the_o scripture_n without_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o they_o but_o i_o shall_v add_v three_o if_o any_o shall_v ask_v who_o give_v they_o that_o warrant_v to_o determine_v concern_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n if_o they_o shall_v say_v to_o a_o pagan_a that_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o say_v it_o and_o i_o have_v authority_n to_o declare_v it_o if_o the_o pagan_a shall_v say_v where_o be_v your_o evidence_n that_o you_o have_v that_o authority_n if_o they_o can_v adduce_v any_o may_v not_o he_o just_o allege_v that_o they_o bear_v witness_n of_o themselves_o all_o the_o evidence_n they_o afford_v to_o any_o be_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v infallible_a and_o when_o they_o be_v put_v to_o that_o they_o adduce_v these_o passage_n mat._n 16.18_o thou_o be_v peter_n etc._n etc._n luke_n 22.32_o joh._n 21.15_o well_o say_v i_o have_v these_o testimony_n divine_a authority_n to_o persuade_v man_n concern_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o must_v man_n believe_v that_o antecedent_o to_o their_o receive_v their_o testimony_n concern_v the_o scripture_n if_o so_o than_o not_o only_a themselves_o who_o testify_v but_o other_o who_o be_v to_o receive_v their_o testimony_n must_v be_v persuade_v of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n antecedent_o to_o that_o testimony_n in_o a_o word_n when_o they_o will_v prove_v their_o authority_n they_o run_v to_o the_o scripture_n and_o in_o prove_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o recur_n to_o their_o own_o testimony_n and_o so_o run_v in_o a_o circle_n i_o may_v add_v a_o four_o thing_n to_o discuss_v their_o authority_n from_o their_o own_o principle_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v hint_n at_o three_o word_n i_o hope_v they_o will_v grant_v that_o they_o who_o testify_v concern_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n must_v be_v christian_n not_o pagan_n church-officer_n not_o laic_n now_o by_o their_o principle_n how_o can_v they_o satisfy_v the_o christian_a world_n that_o their_o pope_n be_v not_o a_o unbaptised_n pagan_a or_o a_o mere_a private_a person_n i_o shall_v not_o find_v my_o doubt_n upon_o pope_n leo_n the_o ten_o his_o creed_n that_o say_v the_o fable_n concern_v christ_n have_v be_v a_o gainful_a fable_n but_o upon_o their_o make_v the_o real_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n to_o depend_v upon_o the_o real_a intention_n of_o the_o priest_n that_o administrat_n they_o and_o so_o i_o reason_n it_o be_v impossible_a moral_o to_o know_v that_o the_o present_a pope_n be_v a_o baptize_v christian_a or_o a_o church_n officer_n in_o regard_n we_o can_v know_v what_o be_v the_o intention_n of_o he_o that_o baptize_v or_o ordain_v â—im_n and_o what_o a_o blind_a be_v it_o to_o cause_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n depend_v upon_o such_o a_o uncertainty_n 2._o consider_v again_o their_o sin_n of_o simony_n we_o find_v their_o history_n full_a especial_o in_o these_o dark_a time_n some_o while_n bâ—fore_o the_o reformation_n of_o their_o symoniacal_a pope_n who_o by_o bud_v and_o bribe_n and_o one_o by_o feign_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n to_o out_o his_o predecessor_n do_v advance_v themselves_o into_o the_o chaiâ—_n now_o by_o their_o own_o cannon_n law_n simony_n make_v void_a the_o election_n and_o nullify_v all_o the_o act_n follow_v thereon_o now_o suppose_v a_o pope_n get_v into_o the_o châ—ir_n by_o simony_n and_o â—â—eats_v cardinal_n who_o elect_v his_o successor_n their_o act_n &_o his_o election_n be_v null_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o any_o ecclesiastical_a act_n &_o particular_o for_o testify_v concern_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n 3._o i_o will_v know_v how_o the_o christian_a world_n shall_v know_v the_o pope_n declare_v concern_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n since_o very_o few_o have_v access_n to_o he_o except_o we_o take_v the_o testimony_n of_o humane_a write_n or_o some_o wander_a priest_n with_o his_o papal_a bull_n and_o lead_v affix_v to_o they_o shall_v we_o give_v credit_n to_o these_o bull_n carry_v by_o his_o priest_n because_o they_o have_v the_o ordinar_a character_n of_o papal_a bull_n and_o shall_v â—e_v not_o for_o all_o the_o divine_a character_n that_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n creâ—â—t_v they_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n from_o all_o which_o you_o will_v learn_v to_o look_v upon_o the_o romish_a religion_n as_o a_o religion_n wherein_o you_o have_v no_o ground_n of_o certainâ—y_a to_o go_v on_o and_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o faith_n in_o the_o romish_a religion_n but_o that_o which_o be_v ultimate_o a_o humane_a faith_n for_o if_o they_o give_v we_o scripture_n how_o know_v 〈◊〉_d that_o it_o be_v scripture_n they_o tell_v we_o their_o church_n say_v so_o 〈◊〉_d know_v we_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o church_n testimony_n 〈◊〉_d pope_n say_v so_o and_o for_o that_o we_o have_v but_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o humane_a write_n and_o of_o his_o priest_n bull_n and_o suppose_v we_o shall_v go_v to_o rome_n we_o shall_v not_o get_v easy_a access_n to_o he_o and_o though_o we_o shall_v get_v access_n to_o he_o we_o know_v not_o what_o he_o be_v whether_o a_o baptize_v christian_a or_o a_o unbaptised_a pagan_a and_o the_o priest_n that_o baptize_v he_o have_v not_o the_o due_a intention_n so_o that_o ultimate_o all_o the_o faith_n in_o the_o romish_a religion_n result_n into_o a_o humane_a report_n but_o if_o the_o lord_n will_v i_o shall_v in_o the_o afternoon_n let_v you_o see_v other_o evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o go_v to_o rome_n for_o their_o testimony_n take_v the_o bible_n seek_v that_o spirit_n that_o dictate_v the_o bible_n look_v on_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o true_a history_n look_v oâ—_n it_o with_o that_o credit_n you_o look_v on_o titus_n livius_n quintus_fw-la curtius_n buchannan_n or_o any_o other_o humane_a writing_n and_o they_o will_v prove_v their_o own_o divinity_n this_o i_o say_v if_o the_o lord_n will_v i_o shall_v follow_v forth_o more_o distinct_o in_o the_o afternoon_n and_o therefore_o i_o leave_v it_o and_o speak_v a_o word_n to_o profane_a caviller_n at_o the_o scripture_n authority_n there_o be_v a_o word_n christ_n have_v in_o assort_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o hâ—_n doctrine_n which_o you_o will_v notice_n job_n 7.10_o my_o doctrine_n be_v not_o i_o but_o his_o that_o send_v i_o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n be_v shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o the_o meaning_n whereof_o be_v not_o that_o folk_n must_v first_o obey_v ere_o they_o know_v the_o divinity_n of_o his_o doctrine_n nor_o be_v it_o that_o the_o word_n need_v the_o charity_n of_o well_o dispose_v person_n but_o this_o be_v it_o that_o he_o must_v be_v in_o a_o good_a frame_n that_o will_v take_v up_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o word_n i_o mark_v it_o for_o this_o end_n because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o atheist_n antiscripturists_a mocker_n of_o scripture_n denier_n of_o the_o be_v of_o spirit_n immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n and_o it_o be_v to_o little_a or_o no_o purpose_n to_o discourse_v to_o they_o of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v with_o they_o as_o with_o that_o man_n who_o say_v non_fw-la persuadebis_fw-la etiamsi_fw-la persuaseris_fw-la although_o thou_o convince_v i_o thou_o shall_v not_o persuade_v i_o they_o have_v do_v with_o their_o part_n of_o happiness_n if_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a authority_n and_o therefore_o they_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v that_o it_o be_v so_o for_o these_o i_o shall_v leave_v they_o to_o these_o two_o word_n one_o be_v psal_n 9.16_o the_o lord_n be_v know_v by_o the_o judgement_n which_o he_o execute_v they_o that_o will_v not_o see_v god_n in_o his_o bible_n shall_v see_v and_o find_v he_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o judgement_n upon_o they_o the_o other_o word_n be_v zech._n 1._o when_o verse_n 4._o he_o have_v speak_v of_o their_o father_n who_o when_o they_o be_v bid_v turn_n will_v not_o hear_v nor_o hearken_v he_o say_v verse_n 6._o but_o my_o word_n and_o my_o statute_n do_v they_o not_o take_v hold_n of_o your_o father_n and_o they_o return_v and_o say_v as_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n think_v to_o do_v unto_o we_o according_a to_o our_o way_n and_o according_a to_o our_o do_n so_o have_v he_o deal_v with_o we_o i_o leave_v these_o malicious_a and_o desperate_a man_n who_o be_v harden_v in_o their_o impiety_n to_o have_v the_o scripture_n verify_v on_o they_o but_o a_o man_n that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o walk_v humble_o
use_v sinful_a shift_n to_o be_v out_o of_o it_o fall_v in_o these_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n of_o adultery_n and_o murder_n and_o he_o that_o fall_v in_o these_o sin_n after_o repentance_n for_o other_o escape_n why_o may_v he_o not_o after_o repentance_n have_v fall_v in_o these_o same_o sin_n over_o again_o if_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v not_o prevent_v it_o for_o though_o repentance_n for_o particular_a fault_n leave_v behind_o it_o a_o impression_n of_o the_o bitterness_n of_o these_o sin_n and_o make_v they_o to_o be_v loathe_v which_o will_v make_v it_o more_o improbable_a they_o will_v be_v relapse_v in_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a otherwise_o true_a repentance_n be_v for_o all_o sin_n it_o shall_v prevent_v relapse_v in_o any_o sin_n a_o second_o word_n which_o i_o shall_v say_v for_o clear_v the_o case_n shall_v be_v this_o that_o as_o true_a repentance_n be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o relapse_v in_o sin_n so_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o scripture_n to_o determine_v that_o relapse_v in_o sin_n after_o repentance_n be_v unpardonable_a it_o be_v not_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o pardonable_a isai_n 55.7_o our_o god_n will_v multiply_v to_o pardon_v even_o as_o often_o as_o the_o sinner_n repent_v and_o come_v again_o to_o he_o to_o seek_v pardon_n be_v it_o till_o seventy_o time_n seven_o time_n as_o he_o bid_v we_o forgive_v other_o when_o they_o sin_n against_o we_o matth._n 18_o 22._o and_o hos_fw-la 14.4_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o heal_v backslide_n now_o these_o be_v after_o repentance_n when_o his_o people_n fall_v back_o in_o the_o same_o sin_n out_o of_o which_o they_o have_v be_v recover_v by_o repentance_n and_o for_o instance_n of_o this_o you_o shall_v only_o ponder_v these_o two_o one_o be_v 2_o chron_n 18._o jehosaphat_n his_o join_v in_o affinity_n with_o achab_n for_o which_o he_o be_v reprove_v by_o a_o prophet_n ch._n 19.2_o and_o his_o repentance_n be_v apparent_a in_o the_o reformation_n he_o fall_v about_o and_o yet_o chap._n 20.35_o he_o fall_v in_o the_o same_o sin_n in_o join_v with_o achaziah_n to_o make_v ship_n to_o go_v to_o tarshish_n in_o eziongeber_n which_o be_v break_v for_o which_o he_o be_v also_o reprove_v repent_v and_o be_v pardon_v another_o instance_n be_v that_o of_o jonah_n a_o man_n that_o flee_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o send_v to_o niniveh_n and_o be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n for_o that_o sin_n in_o the_o belly_n of_o the_o fish_n chap._n 2_o yet_o he_o fall_v in_o the_o same_o sin_n ch._n 4.2_o not_o in_o flee_v away_o from_o god_n but_o in_o repine_v at_o his_o mercy_n and_o in_o his_o opinion_n declare_v it_o be_v needless_a to_o go_v to_o niniveh_n and_o justify_v his_o former_a flee_v away_o these_o be_v two_o clear_a instance_n of_o relapse_v in_o sin_n after_o repentance_n and_o pardon_n for_o it_o this_o i_o will_v not_o have_v abuse_v i_o may_v have_v occasion_n hereafter_o to_o speak_v to_o what_o prejudice_n relapse_v in_o sin_n bring_v with_o it_o as_o that_o it_o will_v bring_v former_a pardon_n in_o question_n and_o under_o debate_n and_o though_o a_o penitent_a may_v be_v pardon_v yet_o it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o board_n with_o sin_n after_o god_n have_v speak_v peace_n to_o return_v to_o folly_n and_o to_o proclaim_v that_o all_o the_o bitterness_n folk_n have_v find_v in_o sin_n be_v nothing_o only_o i_o can_v conceal_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n from_o any_o that_o may_v be_v under_o a_o temptation_n that_o have_v repent_v such_o and_o such_o sin_n they_o have_v relapse_v in_o they_o and_o therefore_o as_o they_o question_v their_o repentance_n so_o they_o think_v they_o be_v to_o expect_v no_o more_o pardon_n you_o have_v it_o clear_v from_o scripture_n that_o these_o be_v but_o temptation_n that_o god_n will_v multiply_v to_o pardon_v upon_o repentance_n isai_n 55.7_o and_o though_o folk_n have_v play_v the_o harlot_n with_o many_o lover_n and_o among_o hand_n have_v rue_v their_o wander_n they_o may_v return_v again_o unto_o the_o lord_n jer._n 3.1_o now_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o general_a head_n of_o this_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o remission_n of_o sin_n to_o wit_n the_o consideration_n of_o that_o which_o be_v pardon_v i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o general_a question_n and_o that_o be_v anent_o the_o author_n of_o pardon_n or_o who_o it_o be_v that_o pardon_n iniquity_n even_o god_n there_o be_v forgivenness_n with_o thou_o say_v the_o text_n that_o be_v as_o i_o expon_v in_o the_o entry_n it_o be_v thy_o property_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o pretender_n it_o be_v thy_o property_n and_o prerogative_n when_o both_o the_o law_n and_o the_o conscience_n have_v condemn_v to_o pardon_v and_o forgive_v sin_n this_o be_v a_o truth_n that_o be_v hold_v fast_o in_o the_o jewish_a church_n when_o it_o be_v most_o corrupt_a therefore_o mark_v 2.7_o when_o christ_n pardon_v the_o man_n sick_a of_o the_o palsy_n the_o scribe_n say_v why_o do_v this_o man_n speak_v blasphemy_n who_o can_v forgive_v sin_n but_o god_n only_o and_o it_o be_v one_o of_o god_n title_n exod._n 34.6_o 7._o that_o he_o forgive_v iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n and_o he_o take_v it_o to_o himself_o as_o his_o prerogative_n isai_n 43.25_o ay_o even_o i_o be_o he_o that_o blot_v out_o thy_o transgression_n and_o matth_n 9.2_o etc._n etc._n christ_n in_o cure_v the_o palsy_n man_n parallel_v the_o pardon_v of_o his_o sin_n with_o the_o heal_n of_o his_o disease_n as_o proof_n of_o his_o deity_n show_v that_o both_o be_v alike_o difficult_a and_o prove_v he_o to_o be_v god_n i_o must_v here_o clear_v a_o seem_a difficulty_n that_o be_v that_o pardon_n of_o sin_n be_v attribute_n to_o other_o both_o minister_n and_o private_a person_n it_o be_v attribute_n to_o minister_n as_o john_n 20._o 23._o as_o the_o father_n have_v send_v i_o even_o so_o send_v i_o you_o receive_v you_o the_o holy_a ghost_n whosoever_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v and_o whosoever_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v unto_o they_o but_o certain_o it_o be_v god_n only_o can_v loose_v a_o man_n from_o everlasting_a wrath_n due_a to_o he_o for_o sin_n and_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n only_o can_v declare_v who_o god_n will_v pardon_v only_o as_o ambrose_n say_v well_o minister_n be_v judge_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o pardon_n but_o without_o any_o absolute_a authority_n in_o that_o matter_n and_o for_o clear_v of_o this_o you_o will_v distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o external_a court_n in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o internal_a court_n in_o the_o conscience_n in_o the_o external_a court_n in_o the_o church_n minister_n have_v a_o power_n from_o christ_n to_o remit_v scandal_n to_o scandalous_a person_n upon_o their_o serious_a profession_n of_o repentance_n to_o take_v in_o a_o man_n that_o have_v fall_v in_o a_o scandalous_a sin_n upon_o the_o profession_n of_o repentance_n and_o to_o remit_v the_o scandal_n in_o the_o internal_a court_n of_o the_o conscience_n minister_n have_v a_o ministerial_a power_n upon_o scandalous_a sinner_n their_o repentance_n ministerial_o to_o declare_v they_o be_v pardon_v upon_o their_o repentance_n &_o they_o walk_v according_o to_o their_o commission_n who_o sin_n they_o bound_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o they_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n mat._n 16.19_o and_o 18.18_o but_o minister_n ex_fw-la pleniâ—udine_fw-la potestatis_fw-la as_o the_o pope_n speak_v have_v not_o a_o absolute_a and_o illimited_a power_n to_o pardon_v who_o and_o when_o and_o as_o they_o will_n they_o be_v but_o delegate_n and_o must_v walk_v according_a to_o their_o commission_n in_o pardon_v of_o sin_n or_o rather_o pronounce_v pardon_n of_o sin_n neither_o have_v they_o power_n of_o pardong_o sin_n upon_o condition_n of_o their_o own_o devise_v such_o as_o pennance_n pilgrimage_n visit_v of_o rome_n in_o the_o year_n of_o jubilee_n etc._n etc._n where_o to_o mark_v it_o in_o the_o by_o the_o papist_n method_n in_o this_o be_v preposterous_a they_o first_o pardon_v and_o then_o enjoin_v penance_n and_o such_o thing_n as_o christ_n have_v not_o prescribe_v neither_o must_v they_o take_v money_n and_o dispense_v with_o repentance_n a_o fruit_n of_o faith_n upon_o which_o pardon_n be_v promise_v this_o be_v but_o a_o cheat_n to_o hold_v their_o kiâ—chen_n reek_v caesar_n borgia_n the_o son_n of_o alexander_n the_o six_o when_o he_o have_v lose_v a_o hundred_o thousand_o crown_n at_o the_o dice_n he_o pass_v it_o in_o a_o sport_n say_v those_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o german_n that_o be_v they_o have_v be_v purchase_v for_o the_o remission_n of_o their_o sin_n again_o it_o be_v attribute_v to_o private_a person_n and_o for_o private_a person_n their_o pardon_v
not_o perform_v it_o and_o psal_n 56.4_o in_o god_n i_o will_v praise_v his_o word_n and_o psal_n 60.6_o 7._o god_n have_v speak_v in_o his_o holiness_n i_o will_v rejoice_v etc._n etc._n in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v to_o little_a purpose_n to_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o a_o wait_a posture_n to_o offer_v to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o word_n and_o make_v use_n of_o it_o except_o they_o lean_v their_o weight_n on_o it_o and_o be_v determine_v by_o it_o otherwise_o a_o man_n may_v sâ—arve_v beside_o his_o allowance_n he_o may_v see_v enough_o in_o the_o bible_n to_o make_v he_o up_o and_o yet_o not_o be_v the_o better_a of_o it_o because_o he_o will_v not_o captivat_fw-la his_o sense_n reason_n and_o carnal_a imagination_n to_o credit_v and_o lay_v weight_n on_o it_o but_o to_o press_v and_o follow_v this_o forth_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o 3d_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o in_o this_o head_n of_o doctrine_n and_o it_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v lean_v weight_n upon_o the_o word_n and_o it_o may_v put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o controversy_n that_o may_v arise_v in_o our_o bosom_n we_o will_v fix_v this_o principle_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v of_o divine_a authority_n and_o of_o infallible_a verity_n and_o certainty_n that_o be_v a_o principle_n a_o man_n that_o will_v live_v by_o faith_n must_v fix_v that_o as_o it_o be_v tit._n 1.2_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o he_o that_o can_v lie_v here_o it_o be_v that_o faith_n resolve_v to_o wait_v on_o god_n must_v begin_v his_o exercise_n to_o fix_v this_o well_o that_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v therein_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o faithful_a god_n that_o they_o be_v of_o infallible_a verity_n and_o divine_a authority_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o apostle_n 2_o pet._n 1.19_o be_v press_v upon_o believer_n to_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n than_o the_o voice_n that_o come_v from_o heaven_n he_o intimat_n in_o the_o two_o follow_a verse_n that_o that_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n except_o they_o know_v first_o that_o no_o prophecy_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n the_o meaning_n whereof_o be_v not_o that_o private_a spirit_n must_v not_o expone_fw-la or_o give_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o passage_n speak_v not_o of_o the_o interpretation_n or_o give_v of_o the_o sense_n but_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o which_o sense_n prophet_n be_v inspire_v to_o reveal_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o his_o will_n betwixt_o he_o and_o man_n as_o aaron_n be_v betwixt_o moses_n and_o pharaoh_n when_o moses_n be_v unto_o he_o as_o a_o god_n as_o the_o heathen_a sibyl_n werâ—_n call_v deorum_n interpretes_n and_o so_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o of_o any_o private_a inspiration_n by_o man_n but_o from_o god_n as_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o reason_n which_o he_o give_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n for_o the_o prophecy_n come_v not_o of_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 these_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n â—ould_v he_o say_v to_o which_o i_o invite_v you_o to_o take_v heed_n be_v of_o divine_a authority_n speak_v by_o holy_a man_n as_o they_o be_v inspire_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o his_o you_o must_v know_v and_o believe_v ere_o you_o can_v receive_v light_n and_o comfort_n from_o they_o hence_o paul_n deal_v with_o agrippa_n act._n 26.27_o press_v he_o to_o look_v to_o the_o scripture_n divine_a authority_n as_o be_v a_o solid_a ground_n of_o faith_n king_n agrippa_n believe_v thou_o the_o prophet_n i_o know_v that_o thou_o believe_v he_o threap_v upon_o he_o that_o he_o believe_v this_o principle_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v fix_v our_o work_n in_o fix_v it_o may_v soon_o be_v at_o a_o end_n if_o we_o be_v quit_v of_o the_o wicked_a and_o perverse_a clamour_n of_o papist_n who_o expect_v little_a kindness_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o i_o assert_v the_o last_o day_n be_v in_o top_n with_o it_o at_o every_o bout_n they_o will_v have_v none_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n without_o their_o licence_n and_o when_o they_o be_v read_v they_o will_v not_o have_v they_o a_o perfect_a rule_n for_o faith_n and_o manner_n without_o their_o tradition_n not_o will_v they_o grant_v that_o they_o can_v be_v understand_v without_o their_o interpretation_n and_o in_o the_o point_n i_o be_o upon_o they_o will_v not_o have_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n in_o respect_n of_o we_o what_o ever_o authority_n they_o have_v of_o themselves_o more_o than_o the_o fable_n of_o aesop_n without_o the_o testimony_n of_o their_o church_n so_o blasphemous_o speak_v they_o against_o that_o scripture_n from_o which_o they_o expect_v so_o little_a friendship_n for_o we_o we_o acknowledge_v it_o be_v a_o mercy_n that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n to_o hand_n down_o the_o scripture_n to_o we_o and_o that_o we_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n by_o her_o ministry_n 〈◊〉_d sure_a that_o testimony_n be_v not_o from_o the_o romish_a church_n only_o the_o ancient_n when_o they_o speak_v of_o testimony_n concern_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n adduce_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n be_v then_o orthodox_n only_o among_o other_o church_n and_o there_o be_v many_o other_o church_n beside_o the_o protestant_n who_o acknowledge_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n such_o as_o the_o grecian_a ethiopian_a armenian_a church_n and_o other_o whatever_o the_o church_n do_v in_o assert_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n she_o be_v in_o that_o like_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n joh._n 4._o who_o testify_v to_o the_o samaritan_n concern_v christ_n say_v come_v see_v a_o man_n that_o tell_v i_o all_o that_o ever_o i_o do_v be_v not_o this_o the_o christ_n but_o when_o they_o come_v to_o he_o on_o her_o information_n they_o say_v now_o we_o believe_v not_o because_o of_o thy_o information_n and_o say_v for_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v he_o ourselves_o and_o know_v that_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o christ_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n they_o found_v not_o their_o faith_n on_o her_o testimony_n though_o that_o be_v inductive_a to_o their_o meeting_n with_o christ_n but_o ascend_v to_o their_o own_o persuasion_n which_o be_v found_v on_o their_o hear_n of_o he_o themselves_o but_o to_o batter_v out_o this_o a_o little_a which_o you_o may_v have_v to_o do_v with_o ere_o long_o &_o to_o let_v you_o see_v that_o the_o scripture_n must_v not_o subject_v its_o authority_n to_o the_o roman_a church_n i_o shall_v speak_v a_o little_a to_o these_o four_o 1._o i_o inquire_v whether_o they_o have_v give_v this_o testimony_n or_o not_o further_o whether_o it_o be_v arbitrary_a for_o they_o to_o give_v it_o or_o not_o if_o it_o be_v arbitrary_a and_o the_o word_n have_v no_o authority_n but_o at_o their_o pleasure_n they_o put_v a_o cheat_n upon_o the_o world_n by_o assert_v the_o authority_n of_o that_o which_o have_v no_o antecedent_n authority_n in_o itself_o but_o if_o it_o be_v not_o arbitrary_a but_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o give_v it_o and_o have_v give_v their_o testimony_n already_o as_o pope_n innocent_n long_o ago_o pronounce_v his_o authority_n in_o his_o decretal_a concern_v the_o scripture_n then_o they_o can_v no_o more_o be_v hear_v plead_v against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n determine_v in_o these_o controversy_n that_o be_v betwixt_o they_o and_o we_o 2._o who_o give_v this_o testimony_n the_o pope_n or_o his_o counsel_n or_o both_o again_o how_o come_v they_o to_o give_v this_o testimony_n they_o be_v persuade_v or_o not_o persuade_v be_v they_o not_o persuade_v and_o yet_o give_v it_o then_o be_v they_o the_o grande_v cheat_n in_o the_o world_n if_o they_o be_v persuade_v how_o come_v they_o to_o that_o persuasion_n if_o they_o go_v up_o to_o the_o church_n precede_v how_o be_v that_o church_n persuade_v and_o let_v they_o ascend_v as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v ascend_v they_o must_v still_o fist_n at_o some_o who_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n without_o any_o antecedent_n testimony_n of_o the_o church_n as_o for_o revelation_n witness_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o will_v not_o pretend_v to_o they_o they_o call_v we_o enthusiast_n though_o false_o on_o that_o account_n and_o if_o they_o have_v that_o persuasion_n from_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o why_o may_v not_o other_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n discern_v that_o divine_a authority_n of_o
and_o sober_o shall_v find_v that_o there_o be_v as_o many_o character_n shine_v in_o the_o scripture_n itself_o as_o may_v refresh_v and_o satisfy_v he_o and_o all_o those_o who_o have_v their_o all_o in_o god_n god_n bless_v his_o word_n to_o you_o for_o christ_n sake_n sermon_n xxviii_o psalm_n 130._o verse_n 5._o and_o in_o his_o word_n do_v i_o hope_v a_o person_n without_o skill_n will_v ready_o mistake_v the_o best_a contrivance_n whoso_o without_o skill_n shall_v look_v slight_o upon_o a_o man_n build_v a_o house_n and_o dig_v very_o deep_a to_o seek_v a_o sure_a foundation_n for_o it_o whereby_o a_o great_a part_n of_o his_o expense_n and_o pain_n be_v hide_v under_o ground_n will_v they_o not_o be_v ready_a to_o go_v and_o count_v that_o great_a cost_n but_o when_o the_o foundation_n be_v well_o lay_v the_o superstructure_n will_v stand_v the_o better_a so_o may_v it_o be_v with_o many_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o purpose_n i_o be_o now_o upon_o needy_a body_n will_v fain_o have_v something_o present_o to_o fill_v their_o mouth_n they_o be_v not_o for_o first_o but_o little_o do_v they_o consider_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o text_n lay_v the_o foundation_n that_o can_v be_v destroy_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o their_o other_o food_n that_o they_o get_v from_o the_o scripture_n and_o because_o this_o foundation_n be_v not_o well_o lay_v other_o thing_n relate_v to_o their_o case_n in_o the_o superstructure_n prove_v slippy_a i_o be_o now_o upon_o the_o great_a task_n of_o the_o psalmist_n here_o wait_v for_o god_n i_o have_v show_v the_o necessity_n of_o faith_n and_o hope_n for_o that_o undertake_n the_o fasten_n of_o faith_n and_o hope_n in_o wait_v on_o its_o sure_a ground_n the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o i_o have_v lay_v before_o you_o the_o necessity_n of_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o judge_v of_o all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o verdict_n of_o the_o word_n and_o in_o prosecution_n of_o that_o i_o be_o lead_v upon_o this_o great_a truth_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a authority_n they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o lay_v by_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n to_o assert_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n who_o principle_n lead_v man_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o a_o labyrinth_n of_o unextricable_a uncertainty_n now_o it_o will_v remain_v that_o i_o shall_v hint_n at_o some_o thing_n to_o clear_v the_o divinity_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o doctrine_n therein_o contain_v not_o to_o atheist_n to_o who_o i_o speak_v a_o word_n in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o morning_n exercise_n but_o to_o sober_a mind_a folk_n who_o will_v fain_o have_v their_o faith_n help_v in_o that_o concern_n and_o as_o the_o last_o day_n i_o recommend_v your_o bibles_n to_o you_o to_o be_v make_v more_o use_n of_o that_o you_o may_v have_v the_o word_n dwell_v rich_o in_o you_o so_o this_o day_n i_o will_v recommend_v to_o all_o to_o take_v another_o and_o a_o better_a look_n of_o their_o bibles_n that_o they_o may_v see_v they_o and_o the_o doctrine_n hold_v out_o therein_o clear_o and_o distinct_o to_o be_v divine_a one_o word_n i_o premit_fw-la which_o will_v lead_v i_o to_o that_o i_o will_v speak_v to_o here_o and_o you_o will_v find_v it_o psal_n 119.152_o you_o read_v it_o in_o your_o translation_n concern_v thy_o testimony_n i_o have_v know_v of_o old_a that_o thou_o have_v found_v they_o for_o ever_o but_o the_o original_a read_v it_o word_n for_o word_n thus_o from_o thy_o testimony_n i_o have_v learn_v of_o old_a that_o thou_o have_v found_v they_o for_o ever_o wherein_o you_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o these_o three_o 1._o what_o he_o learn_v concern_v the_o scripture_n that_o god_n have_v found_v they_o for_o ever_o that_o be_v that_o they_o be_v and_o be_v a_o unalterable_a and_o everlasting_a foundation_n of_o faith_n have_v a_o divine_a authority_n stamp_v upon_o they_o 2._o when_o he_o learn_v this_o of_o old_a not_o only_o from_o experience_n but_o he_o learn_v it_o as_o the_o first_o principle_n he_o have_v drunken_a in_o that_o be_v will_v he_o say_v the_o a_o b_o c._n of_o my_o religion_n a_o peter_n have_v the_o word_n in_o that_o forecited_a place_n 2_o pet._n 1.20_o know_v this_o first_o etc._n etc._n 3._o whence_o he_o learn_v this_o from_o thy_o testimony_n i_o learn_v it_o say_v he_o i_o need_v not_o another_o evidence_n thy_o testimony_n when_o my_o eye_n be_v open_a discover_v to_o i_o their_o divine_a authority_n and_o infallible_a verity_n hence_o you_o may_v gather_v that_o which_o i_o close_v with_o in_o the_o morning_n that_o if_o you_o suppose_v the_o historical_a verity_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o will_v prove_v their_o divinity_n to_o any_o who_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n or_o to_o any_o who_o receive_v the_o scripture_n as_o a_o true_a history_n the_o scripture_n themselves_o will_v prove_v themselves_o to_o be_v divine_a write_n so_o here_o you_o have_v 1._o the_o historical_a verity_n of_o the_o scripture_n suppose_v 2._o their_o divine_a authority_n propose_v and_o 3._o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o discern_v that_o 1._o i_o suppose_v that_o man_n receive_v the_o scripture_n as_o a_o true_a history_n that_o be_v that_o man_n will_v give_v that_o credit_n to_o the_o word_n that_o they_o give_v to_o any_o common_a history_n hand_v down_o to_o their_o day_n to_o wit_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o nation_n as_o israel_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o moses_n that_o give_v they_o law_n that_o be_v instrumental_a in_o work_v miracle_n in_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n and_o in_o the_o wilderness_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o jesus_n christ_n that_o preach_v in_o palestine_n be_v crucify_v at_o jerusalem_n that_o he_o have_v twelve_o apostle_n that_o follow_v he_o etc._n etc._n this_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v in_o this_o inquiry_n concern_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n neither_o be_v it_o irrational_a to_o suppose_v it_o though_o there_o be_v no_o vestige_n of_o that_o ancient_a city_n of_o troy_n now_o yet_o who_o doubt_v but_o such_o a_o city_n be_v and_o that_o homer_n write_v not_o a_o mere_a romance_n whatever_o poetical_a enlargement_n he_o have_v when_o he_o write_v of_o it_o who_o doubt_v of_o alexander_n the_o great_a though_o his_o empire_n be_v now_o go_v and_o that_o q_n curtius_n write_v of_o he_o who_o doubt_v of_o the_o roman_a war_n and_o that_o titus_n livius_n write_v of_o they_o when_o man_n get_v these_o book_n in_o their_o hand_n they_o look_v not_o on_o they_o as_o fable_n and_o if_o so_o how_o rational_o do_v we_o plead_v that_o the_o like_a credit_n be_v give_v to_o the_o scripture_n &_o that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o like_a acceptance_n if_o any_o account_n this_o irrational_a he_o must_v grant_v that_o he_o will_v not_o believe_v any_o thing_n do_v before_o his_o own_o time_n nay_o that_o he_o will_v not_o believe_v any_o thing_n do_v in_o his_o own_o time_n if_o he_o see_v it_o not_o do_v with_o his_o eye_n and_o thus_o a_o man_n question_v the_o historical_a verity_n of_o thing_n shall_v nonpluss_n himself_o with_o absurdity_n and_o declare_v that_o he_o be_v fit_a for_o a_o bedlam_n than_o to_o be_v dispute_v with_o but_o 2._o this_o be_v suppose_v there_o be_v their_o divine_a authority_n propose_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o the_o scripture_n itself_o will_v prove_v itself_o a_o true_a divine_a word_n they_o often_o do_v solemn_o declare_v they_o be_v of_o god_n that_o god_n speak_v they_o to_o moses_n &_o the_o prophet_n and_o assert_v that_o what_o they_o speak_v be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o do_v not_o cheat_v in_o this_o assertion_n whoso_o will_v go_v through_o the_o character_n of_o the_o word_n divinity_n they_o will_v be_v convince_v of_o it_o but_o a_o man_n fall_v on_o that_o subject_n must_v say_v as_o psal_n 106.2_o who_o can_v utter_v the_o mighty_a act_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o can_v show_v forth_o all_o his_o praise_n i_o may_v here_o speak_v of_o the_o form_n and_o stile_n of_o scripture_n of_o the_o scope_n and_o end_n of_o it_o lead_v to_o god_n and_o everlasting_a happiness_n but_o i_o shall_v limit_v myself_o to_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o instrument_n employ_v in_o transmit_v it_o to_o we_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o efficacy_n and_o success_n of_o they_o and_o the_o adjunct_n of_o the_o scripture_n 1._o for_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v most_o true_a which_o be_v most_o ancient_a and_o so_o be_v the_o scripture_n for_o however_o error_n may_v plead_v antiquity_n yet_o truth_n have_v