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 thing_n remain_v which_o i_o judge_v it_o necessary_a to_o mind_v he_o of_o be_v he_o who_o he_o will_v i_o be_o sure_a we_o shall_v not_o differ_v about_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o argument_n in_o hand_n for_o whether_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n we_o contend_v for_o or_o otherwise_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o determination_n of_o it_o and_o the_o settle_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n about_o it_o be_v of_o the_o high_a concernment_n unto_o they_o but_o whereas_o so_o much_o have_v be_v write_v of_o late_a by_o other_o on_o this_o subject_n any_o further_a debate_n of_o it_o may_v seem_v either_o needless_a or_o unseasonable_a something_o therefore_o may_v be_v speak_v to_o evidence_n that_o the_o reader_n be_v not_o impose_v on_o by_o that_o which_o may_v absolute_o fall_v under_o either_o of_o those_o character_n have_v the_o end_n in_o and_o by_o these_o discourse_n be_v effectual_o accomplish_v it_o have_v be_v altogether_o useless_a to_o renew_v a_o endeavour_n unto_o the_o same_o purpose_n but_o whereas_o a_o opposition_n unto_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o ground_n whereon_o we_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v still_o open_o continue_v among_o we_o a_o continuation_n of_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o can_v reasonable_o be_v judge_v either_o needless_a or_o unseasonable_a beside_o most_o of_o the_o discourse_n publish_v of_o late_a on_o this_o subject_n have_v have_v their_o peculiar_a design_n wherein_o that_o here_o tender_a be_v not_o express_o engage_v for_o some_o of_o they_o do_v principal_o aim_v to_o prove_v that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n without_o any_o recourse_n unto_o or_o reliance_n upon_o the_o authoritative_a proposal_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o they_o have_v sufficient_o evince_v beyond_o any_o possibility_n of_o rational_a contradiction_n from_o their_o adversary_n other_o have_v plead_v &_o vindicate_v 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
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
divine_a and_o supernatural_a as_o it_o be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n 2._o how_o or_o by_o what_o mean_v we_o may_v come_v to_o understand_v aright_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o revelation_n that_o be_v make_v unto_o we_o of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_v therein_o for_o by_o illumination_n in_o general_n as_o it_o denote_v a_o effect_n wrought_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n i_o understand_v that_o supernatural_a knowledge_n that_o any_o man_n have_v or_o may_v have_v of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n as_o reveal_v unto_o he_o by_o supernatural_a mean_n for_o the_o law_n of_o his_o faith_n life_n and_o obedience_n and_o this_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v comprise_v in_o the_o first_o of_o these_o inquiry_n be_v that_o who_o declaration_n we_o at_o present_a design_n reserve_v the_o latter_a unto_o a_o distinct_a discourse_n by_o itself_o also_o unto_o the_o former_a some_o thing_n may_v be_v premise_v first_o supernatural_a revelation_n be_v the_o only_a objective_n cause_n and_o mean_n of_o supernatural_a illumination_n these_o thing_n be_v commensurate_a there_o be_v a_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o supernatural_a thing_n and_o that_o both_o theoretical_a and_o practical_a rom._n 1._o 19_o chap._n 2._o 14_o 15._o and_o there_o may_v be_v a_o supernatural_a knowledge_n of_o natural_a thing_n 1_o king_n 4._o 31_o 32_o 33_o 34._o exod._n 31._o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o but_o unto_o this_o supernatural_a illumination_n it_o be_v require_v both_o that_o its_o object_n be_v thing_n only_o supernatural_o reveal_v or_o as_o supernatural_o reveal_v 1_o cor._n 2._o 9_o 10._o and_o that_o it_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o a_o supernatural_a efficiency_n or_o the_o immediate_a efficacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n ephes._n 1._o 17_o 18_o 19_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o this_o david_n pray_v for_o psal._n 119._o 18._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d reveal_v or_o uncover_v my_o eye_n bring_v light_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n into_o my_o mind_n that_o i_o may_v behold_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o open_a face_n or_o as_o in_o the_o syriack_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o a_o reveal_v or_o uncovered_a face_n the_o vail_n be_v take_v away_o 2_o cor._n 3._o 18._o wondrous_a thing_n out_o of_o thy_o law_n the_o light_n he_o pray_v for_o within_o do_v mere_o respect_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n without_o this_o the_o apostle_n full_o declare_v heb._n 1._o 1_o 2._o the_o various_a supernatural_a revelation_n that_o god_n have_v make_v of_o himself_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n from_o first_o to_o last_o be_v the_o sole_a and_o adequate_a object_n of_o supernatural_a illumination_n second_o this_o divine_a external_a revelation_n be_v original_o by_o various_a way_n which_o we_o have_v elsewhere_o declare_v give_v unto_o sundry_a person_n immediate_o partly_o for_o their_o own_o instruction_n and_o guidance_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o will_n and_o partly_o by_o their_o ministry_n to_o be_v communicate_v unto_o the_o church_n so_o be_v it_o grant_v unto_o enoch_n the_o seven_o from_o adam_n who_o thereon_o prophesy_v to_o the_o warning_n and_o instruction_n of_o other_o judas_n 14_o 15._o and_o to_o noah_n who_o become_v thereby_o a_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n 2_o pet._n 2._o 5._o and_o to_o abraham_n who_o thereon_o command_v his_o child_n and_o household_n to_o keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n gen._n 18._o 19_o and_o other_o instance_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n may_v be_v give_v gen._n 4._o 26._o chap._n 5._o 28._o and_o this_o course_n do_v god_n continue_v a_o long_a time_n even_o from_o the_o first_o promise_n to_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n before_o any_o revelation_n be_v commit_v to_o writing_n for_o the_o space_n of_o 2460_o year_n for_o so_o long_a a_o season_n do_v god_n enlighten_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o supernatural_a external_a immediate_a occasional_a revelation_n sundry_a thing_n may_v be_v observe_v of_o this_o divine_a dispensation_n as_o 1._o that_o it_o do_v sufficient_o evidence_n its_o self_n to_o be_v from_o god_n unto_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v grant_v and_o they_o also_o unto_o who_o these_o revelation_n be_v by_o they_o communicate_v for_o during_o this_o season_n satan_n use_v his_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o possess_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o his_o delusion_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o divine_a supernatural_a inspiration_n for_o hereunto_o belong_v the_o original_a of_o all_o his_o oracle_n and_o enthusisasme_n among_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n there_o be_v therefore_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o efficacy_n attend_v all_o divine_a revelation_n ascertain_v and_o infallable_o assure_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n of_o their_o be_v from_o god_n for_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v so_o man_n have_v never_o be_v able_a to_o secure_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v not_o impose_v on_o by_o the_o crafty_a deceit_n of_o satan_n especial_o in_o such_o revelation_n as_o seem_v to_o contain_v thing_n contrary_a to_o their_o reason_n as_o in_o the_o command_n give_v to_o abraham_n for_o the_o sacrifice_a his_o son_n gen._n 22._o 2._o wherefore_o these_o immediate_a revelation_n have_v not_o be_v a_o sufficient_a mean_n to_o secure_v the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o church_n if_o they_o have_v not_o carry_v along_o with_o they_o their_o own_o evidence_n that_o they_o be_v from_o god_n of_o what_o nature_n that_o evidence_n be_v we_o shall_v afterward_o inquire_v for_o the_o present_a i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n unto_o faith_n and_o not_o to_o sense_n as_o be_v that_o also_o which_o we_o have_v now_o by_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v not_o like_o that_o which_o the_o sun_n give_v of_o itself_o by_o its_o light_n which_o there_o need_v no_o exercise_n of_o reason_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o for_o sense_n be_v irresistible_o affect_v with_o it_o but_o it_o be_v like_o the_o evidence_n which_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n give_v of_o their_o be_v make_v and_o create_v of_o god_n and_o thereby_o of_o his_o be_v and_o power_n this_o they_o do_v undeniable_o and_o infallible_o psal._n 19_o 1_o 2._o rom._n 1._o 19_o 20_o 21._o yet_o be_v it_o require_v hereunto_o that_o man_n do_v use_v and_o exercise_v the_o best_a of_o their_o rational_a ability_n in_o the_o consideration_n and_o contemplation_n of_o they_o where_o this_o be_v neglect_v notwithstanding_o their_o open_a and_o visible_a evidence_n unto_o the_o contrary_a man_n degenerate_a into_o atheism_n god_n so_o give_v out_o these_o revelation_n of_o himself_o as_o to_o require_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o faith_n conscience_n obedience_n and_o reason_n of_o they_o unto_o who_o they_o be_v make_v and_o therein_o they_o give_v full_a assurance_n of_o their_o proceed_n from_o he_o so_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o his_o word_n differ_v from_o all_o other_o pretend_a revelation_n as_o the_o wheat_n do_v from_o the_o chaff_n jer._n 23._o 28._o but_o yet_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o try_v and_o sift_v the_o wheat_n from_o the_o chaff_n or_o we_o may_v not_o evident_o discern_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o 2._o the_o thing_n so_o reveal_v be_v sufficient_a to_o guide_v and_o direct_v all_o person_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o god_n in_o all_o that_o be_v require_v of_o they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o faith_n or_o obedience_n god_n from_o the_o beginning_n give_v out_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o sundry_a part_n and_o degree_n yet_o so_o that_o every_o age_n and_o season_n have_v light_a enough_o to_o guide_v they_o in_o the_o whole_a obedience_n require_v of_o they_o and_o unto_o their_o edification_n therein_o they_o have_v knowledge_n enough_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o offer_v sacrifice_n in_o faith_n as_o do_v abel_n to_o walk_v with_o god_n as_o do_v enoch_n and_o to_o teach_v their_o family_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o do_v abraham_n the_o world_n perish_v not_o for_o want_v of_o sufficient_a revelation_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n at_o any_o time_n indeed_o when_o we_o go_v to_o consider_v those_o divine_a instruction_n which_o be_v upon_o record_n that_o god_n grant_v unto_o they_o we_o be_v scarce_o able_a to_o discern_v how_o they_o be_v sufficient_o enlighten_v in_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o to_o believe_v and_o do_v but_o they_o be_v unto_o they_o as_o a_o light_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n set_a up_o but_o a_o candle_n in_o a_o dark_a room_n and_o it_o will_v sufficient_o enlighten_v it_o for_o man_n to_o attend_v their_o necessary_a occasion_n therein_o but_o when_o the_o sun_n be_v rise_v and_o shine_v in_o at_o all_o the_o window_n the_o light_n of_o the_o candle_n grow_v so_o dim_a and_o useless_a that_o it_o seem_v strange_a that_o any_o can_v
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
probability_n of_o success_n in_o such_o a_o undertake_n this_o the_o jew_n mark_v in_o they_o with_o contempt_n act._n 4._o 13._o and_o the_o gentile_n also_o general_o despise_v they_o on_o the_o same_o account_n as_o they_o afford_v our_o apostle_n no_o better_a title_n than_o that_o of_o a_o babbler_n act._n 17._o 18._o so_o for_o a_o long_a time_n they_o keep_v up_o the_o public_a vogue_n in_o the_o world_n that_o christianity_n be_v the_o religion_n of_o idiot_n and_o man_n illiterate_a but_o god_n have_v another_o design_n in_o this_o order_n of_o thing_n which_o our_o apostle_n declare_v upon_o a_o admission_n of_o the_o inconsiderable_a meanness_n of_o they_o unto_o who_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v commit_v 2_o cor._n 4._o 7._o we_o have_v this_o treasure_n in_o earthen_a vessel_n that_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o power_n may_v be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o we_o the_o reason_n why_o god_n will_v make_v use_n of_o such_o instrument_n only_o in_o so_o great_a a_o work_n be_v that_o through_o their_o meanness_n his_o own_o glorious_a power_n may_v be_v more_o conspicuous_a there_o be_v nothing_o more_o common_a among_o man_n nor_o more_o natural_a unto_o they_o than_o to_o admire_v the_o excellency_n of_o those_o of_o their_o own_o race_n and_o kind_a and_o a_o willingness_n to_o have_v all_o evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a supernatural_a power_n cloud_v and_o hide_a from_o they_o if_o therefore_o there_o have_v be_v such_o person_n employ_v as_o instrument_n in_o this_o work_n who_o power_n ability_n qualification_n and_o endowment_n may_v have_v be_v probable_o pretend_v as_o sufficient_a and_o the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o such_o a_o effect_n there_o will_v have_v be_v no_o observation_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n or_o glory_n of_o god_n but_o he_o who_o be_v not_o able_a to_o discern_v they_o in_o the_o bring_n about_o of_o so_o mighty_a a_o work_n by_o mean_n so_o disproportionate_a thereunto_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o unrelievable_a prejudices_fw-la intimate_v by_o our_o apostle_n in_o this_o case_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 4_o 5_o 7._o second_o the_o mean_n which_o be_v to_o be_v use_v unto_o this_o end_n namely_o the_o subdue_a of_o the_o world_n unto_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o erect_v the_o spiritual_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n who_o before_o be_v under_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o his_o adversary_n must_v either_o be_v force_n and_o arm_n or_o eloquence_n in_o plausible_a persuasive_a reason_n and_o mighty_a work_n have_v be_v wrought_v by_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o of_o they_o by_o the_o former_a have_v empire_n be_v set_v up_o and_o establish_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o superstition_n of_o mahomet_n impose_v on_o many_o nation_n and_o the_o latter_a also_o have_v have_v great_a effect_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o many_o wherefore_o it_o may_v have_v be_v expect_v that_o those_o who_o have_v engage_v themselves_o in_o so_o great_a a_o design_n and_o work_v as_o that_o mention_v shall_v betake_v themselves_o unto_o the_o one_o or_o other_o of_o these_o mean_n and_o way_n for_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n can_v contrive_v any_o way_n unto_o such_o a_o end_n but_o what_o may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o one_o of_o these_o two_o see_v neither_o upon_o the_o principle_n of_o nature_n nor_o on_o the_o rule_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n or_o policy_n can_v any_o other_o be_v imagine_v but_o even_o both_o these_o way_n be_v abandon_v by_o they_o and_o they_o declare_v against_o the_o use_n of_o either_o of_o they_o for_o as_o outward_a force_n power_n and_o authority_n they_o have_v none_o the_o use_n of_o all_o carnal_a weapon_n be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o this_o work_n and_o design_n so_o the_o other_o way_n of_o persuasive_a oration_n of_o entice_a word_n of_o allure_a art_n and_o eloquence_n with_o the_o like_a effect_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o skill_n be_v all_o of_o they_o studious_o decline_v by_o they_o in_o this_o work_n as_o thing_n extreme_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o success_n thereof_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 4_o 5._o but_o this_o alone_a they_o betake_v themselves_o unto_o they_o go_v up_o and_o down_o preach_v to_o jew_n and_o gentile_n that_o jesus_n christ_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o rise_v again_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n 1_o cor._n 15._o 3_o 4._o and_o this_o they_o do_v by_o virtue_n of_o those_o spiritual_a gift_n which_o be_v the_o hide_a power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v who_o nature_n virtue_n and_o power_n other_o be_v utter_o unacquainted_a withal_o this_o preach_v of_o they_o this_o preach_v of_o the_o cross_n both_o for_o the_o subject_a matter_n and_o manner_n of_o it_o without_o art_n eloquence_n or_o oratory_n be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o marvellous_a foolish_a thing_n a_o sweaty_a kind_n of_o babble_a by_o all_o those_o who_o have_v get_v any_o reputation_n of_o learning_n or_o cunning_a among_o man_n this_o our_o apostle_n at_o large_a discourse_v 1_o cor._n 1._o in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n every_o thing_n be_v under_o as_o many_o improbability_n of_o success_n unto_o all_o rational_a conjecture_n as_o can_v be_v conceive_v beside_o together_o with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o they_o preach_v which_o be_v new_a and_o uncouth_a unto_o the_o world_n they_o teach_v observance_n of_o religious_a worship_n in_o meeting_n assembly_n or_o conventicle_n to_o that_o end_n which_o all_o the_o law_n in_o the_o world_n do_v prohibit_v act_v 18._o 13._o c._n 16._o 21._o hereupon_o no_o soon_o do_v the_o ruler_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n begin_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o and_o what_o they_o do_v but_o they_o judge_v that_o it_o all_o tend_v to_o sedition_n and_o that_o commotion_n will_v ensue_v thereon_o these_o thing_n enrage_v the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n against_o they_o and_o their_o convert_v who_o therefore_o make_v havoc_n of_o they_o with_o incredible_a fury_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o disadvantage_n and_o against_o all_o these_o opposition_n their_o doctrine_n prevail_v to_o subdue_v the_o world_n to_o the_o obedience_n thereof_o and_o there_o may_v be_v add_v unto_o all_o these_o thing_n one_o or_o two_o consideration_n from_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o world_n which_o signalise_v the_o quality_n of_o this_o work_n and_o manifest_v it_o to_o have_v be_v of_o god_n as_o 1._o that_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o writer_n of_o it_o do_v constant_o distribute_v all_o those_o with_o who_o they_o have_v to_o do_v in_o this_o world_n into_o jew_n and_o greek_n which_o we_o render_v gentile_n the_o other_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n come_v under_o that_o denomination_n because_o of_o their_o preeminence_n on_o various_a account_n now_o the_o jew_n at_o that_o time_n be_v in_o solidum_fw-la possess_v of_o all_o the_o true_a religion_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o they_o boast_v of_o as_o their_o privilege_n bear_v up_o themselves_o with_o the_o thought_n and_o reputation_n of_o it_o every_o where_o and_o on_o all_o occasion_n it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n their_o great_a business_n to_o gain_v proselyte_n unto_o it_o whereon_o also_o their_o honour_n and_o advantage_n do_v depend_v the_o greek_n on_o the_o other_o side_n be_v in_o as_o full_a a_o possession_n of_o art_n science_n literature_n and_o all_o that_o which_o the_o world_n call_v wisdom_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v of_o religion_n and_o they_o have_v also_o a_o religion_n receive_v by_o a_o long_a tradition_n of_o their_o father_n from_o time_n immemorial_n which_o they_o have_v various_o cultivate_v and_o dress_v with_o mystery_n and_o ceremony_n unto_o their_o own_o complete_a satisfaction_n beside_o the_o roman_n who_o be_v the_o roll_a part_n of_o the_o gentile_n do_v ascribe_v all_o their_o prosperity_n and_o the_o whole_a raise_v of_o their_o stupendous_a empire_n to_o their_o god_n and_o the_o religious_a worship_n they_o give_v unto_o they_o so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o fundamental_a maxim_n in_o their_o policy_n and_o rule_n that_o they_o shall_v prosper_v or_o decay_v according_a as_o they_o observe_v or_o be_v negligent_a in_o the_o religion_n they_o have_v receive_v as_o indeed_o not_o only_o those_o who_o own_v the_o true_a god_n and_o his_o providence_n but_o before_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n have_v give_v place_n unto_o atheism_n all_o people_n do_v solemn_o impute_v all_o their_o achievement_n and_o success_n unto_o their_o god_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v of_o the_o chaldaean_n mal._n 1._o 11._o and_o he_o who_o first_o undertake_v to_o record_v the_o exploit_n of_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n do_v constant_o assign_v all_o their_o good_a and_o evil_a unto_o their_o god_n as_o they_o be_v please_v or_o provoke_v the_o roman_n in_o especial_a boast_v that_o their_o religion_n be_v the_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
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 supernatural_a rest_n upon_o that_o be_v it_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v for_o its_o own_o sake_n but_o say_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o if_o man_n will_v not_o hear_v that_o be_v believe_v 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 and_o come_v and_o preach_v unto_o they_o a_o great_a miracle_n than_o which_o they_o can_v not_o desire_v now_o this_o can_v not_o be_v speak_v if_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o contain_v in_o itself_o the_o whole_a entire_a formal_a reason_n of_o believe_v for_o if_o it_o have_v not_o this_o something_o necessary_a unto_o believe_v will_v be_v want_v though_o that_o be_v enjoy_v and_o this_o be_v direct_o affirm_v john_n 20._o 30_o 31._o and_o many_o other_o sign_n true_o do_v jesus_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o disciple_n which_o be_v not_o write_v in_o this_o book_n but_o these_o be_v write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o believe_v you_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n the_o sign_n which_o christ_n wrought_v do_v evidence_n he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o how_o come_v we_o to_o know_v and_o believe_v these_o sign_n what_o be_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n thereof_o say_v the_o bless_a apostle_n these_o thing_n be_v write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v this_o writing_n of_o they_o by_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v so_o far_o sufficient_a to_o beget_v and_o assure_v faith_n in_o you_o as_o that_o thereby_o you_o may_v have_v eternal_a life_n through_o jesus_n christ._n for_o if_o the_o writing_n of_o divine_a thing_n and_o revelation_n be_v the_o mean_v appoint_v of_o god_n to_o cause_n man_n to_o believe_v unto_o eternal_a life_n than_o it_o must_v as_o such_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v believe_v and_o ground_n whereon_o we_o shall_v do_v so_o and_o in_o like_a manner_n be_v this_o matter_n determine_v by_o the_o apostle_n peter_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21._o for_o we_o have_v not_o follow_v cunning_o devise_v fable_n when_o we_o make_v know_v unto_o you_o the_o power_n and_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o majesty_n for_o he_o receive_v from_o god_n the_o father_n honour_n and_o glory_n when_o there_o come_v such_o a_o voice_n to_o he_o from_o the_o excellent_a glory_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v and_o this_o voice_n which_o come_v from_o heaven_n we_o hear_v when_o we_o be_v with_o he_o in_o the_o holy_a mount_n we_o have_v also_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n whereunto_o you_o do_v well_o that_o you_o take_v heed_n as_o unto_o a_o light_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n until_o the_o day_n dawn_n and_o the_o daystar_n arise_v in_o your_o heart_n know_v this_o first_o that_o no_o prophecy_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n for_o the_o prophecy_n come_v not_o in_o old_a time_n by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o question_n be_v about_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o powerful_a come_v of_o jesus_n christ_n whether_o it_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v or_o no_o and_o if_o it_o be_v upon_o what_o ground_n some_o say_v it_o be_v a_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n other_o that_o it_o be_v a_o fanatical_a story_n of_o mad_a man_n as_o festus_n think_v of_o it_o when_o preach_v by_o paul_n act_v 26._o 24._o and_o very_o many_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n still_o the_o apostle_n on_o the_o contrary_n aver_v that_o what_o be_v speak_v concern_v he_o be_v word_n of_o truth_n and_o soberness_n yea_o faithful_a saying_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 15._o that_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v for_o its_o worth_n and_o truth_n the_o ground_n and_o reason_n hereof_o be_v two_o 1._o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o not_o only_o converse_v with_o jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v eye_n witness_n of_o his_o majesty_n behold_v his_o glory_n the_o glory_n as_o of_o the_o only_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n john_n 1._o 14._o which_o they_o give_v in_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n 1_o john_n 1._o 1._o but_o also_o hear_v a_o miraculous_a testimony_n give_v unto_o he_o immediate_o from_o god_n in_o heaven_n ver_fw-la 17._o 18._o this_o give_v they_o indeed_o sufficient_a assurance_n but_o whereinto_o shall_v they_o resolve_v their_o faith_n who_o hear_v not_o this_o testimony_n why_o they_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a that_o be_v a_o most_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n that_o be_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v sufficient_a of_o itself_o to_o secure_v their_o faith_n in_o this_o matter_n especial_o as_o confirm_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n whereby_o the_o church_n come_v to_o be_v build_v in_o its_o faith_n on_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n ephes._n 2._o 20._o but_o why_o shall_v we_o believe_v this_o word_n of_o prophecy_n may_v not_o that_o also_o be_v a_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n and_o the_o whole_a scripture_n be_v but_o the_o suggestion_n of_o man_n private_a spirit_n as_o be_v object_v ver._n 20._o all_o be_v final_o resolve_v into_o this_o that_o the_o writer_n of_o it_o be_v immediate_o move_v and_o act_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o which_o divine_a original_a it_o carry_v along_o its_o own_o evidence_n with_o it_o plain_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o be_v that_o we_o believe_v all_o other_o divine_a truth_n for_o the_o scripture_n sake_n or_o because_o they_o be_v declare_v therein_o but_o the_o scripture_n we_o believe_v for_o its_o own_o sake_n or_o because_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n write_v it_o as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o be_v the_o whole_a object_n of_o faith_n propose_v by_o the_o same_o apostle_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 2._o the_o word_n that_o be_v speak_v before_o by_o the_o holy_a prophet_n and_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o because_o our_o faith_n be_v resolve_v into_o they_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n as_o be_v say_v eph._n 2._o 20._o that_o be_v our_o faith_n rest_v sole_o as_o on_o its_o proper_a foundation_n which_o bear_v the_o weight_n of_o it_o on_o the_o authority_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o their_o write_n hereunto_o we_o may_v add_v that_o of_o paul_n rom._n 16._o 25_o 26._o according_a to_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o mystery_n which_o be_v keep_v secret_a since_o the_o world_n begin_v but_o now_o be_v make_v manifest_a and_o by_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o prophet_n according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o everlasting_a god_n make_v know_v unto_o all_o nation_n for_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n the_o matter_n to_o be_v believe_v be_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v keep_v secret_a since_o the_o world_n begin_v or_o from_o the_o give_v of_o the_o first_o promise_n not_o absolute_o but_o with_o respect_n unto_o that_o full_a manifestation_n which_o it_o have_v now_o receive_v this_o god_n command_v to_o be_v believe_v the_o everlasting_a god_n he_o who_o have_v sovereign_a authority_n over_o all_o require_v faith_n in_o a_o way_n of_o obedience_n hereunto_o but_o what_o ground_n or_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o this_o alone_a be_v propose_v namely_o the_o divine_a revelation_n make_v in_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o apostle_n and_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n for_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n rom._n 10._o 17._o this_o course_n and_o no_o other_o do_v our_o saviour_n even_o after_o his_o resurrection_n take_v to_o beget_v and_o confirm_v faith_n in_o the_o disciple_n luk._n 24._o 25_o 26_o 27._o that_o great_a testimony_n to_o this_o purpose_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o i_o do_v not_o plead_v in_o particular_a because_o i_o have_v so_o full_o insist_v on_o it_o in_o another_o discourse_n from_o these_o and_o many_o other_o testimony_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n which_o may_v be_v produce_v it_o be_v evident_a 1._o that_o it_o be_v the_o scripture_n itself_o the_o word_n or_o will_n of_o god_n as_o reveal_v or_o write_v which_o be_v propose_v unto_o we_o as_o the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o we_o be_v to_o receive_v and_o believe_v with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a 2._o that_o no_o other_o reason_n be_v propose_v unto_o we_o either_o as_o a_o motive_n to_o encourage_v we_o or_o as_o a_o argument_n to_o assure_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o
nor_o by_o miracle_n nor_o by_o immediate_a revelation_n or_o private_a subjective_n testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n nor_o be_v their_o faith_n a_o persuasion_n of_o mind_n that_o they_o can_v give_v no_o reason_n of_o but_o only_o that_o they_o be_v so_o persuade_v but_o it_o will_v be_v yet_o further_o object_v that_o if_o there_o be_v such_o clear_a evidence_n in_o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o be_v in_o the_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o none_o who_o free_o use_v their_o reason_n can_v deny_v it_o than_o it_o lie_v either_o in_o the_o naked_a proposal_n of_o the_o thing_n unto_o the_o understanding_n and_o if_o so_o than_o every_o one_o that_o assent_v unto_o this_o proposition_n that_o the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o the_o part_n must_v likewise_o assent_v unto_o this_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o the_o evidence_n must_v not_o lie_v in_o the_o naked_a proposal_n but_o in_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o they_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v propose_v answ._n 1._o i_o know_v no_o divine_a ancient_a or_o modern_a popish_a or_o protestant_n who_o do_v not_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v a_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n necessary_a unto_o a_o due_a belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o consideration_n hereof_o ought_v not_o by_o any_o christian_n to_o be_v exclude_v but_o they_o say_v not_o that_o this_o be_v the_o objective_a testimony_n or_o evidence_n on_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n concern_v which_o alone_a be_v our_o enquiry_n 2._o we_o do_v not_o dispute_v how_o far_o or_o by_o what_o mean_v this_o proposition_n the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v be_v evidence_v mere_o unto_o our_o reason_n but_o unto_o our_o understanding_n as_o capable_a of_o give_v a_o assent_n upon_o testimony_n it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o this_o be_v a_o first_o principle_n of_o reason_n though_o it_o be_v of_o faith_n nor_o that_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o mathematical_a demonstration_n that_o the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o the_o part_n be_v self-evident_a unto_o our_o reason_n upon_o its_o first_o proposal_n but_o such_o none_o pretend_v to_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n because_o it_o be_v a_o subject_n not_o capable_a of_o it_o nor_o do_v those_o who_o deny_v the_o self-evidence_n of_o the_o scripture_n pretend_v by_o their_o argument_n for_o its_o divine_a authority_n to_o give_v such_o a_o evidence_n of_o it_o unto_o reason_n as_o be_v in_o first_o principles_n or_o mathematical_a demonstration_n but_o content_v themselves_o with_o that_o which_o they_o call_v a_o moral_a certainty_n but_o it_o be_v by_o faith_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n which_o respect_v the_o power_n of_o our_o mind_n of_o assent_n unto_o truth_n upon_o testimony_n infallible_o on_o that_o which_o be_v infallible_a and_o hereunto_o it_o evidence_v its_o own_o truth_n not_o with_o the_o same_o but_o with_o a_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n and_o noble_a kind_n than_o that_o of_o the_o strict_a demonstration_n in_o thing_n natural_a or_o the_o most_o forcible_a arguman_n in_o thing_n moral_a 3._o it_o will_v be_v object_v that_o if_o this_o be_v so_o then_o none_o can_v be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o have_v not_o faith_n and_o none_o have_v faith_n but_o those_o in_o who_o it_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o thereinto_o all_o will_v be_v resolve_v at_o last_o answ._n 1._o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o this_o objection_n for_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v plead_v only_o as_o he_o be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o believe_v and_o not_o the_o objective_n or_o reason_n why_o we_o do_v believe_v but_o 2._o we_o must_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o resolve_v all_o we_o do_v well_o spiritual_o and_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o efficacious_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o we_o unless_o we_o intend_v to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n but_o this_o still_o make_v his_o internal_a operation_n to_o be_v the_o efficient_a and_o not_o his_o internal_a testimony_n to_o be_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o faith_n 3._o it_o be_v another_o question_n whether_o all_o obligation_n unto_o duty_n be_v and_o must_v be_v proportionate_a unto_o our_o own_o strength_n without_o divine_a assistance_n which_o we_o deny_v and_o affirm_v that_o we_o be_v oblige_v unto_o many_o thing_n by_o virtue_n of_o god_n command_n which_o we_o have_v no_o power_n to_o answer_v but_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o grace_n 4._o where_o the_o proposal_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v make_v in_o the_o way_n before_o describe_v those_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v propose_v be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v it_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o evidence_n which_o it_o give_v of_o itself_o so_o to_o be_v yea_o every_o real_a true_a divine_a revelation_n make_v unto_o man_n or_o every_o proposal_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o divine_a providence_n have_v that_o evidence_n of_o its_o be_v from_o god_n accompany_v of_o it_o as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o oblige_v they_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v make_v to_o believe_v it_o on_o pain_n of_o his_o displeasure_n if_o this_o be_v otherwise_o then_o either_o be_v god_n oblige_v to_o confirm_v every_o particular_a divine_a revelation_n with_o a_o miracle_n which_o as_o to_o its_o obligation_n unto_o believe_v want_v not_o its_o difficulty_n which_o he_o do_v not_o as_o in_o many_o of_o the_o prophet_n nor_o do_v at_o this_o day_n at_o the_o first_o proposal_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o heathen_a or_o else_o when_o he_o require_v faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o such_o way_n as_o in_o his_o wisdom_n he_o judge_v meet_v that_o be_v in_o the_o ordinary_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n they_o be_v not_o oblige_v thereby_o nor_o be_v it_o their_o sin_n to_o refuse_v a_o compliance_n with_o his_o will._n 5._o if_o this_o difficulty_n can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o avoid_v but_o by_o affirm_v that_o the_o faith_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o with_o respect_n unto_o his_o word_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o natural_a assent_n unto_o it_o upon_o rational_a argument_n and_o consideration_n which_o we_o have_v a_o ability_n for_o without_o any_o spiritual_a aid_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o respect_n unto_o his_o testimony_n as_o before_o describe_v which_o overthrow_v all_o faith_n especial_o that_o which_o be_v divine_a i_o shall_v rather_o ten_o thousand_o time_n allow_v of_o all_o the_o just_a consequence_n that_o can_v follow_v on_o the_o supposition_n mention_v than_o admit_v of_o this_o relief_n but_o of_o those_o consequence_n this_o be_v none_o that_o any_o unto_o who_o the_o scripture_n be_v propose_v be_v except_v from_o a_o obligation_n unto_o believe_v in_o like_a manner_n there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n in_o the_o usual_a objection_n which_o respect_v particular_a book_n of_o the_o scripture_n why_o we_o receive_v they_o as_o canonical_a and_o reject_v other_o as_o namely_o the_o book_n of_o proverb_n and_o not_o of_o wisdom_n of_o ecclesiaste_n and_o not_o ecclesiasticus_fw-la for_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o have_v the_o canon_n of_o they_o give_v we_o in_o the_o new_a where_o it_o be_v affirm_v that_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n which_o both_o confirm_v all_o that_o we_o receive_v and_o exclude_v all_o that_o we_o exclude_v and_o unto_o the_o new_a there_o be_v no_o pretender_n nor_o ever_o be_v to_o the_o least_o exercise_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o any_o 2._o all_o book_n whatever_o that_o have_v either_o themselves_o pretend_a unto_o a_o divine_a original_a or_o have_v be_v plead_v by_o other_o to_o be_v of_o that_o extract_v have_v be_v and_o may_v be_v from_o themselves_o without_o further_a help_n evict_v of_o falsehood_n in_o that_o pretence_n they_o have_v all_o of_o they_o hitherto_o in_o matter_n or_o manner_n in_o plain_a confession_n or_o other_o sufficient_a evidence_n manifest_v themselves_o to_o be_v of_o a_o human_a original_a and_o much_o danger_n be_v not_o to_o be_v fear_v from_o any_o that_o for_o the_o future_a shall_v set_v forth_o with_o the_o same_o pretence_n 3._o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o refuse_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o advantage_n of_o providence_n whereby_o the_o scripture_n be_v bring_v unto_o we_o with_o the_o testimony_n which_o either_o direct_o or_o collateral_o any_o one_o part_n of_o it_o give_v unto_o another_o although_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o believe_v for_o itself_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o ordinary_o to_o be_v believe_v by_o itself_o without_o
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
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 whole_a with_o the_o testimony_n of_o they_o by_o who_o the_o truth_n which_o we_o assert_v be_v most_o vehement_o oppose_v when_o it_o rise_v in_o opposition_n unto_o a_o especial_a interest_n of_o their_o own_o two_o thing_n there_o be_v which_o be_v principal_o except_v against_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o protestant_n concern_v our_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o first_o be_v with_o respect_n unto_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o faith_n for_o whereas_o they_o teach_v that_o no_o man_n can_v 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 and_o according_a unto_o his_o duty_n without_o the_o real_a internal_a aid_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n however_o it_o be_v propose_v unto_o he_o and_o with_o what_o argument_n soever_o the_o truth_n of_o its_o divine_a original_a be_v confirm_v this_o be_v charge_v on_o they_o as_o a_o error_n and_o a_o crime_n and_o second_o whereas_o they_o also_o 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