a_o assent_n upon_o natural_a evidence_n in_o the_o room_n thereof_o and_o be_v absolute_o exclusive_a of_o the_o necessity_n or_o use_n of_o any_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o our_o believe_v which_o sober_a christian_n will_v scarce_o comply_v withal_o 2._o there_o be_v some_o doctrine_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o those_o of_o the_o most_o importance_n that_o be_v so_o reveal_v which_o concern_v and_o contain_v thing_n so_o above_o our_o reason_n that_o without_o some_o previous_a supernatural_a disposition_n of_o mind_n they_o carry_v in_o they_o no_o evidence_n of_o truth_n unto_o mere_a reason_n nor_o of_o suitableness_n unto_o our_o constitution_n and_o end_n there_o be_v require_v unto_o such_o a_o apprehension_n both_o the_o spiritual_a elevation_n of_o the_o mind_n by_o supernatural_a illumination_n and_o a_o divine_a assent_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o revelation_n thereon_o before_o reason_n can_v be_v so_o much_o as_o satisfy_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o such_o doctrine_n such_o be_v those_o concern_v the_o holy_a trinity_n or_o the_o subsistence_n of_o one_o singular_a essence_n in_o three_o distinct_a person_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o sundry_a other_o that_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a subject_n of_o divine_a revelation_n there_o be_v a_o heavenly_a glory_n in_o some_o of_o these_o thing_n which_o as_o reason_n can_v never_o thorough_o apprehend_v because_o it_o be_v finite_a and_o limit_v so_o as_o it_o be_v in_o we_o by_o nature_n it_o can_v neither_o receive_v they_o nor_o delight_n in_o they_o as_o doctrinal_o propose_v unto_o we_o with_o all_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n before_o mention_v flesh_n and_o blood_n reveal_v not_o these_o thisg_n unto_o our_o mind_n but_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n nor_o do_v any_o man_n know_v these_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o he_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v give_v nor_o do_v any_o learn_v these_o thing_n aright_o but_o those_o that_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n 3._o take_v our_o reason_n single_o without_o the_o consideration_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o illumination_n and_o it_o be_v not_o only_o weak_a and_o limit_v but_o deprave_v and_o corrupt_v and_o the_o carnal_a mind_n can_v subject_v itself_o unto_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o any_o supernatural_a revelation_n whatever_o wherefore_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v pure_o and_o absolute_o so_o be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v a_o convince_a evidence_n in_o themselves_o of_o their_o divine_a truth_n excellency_n and_o goodness_n unto_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n as_o unrenewed_a by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o that_o they_o be_v foolishness_n and_o most_o undesirable_a
condemn_v they_o and_o their_o ministry_n as_o be_v plain_a and_o the_o case_n of_o jeremiah_n now_o it_o be_v impious_a to_o imagine_v that_o those_o to_o who_o they_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o believe_v they_o and_o it_o tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o all_o religion_n if_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v they_o and_o that_o under_o the_o penalty_n of_o divine_a displeasure_n and_o so_o to_o receive_v the_o revelation_n make_v by_o they_o or_o their_o declaration_n of_o it_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n than_o it_o must_v contain_v in_o it_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o believe_v or_o the_o full_a and_o entire_a cause_n reason_n and_o ground_n why_o they_o ought_v to_o believe_v with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a or_o let_v another_o ground_n of_o faith_n in_o this_o case_n be_v assign_v suppose_v the_o proposal_n be_v make_v in_o the_o ordinary_a ministry_n of_o the_o church_n hereby_o the_o scripture_n be_v declare_v unto_o man_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o be_v acquaint_v with_o it_o and_o what_o god_n require_v of_o they_o therein_o and_o they_o be_v charge_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n to_o receive_v and_o believe_v it_o do_v any_o obligation_n unto_o believe_v hence_o arise_v it_o may_v be_v some_o will_v say_v that_o immediate_o there_o be_v not_o only_o they_o will_v grant_v that_o man_n be_v bind_v hereon_o to_o inquire_v into_o such_o reason_n and_o motive_n as_o be_v propose_v unto_o they_o for_o its_o reception_n and_o admission_n i_o say_v there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o consider_v all_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n which_o be_v propose_v unto_o they_o and_o not_o to_o receive_v it_o with_o brutish_a implicit_a belief_n for_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o act_n of_o man_n own_o mind_n or_o understanding_n on_o the_o best_a ground_n and_o evidence_n which_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n propose_v be_v capable_a of_o but_o suppose_v man_n to_o do_v their_o duty_n in_o their_o diligent_a inquiry_n into_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v whether_o by_o the_o proposal_n mention_v there_o come_v upon_o man_n a_o obligation_n to_o believe_v if_o there_o do_v not_o then_o be_v all_o man_n perfect_o innocent_a who_o refuse_v to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n in_o the_o preach_n of_o it_o as_o to_o any_o respect_n unto_o that_o preach_n which_o to_o say_v be_v to_o overthrow_v the_o whole_a dispensation_n of_o the_o ministry_n if_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v upon_o the_o preach_n of_o it_o then_o have_v the_o word_n in_o itself_o those_o evidence_n of_o its_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o faith_n or_o reason_n of_o believe_v for_o what_o god_n require_v we_o to_o believe_v upon_o have_v so_o always_o as_o the_o issue_n of_o this_o whole_a discourse_n it_o be_v affirm_v that_o our_o faith_n be_v build_v on_o and_o resolve_v into_o the_o scripture_n itself_o which_o carry_v with_o it_o its_o own_o evidence_n of_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o therefore_o do_v that_o faith_n ultimate_o rest_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n alone_o and_o not_o in_o any_o human_a testimony_n such_o as_o be_v that_o of_o the_o church_n nor_o in_o any_o rational_a argument_n or_o motive_n that_o be_v absolute_o fallible_a it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o if_o the_o scripture_n thus_o evidence_n itself_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o the_o sun_n manifest_v itself_o by_o light_n and_o fire_n by_o heat_n or_o as_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o reason_n be_v evident_a in_o themselves_o without_o further_a proof_n or_o testimony_n then_o every_o one_o and_o all_o man_n upon_o the_o proposal_n of_o the_o scripture_n unto_o they_o and_o its_o own_o bare_a assertion_n that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n will_v necessary_o on_o that_o evidence_n alone_o assent_v thereunto_o and_o believe_v it_o so_o to_o be_v but_o this_o be_v not_o so_o all_o experience_n lie_v against_o it_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o pleadable_a ground_n of_o reason_n that_o so_o it_o be_v or_o that_o so_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o answer_n unto_o this_o objection_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o i_o shall_v show_v what_o it_o be_v what_o power_n what_o faculty_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n whereunto_o this_o revelation_n be_v propose_v and_o whereby_o we_o assent_v unto_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o wherein_o the_o mistake_v whereon_o this_o objection_n proceed_v will_v be_v discover_v 2._o i_o shall_v mention_v some_o of_o those_o thing_n whereby_o the_o holy_a ghost_n testify_v and_o give_v evidence_n unto_o the_o scripture_n in_o and_o by_o itself_o so_o as_o that_o our_o faith_n may_v be_v immediate_o resolve_v into_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n alone_o 1._o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o may_v consider_v that_o there_o be_v three_o way_n whereby_o we_o assent_v unto_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v propose_v unto_o we_o as_o true_a and_o receive_v it_o as_o such_o 1._o by_o inbred_a principle_n of_o natural_a light_n and_o the_o first_o rational_a act_n of_o our_o mind_n this_o in_o reason_n answer_v instinct_n in_o irrational_a creature_n hence_o god_n complain_v that_o his_o people_n do_v neglect_v and_o sin_n against_o their_o own_o natural_a light_n and_o first_o dictate_v of_o reason_n whereas_o brute_n creature_n will_v not_o forsake_v the_o conduct_n of_o the_o instinct_n of_o their_o nature_n isa._n 1._o 3_o in_o general_n the_o mind_n be_v necessary_o determine_v to_o a_o assent_n unto_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o these_o principle_n it_o can_v do_v otherwise_o it_o can_v but_o assent_v unto_o the_o prime_n dictate_v of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n yea_o those_o dictate_v be_v nothing_o but_o its_o assent_n its_o first_o apprehension_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n embrace_v without_o either_o express_a reason_n or_o further_a consideration_n be_v this_o assent_n thus_o do_v the_o mind_n embrace_v in_o itself_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a with_o the_o difference_n between_o they_o however_o it_o practical_o comply_v notwith_o what_o they_o guide_v unto_o judas_n v._n 10._o and_o so_o do_v it_o assent_v unto_o many_o principle_n of_o reason_n as_o that_o the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o the_o part_n without_o admit_v any_o debate_n about_o they_o 2._o by_o rational_a consideration_n of_o thing_n external_o propose_v unto_o we_o herein_o the_o mind_n exercise_v its_o discursive_a faculty_n gather_v one_o thing_n out_o of_o another_o and_o conclude_v one_o thing_n from_o another_o and_o hereon_o be_v it_o able_a to_o assent_v unto_o what_o be_v propose_v unto_o it_o in_o various_a degree_n of_o certainty_n according_a unto_o the_o nature_n and_o degree_n of_o the_o evidence_n it_o proceed_v upon_o hence_o it_o have_v a_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o some_o thing_n of_o other_o a_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n prevalent_a against_o the_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_a which_o it_o know_v and_o who_o force_n it_o understand_v which_o may_v be_v true_a or_o false_a 3._o by_o faith_n this_o respect_v that_o power_n of_o our_o mind_n whereby_o we_o be_v able_a to_o assent_v unto_o any_o thing_n as_o true_a which_o we_o have_v no_o first_o principles_n concern_v no_o inbred_a notion_n of_o nor_o can_v from_o more_o know_v principle_n make_v unto_o ourselves_o any_o certain_a rational_a conclusion_n concern_v they_o this_o be_v our_o assent_n upon_o testimony_n whereon_o we_o believe_v many_o thing_n which_o no_o sense_n inbred_a principle_n nor_o reason_v of_o our_o own_o can_v either_o give_v we_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o or_o a_o assurance_n of_o and_o this_o assent_n also_o have_v not_o only_o various_a degree_n but_o be_v also_o of_o divers_a kind_n according_a as_o the_o testimony_n be_v which_o it_o arise_v from_o and_o rest_v on_o as_o be_v humane_a if_o that_o be_v humane_a and_o divine_a if_o that_o be_v so_o also_o according_a to_o these_o distinct_a faculty_n and_o power_n of_o our_o soul_n god_n be_v please_v to_o reveal_v or_o make_v know_v himself_o his_o mind_n or_o will_v three_o way_n unto_o we_o for_o he_o have_v implant_v no_o power_n on_o our_o mind_n but_o the_o principal_a use_n and_o exercise_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v with_o respect_n unto_o himself_o and_o our_o live_n unto_o he_o which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o they_o all_o and_o a_o neglect_n of_o the_o improvement_n of_o they_o unto_o this_o end_n be_v the_o high_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v a_o aggravation_n of_o sin_n when_o man_n abuse_v the_o creature_n of_o god_n otherwise_o than_o he_o have_v appoint_v or_o in_o not_o use_v they_o to_o his_o glory_n when_o they_o take_v his_o corn_n and_o wine_n and_o oil_n and_o spend_v
he_o further_o confirm_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o we_o will_v not_o attend_v or_o give_v credit_n simple_o to_o the_o definition_n of_o man_n see_v we_o have_v right_a also_o to_o define_v in_o contradiction_n unto_o they_o and_o see_v it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a mere_o to_o say_v or_o assert_v what_o appear_v to_o be_v truth_n but_o to_o beget_v a_o belief_n also_o of_o what_o be_v speak_v we_o expect_v not_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n but_o confirm_v that_o which_o be_v inquire_v about_o with_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v more_o full_a and_o firm_a than_o any_o demonstration_n yea_o which_o rather_o be_v the_o only_a demonstration_n thus_o we_o take_v our_o demonstration_n of_o the_o scripture_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n be_v assure_v by_o faith_n as_o by_o demonstration_n and_o in_o other_o place_n as_o strom._n 4._o he_o plain_o affirm_v that_o the_o way_n of_o christian_n be_v to_o prove_v the_o scripture_n by_o itself_o and_o all_o other_o thing_n by_o the_o scripture_n basilius_n speak_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n on_o psal._n 115._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i'faith_o which_o draw_v the_o soul_n to_o assent_v above_o all_o method_n of_o reason_v faith_n which_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o geometrical_a demonstration_n but_o of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o nature_n cause_n and_o efficacy_n of_o that_o faith_n whereby_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v assert_v by_o he_o nemesius_n the_o homin_v cap._n 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o divine_a oracle_n have_v its_o credibility_n from_o itself_o because_o of_o its_o divine_a inspiration_n the_o word_n of_o austin_n though_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o all_o yet_o may_v here_o be_v again_o report_v confess_v lib._n ii_o cap._n 3._o audiam_fw-la &_o intelligam_fw-la quo_fw-la modo_fw-la fecisti_fw-la coelum_fw-la &_o terram_fw-la scripsit_fw-la hoc_fw-la moses_n scripsit_fw-la &_o abiit_fw-la transivit_fw-la hinc_fw-la ad_fw-la te_fw-la neque_fw-la enim_fw-la nunc_fw-la ante_fw-la i_o est_fw-la nam_fw-la si_fw-la esset_fw-la tenerem_fw-la eum_fw-la &_o rogarem_fw-la eum_fw-la &_o per_fw-la te_fw-la obsecrarem_fw-la ut_fw-la mihi_fw-la ista_fw-la panderet_fw-la &_o praeberem_fw-la aures_fw-la corporis_fw-la mei_fw-la sonis_fw-la erumpentibus_fw-la ex_fw-la ore_fw-la ejus_fw-la at_o si_fw-la hebraea_n voce_fw-la loqueretur_fw-la frustra_fw-la pulsaret_fw-la sensum_fw-la meum_fw-la nec_fw-la inde_fw-la mentem_fw-la meam_fw-la quicquam_fw-la tangeret_fw-la si_fw-mi autem_fw-la latinè_n scirem_fw-la quid_fw-la diceret_fw-la sed_fw-la unde_fw-la scirem_fw-la a_o verum_fw-la diceret_fw-la quod_fw-la etsi_fw-la hoc_fw-la scirem_fw-la num_fw-la &_o ab_fw-la illo_fw-la scirem_fw-la intus_fw-la utique_fw-la mihi_fw-la intus_fw-la in_o domicilio_fw-la cogitationis_fw-la nec_fw-la hebraea_n nec_fw-la graeca_v nec_fw-la latina_fw-la nec_fw-la barbara_fw-la veritas_fw-la sine_fw-la oris_fw-la &_o linguae_fw-la organis_fw-la sine_fw-la strepitu_fw-la syllabarum_fw-la diceret_fw-la verum_fw-la dicit_fw-la at_o ego_fw-la statim_fw-la erectus_fw-la confidenter_fw-la illi_fw-la homini_fw-la tuo_fw-la dicerem_fw-la verum_fw-la dicis_fw-la cum_fw-la ergo_fw-la illum_fw-la interrogare_fw-la non_fw-la possim_fw-la te_fw-la quo_fw-la plenus_fw-la vera_fw-la dixit_fw-la veritas_fw-la te_fw-la deus_fw-la meus_fw-la rogo_fw-la parce_fw-la peccatis_fw-la meis_fw-la &_o qui_fw-la illi_fw-la servo_fw-la tuo_fw-la dedisti_fw-la haec_fw-la dicere_fw-la da_fw-la &_o mihi_fw-la haec_fw-la intelligere_fw-la i_o will_v hear_v i_o will_v understand_v how_o thou_o make_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n moses_n write_v this_o he_o write_v it_o and_o be_v go_v hence_o to_o thou_o for_o he_o be_v not_o now_o before_o i_o for_o if_o he_o be_v i_o will_v hold_v he_o and_o ask_v he_o and_o beseech_v he_o for_o thy_o sake_n that_o he_o will_v open_v these_o thing_n unto_o i_o and_o i_o will_v apply_v the_o ear_n of_o my_o body_n to_o the_o sound_n break_v forth_o from_o his_o mouth_n but_o if_o he_o shall_v use_v the_o hebrew_n language_n in_o vain_a shall_v he_o affect_v my_o sense_n for_o he_o will_v not_o at_o all_o touch_n my_o mind_n if_o he_o shall_v speak_v latin_a i_o shall_v know_v what_o he_o say_v but_o whence_o shall_v i_o know_v that_o he_o speak_v the_o truth_n and_o if_o i_o shall_v know_v this_o also_o shall_v i_o know_v it_o of_o he_o within_o i_o in_o the_o habitation_n of_o my_o own_o thought_n truth_n neither_o in_o hebrew_n greek_a latin_a nor_o any_o barbarous_a language_n without_o the_o organ_n of_o mouth_n or_o tongue_n without_o the_o noise_n of_o syllable_n will_v say_v he_o speak_v the_o truth_n and_o i_o be_v immediate_o assure_v or_o certain_a of_o it_o will_v say_v unto_o that_o servant_n of_o thou_o thou_o speak_v truth_n whereas_o therefore_o i_o can_v ask_v he_o i_o ask_v thou_o o_o truth_n with_o which_o he_o be_v fill_v speak_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v true_a o_o my_o god_n i_o ask_v of_o thou_o pardon_v my_o sin_n and_o thou_o who_o give_v unto_o this_o thy_o servant_n to_o speak_v these_o thing_n give_v unto_o i_o to_o understand_v they_o that_o which_o be_v most_o remarkable_a in_o these_o word_n be_v that_o he_o plain_o affirm_v that_o faith_n will_v not_o ensue_v on_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o if_o they_o be_v present_a with_o we_o unless_o there_o be_v a_o internal_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o our_o mind_n to_o enable_v we_o and_o persuade_v they_o thereunto_o and_o indeed_o he_o seem_v to_o place_v all_o assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o divine_a revelation_n in_o the_o inward_a assurance_n which_o god_n give_v we_o of_o they_o by_o his_o spirit_n which_o we_o have_v before_o consider_v the_o second_o arausican_n council_n give_v full_a testimony_n unto_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o internal_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o we_o may_v believe_v can._n 7._o siquis_fw-la evangelicae_fw-la proedicationi_fw-la consentire_fw-la posse_fw-la confirmat_fw-la absque_fw-la illuminatione_fw-la &_o inspiratione_n spiritus_fw-la sancti_fw-la haeretico_fw-la fallitur_fw-la spiritu_fw-la to_o descend_v unto_o late_a time_n wherein_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v much_o dispute_v yet_o the_o truth_n have_v beam_v such_o light_n into_o the_o eye_n of_o many_o as_o to_o enforce_v a_o acknowledgement_n from_o they_o when_o they_o have_v examine_v themselves_o about_o it_o the_o word_n of_o baptista_n mantuanus_fw-la be_v remarkable_a the_o patient_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 2._o saepe_fw-la mecum_fw-la cogitavi_fw-la unde_fw-la tam_fw-la suadibilis_fw-la sit_fw-la ipsa_fw-la scriptura_fw-la unde_fw-la tam_fw-la potenter_fw-la influat_fw-la in_o animos_fw-la auditorum_fw-la unde_fw-la tantum_fw-la habeat_fw-la energiae_fw-la ut_fw-la non_fw-la ad_fw-la opinandum_fw-la tantum_fw-la sed_fw-la ad_fw-la solid_a credendum_fw-la omnes_fw-la inflectat_fw-la non_fw-fr est_fw-fr hoc_fw-la imputandum_fw-la rationum_fw-la evidentiae_fw-la quas_fw-la non_fw-la adducit_fw-la non_fw-la artis_fw-la industriae_fw-la aut_fw-la verbis_fw-la suavibus_fw-la ad_fw-la persuadendum_fw-la accomodatis_fw-la quibus_fw-la non_fw-la utitur_fw-la sed_fw-la vide_fw-la a_o id_fw-la in_o causa_fw-la sit_fw-la quod_fw-la persuasi_fw-la sumus_fw-la eam_fw-la a_o prima_fw-la veritate_fw-la fluxisse_fw-la sed_fw-la unde_fw-la sumus_fw-la ita_fw-la persuasi_fw-la nisi_fw-la ab_fw-la ipsa_fw-la quasi_fw-la ad_fw-la ei_fw-la credendum_fw-la nos_fw-la suiipsius_fw-la contrahat_fw-la authoritas_fw-la sed_fw-la unde_fw-la oro_fw-la hanc_fw-la authoritatem_fw-la sibi_fw-la vendicavit_fw-la neque_fw-la enim_fw-la vidimus_fw-la nos_fw-la deum_fw-la concionantem_fw-la scribentem_fw-la docentem_fw-la tamen_fw-la ac_fw-la si_fw-la vidissemus_fw-la credimus_fw-la &_o tenemus_fw-la a_o spiritu_fw-la sancto_fw-la fluxisse_fw-la quae_fw-la legimus_fw-la forsan_fw-la fuerit_fw-la haec_fw-la ratio_fw-la firmiter_fw-la adhaerendi_fw-la quod_fw-la in_o ea_fw-la veritas_fw-la sit_fw-la solidior_fw-la quamvis_fw-la non_fw-la clarior_fw-la habet_fw-la enim_fw-la omnis_fw-la veritas_fw-la vim_o inclinativam_fw-la &_o major_a majorem_fw-la &_o maxima_fw-la maximam_fw-la sed_fw-la cur_n ergo_fw-la non_fw-la omnes_fw-la credunt_fw-la evangelio_n respond_v quod_fw-la non_fw-la omnes_fw-la trahuntur_fw-la a_o deo_fw-la sed_fw-la long_fw-mi opus_fw-la est_fw-la disputatione_n firmiter_fw-la sacris_fw-la scripture_n ideo_fw-la credimus_fw-la quod_fw-la divinam_fw-la inspirationem_fw-la intus_fw-la accipimus_fw-la i_o have_v often_o think_v with_o myself_o whence_o the_o scripture_n itself_o be_v so_o persuasive_a from_o whence_o it_o do_v so_o powerful_o influence_n the_o mind_n of_o its_o hearer_n that_o it_o incline_v or_o lead_v they_o not_o only_o to_o receive_v a_o opinion_n but_o sure_o to_o believe_v this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o evidence_n of_o reason_n which_o it_o do_v not_o produce_v nor_o unto_o the_o industry_n of_o art_n with_o word_n smooth_a and_o fit_a to_o persuade_v which_o it_o use_v not_o see_v then_o if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o that_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o it_o come_v from_o the_o first_o truth_n or_o verity_n but_o whence_o be_v we_o so_o persuade_v but_o from_o itself_o alone_o as_o if_o its_o own_o authority_n shall_v effectual_o draw_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o but_o whence_o i_o pray_v have_v it_o this_o authority_n we_o see_v not_o
so_o many_o uncertain_a and_o fierce_a digladiation_n wherein_o not_o any_o one_o truth_n be_v assert_v nor_o any_o one_o duty_n prescribe_v that_o be_v not_o spoil_v and_o vitiate_a by_o its_o circumstance_n and_o end_n beside_o they_o never_o rise_v up_o so_o much_o as_o to_o a_o surmise_n of_o or_o about_o the_o most_o important_a matter_n of_o religion_n without_o which_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a by_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v ever_o attain_v the_o end_n for_o which_o we_o be_v make_v nor_o the_o blessedness_n whereof_o we_o be_v capable_a no_o account_n can_v they_o ever_o give_v of_o our_o apostasy_n from_o god_n of_o the_o depravation_n of_o our_o nature_n of_o the_o cause_n or_o necessary_a cure_n of_o it_o in_o this_o lose_a and_o wander_a condition_n of_o mankind_n the_o scripture_n present_v itself_o as_o a_o light_n rule_n and_o guide_n unto_o all_o to_o direct_v they_o in_o their_o whole_a course_n unto_o their_o end_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o unto_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o this_o it_o do_v with_o that_o clearness_n and_o evidence_n as_o to_o dispel_v all_o the_o darkness_n and_o put_v a_o end_n unto_o all_o the_o confusion_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o the_o sun_n with_o rise_v do_v the_o shade_n of_o the_o night_n unless_o they_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o it_o love_a darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a for_o all_o the_o confusion_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o extricate_v themselves_o from_o whence_o they_o find_v out_o and_o immix_v themselves_o in_o endless_a question_n to_o no_o purpose_n arise_v from_o their_o ignorance_n of_o what_o we_o be_v original_o of_o what_o we_o now_o be_v and_o how_o we_o come_v so_o to_o be_v by_o what_o way_n or_o mean_n we_o may_v be_v deliver_v or_o relieve_v what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o life_n or_o what_o be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o live_n to_o god_n as_o our_o chief_a end_n and_o wherein_o the_o blessedness_n of_o our_o nature_n do_v consist_v all_o the_o world_n be_v never_o able_a to_o give_v a_o answer_n tolerable_o satisfactory_a unto_o any_o one_o of_o these_o inquiry_n &_o yet_o unless_o they_o be_v all_o infallible_o determine_v we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o the_o least_o rest_n or_o happiness_n above_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v but_o now_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o clear_o declare_v and_o state_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o it_o come_v with_o a_o evidence_n like_o a_o light_n from_o heaven_n on_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o unprejudiced_a person_n what_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o nature_n in_o its_o first_o creation_n and_o constitution_n with_o the_o blessedness_n and_o advantage_n of_o that_o condition_n how_o we_o fall_v from_o it_o and_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n what_o be_v the_o nature_n and_o what_o the_o consequent_n and_o effect_n of_o our_o present_a depravation_n and_o apostasy_n from_o god_n how_o help_n and_o relief_n be_v provide_v for_o we_o herein_o by_o infinite_a wisdom_n grace_n and_o bounty_n what_o that_o help_n be_v how_o we_o may_v be_v interest_v in_o it_o and_o make_v partaker_n of_o it_o what_o be_v that_o system_fw-la of_o duty_n or_o course_n of_o obedience_n unto_o god_n which_o be_v require_v of_o we_o and_o wherein_o our_o eternal_a felicity_n do_v consist_v be_v all_o of_o they_o so_o plain_o and_o clear_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o in_o general_a to_o leave_v mankind_n no_o ground_n for_o doubt_n enquiry_n or_o conjecture_n set_v aside_o inveterate_a prejudices_fw-la from_o tradition_n education_n false_a notion_n into_o the_o mould_n whereof_o the_o mind_n be_v cast_v the_o love_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o conduct_n of_o lust_n which_o thing_n have_v a_o inconceivable_a power_n over_o the_o mind_n soul_n and_o affection_n of_o man_n and_o the_o light_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o these_o thing_n be_v like_o that_o of_o the_o sun_n at_o noonday_n which_o shut_v up_o the_o way_n unto_o all_o further_a enquiry_n and_o efficacious_o necessitate_v unto_o a_o acquiescency_n in_o it_o and_o in_o particular_a in_o that_o direction_n which_o it_o give_v unto_o the_o live_v of_o man_n in_o order_n unto_o that_o obedience_n which_o they_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o that_o reward_v which_o they_o expect_v from_o he_o there_o be_v no_o instance_n conceivable_a of_o any_o thing_n conduce_v thereunto_o which_o be_v not_o prescribe_v therein_o nor_o of_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a unto_o it_o that_o fall_v not_o under_o its_o prohibition_n those_o therefore_o who_o desire_n or_o interest_n it_o be_v that_o the_o bound_n and_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n shall_v be_v unfixed_a and_o confound_v who_o be_v afraid_a to_o know_v what_o they_o be_v what_o they_o be_v or_o what_o they_o shall_v come_v unto_o who_o care_n to_o know_v neither_o god_n nor_o themselves_o their_o duty_n nor_o their_o reward_n may_v despise_v this_o book_n and_o deny_v its_o divine_a original_a other_o will_v retain_v a_o sacred_a veneration_n of_o it_o as_o of_o the_o offspring_n of_o god_n 4._o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n may_v in_o like_a manner_n be_v plead_v unto_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o i_o shall_v also_o insist_v upon_o it_o partly_o to_o manifest_v wherein_o its_o true_a nature_n and_o efficacy_n do_v consist_v and_o partly_o to_o evince_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o old_a pretence_n that_o even_o we_o also_o who_o be_v depart_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v receive_v the_o scripture_n upon_o the_o authority_n thereof_o whence_o it_o be_v further_o pretend_v that_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n and_o reason_n we_o ought_v to_o receive_v whatever_o else_o it_o propose_v unto_o we_o 1._o the_o church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 15._o which_o be_v the_o only_a text_n plead_v with_o any_o sobriety_n to_o give_v countenance_n unto_o the_o assertion_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n with_o respect_n unto_o we_o to_o depend_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o weakness_n of_o a_o plea_n to_o that_o purpose_n from_o hence_o have_v be_v so_o full_o manifest_v by_o many_o already_o that_o it_o need_v no_o more_o to_o be_v insist_v on_o in_o short_a it_o can_v be_v so_o the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n that_o the_o truth_n shall_v be_v as_o it_o be_v build_v and_o rest_n upon_o it_o as_o its_o foundation_n for_o this_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o same_o apostle_n who_o teach_v we_o that_o the_o church_n itself_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n eph._n 2._o 20._o the_o church_n can_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o truth_n the_o ground_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n or_o kind_n wherefore_o the_o church_n be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n in_o that_o it_o hold_v up_o and_o declare_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o thing_n contain_v therein_o so_o to_o be_v 2._o in_o receive_v any_o thing_n from_o a_o church_n we_o may_v consider_v the_o authority_n of_o it_o or_o its_o ministry_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o matter_n we_o intend_v no_o more_o but_o the_o weight_n and_o importance_n that_o be_v in_o its_o testimony_n as_o testimony_n do_v vary_v according_a to_o the_o worth_n gravity_n honesty_n honour_n and_o reputation_n of_o they_o by_o who_o they_o be_v give_v for_o to_o suppose_v a_o authority_n proper_o so_o call_v in_o any_o church_n or_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o world_n whereon_o our_o reception_n of_o the_o scripture_n shall_v depend_v as_o that_o which_o give_v its_o authority_n towards_o we_o and_o a_o sufficient_a warranty_n to_o our_o faith_n be_v a_o nice_a imagination_n for_o the_o authority_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n stand_v not_o in_o need_n nor_o be_v capable_a of_o any_o such_o attestation_n from_o man_n all_o they_o will_v admit_v of_o from_o the_o child_n of_o man_n be_v that_o they_o do_v humble_o submit_v unto_o they_o and_o testify_v their_o so_o do_v with_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v that_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n whereby_o it_o propose_v and_o declare_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o as_o it_o have_v occasion_n to_o all_o the_o world_n and_o this_o ministry_n also_o may_v be_v consider_v either_o formal_o as_o it_o be_v appoint_v of_o god_n unto_o this_o end_n and_o bless_v by_o he_o or_o material_o only_o as_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v though_o the_o ground_n whereon_o it_o be_v do_v and_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o be_v not_o divine_o approve_v we_o whole_o deny_v that_o we_o receive_v the_o scripture_n or_o ever_o
whatever_o various_a apprehension_n man_n may_v have_v through_o their_o weakness_n or_o prejudices_fw-la concern_v the_o thing_n teach_v therein_o yet_o be_v they_o in_o themselves_o absolute_o the_o same_o that_o ever_o they_o be_v and_o that_o without_o the_o loss_n or_o change_n of_o a_o material_a word_n or_o syllable_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o delivery_n this_o i_o have_v prove_v elsewhere_o and_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n capable_a of_o the_o most_o evident_a demonstration_n wherefore_o whatever_o entertainment_n this_o gospel_n meet_v withal_o at_o present_a in_o the_o world_n its_o former_a prevalency_n may_v be_v plead_v in_o justification_n of_o its_o divine_a original_a 2._o the_o cause_n of_o this_o event_n lie_v principal_o in_o the_o sovereign_n will_v and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n for_o although_o the_o scripture_n be_v his_o word_n and_o he_o have_v testify_v it_o so_o to_o be_v by_o his_o power_n put_v forth_o and_o exert_v in_o dispensation_n of_o it_o unto_o man_n yet_o be_v not_o that_o divine_a power_n include_v or_o shut_v up_o in_o the_o letter_n of_o it_o so_o that_o it_o must_v have_v the_o same_o effect_v where_o ever_o it_o come_v we_o plead_v not_o that_o there_o be_v absolute_o in_o its_o self_n its_o doctrine_n the_o preach_a or_o preacher_n thereof_o such_o a_o power_n as_o it_o be_v natural_o and_o physical_o to_o produce_v the_o effect_n mention_v but_o it_o be_v a_o instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n unto_o that_o work_n which_o be_v his_o own_o and_o he_o put_v forth_o his_o power_n in_o it_o and_o by_o it_o as_o it_o seem_v good_a unto_o he_o and_o if_o he_o do_v at_o any_o time_n so_o put_v forth_o his_o divine_a power_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o or_o in_o the_o use_n of_o this_o instrument_n as_o that_o the_o great_a worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o shall_v manifest_v itself_o to_o be_v from_o he_o he_o give_v a_o sufficient_a attestation_n of_o it_o wherefore_o the_o time_n and_o season_n of_o the_o prevalency_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n and_o at_o the_o sovereign_a disposal_n of_o god_n and_o as_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v for_o who_o have_v know_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o who_o have_v be_v his_o counsellor_n to_o accompany_v it_o with_o the_o same_o power_n at_o all_o time_n and_o season_n so_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o own_o power_n go_v along_o with_o it_o at_o any_o time_n while_o under_o a_o open_a claim_n of_o a_o divine_a original_a be_v a_o uncontrollable_a approbation_n of_o it_o thus_o at_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n to_o fullfil_v the_o promise_n make_v unto_o the_o father_n from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n to_o glorify_v his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n itself_o which_o he_o have_v reveal_v he_o put_v forth_o that_o effectual_a divine_a power_n in_o its_o administration_n whereby_o the_o world_n be_v subdue_v unto_o the_o obedience_n of_o it_o and_o the_o time_n will_v come_v when_o he_o will_v revive_v the_o same_o work_n of_o power_n and_o grace_n to_o retrieve_v the_o world_n into_o a_o subjection_n to_o jesus_n christ._n and_o although_o he_o do_v not_o in_o these_o latter_a age_n cause_n it_o to_o run_v and_o prosper_v among_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n who_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o receive_v it_o as_o he_o do_v former_o yet_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o thing_n at_o present_a among_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n the_o preservation_n of_o it_o in_o that_o small_a remnant_n by_o who_o it_o be_v obey_v in_o sincerity_n be_v a_o no_o less_o glorious_a evidence_n of_o his_o presence_n with_o it_o and_o care_n over_o it_o than_o be_v its_o eminent_a propagation_n in_o day_n of_o old_a 3._o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v in_o like_a manner_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o these_o thing_n for_o whereas_o he_o have_v grant_v the_o inestimable_a privilege_n of_o his_o word_n unto_o many_o nation_n they_o through_o their_o horrible_a ingratitude_n and_o wickedness_n detain_v the_o truth_n in_o vnrighteousness_n so_o that_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o they_o be_v no_o way_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n no_o nor_o yet_o unto_o their_o own_o advantage_n for_o neither_o nation_n nor_o person_n will_v ever_o be_v advantage_v by_o a_o outward_a profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n whilst_o they_o live_v in_o a_o contradiction_n and_o disobedience_n to_o its_o precept_n yea_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o pernicious_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n this_o impiety_n god_n be_v at_o this_o day_n revenge_v on_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n have_v utter_o cast_v off_o many_o of_o they_o from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o give_v up_o other_o unto_o strong_a delusion_n to_o believe_v lie_n though_o they_o retain_v the_o scripture_n and_o outward_a profession_n of_o christianity_n how_o far_o he_o may_v proceed_v in_o the_o same_o way_n of_o righteous_a vengeance_n towards_o other_o nation_n also_o we_o know_v not_o but_o aught_o to_o tremble_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o when_o god_n first_o grant_v the_o gospel_n unto_o the_o world_n although_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n have_v great_o sin_v against_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o have_v reject_v all_o those_o supernatural_a revelation_n that_o at_o any_o time_n have_v be_v make_v unto_o they_o yet_o have_v they_o not_o sin_v against_o the_o gospel_n itself_o nor_o the_o grace_n thereof_o it_o please_v god_n therefore_o to_o wink_v at_o and_o pass_v over_o that_o time_n of_o their_o ignorance_n so_o as_o that_o his_o justice_n shall_v not_o be_v provoke_v by_o any_o of_o their_o former_a sin_n to_o withhold_v the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o divine_a power_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o gospel_n from_o they_o whereby_o he_o call_v they_o to_o repentance_n but_o now_o after_o that_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v sufficient_o tender_v unto_o all_o nation_n and_o have_v either_o as_o unto_o its_o profession_n or_o as_o unto_o its_o power_n with_o the_o obedience_n that_o it_o require_v be_v reject_v by_o the_o most_o of_o they_o thing_n be_v quite_o otherwise_o state_v it_o be_v from_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n revenge_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n against_o the_o gospel_n itself_o that_o so_o many_o nation_n be_v deprive_v of_o it_o and_o so_o many_o left_a obstinate_a in_o its_o refusal_n wherefore_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n do_v no_o way_n weaken_v or_o prejudice_v the_o evidence_n give_v unto_o the_o scripture_n by_o that_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n which_o accompany_v the_o administration_n of_o it_o in_o the_o world_n for_o what_o have_v since_o fall_v out_o there_o be_v secret_a reason_n of_o sovereign_a wisdom_n and_o open_a cause_n in_o divine_a justice_n whereunto_o it_o be_v to_o be_v assign_v these_o thing_n i_o have_v brief_o call_v over_o and_o not_o as_o though_o they_o be_v all_o of_o this_o kind_n that_o may_v be_v plead_v but_o only_o to_o give_v some_o instance_n of_o those_o external_a argument_n whereby_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v confirm_v now_o these_o argument_n be_v such_o as_o be_v able_a of_o themselves_o to_o beget_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n sober_a humble_a intelligent_a and_o unprejudiced_a a_o firm_a opinion_n judgement_n and_o persuasion_n that_o the_o scripture_n do_v proceed_v from_o god_n where_o person_n be_v prepossess_v with_o invincible_a prejudices_fw-la contract_v by_o a_o course_n of_o education_n wherein_o they_o have_v imbibe_v principle_n opposite_a and_o contrary_a thereunto_o and_o have_v increase_v and_o fortify_v they_o by_o some_o fix_a and_o hereditary_a enmity_n against_o all_o those_o who_o they_o know_v to_o own_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v with_o mahometan_n and_o some_o of_o the_o indian_n these_o argument_n it_o may_v be_v will_v not_o prevail_v immediate_o to_o work_v nor_o effect_v their_o assent_n it_o be_v so_o with_o respect_n unto_o they_o also_o who_o out_o of_o love_n unto_o and_o delight_n in_o those_o way_n of_o vice_n sin_n and_o wickedness_n which_o be_v absolute_o and_o severe_o condemn_v in_o the_o scripture_n without_o the_o least_o hope_n of_o a_o dispensation_n unto_o they_o that_o continue_v under_o the_o power_n of_o they_o who_o will_v not_o take_v these_o argument_n into_o due_a consideration_n such_o person_n may_v talk_v and_o discourse_n of_o they_o but_o they_o never_o weigh_v they_o serious_o according_a as_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o cause_n do_v require_v for_o if_o man_n will_v examine_v they_o as_o they_o ought_v it_o must_v be_v with_o a_o sedate_n judgement_n that_o their_o eternal_a condition_n depend_v upon_o a_o right_a determination_n of_o this_o enquiry_n but_o for_o those_o who_o can_v scarce_o get_v liberty_n from_o the_o service_n and_o power_n of_o their_o lust_n serious_o
scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v mere_o human_a how_o firm_a soever_o the_o persuasion_n in_o it_o may_v be_v but_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o that_o whereby_o we_o believe_v the_o thing_n themselves_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n 7._o we_o can_v thus_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o any_o divine_a truth_n therein_o contain_v without_o the_o effectual_a illumination_n of_o our_o mind_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o exclude_v the_o consideration_n of_o his_o work_n herein_o be_v to_o cast_v the_o whole_a enquiry_n out_o of_o the_o limit_n of_o christian_a religion_n 8._o yet_o be_v not_o this_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o illumination_n of_o our_o mind_n whereby_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o believe_v in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n with_o faith_n supernatural_a and_o divine_a the_o ground_n and_o reason_n why_o we_o do_v believe_v or_o the_o evidence_n whereon_o we_o do_v so_o nor_o be_v our_o faith_n resolve_v thereinto_o 9_o whereas_o also_o there_o be_v sundry_a other_o act_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o and_o upon_o our_o mind_n establish_v this_o faith_n against_o temptation_n unto_o the_o contrary_a and_o further_o ascertain_v we_o of_o the_o divine_a original_a of_o the_o scripture_n or_o testify_v it_o unto_o we_o yet_o be_v they_o none_o of_o they_o several_o nor_o all_o of_o they_o joint_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o faith_n nor_o the_o ground_n which_o we_o believe_v upon_o yet_o be_v they_o such_o as_o that_o as_o without_o the_o first_o work_n of_o divine_a illumination_n we_o can_v believe_v at_o all_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n so_o without_o his_o other_o consequent_a operation_n we_o can_v believe_v steadfast_o against_o temptation_n and_o opposition_n wherefore_o 10._o those_o only_a can_v believe_v the_o scripture_n aright_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n who_o mind_n be_v enlighten_v and_o who_o be_v enable_v to_o believe_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 11._o those_o who_o believe_v not_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n for_o they_o be_v either_o such_o as_o oppose_v and_o gainsay_v the_o word_n as_o a_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n or_o such_o as_o be_v willing_a without_o prejudice_n to_o attend_v unto_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o the_o former_a sort_n may_v be_v resist_v oppose_a and_o rebuke_v by_o external_a argument_n and_o such_o moral_a consideration_n as_o vehement_o persuade_v the_o divine_a original_a of_o the_o scripture_n and_o from_o the_o same_o principle_n may_v their_o mouth_n be_v stop_v as_o to_o their_o cavil_n and_o exception_n against_o it_o the_o other_o sort_v be_v to_o be_v lead_v on_o unto_o believe_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n itself_o which_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n unto_o that_o purpose_n but_o 12._o neither_o sort_n do_v ever_o come_v true_o to_o believe_v either_o mere_o induce_v thereunto_o by_o force_n of_o moral_a argument_n only_o or_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o church_n by_o who_o ministry_n the_o scripture_n be_v propose_v unto_o they_o to_o be_v believe_v wherefore_o 13._o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a whereby_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o duty_n and_o as_o it_o be_v require_v of_o we_o be_v the_o authority_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n alone_o evidence_v themselves_o unto_o our_o mind_n and_o conscience_n in_o and_o by_o the_o scripture_n itself_o and_o herein_o consist_v that_o divine_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o testimony_n give_v our_o assent_n unto_o the_o scripture_n the_o general_a nature_n of_o faith_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o divine_a testimony_n give_v it_o the_o especial_a nature_n of_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a 14._o this_o divine_a testimony_n give_v unto_o the_o divine_a original_a of_o the_o scripture_n in_o and_o by_o itself_o whereinto_o our_o faith_n be_v ultimate_o resolve_v be_v evidence_v and_o make_v know_v as_o by_o the_o character_n of_o the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o be_v in_o it_o and_o upon_o it_o so_o by_o the_o authority_n power_n and_o efficacy_n over_o and_o upon_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o the_o satisfactory_a excellency_n of_o the_o truth_n contain_v therein_o wherewith_o it_o be_v accompany_v 15._o wherefore_o although_o there_o be_v many_o cogent_a external_a argument_n whereby_o a_o moral_a steadfast_a perwasion_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v attain_v and_o it_o be_v the_o principal_a duty_n of_o the_o true_a church_n in_o all_o age_n to_o give_v testimony_n thereunto_o which_o it_o have_v do_v successive_o at_o all_o all_o time_n since_o first_o it_o be_v entrust_v with_o it_o and_o so_o although_o there_o be_v many_o other_o mean_v whereby_o we_o be_v induce_v persuade_v and_o enable_v to_o believe_v it_o yet_o be_v it_o for_o its_o own_o sake_n only_o efficacious_o manifest_v itself_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o upon_o the_o divine_a testimony_n that_o be_v give_v in_o it_o and_o by_o it_o thereunto_o that_o we_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v so_o with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a corel_n those_o who_o either_o deny_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o internal_a subjective_n work_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n enable_v we_o to_o believe_v or_o the_o objective_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n give_v unto_o the_o scripture_n in_o and_o by_o itself_o or_o do_v deny_v their_o joint_a concurrence_n in_o and_o unto_o our_o believe_v do_v deny_v all_o faith_n proper_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o be_v declare_v and_o plead_v for_o in_o the_o precede_a treatise_n to_o prevent_v the_o obloquy_n of_o some_o and_o confirm_v the_o judgement_n of_o other_o i_o shall_v add_v the_o suffrage_n of_o ancient_n and_o modern_a writer_n give_v unto_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o and_o whereon_o all_o other_o thing_n assert_v in_o it_o do_v depend_v clemens_n alexandrinus_n discourse_v at_o large_a unto_o this_o purpose_n stromat_n 7._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o have_v the_o lord_n himself_o for_o the_o principle_n or_o beginning_n of_o doctrine_n who_o by_o the_o prophet_n the_o gospel_n and_o bless_a apostle_n in_o various_a manner_n and_o by_o divers_a degree_n go_v before_o we_o or_o lead_v we_o unto_o knowledge_n this_n be_v that_o which_o we_o lie_v down_o as_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o faith_n namely_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o lord_n himself_o instruct_v we_o by_o the_o scripture_n so_o he_o add_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o if_o any_o one_o suppose_v that_o he_o need_v any_o oâ—her_a principle_n the_o principle_n will_v not_o be_v keep_v that_o be_v if_o we_o need_v any_o other_o principle_n whereinto_o to_o resolve_v our_o faith_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v no_o more_o a_o principle_n unto_o we_o but_o he_o who_o be_v faithful_a from_o himself_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o his_o sovereign_n write_v and_o voice_n which_o as_o it_o appear_v be_v administer_v by_o the_o lord_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o man_n and_o certain_o we_o use_v it_o as_o a_o rule_n of_o judge_v for_o the_o invention_n of_o thing_n but_o whatever_o be_v judge_v be_v not_o credible_a or_o to_o be_v believe_v until_o it_o be_v judge_v and_o that_o be_v no_o principle_n which_o stand_v in_o need_n to_o be_v judge_v the_o intention_n of_o his_o word_n be_v that_o god_n who_o alone_o be_v to_o believe_v for_o himself_o have_v give_v we_o his_o word_n as_o the_o rule_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o judge_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o this_o word_n be_v so_o to_o be_v believe_v as_o not_o to_o be_v subject_a unto_o any_o other_o judgement_n because_o if_o it_o be_v so_o it_o can_v be_v either_o a_o principle_n or_o a_o rule_n and_o so_o he_o proceed_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d wherefore_o it_o be_v meet_v that_o embrace_v by_o faith_n the_o most_o sufficient_a indemonstrable_a principle_n and_o take_v the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o principle_n from_o the_o principle_n itself_o we_o be_v instruct_v by_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n himself_o unto_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o few_o word_n he_o declare_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o we_o have_v plead_v for_o no_o more_o do_v we_o maintain_v in_o this_o cause_n but_o what_o clemens_n do_v here_o assert_v namely_o that_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n for_o itself_o as_o that_o which_o need_v no_o antecedent_n or_o external_a demonstration_n but_o all_o the_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o its_o divine_a original_a be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o itself_o alone_o which_o yet_o
to_o evidence_n itself_o to_o be_v so_o be_v exceed_o prejudicial_a unto_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n see_v the_o everlasting_a welfare_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v incomparable_o more_o concern_v therein_o than_o in_o the_o other_o way_n mention_v and_o what_o reason_n can_v be_v assign_v why_o he_o shall_v implant_v a_o less_o evidence_n of_o his_o divine_a authority_n on_o this_o than_o on_o they_o see_v he_o design_v far_o great_a and_o more_o glorious_a end_n in_o this_o than_o in_o they_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v say_v the_o reason_n be_v because_o this_o kind_n of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o receive_v such_o evidence_n it_o must_v be_v either_o because_o there_o can_v be_v evident_a character_n of_o divine_a authority_n goodness_n wisdom_n power_n implant_v on_o it_o or_o mix_v with_o it_o or_o because_o a_o efficacy_n to_o manifest_v they_o can_v be_v communicate_v unto_o it_o that_o both_o these_o be_v otherwise_o shall_v be_v demonstrate_v in_o the_o last_o part_n of_o this_o discourse_n which_o i_o shall_v now_o enter_v upon_o it_o have_v be_v already_o declare_v that_o it_o be_v the_o authority_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n reveal_v themselves_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o by_o it_o that_o be_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o supernatural_a assent_n unto_o it_o as_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o remain_v only_o that_o we_o inquire_v in_o the_o second_o place_n into_o the_o way_n and_o means_n whereby_o they_o evidence_n themselves_o unto_o we_o and_o the_o scripture_n thereby_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o as_o that_o we_o may_v undoubted_o and_o infallible_o believe_v it_o so_o to_o be_v now_o because_o faith_n as_o we_o have_v show_v be_v a_o assent_n upon_o testimony_n and_o consequent_o divine_a faith_n be_v a_o assent_n upon_o divine_a testimony_n there_o must_v be_v some_o testimony_n or_o witness_n in_o this_o case_n whereon_o faith_n do_v rest_n and_o this_o we_o say_v be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o author_n of_o the_o scripture_n give_v unto_o they_o in_o they_o and_o by_o they_o and_o this_o work_n or_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o two_o head_n which_o may_v be_v distinct_o insist_v on_o 1._o the_o impression_n or_o character_n which_o be_v subjective_o leave_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o upon_o it_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n its_o author_n of_o all_o the_o divine_a excellency_n or_o property_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v the_o first_o mean_v evidence_v that_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o our_o faith_n rest_v upon_o or_o they_o do_v give_v the_o first_o evidence_n of_o its_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n whereon_o we_o do_v believe_v it_o the_o way_n whereby_o we_o learn_v the_o eternal_a power_n and_o deity_n of_o god_n from_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n be_v no_o otherwise_o but_o by_o those_o mark_n token_n and_o impression_n of_o his_o divine_a power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n that_o be_v upon_o they_o for_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o subsistence_n greatness_n order_n and_o use_v reason_n do_v necessary_o conclude_v a_o infinite_a subsist_v be_v of_o who_o power_n and_o wisdom_n these_o thing_n be_v the_o manifest_a effect_n these_o be_v clear_o see_v and_o understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v we_o need_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o god_n make_v the_o world_n but_o itself_o it_o carry_v in_o it_o and_o upon_o it_o the_o infallible_a token_n of_o its_o original_a see_v to_o this_o purpose_n the_o bless_a meditation_n of_o the_o psalmist_n psal._n 104._o throughout_o now_o there_o be_v great_a and_o more_o evident_a impression_n of_o divine_a excellency_n leave_v on_o the_o write_a word_n from_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o the_o author_n of_o it_o than_o any_o that_o be_v communicate_v unto_o the_o work_v of_o god_n of_o what_o sort_n soever_o hence_o david_n compare_v the_o work_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o to_o their_o instructive_a efficacy_n in_o declare_v god_n and_o his_o glory_n although_o he_o ascribe_v much_o unto_o the_o work_v of_o creation_n yet_o do_v he_o prefer_v the_o word_n incomparable_o before_o they_o psal._n 19_o 1_o 2_o 3_o 7_o 8_o 9_o and_o psal._n 146._o ver_n 8_o 9_o etc._n etc._n and_o 19_o 20._o and_o these_o do_v manifest_a the_o word_n unto_o our_o faith_n to_o be_v his_o more_o clear_o than_o the_o other_o do_v the_o work_v to_o be_v his_o unto_o our_o reason_n as_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o know_v that_o it_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o or_o the_o contrary_n assert_v namely_o that_o god_n as_o the_o immediate_a author_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v leave_v in_o the_o very_a word_n itself_o evident_a token_n and_o impression_n of_o his_o wisdom_n prescience_n omniscience_n power_n goodness_n holiness_n truth_n and_o other_o divine_a infinite_a excellency_n sufficient_o evidence_v unto_o the_o enlighten_v mind_n of_o believer_n some_o i_o confess_v speak_v suspicious_o herein_o but_o until_o they_o will_v direct_o deny_v it_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v further_o to_o confirm_v it_o than_o i_o have_v do_v long_o since_o in_o another_o treatise_n and_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o be_v consider_v whether_o moral_o speak_v it_o be_v possible_a that_o god_n shall_v immediate_o by_o himself_o from_o the_o eternal_a counsel_n of_o he_o will_v reveal_v himself_o his_o mind_n the_o thought_n and_o purpose_n of_o his_o heart_n which_o have_v be_v hide_v in_o himself_o from_o eternity_n on_o purpose_n that_o we_o shall_v believe_v they_o and_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o he_o according_a to_o the_o declaration_n of_o himself_o so_o make_v and_o yet_o not_o give_v with_o it_o or_o leave_v upon_o it_o any_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d any_o infallible_a token_n evidence_v he_o to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o that_o revelation_n man_n who_o be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o their_o christianity_n will_v not_o be_v so_o to_o profess_v and_o seal_v that_o profession_n with_o their_o blood_n and_o to_o rest_v their_o eternal_a concernment_n on_o that_o security_n herein_o which_o they_o have_v attain_v namely_o that_o there_o be_v that_o manifestation_n make_v of_o the_o glorious_a property_n of_o god_n in_o and_o by_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n which_o incomparable_o excel_v in_o evidence_n all_o that_o their_o reason_n receive_v concern_v his_o power_n from_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n this_o be_v that_o whereon_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a if_o we_o believe_v it_o so_o at_o all_o there_o be_v in_o itself_o that_o evidence_n of_o its_o divine_a original_a from_o the_o character_n of_o divine_a excellency_n leave_v upon_o it_o by_o its_o author_n the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o faith_n quiet_o rest_v in_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o and_o this_o evidence_n be_v manifest_a unto_o the_o mean_a and_o most_o unlearned_a no_o less_o than_o unto_o the_o wise_a philosopher_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o rational_a argument_n and_o external_n motive_n be_v the_o sole_a ground_n of_o receive_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o can_v not_o be_v but_o that_o learned_a man_n and_o philosopher_n will_v have_v always_o be_v the_o forward_a and_o most_o ready_a to_o admit_v it_o and_o most_o firm_o to_o adhere_v unto_o it_o and_o its_o profession_n for_o whereas_o all_o such_o argument_n do_v prevail_v on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n according_a as_o they_o be_v able_a aright_o to_o discern_v their_o force_n and_o judge_v of_o they_o learned_a philosopher_n will_v have_v have_v the_o advantage_n incomparable_o above_o other_o and_o so_o some_o have_v of_o late_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v the_o wise_a rational_a and_o learned_a man_n who_o at_o first_o most_o ready_o receive_v the_o gospel_n a_o assertion_n which_o nothing_o but_o gross_a ignorance_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o and_o all_o the_o write_n concern_v the_o original_a of_o christianity_n whether_o of_o christian_n or_o heathen_n can_v give_v the_o least_o countenance_n unto_o see_v 1_o cor._n 1._o 23_o 26._o from_o hence_o be_v the_o scripture_n so_o often_o compare_v unto_o light_n call_v light_n a_o light_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n which_o will_v evidence_n itself_o unto_o all_o who_o be_v not_o blind_a or_o do_v wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n or_o have_v their_o eye_n blind_v by_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o which_o consideration_n i_o have_v handle_v at_o large_a elsewhere_o 2._o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n evidence_v the_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o he_o put_v forth_o in_o it_o and_o by_o it_o over_o the_o
mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n with_o its_o operation_n of_o divine_a effect_n thereon_o this_o the_o apostle_n express_o affirm_v to_o be_v the_o reason_n and_o cause_n of_o faith_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 24_o 25._o if_o all_o prophesy_n and_o there_o come_v in_o one_o that_o believe_v not_o or_o one_o unlearned_a he_o be_v convince_v of_o all_o he_o be_v judge_v of_o all_o and_o thus_o be_v the_o secret_n of_o his_o heart_n make_v manifest_a and_o so_o fall_v down_o on_o his_o face_n he_o will_v worship_v god_n and_o report_n that_o god_n be_v in_o you_o of_o a_o truth_n the_o acknowledgement_n and_o confession_n of_o god_n to_o be_v in_o they_o or_o among_o they_o be_v a_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o word_n administer_v by_o they_o such_o person_n assent_v unto_o its_o divine_a authority_n or_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o on_o what_o evidence_n or_o ground_n of_o credibility_n they_o do_v so_o be_v express_o declare_v it_o be_v not_o upon_o the_o force_n of_o any_o external_a argument_n produce_v and_o plead_v unto_o that_o purpose_n it_o be_v not_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o this_o or_o that_o or_o any_o church_n whatever_o nor_o be_v it_o upon_o a_o conviction_n of_o any_o miracle_n which_o they_o see_v wrought_v in_o its_o confirmation_n yea_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o confession_n declare_v be_v oppose_v unto_o the_o efficacy_n and_o use_v of_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o tongue_n v_o 23_o 24._o wherefore_o the_o only_a evidence_n whereon_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n and_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v of_o god_n be_v that_o divine_a power_n and_o efficacy_n whereof_o they_o find_v and_o feel_v the_o experience_n in_o themselves_o he_o be_v convince_v of_o all_o judge_v of_o all_o and_o thus_o be_v the_o secret_n of_o his_o heart_n make_v manifest_a whereon_o he_o fall_v down_o before_o it_o with_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o its_o divine_a authority_n find_v the_o word_n to_o come_v upon_o his_o conscience_n with_o a_o irresistible_a power_n of_o conviction_n and_o judgement_n thereon_o he_o be_v convince_v of_o all_o judge_v of_o all_o he_o can_v but_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o divine_a efficacy_n in_o it_o or_o accompany_v of_o it_o especial_o his_o mind_n be_v influence_v by_o this_o that_o the_o secret_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v make_v manifest_a by_o it_o for_o all_o man_n must_v acknowledge_v this_o to_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o divine_a power_n see_v god_n alone_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o who_o search_v know_v and_o judge_v the_o heart_n and_o if_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n because_o he_o tell_v she_o all_o thing_n that_o ever_o she_o do_v john_n 4._o 29._o there_o be_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o word_n to_o be_v from_o god_n which_o make_v manifest_a even_o the_o secret_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o although_o i_o do_v conceive_v that_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n heb._n 4._o 12._o the_o live_n and_o eternal_a word_n be_v principal_o intend_v yet_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n there_o ascribe_v to_o he_o be_v that_o which_o he_o put_v forth_o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o that_o word_n also_o in_o its_o place_n and_o use_v pierce_v to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o joint_n and_o marrew_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n or_o pass_v a_o critical_a judgement_n on_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n or_o make_v manifest_v the_o secret_n of_o man_n heart_n as_o it_o be_v here_o express_v hereby_o then_o do_v the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o evidence_n the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o word_n namely_o by_o that_o divine_a power_n which_o it_o have_v upon_o our_o soul_n and_o conscience_n that_o we_o do_v assure_o acquiesce_v in_o it_o to_o be_v from_o god_n so_o the_o thessalonian_n be_v commend_v that_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o effectual_o work_v in_o they_o that_o believe_v 1_o thess._n 2._o 15._o it_o distinguish_v itself_o from_o the_o word_n of_o man_n and_o evidence_n itself_o to_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o its_o effectual_a operation_n in_o they_o that_o believe_v and_o he_o who_o have_v this_o testimony_n in_o himself_o have_v a_o high_a and_o more_o firm_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n than_o what_o can_v be_v attain_v by_o the_o force_n of_o external_a argument_n or_o the_o credit_n of_o humane_a testimony_n wherefore_o i_o say_v in_o general_a that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n give_v testimony_n unto_o and_o evince_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o word_n by_o its_o powerful_a operation_n and_o divine_a effect_n on_o the_o soul_n of_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v so_o that_o although_o it_o be_v weakness_n and_o foolishness_n unto_o other_o yet_o as_o be_v christ_n himself_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v call_v it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o i_o must_v say_v that_o although_o a_o man_n be_v furnish_v with_o external_a argument_n of_o all_o sort_n concern_v the_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n although_o he_o esteem_v his_o motive_n of_o credibility_n to_o be_v effectual_o persuasive_a and_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o or_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n to_o confirm_v his_o persuasion_n yet_o if_o he_o have_v no_o experience_n in_o himself_o of_o its_o divine_a power_n authority_n and_o efficacy_n he_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v believe_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a but_o he_o that_o have_v this_o experience_n have_v that_o testimony_n in_o himself_o which_o will_v never_o fail_v this_o will_v be_v the_o more_o manifest_a if_o we_o consider_v some_o few_o of_o those_o many_o instance_n wherein_o it_o exert_v its_o power_n or_o the_o effect_n which_o be_v produce_v thereby_o the_o principal_a divine_a effect_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v in_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o sinner_n unto_o god_n the_o greatness_n and_o glory_n of_o this_o work_n we_o have_v elsewhere_o declare_v at_o large_a and_o all_o those_o who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o it_o as_o it_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o have_v any_o experience_n of_o it_o in_o their_o own_o heart_n do_v constant_o give_v it_o as_o a_o instance_n of_o the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n it_o may_v be_v they_o speak_v not_o improper_o who_o prefer_v the_o work_n of_o the_o new_a creation_n before_o the_o work_n of_o the_o old_a for_o the_o express_a evidence_n of_o almighty_a power_n contain_v in_o it_o as_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n do_v now_o of_o this_o great_a and_o glorious_a effect_v the_o word_n be_v the_o only_a instrumental_a cause_n whereby_o the_o divine_a power_n operate_v and_o be_v expressive_a of_o itself_o for_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o bear_v of_o god_n not_o of_o corruptible_a seed_n but_o of_o incorruptible_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o abide_v for_o ever_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 21._o for_o of_o his_o own_o will_n do_v god_n beget_v we_o with_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n jam._n 1._o 18._o the_o word_n be_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n in_o we_o that_o whereby_o our_o whole_a nature_n our_o soul_n and_o all_o their_o faculty_n be_v change_v and_o renew_v into_o the_o image_n and_o likeness_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o same_o word_n be_v this_o new_a nature_n keep_v and_o preserve_v 1_o pet._n 2._o 2._o and_o the_o whole_a soul_n carry_v on_o unto_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n it_o be_v unto_o believer_n a_o engraft_a word_n which_o be_v able_a to_o save_v their_o soul_n james_n 1._o 21._o the_o word_n of_o god_n grace_n which_o be_v able_a to_o build_v we_o up_o and_o give_v we_o a_o inheritance_n among_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v act_v 20._o 32._o and_o that_o because_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n unto_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v rom._n 1._o 16._o all_o the_o power_n which_o god_n put_v forth_o and_o exert_n in_o the_o communication_n of_o that_o grace_n and_o mercy_n unto_o believer_n whereby_o they_o be_v gradual_o carry_v on_o and_o prepare_v unto_o salvation_n he_o do_v it_o by_o the_o word_n therein_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n be_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o word_n evidence_v by_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o efficacy_n give_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o work_n which_o be_v effect_v by_o it_o in_o the_o regeneration_n conversion_n and_o sanctification_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n do_v evidence_n it_o infallible_o unto_o their_o conscience_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o word_n