and_o a_o resolution_n to_o live_v in_o a_o excess_n of_o know_a sin_n multitude_n suffer_v their_o mind_n to_o be_v bribe_v by_o their_o corrupt_a affection_n to_o a_o relinquishment_n of_o any_o regard_n unto_o it_o 3._o the_o scandalous_a quarrel_n and_o disputation_n of_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n against_o the_o scripture_n and_o its_o authority_n have_v contribute_v much_o unto_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o many_o their_o great_a design_n be_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o secure_v the_o power_n authority_n and_o infallibility_n of_o their_o church_n of_o these_o they_o say_v continual_o as_o the_o apostle_n in_o another_o case_n of_o the_o mariner_n unless_o these_o stay_n in_o the_o ship_n we_o can_v be_v save_v without_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o these_o thing_n they_o will_v have_v it_o that_o man_n can_v neither_o at_o present_a believe_v nor_o be_v save_v hereafter_o to_o secure_v this_o interest_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n must_v be_v by_o all_o mean_v question_v and_o impair_v a_o divine_a authority_n in_o itself_o they_o will_v allow_v it_o but_o with_o respect_n unto_o we_o it_o have_v none_o but_o what_o it_o obtain_v by_o the_o suffrage_n and_o testimony_n of_o their_o church_n but_o whereas_o authority_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o consist_v essential_o in_o the_o relation_n and_o respect_n which_o it_o have_v unto_o other_o or_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v subject_a unto_o it_o to_o say_v that_o it_o have_v a_o authority_n in_o itself_o but_o none_o towards_o we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o deny_v that_o it_o have_v any_o authority_n at_o all_o but_o also_o to_o reproach_v it_o with_o a_o empty_a name_n they_o deal_v with_o it_o as_o the_o soldier_n do_v with_o christ_n they_o put_v a_o crown_n on_o his_o head_n and_o clothe_v he_o with_o a_o purple_a robe_n and_o bow_v the_o knee_n before_o he_o mock_v he_o say_v hail_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o ascribe_v unto_o it_o the_o crown_n and_o robe_n of_o divine_a authority_n in_o itself_o but_o not_o towards_o any_o one_o person_n in_o the_o world_n so_o if_o they_o please_v god_n shall_v be_v god_n and_o his_o word_n be_v of_o some_o credit_n among_o man_n herein_o they_o seek_v continual_o to_o entangle_v those_o of_o the_o weak_a sort_n by_o urge_v they_o vehement_o with_o this_o question_n how_o do_v you_o know_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o have_v in_o continual_a readiness_n a_o number_n of_o sophistical_a artifices_fw-la to_o weaken_v all_o evidence_n that_o shall_v be_v plead_v in_o its_o behalf_n nor_o be_v that_o all_o but_o on_o all_o occasion_n they_o insinuate_v such_o objection_n against_o it_o from_o its_o obscurity_n imperfection_n want_v of_o order_n difficulty_n and_o seem_a contradiction_n in_o it_o as_o be_v suit_v to_o take_v off_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o a_o firm_a assent_n unto_o it_o or_o reliance_n on_o it_o as_o if_o a_o company_n of_o man_n shall_v conspire_v by_o crafty_a multiply_v insinuation_n divulge_v on_o all_o advantage_n to_o weaken_v the_o reputation_n of_o a_o chaste_a and_o sober_a matron_n although_o they_o can_v deprive_v she_o of_o her_o virtue_n yet_o unless_o the_o world_n be_v wise_a than_o for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o appear_v to_o be_v they_o will_v insensible_o take_v off_o from_o her_o due_a esteem_n and_o this_o be_v as_o bold_a a_o attempt_n as_o can_v well_o be_v make_v in_o any_o case_n for_o the_o first_o tendency_n of_o these_o course_n be_v to_o make_v man_n atheist_n after_o which_o success_n it_o be_v leave_v at_o uncertain_a hazard_n whether_o they_o will_v be_v papist_n or_o no._n wherefore_o as_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a nor_o more_o dishonourable_a reflection_n make_v on_o christian_a religion_n than_o that_o it_o have_v no_o other_o evidence_n or_o testimony_n of_o its_o truth_n but_o the_o authority_n and_o witness_n of_o those_o by_o who_o it_o be_v at_o present_a profess_a and_o who_o have_v notable_a worldly_a advantage_n thereby_o so_o the_o mind_n of_o multitude_n be_v secret_o influence_v by_o the_o poison_n of_o these_o dispute_n to_o think_v it_o no_o way_n necessary_a to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o at_o least_o be_v shake_v off_o from_o the_o ground_n whereon_o they_o have_v profess_v it_o so_o to_o be_v and_o the_o like_a dis-service_n be_v do_v unto_o faith_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o such_o as_o advance_v a_o light_n within_o or_o immediate_a inspiration_n into_o competition_n with_o it_o or_o the_o room_n of_o it_o for_o as_o such_o imagination_n take_v place_n and_o prevail_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n so_o their_o respect_n unto_o the_o scripture_n and_o all_o sense_n of_o its_o divine_a authority_n do_v decay_v as_o experience_n do_v open_o manifest_a it_o be_v i_o say_v from_o a_o unusual_a concurrence_n of_o these_o and_o the_o like_a cause_n and_o occasion_n that_o there_o be_v at_o present_a among_o we_o such_o a_o decay_n in_o relinquishment_n of_o and_o opposition_n unto_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o may_v be_v former_a age_n can_v not_o parallel_v but_o against_o all_o these_o objection_n and_o temptation_n the_o mind_n of_o true_a believer_n be_v secure_v by_o supply_n of_o spiritual_a light_n wisdom_n and_o grace_n from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n there_o be_v several_a other_o especial_a gracious_a act_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o believer_n which_o belong_v also_o unto_o this_o internal_a real_a testimony_n whereby_o their_o faith_n be_v establish_v such_o be_v his_o anoint_v and_o seal_v of_o they_o his_o witness_v with_o they_o and_o his_o be_v a_o earnest_a in_o they_o all_o which_o must_v be_v elsewhere_o speak_v unto_o hereby_o be_v our_o faith_n every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o increase_v and_o establish_v wherefore_o although_o no_o internal_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n can_v be_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o that_o which_o it_o be_v resolve_v into_o yet_o be_v it_o such_o as_o without_o it_o we_o can_v never_o sincere_o believe_v as_o we_o ought_v nor_o be_v establish_v in_o believe_v against_o temptation_n and_o objection_n and_o with_o respect_n unto_o this_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o be_v that_o divine_n at_o the_o first_o reformation_n do_v general_o resolve_v our_o faith_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n into_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o this_o they_o do_v not_o do_v exclusive_o unto_o the_o proper_a use_n of_o external_a argument_n and_o motive_n of_o credibility_n who_o store_n indeed_o be_v great_a and_o who_o fountain_n be_v inexhaustible_a for_o they_o arise_v from_o all_o the_o indubitable_a notion_n that_o we_o have_v of_o god_n or_o ourselves_o in_o reference_n unto_o our_o present_a duty_n or_o future_a happiness_n much_o less_o do_v they_o exclude_v that_o evidence_n thereof_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v unto_o it_o in_o and_o by_o itself_o their_o judgement_n be_v well_o express_v in_o the_o excellent_a word_n of_o one_o of_o they_o maneat_fw-la ergo_fw-la say_v he_o hoc_fw-la fixum_fw-la quos_fw-la spiritus_fw-la intus_fw-la docuit_fw-la solidè_fw-la acquiescere_fw-la in_o scripturâ_fw-la &_o hanc_fw-la quidem_fw-la esse_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d neque_fw-la demonstrationi_fw-la &_o rationibus_fw-la subjici_fw-la eam_fw-la fas_fw-la esse_fw-la quam_fw-la tamen_fw-la meretur_fw-la apud_fw-la nos_fw-la certitudinem_fw-la spiritus_fw-la testimonio_fw-la consequi_fw-la eisi_fw-la enim_fw-la reverentiam_fw-la sua_fw-la sibi_fw-la ultro_fw-la majestate_fw-la conciliat_fw-la tunc_fw-la tamen_fw-la demum_fw-la serio_fw-la nos_fw-la afficit_fw-la quum_fw-la per_fw-la spiritum_fw-la obsignata_fw-la est_fw-la cordibus_fw-la nostris_fw-la istius_fw-la ergo_fw-la veritate_fw-la illuminati_fw-la jam_fw-la non_fw-la aut_fw-la nostro_fw-la aut_fw-la aliorum_fw-la judicio_fw-la credimus_fw-la a_o deo_fw-la esse_fw-la scripturam_fw-la sed_fw-la supra_fw-la humanum_fw-la judicium_fw-la certo_fw-la certius_fw-la constituimus_fw-la non_fw-la secus_fw-la ac_fw-la si_fw-la ipsius_fw-la dei_fw-la numen_fw-la illic_fw-la intueremur_fw-la hominum_fw-la ministerio_fw-la ab_fw-la ipsissimo_fw-la dei_fw-la ore_fw-la ad_fw-la nos_fw-la fluxisse_fw-la non_fw-la argumenta_fw-la non_fw-la very_fw-la similitudines_fw-la quaerimus_fw-la quibus_fw-la judicium_fw-la nostrum_fw-la incumbat_fw-la sed_fw-la ut_fw-la rei_fw-la extra_fw-la estimandi_fw-la aleam_fw-la positae_fw-la judicium_fw-la ingeniumque_fw-la nostrum_fw-la subjicimus_fw-la non_fw-la qualiter_fw-la superstitionibus_fw-la solent_fw-la miseri_fw-la homines_fw-la captivam_fw-la mentem_fw-la addicere_fw-la sed_fw-la quia_fw-la non_fw-la dubiam_fw-la vim_o numinis_fw-la illic_fw-la sentimus_fw-la vigere_fw-la &_o spirare_fw-la quam_fw-la ad_fw-la parendum_fw-la scientes_fw-la ac_fw-la volentes_fw-la vividius_fw-la tamen_fw-la &_o 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they_o some_o it_o may_v be_v can_v give_v no_o other_o account_n hereof_o but_o that_o they_o have_v be_v so_o instruct_v by_o they_o who_o they_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v credit_n unto_o or_o that_o they_o have_v so_o receive_v they_o by_o tradition_n from_o their_o father_n now_o whatever_o persuasion_n these_o reason_n may_v beget_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o profess_v to_o believe_v be_v true_a yet_o if_o they_o be_v alone_o it_o be_v not_o divine_a faith_n whereby_o they_o do_v believe_v but_o that_o which_o be_v mere_o humane_a as_o be_v resolve_v into_o humane_a testimony_n only_o or_o a_o opinion_n on_o probable_a argument_n for_o no_o faith_n can_v be_v of_o any_o other_o kind_n than_o be_v the_o evidence_n it_o reflect_v on_o or_o arise_v from_o i_o say_v it_o be_v so_o where_o they_o be_v alone_o for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o some_o who_o have_v never_o further_o consider_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o believe_v than_o the_o teach_n of_o their_o instructor_n have_v yet_o that_o evidence_n in_o their_o own_o soul_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o what_o they_o believe_v that_o with_o respect_n thereunto_o their_o faith_n be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a the_o faith_n of_o most_o have_v a_o beginning_n and_o progress_n not_o unlike_a that_o of_o the_o samaritan_n john_n 4._o 40_o 41_o 42._o as_o shall_v be_v afterward_o declare_v 3._o when_o we_o inquire_v after_o faith_n that_o be_v infallible_a or_o believe_v infallible_o which_o as_o we_o shall_v show_v hereafter_o be_v necessary_a in_o this_o case_n we_o do_v not_o intend_v a_o inherent_a quality_n in_o the_o subject_a as_o though_o he_o that_o believe_v with_o faith_n infallible_a must_n himself_o also_o be_v infallible_a much_o less_o do_v we_o speak_v of_o infallibility_n absolute_o which_o be_v a_o property_n of_o god_n who_o alone_o from_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n can_v neither_o deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v but_o it_o be_v that_o property_n or_o adjunct_n of_o the_o assent_n of_o our_o mind_n unto_o divine_a truth_n or_o supernatural_a revelation_n whereby_o it_o be_v difference_v from_o all_o other_o kind_n of_o assent_n whatever_o and_o this_o it_o have_v from_o its_o formal_a object_n or_o the_o evidence_n whereon_o we_o give_v this_o assent_n for_o the_o nature_n of_o every_o assent_n be_v give_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o evidence_n which_o it_o proceed_v from_o or_o rely_v on_o this_o in_o divine_a faith_n be_v divine_a revelation_n which_o be_v infallible_a render_v the_o faith_n that_o rest_v on_o it_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o it_o infallible_a also_o no_o man_n can_v believe_v that_o which_o be_v false_a or_o which_o may_v be_v false_a with_o divine_a faith_n for_o that_o which_o render_v it_o divine_a be_v the_o divine_a truth_n and_o infallibility_n of_o the_o ground_n and_o evidence_n which_o it_o be_v build_v upon_o but_o a_o man_n may_v believe_v that_o which_o be_v true_a infallible_o so_o and_o yet_o his_o faith_n not_o be_v infallible_a that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v infallible_o true_a yet_o the_o faith_n whereby_o a_o man_n believe_v it_o so_o to_o be_v may_v be_v fallible_a for_o it_o be_v such_o as_o his_o evidence_n be_v and_o no_o other_o he_o may_v believe_v it_o to_o be_v so_o on_o tradition_n or_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n only_o or_o on_o outward_a argument_n all_o which_o be_v fallible_a his_o faith_n be_v so_o also_o although_o the_o thing_n he_o assent_v unto_o be_v infallible_o true_a wherefore_o unto_o this_o faith_n divine_a and_o infallible_a it_o be_v not_o require_v that_o the_o person_n in_o who_o it_o be_v be_v infallible_a nor_o be_v it_o enough_o that_o the_o thing_n itself_o believe_v be_v infallible_o true_a but_o moreover_o that_o the_o evidence_n whereon_o he_o do_v believe_v it_o be_v infallible_a also_o so_o it_o be_v with_o they_o who_o receive_v divine_a revelation_n immediate_o from_o god_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o the_o thing_n reveal_v unto_o they_o be_v infallible_o true_a but_o they_o be_v to_o have_v infallible_a evidence_n of_o the_o revelation_n itself_o then_o be_v their_o faith_n infallible_a though_o their_o person_n be_v fallible_a with_o this_o faith_n then_o a_o man_n can_v believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v divine_o true_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v infallible_a and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o god_n veracity_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n be_v the_o only_a object_n of_o it_o hence_o say_v the_o prophet_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o chron._n 20._o 20._o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v establish_v or_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o god_n and_o his_o word_n be_v fix_v on_o truth_n or_o be_v infallible_a hence_o the_o enquiry_n in_o this_o case_n be_v what_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o we_o believe_v any_o thing_n with_o this_o faith_n divine_a or_o supernatural_a or_o what_o it_o be_v the_o believe_v whereof_o make_v our_o faith_n divine_a infallible_a and_o supernatural_a wherefore_o 4._o the_o authority_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n reveal_v the_o material_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o what_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o believe_v be_v the_o formal_a object_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o faith_n from_o whence_o it_o arise_v and_o whereinto_o it_o be_v ultimate_o resolve_v that_o be_v the_o only_a reason_n why_o we_o do_v believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o god_n be_v one_o single_a essence_n subsist_v in_o three_o person_n be_v because_o that_o god_n who_o be_v truth_n the_o god_n of_o truth_n deut._n 32._o 4._o who_o can_v lie_v tit._n 1._o 2._o and_o who_o word_n be_v truth_n john_n 17._o 17._o and_o the_o spirit_n which_o give_v it_o out_o be_v truth_n 1_o john_n 5_o 6._o have_v reveal_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v so_o and_o our_o believe_v these_o thing_n on_o that_o ground_n render_v our_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a suppose_v also_o a_o respect_n unto_o the_o subjective_a efficiency_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n inspire_v it_o into_o our_o mind_n whereof_o afterward_o for_o to_o speak_v distinct_o our_o faith_n be_v supernatural_a with_o respect_n unto_o the_o production_n of_o it_o in_o our_o mind_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o infallible_a with_o respect_n unto_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o it_o which_o be_v divine_a revelation_n and_o be_v divine_a in_o opposition_n unto_o what_o be_v mere_o humane_a on_o both_o account_n as_o thing_n be_v propose_v unto_o we_o to_o be_v believe_v as_o true_a faith_n in_o its_o assent_n respect_v only_o the_o truth_n or_o veracity_n of_o god_n but_o whereas_o this_o faith_n be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o a_o way_n of_o obedience_n and_o be_v consider_v not_o only_o physical_o in_o its_o nature_n but_o moral_o also_o as_o our_o duty_n it_o respect_v also_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n which_o i_o therefore_o join_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n as_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o faith_n see_v 2_o sam._n 7._o 28._o and_o these_o thing_n the_o scripture_n plead_v and_o and_o argue_v when_o faith_n be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o obedience_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n be_v that_o which_o be_v propose_v unto_o we_o as_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v believe_v what_o be_v speak_v whereunto_o often_o time_n other_o divine_a name_n and_o title_n be_v add_v signify_v his_o authority_n who_o require_v we_o to_o believe_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n god_n the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n isa._n 30._o 15._o thus_o say_v the_o high_a and_o lofty_a one_o who_o inhabit_v eternity_n who_o name_n be_v holy_a isa._n 57_o 15._o believe_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n 2_o chron._n 20._o 20._o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n precede_v most_o revelation_n in_o the_o prophet_n and_o other_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v believe_v the_o scripture_n propose_v none_o heb._n 1._o 1_o 2._o yea_o the_o interposition_n of_o any_o other_o authority_n between_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o our_o soul_n and_o conscience_n beside_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n overthrow_v the_o nature_n of_o divine_a faith_n i_o do_v not_o say_v the_o interposition_n of_o any_o other_o mean_n whereby_o we_o shall_v believe_v of_o which_o sort_n god_n have_v appoint_v many_o but_o the_o interposition_n of_o anyother_n authority_n upon_o which_o we_o shall_v believe_v as_o that_o pretend_a in_o and_o by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n no_o man_n can_v be_v lord_n of_o our_o faith_n though_o they_o may_v be_v helper_n of_o our_o joy_n 5._o the_o authority_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n consider_v in_o themselves_o absolute_o be_v not_o the_o immediate_a formal_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n though_o they_o be_v the_o ultimate_a whereinto_o it_o be_v resolve_v
for_o we_o can_v believe_v nothing_o on_o their_o account_n unless_o it_o be_v evidence_v unto_o we_o and_o this_o evidence_n of_o they_o be_v in_o that_o revelation_n which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v of_o himself_o for_o that_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n whereby_o our_o conscience_n and_o mind_n be_v affect_v with_o his_o truth_n and_o authority_n we_o do_v therefore_o no_o otherwise_o rest_n on_o the_o truth_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n in_o any_o thing_n than_o we_o rest_v on_o the_o revelation_n which_o he_o make_v unto_o we_o for_o that_o be_v the_o only_a way_n whereby_o we_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o not_o the_o lord_n be_v true_a absolute_o but_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v be_v that_o which_o we_o have_v immediate_a regard_n unto_o hereby_o alone_o be_v our_o mind_n affect_v with_o the_o authority_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n and_o by_o what_o way_n soever_o it_o be_v make_v unto_o we_o it_o be_v sufficient_a and_o able_a so_o to_o affect_v we_o at_o first_o as_o have_v be_v show_v it_o be_v give_v immediate_o to_o some_o person_n and_o preserve_v for_o the_o use_n of_o other_o in_o a_o oral_a ministry_n but_o now_o all_o revelation_n as_o have_v also_o be_v declare_v be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n only_o 6._o it_o follow_v that_o our_o faith_n whereby_o we_o believe_v any_o divine_a supernatural_a truth_n be_v resolve_v into_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n of_o divine_a revelation_n affect_v our_o mind_n and_o conscience_n with_o the_o authority_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n or_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o only_a immediate_a divine_a infallible_a revelation_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o first_o immediate_a formal_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o sole_a reason_n why_o and_o ground_n whereon_o we_o do_v believe_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v reveal_v with_o faith_n divine_a supernatural_a and_o infallible_a we_o do_v believe_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n why_o do_v we_o so_o do_v on_o what_o ground_n or_o reason_n it_o be_v because_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n command_v we_o so_o to_o do_v and_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n testify_v thereunto_o but_o how_o or_o by_o what_o mean_n be_v our_o mind_n and_o conscience_n affect_v with_o the_o authority_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n so_o as_o to_o believe_v with_o respect_n unto_o they_o which_o make_v our_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a it_o be_v alone_o the_o divine_a supernatural_a infallible_a revelation_n that_o he_o have_v make_v of_o this_o sacred_a truth_n and_o of_o his_o will_n that_o we_o shall_v believe_v it_o but_o what_o be_v this_o revelation_n or_o where_o be_v it_o to_o be_v find_v it_o be_v the_o scripture_n alone_o which_o contain_v the_o entire_a revelation_n that_o god_n have_v make_v of_o himself_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o believe_v or_o do_v hence_o 7._o the_o last_o enquiry_n arise_v how_o or_o on_o what_o ground_n for_o what_o reason_n do_v we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n proceed_v immediate_o from_o god_n or_o to_o be_v that_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v truth_n divine_a and_o infallible_a whereunto_o we_o answer_v it_o be_v sole_o on_o the_o evidence_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o and_o by_o the_o scripture_n itself_o give_v unto_o we_o that_o it_o be_v give_v by_o immediate_a inspiration_n from_o god_n or_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n whereon_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o authority_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n evidence_v themselves_o in_o and_o by_o it_o unto_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o men._n hereon_o as_o whatever_o we_o assent_v unto_o as_o propose_v in_o the_o scripture_n our_o faith_n rest_v on_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o the_o veracity_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n so_o be_v it_o also_o in_o this_o of_o believe_v the_o scripture_n itself_o to_o be_v the_o infallible_a word_n of_o god_n see_v we_o do_v it_o on_o no_o other_o ground_n but_o its_o own_o evidence_n that_o so_o it_o be_v this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v principal_o to_o be_v prove_v and_o therefore_o to_o prepare_v for_o it_o and_o to_o remove_v prejudices_fw-la something_o be_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o prepare_v the_o way_n thereunto_o 1._o there_o be_v sundry_a cogent_a argument_n which_o be_v take_v from_o external_n consideration_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o evince_n it_o on_o rational_a ground_n to_o be_v from_o god_n all_o these_o be_v motive_n of_o credibility_n or_o effectual_a persuasive_n to_o account_n and_o esteem_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o although_o they_o neither_o be_v nor_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o ever_o shall_v be_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n whereon_o we_o believe_v it_o so_o to_o be_v with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a yet_o be_v they_o necessary_a unto_o the_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n herein_o against_o temptation_n opposition_n and_o objection_n these_o argument_n have_v be_v plead_v by_o many_o and_o that_o useful_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o needful_a for_o i_o to_o insist_v upon_o they_o and_o they_o be_v the_o same_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o in_o ancient_a and_o modern_a writer_n however_o manage_v by_o some_o with_o more_o learning_n dexterity_n and_o force_v of_o reason_v than_o by_o other_o it_o may_v not_o be_v expect_v therefore_o that_o in_o this_o short_a discourse_n design_v unto_o another_o purpose_n i_o shall_v give_v they_o much_o improvement_n however_o i_o shall_v a_o little_a touch_n on_o those_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v most_o cogent_a and_o that_o in_o they_o wherein_o in_o my_o apprehension_n their_o strength_n do_v lie_v and_o i_o shall_v do_v this_o to_o manifest_v that_o although_o we_o plead_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 with_o faith_n divine_a supernatural_a and_o infallible_a but_o upon_o its_o own_o internal_a divine_a evidence_n and_o efficacy_n yet_o we_o allow_v and_o make_v use_n of_o all_o those_o external_a argument_n of_o its_o sacred_a truth_n and_o divine_a original_a which_o be_v plead_v by_o other_o ascribe_v unto_o they_o as_o much_o weight_n and_o cogency_n as_o they_o can_v do_v acknowledge_v the_o persuasion_n which_o they_o beget_v and_o effect_v to_o be_v as_o firm_a as_o they_o can_v pretend_v it_o to_o be_v only_o we_o do_v not_o judge_v they_o to_o contain_v the_o whole_a of_o the_o evidence_n which_o we_o have_v for_o faith_n to_o rest_v in_o or_o to_o be_v resolve_v into_o yea_o not_o that_o at_o all_o which_o render_v it_o divine_a supernatural_a and_o infallible_a the_o rational_a argument_n we_o say_v which_o be_v or_o may_v be_v use_v in_o this_o matter_n with_o the_o humane_a testimony_n whereby_o they_o be_v corroborate_v may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o and_o insist_v on_o and_o it_o be_v but_o vain_o pretend_v that_o their_o use_n be_v supersede_v by_o our_o other_o assertion_n as_o though_o where_o faith_n be_v require_v all_o the_o subservient_fw-fr use_n of_o reason_n be_v absolute_o discard_v and_o our_o faith_n thereby_o render_v irrational_a and_o the_o assent_n unto_o the_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o the_o mind_n ought_v to_o give_v upon_o they_o we_o grant_v to_o be_v of_o as_o high_a a_o nature_n as_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v namely_o a_o moral_a certainty_n moreover_o the_o conclusion_n which_o unprejudiced_a reason_n will_v make_v upon_o these_o argument_n be_v more_o firm_a better_o ground_v and_o more_o pleadable_a than_o that_o which_o be_v build_v mere_o on_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o any_o church_n whatever_o but_o this_o we_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v a_o assent_n of_o another_o kind_n unto_o the_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n require_v of_o we_o namely_o that_o of_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a of_o this_o none_o will_v say_v that_o it_o can_v be_v effect_v by_o or_o resolve_v into_o the_o best_a and_o most_o cogent_a of_o rational_a argument_n and_o external_a testimony_n which_o be_v absolute_o humane_a and_o fallible_a for_o it_o do_v imply_v a_o contradiction_n to_o believe_v infallible_o upon_o fallible_a evidence_n wherefore_o i_o shall_v prove_v that_o beyond_o all_o these_o argument_n and_o their_o effect_n upon_o our_o mind_n there_o be_v a_o assent_n unto_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n require_v of_o we_o with_o faith_n divine_a supernatural_a and_o infallible_a and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v a_o divine_a evidence_n which_o be_v the_o formal_a object_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o which_o alone_o it_o rest_v on_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o which_o shall_v also_o be_v declare_v and_o prove_v but_o yet_o as_o be_v say_v in_o the_o first_o place_n because_o their_o
their_o pretence_n 2._o they_o differ_v likewise_o in_o their_o nature_n or_o kind_a for_o immediate_a divine_a prophetical_a revelation_n consist_v in_o a_o immediate_a inspiration_n or_o afflatus_fw-la or_o in_o vision_n and_o voice_n from_o heaven_n with_o a_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n transient_o affect_v their_o mind_n guide_v their_o tongue_n and_o hand_n to_o who_o they_o be_v grant_v whereby_o they_o receive_v and_o represent_v divine_a impression_n as_o a_o instrument_n of_o music_n do_v the_o skill_n of_o the_o hand_n whereby_o it_o be_v move_v the_o nature_n of_o which_o revelation_n i_o have_v more_o full_o discourse_v elsewhere_o but_o this_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n consist_v in_o his_o effectual_a operation_n free_v our_o mind_n from_o darkness_n ignorance_n and_o prejudice_n enable_v they_o to_o discern_v spiritual_a thing_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n and_o such_o a_o spirit_n of_o revelation_n be_v necessary_a unto_o they_o who_o will_v believe_v aright_o the_o scripture_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a contain_v therein_o and_o if_o man_n who_o through_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n and_o prejudices_fw-la be_v in_o the_o dark_a or_o at_o a_o loss_n as_o to_o the_o great_a and_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o all_o religion_n namely_o the_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n will_v absolute_o lean_v unto_o their_o own_o understanding_n and_o have_v the_o whole_a difference_n determine_v by_o the_o natural_a power_n and_o faculty_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n without_o seek_v after_o divine_a aid_n and_o assistance_n or_o earnest_a prayer_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n to_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o their_o understanding_n they_o must_v be_v content_a to_o abide_v in_o their_o uncertainty_n or_o to_o come_v off_o from_o they_o without_o any_o advantage_n to_o their_o soul_n not_o that_o i_o will_v deny_v unto_o man_n or_o take_v they_o off_o from_o the_o use_n of_o their_o reason_n in_o this_o matter_n for_o what_o be_v their_o reason_n give_v unto_o they_o for_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o use_v it_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o the_o great_a importance_n unto_o they_o only_o i_o must_v crave_v leave_n to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o itself_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n without_o the_o immediate_a aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n if_o any_o one_o upon_o these_o principle_n shall_v now_o ask_v we_o wherefore_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o do_v not_o answer_v it_o be_v because_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v enlighten_v our_o mind_n wrought_v faith_n in_o we_o and_o enable_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o without_o this_o we_o say_v indeed_o do_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n so_o work_v in_o we_o and_o upon_o we_o we_o neither_o shall_v nor_o can_v believe_v with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a if_o god_n have_v not_o open_v the_o heart_n of_o lydia_n she_o will_v not_o have_v attend_v unto_o the_o thing_n preach_v by_o paul_n so_o as_o to_o have_v receive_v they_o and_o without_o it_o the_o light_n oftentimes_o shine_v into_o darkness_n but_o the_o darkness_n comprehend_v it_o not_o but_o this_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v the_o formal_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v of_o god_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o neither_o do_v we_o nor_o can_v we_o rational_o answer_v by_o it_o unto_o this_o question_n why_o we_o do_v believe_v this_o reason_n must_v be_v something_o external_a and_o evident_o propose_v unto_o we_o for_o whatever_o ability_n of_o spiritual_a assent_n there_o be_v in_o the_o understanding_n which_o be_v thus_o wrought_v in_o it_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n yet_o the_o understanding_n can_v assent_v unto_o any_o thing_n with_o any_o kind_a of_o assent_n natural_a or_o supernatural_a but_o what_o be_v outward_o propose_v unto_o it_o as_o true_a and_o that_o with_o sufficient_a evidence_n that_o it_o be_v so_o that_o therefore_o which_o propose_v any_o thing_n unto_o we_o as_o true_a with_o evidence_n of_o that_o truth_n be_v the_o formal_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o do_v believe_v and_o what_o be_v so_o propose_v must_v be_v true_a and_o must_v be_v evidence_v to_o be_v true_a or_o we_o can_v believe_v it_o and_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o evidence_n such_o be_v our_o faith_n humane_a if_o that_o be_v humane_a and_o divine_a if_o that_o be_v so_o now_o nothing_o of_o this_o be_v do_v by_o that_o save_a light_n which_o be_v infuse_v into_o our_o mind_n and_o be_v therefore_o not_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o believe_v what_o we_o do_v so_o whereas_o therefore_o some_o who_o seem_v to_o conceive_v that_o the_o only_a general_a ground_n of_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v consist_v in_o rational_a argument_n and_o motive_n of_o credibility_n do_v grant_v that_o private_a person_n may_v have_v their_o assurance_n hereof_o from_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n though_o it_o be_v not_o pleadable_a to_o other_o they_o grant_v what_o be_v not_o that_o i_o know_v of_o desire_v by_o any_o and_o which_o in_o itself_o be_v not_o true_a for_o this_o work_n consist_v sole_o in_o enable_v the_o mind_n unto_o that_o kind_a of_o assent_n which_o be_v faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a on_o supposition_n of_o a_o external_a formal_a reason_n of_o it_o due_o propose_v be_v not_o the_o reason_n why_o any_o do_v believe_v nor_o the_o ground_n whereunto_o their_o faith_n be_v resolve_v it_o remain_v only_o that_o we_o inquire_v whether_o our_o faith_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v not_o resolve_v into_o a_o immediate_a internal_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n assure_v we_o of_o the_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n distinct_a from_o the_o work_n of_o spiritual_a illumination_n before_o describe_v for_o it_o be_v the_o common_a opinion_n of_o protestant_a divine_n that_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o ground_n whereon_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o in_o what_o sense_n it_o be_v so_o shall_v be_v immediate_o declare_v but_o hereon_o be_v they_o general_o charge_v by_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o other_o that_o they_o resolve_v all_o the_o ground_n and_o assurance_n of_o faith_n into_o their_o own_o particular_a spirit_n or_o the_o spirit_n of_o every_o one_o that_o will_v pretend_v thereunto_o and_o this_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o sufficient_a warranty_n to_o reproach_v they_o with_o give_v countenance_n unto_o enthusiasm_n and_o expose_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o endless_a delusion_n wherefore_o this_o matter_n must_v be_v a_o little_a further_o inquire_v into_o and_o by_o a_o internal_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n a_o extraordinary_a afflatus_fw-la or_o new_a immediate_a revelation_n may_v be_v intend_v man_n may_v suppose_v they_o have_v or_o aught_o to_o have_v a_o internal_a particular_a testimony_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n whereby_o and_o whereby_o alone_o they_o may_v be_v infallible_o assure_v that_o so_o it_o be_v and_o this_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o revelation_n make_v unto_o the_o prophet_n and_o penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o it_o be_v neither_o a_o external_a proposition_n of_o truth_n nor_o a_o internal_a ability_n to_o assent_v unto_o such_o a_o proposition_n and_o beside_o these_o there_o be_v no_o divine_a operation_n in_o this_o kind_n but_o a_o immediate_a prophetical_a inspiration_n or_o revelation_n wherefore_o as_o such_o a_o revelation_n or_o immediate_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o only_a reason_n why_o we_o do_v believe_v so_o it_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o our_o faith_n rest_v on_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v common_o impute_v unto_o those_o who_o deny_v either_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n or_o any_o other_o external_a argument_n or_o motive_n of_o credibility_n to_o be_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o faith_n howbeit_o there_o be_v no_o one_o of_o they_o that_o i_o know_v of_o who_o ever_o assert_v any_o such_o thing_n and_o i_o do_v therefore_o deny_v that_o our_o faith_n be_v resolve_v into_o any_o such_o private_a testimony_n immediate_a revelation_n or_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o for_o the_o ensue_a reason_n 1._o since_o the_o finish_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o church_n be_v not_o under_o that_o conduct_n as_o to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o such_o new_a extraordinary_a revelation_n it_o do_v indeed_o live_v upon_o the_o internal_a gracious_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n enable_v we_o to_o understand_v believe_v and_o obey_v the_o perfect_a
nempe_fw-la in_fw-la qua_fw-la securius_fw-la constantiusque_fw-la mens_fw-la qui_fw-la scat_fw-la quam_fw-la in_o ullis_fw-la rationibus_fw-la talis_fw-la denique_fw-la sensus_fw-la qui_fw-la nisi_fw-la ex_fw-la caelesti_fw-la revelatione_fw-la nequeat_fw-la non_fw-la aliud_fw-la loquor_fw-la quam_fw-la quod_fw-la apud_fw-la se_fw-la experitur_fw-la fidelium_fw-la unusquisque_fw-la nisi_fw-la quod_fw-la long_o infra_fw-la justam_fw-la rei_fw-la explicationem_fw-la verba_fw-la subsidunt_fw-la calv._n instit._n lib._n 2._o cap._n 7_o 8_o 9_o and_o we_o may_v here_o brief_o call_v over_o what_o we_o have_v attain_v or_o pass_v through_o for_o 1._o we_o have_v show_v in_o general_a both_o what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o divine_a illumination_n with_o their_o mutual_a respect_n unto_o one_o another_o 2._o what_o be_v the_o principal_a external_a argument_n or_o motive_n of_o credibility_n whereby_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v prove_v to_o bâ—_n of_o a_o divine_a original_a 3._o what_o kind_n of_o persuasion_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o they_o or_o what_o be_v the_o assent_n which_o we_o give_v unto_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n on_o their_o account_n 4._o what_o objective_a evidence_n there_o be_v unto_o reason_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o induce_v the_o mind_n to_o assent_v unto_o they_o 5._o what_o be_v the_o nature_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 and_o how_o it_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 6._o what_o be_v that_o internal_a testimony_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n what_o be_v the_o force_n and_o use_v thereof_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o our_o work_n do_v yet_o remain_v that_o which_o we_o have_v thus_o far_o make_v way_n for_o and_o which_o be_v now_o our_o only_a remain_a enquiry_n be_v what_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o objective_a evidence_n which_o we_o have_v concern_v the_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o whereinto_o it_o be_v resolve_v that_o be_v we_o come_v to_o inquire_v and_o to_o give_v a_o direct_a answer_n unto_o that_o question_n why_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n what_o it_o be_v that_o our_o faith_n rest_v upon_o herein_o and_o what_o it_o be_v that_o make_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o man_n to_o believe_v it_o so_o to_o be_v unto_o who_o it_o be_v propose_v and_o the_o reason_n why_o i_o shall_v be_v the_o brief_a herein_o be_v because_o i_o have_v long_o since_o in_o another_o discourse_n clear_v this_o argument_n and_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o again_o call_v over_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v deliver_v therein_o because_o what_o have_v be_v unto_o this_o day_n gainsay_v unto_o it_o or_o except_v against_o it_o have_v be_v of_o little_a weight_n or_o consideration_n unto_o this_o great_a enquiry_n therefore_o i_o say_v we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o divine_a faith_n for_o its_o own_o sake_n only_o or_o our_o faith_n be_v resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n only_o as_o reveal_v himself_o unto_o we_o therein_o and_o thereby_o and_o this_o authority_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n do_v infallible_o manifest_v or_o evince_v themselves_o unto_o our_o faith_n or_o our_o mind_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o by_o the_o revelation_n itself_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o no_o otherwise_o or_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v and_o why_o we_o do_v so_o why_o we_o believe_v at_o all_o in_o general_n and_o why_o we_o believe_v any_o thing_n in_o particular_a and_o this_o we_o call_v the_o formal_a object_n or_o reason_n of_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o be_v not_o god_n himself_o absolute_o consider_v for_o so_o he_o be_v only_o the_o material_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n he_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v heb._n 11._o 6._o nor_o be_v it_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n absolute_o for_o that_o we_o believe_v as_o we_o do_v other_o essential_a property_n of_o his_o nature_n but_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n reveal_v himself_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n unto_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n this_o be_v the_o sole_a reason_n why_o we_o believe_v any_o thing_n with_o divine_a faith_n it_o be_v or_o may_v be_v inquire_v wherefore_o we_o do_v believe_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o that_o god_n be_v one_o in_o nature_n subsist_v in_o three_o person_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v because_o god_n himself_o the_o first_o truth_n who_o can_v lie_v have_v reveal_v and_o declare_v these_o thing_n so_o to_o be_v and_o he_o who_o be_v our_o all_o require_v we_o so_o to_o believe_v if_o it_o be_v ask_v how_o wherein_o or_o whereby_o god_n have_v reveal_v and_o declare_v these_o thing_n so_o to_o be_v or_o what_o be_v that_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v hereof_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v the_o scripture_n and_o that_o only_o and_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v how_o i_o know_v this_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o answer_v 1._o i_o do_v not_o know_v it_o demonstrative_o upon_o rational_a scientifical_a principle_n because_o such_o a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o such_o a_o demonstration_n 1._o cor._n 2._o 9_o 2._o i_o do_v not_o assent_v unto_o it_o or_o think_v it_o to_o be_v so_o upon_o argument_n and_o motive_n high_o probable_a or_o moral_o uncontrollable_a only_o as_o i_o be_o assure_o persuade_v of_o many_o other_o thing_n whereof_o i_o can_v have_v no_o certain_a demonstration_n 1_o thes._n 2._o 15._o but_o i_o believe_v it_o so_o to_o be_v with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a rest_v on_o and_o resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n himself_o evidence_v themselves_o unto_o my_o mind_n my_o soul_n and_o conscience_n by_o this_o revelation_n itself_o and_o not_o otherwise_o here_o we_o rest_v and_o deny_v that_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n formal_o for_o any_o other_o reason_n but_o itself_o which_o assure_v we_o of_o its_o divine_a authority_n and_o if_o we_o rest_v not_o here_o we_o must_v run_v on_o the_o rock_n of_o a_o moral_a certainty_n only_o which_o shake_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o divine_a faith_n or_o fall_v into_o the_o gulf_n and_o labyrinth_n of_o a_o endless_a circle_n in_o prove_v two_o thing_n mutual_o by_o one_o another_o as_o the_o church_n by_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o church_n in_o a_o everlasting_a rotation_n unless_o we_o intend_v so_o to_o wander_v we_o must_v come_v to_o something_o wherein_o we_o may_v rest_v for_o its_o own_o sake_n and_o that_o not_o with_o a_o strong_a and_o firm_a opinion_n but_o with_o divine_a faith_n and_o nothing_o can_v rational_o pretend_v unto_o this_o privilege_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n manifest_v itself_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o those_o who_o will_v not_o allow_v it_o hereunto_o do_v some_o of_o they_o wise_o deny_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o object_n of_o divine_a faith_n direct_o but_o only_o of_o a_o moral_a persuasion_n from_o eternal_a argument_n and_o consideration_n and_o i_o do_v believe_v that_o they_o will_v grant_v that_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o to_o be_v believe_v it_o must_v be_v for_o its_o own_o sake_n for_o those_o who_o will_v have_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n propose_v it_o unto_o we_o and_o witness_v so_o to_o be_v though_o they_o make_v a_o fair_a appearance_n of_o a_o ready_a and_o easy_a way_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n yet_o when_o thing_n come_v to_o be_v sift_v and_o try_v they_o do_v so_o confound_v all_o sort_n of_o thing_n that_o they_o know_v not_o where_o to_o stand_v or_o abide_v but_o it_o be_v not_o now_o my_o business_n to_o examine_v their_o pretence_n i_o have_v do_v it_o elsewhere_o i_o shall_v therefore_o prove_v and_o establish_v the_o assertion_n lay_v down_o after_o i_o have_v make_v way_n to_o it_o by_o one_o or_o two_o previous_a observation_n 1._o we_o suppose_v herein_o all_o the_o motive_n of_o credibity_n before_o mention_v that_o be_v all_o the_o argument_n ab_fw-la extra_fw-la which_o vehement_o persuade_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o wherewith_o it_o may_v be_v protect_v against_o objection_n and_o temptation_n to_o the_o contrary_n they_o have_v all_o of_o they_o their_o use_n and_o may_v in_o their_o proper_a place_n be_v
insist_v on_o especial_o ought_v they_o to_o be_v plead_v when_o the_o scripture_n be_v attack_v by_o a_o atheism_n arise_v from_o the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o those_o lust_n and_o sin_n which_o be_v severe_o condemn_v therein_o and_o threaten_v with_o the_o utmost_a vengeance_n with_o other_o they_o may_v be_v consider_v as_o previous_a inducement_n unto_o believe_v or_o concomitant_a mean_n of_o strengthen_v faith_n in_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v in_o the_o first_o way_n i_o confess_v to_o the_o best_a of_o my_o observation_n of_o thing_n past_a and_o present_a their_o use_n be_v not_o great_a nor_o ever_o have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o assure_o the_o most_o that_o do_v sincere_o believe_v the_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v it_o without_o any_o great_a consideration_n of_o they_o or_o be_v much_o influence_v by_o they_o and_o there_o be_v many_o who_o as_o austin_n speak_v be_v save_v simplicitate_fw-la credendi_fw-la and_o not_o subtilitate_fw-la disputandi_fw-la that_o be_v not_o able_a to_o inquire_v much_o into_o they_o nor_o yet_o to_o apprehend_v much_o of_o their_o force_n and_o efficacy_n when_o they_o be_v propose_v unto_o they_o most_o person_n therefore_o be_v effectual_o convert_v to_o god_n and_o have_v save_v faith_n whereby_o they_o believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o virtual_o all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o before_o they_o have_v ever_o once_o consider_v they_o and_o god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v think_v that_o none_o believe_v the_o scripture_n aright_o but_o those_o who_o be_v able_a to_o apprehend_v and_o manage_v the_o subtle_a argument_n of_o learned_a man_n produce_v in_o their_o confirmation_n yea_o we_o affirm_v on_o the_o contrary_a that_o those_o who_o believe_v they_o on_o no_o other_o ground_n have_v indeed_o no_o true_a divine_a faith_n at_o all_o hence_o they_o be_v not_o of_o old_a insist_v on_o for_o the_o ingenerate_v of_o faith_n in_o they_o to_o who_o the_o word_n be_v preach_v nor_o ordinary_o be_v so_o to_o this_o day_n by_o any_o who_o understand_v what_o be_v their_o work_n and_o duty_n but_o in_o the_o second_o way_n wherever_o there_o be_v occasion_n from_o objection_n opposition_n or_o temptation_n they_o may_v be_v plead_v to_o good_a use_n and_o purpose_n and_o they_o may_v do_v well_o to_o be_v furnish_v with_o they_o who_o be_v unavoidable_o expose_v unto_o trial_n of_o that_o nature_n for_o as_o for_o that_o course_n which_o some_o take_v in_o all_o place_n and_o at_o all_o time_n to_o be_v dispute_v about_o the_o scripture_n and_o their_o authority_n it_o be_v a_o practice_n give_v countenance_n unto_o atheism_n and_o be_v to_o be_v abhor_v of_o all_o that_o fear_n god_n and_o the_o consequent_n of_o it_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_a 2._o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n hold_v it_o up_o and_o declare_v it_o be_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n previous_o necessary_a unto_o believe_v for_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o itself_o alone_o but_o not_o by_o itself_o alone_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v the_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o declaration_n and_o make_v know_v the_o testimony_n which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n give_v in_o the_o scripture_n unto_o its_o divine_a original_a and_o this_o be_v the_o ordinary_a way_n whereby_o man_n be_v bring_v to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o church_n in_o its_o ministry_n own_v witness_v and_o avow_v it_o so_o to_o be_v instruct_v all_o sort_n of_o person_n out_o of_o it_o there_o be_v together_o with_o a_o sense_n and_o apprehension_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o the_o thing_n teach_v and_o reveal_v in_o it_o faith_n in_o itself_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n ingenerate_v in_o they_o 3._o we_o do_v also_o here_o suppose_v the_o internal_a effectual_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n beget_v faith_n in_o we_o as_o be_v before_o declare_v without_o which_o we_o can_v believe_v neither_o the_o scripture_n nor_o any_o thing_n else_o with_o faith_n divine_a not_o for_o want_v of_o evidence_n in_o they_o but_o of_o faith_n in_o ourselves_o these_o thing_n be_v suppose_v we_o do_v affirm_v that_o it_o be_v the_o authority_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n as_o manifest_v themselves_o in_o the_o supernatural_a revelation_n make_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o our_o faith_n arise_v from_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o and_o herein_o consist_v that_o testimony_n which_o the_o spirit_n give_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v so_o for_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o bear_v witness_v because_o the_o spirit_n be_v truth_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o immediate_a author_n of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n do_v therein_o and_o thereby_o give_v testimony_n unto_o the_o divine_a truth_n and_o original_a of_o it_o by_o the_o character_n of_o divine_a authority_n and_o veracity_n impress_v on_o it_o and_o evidence_v themselves_o in_o its_o power_n and_o efficacy_n and_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o what_o we_o assert_v respect_n the_o revelation_n itself_o the_o scripture_n the_o write_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o not_o mere_o the_o thing_n write_v or_o contain_v in_o it_o the_o argument_n produce_v by_o some_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n reach_v not_o the_o cause_n in_o hand_n for_o our_o enquiry_n be_v not_o about_o believe_v the_o truth_n reveal_v but_o about_o believe_v the_o revelation_n itself_o the_o scripture_n itself_o to_o be_v divine_a and_o this_o we_o do_v only_o because_o of_o the_o authority_n and_o veracity_n of_o the_o revealer_n that_o be_v of_o god_n himself_o manifest_v themselves_o therein_o to_o manifest_v this_o full_o i_o shall_v do_v these_o thing_n 1._o prove_v that_o our_o faith_n be_v so_o resolve_v into_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o not_o into_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o its_o own_o sake_n and_o not_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o thing_n else_o either_o external_a argument_n or_o authoritative_a testimony_n of_o man_n whatever_o 2._o show_v how_o or_o by_o what_o mean_v the_o scripture_n do_v evidence_n its_o own_o divine_a original_a or_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v so_o evidence_v in_o it_o and_o by_o it_o as_o that_o we_o need_v no_o other_o formal_a cause_n or_o reason_n of_o our_o faith_n whatever_o motive_n or_o mean_n of_o believe_v we_o may_v make_v use_n of_o and_o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o 1._o that_o be_v the_o formal_a reason_n whereon_o we_o do_v believe_v which_o the_o scripture_n propose_v as_o the_o only_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v so_o do_v why_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o do_v so_o and_o whereunto_o it_o require_v our_o assent_n now_o this_o be_v to_o itself_o as_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o because_o it_o be_v so_o or_o it_o propose_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o itself_o and_o that_o alone_a which_o we_o be_v to_o acquiesce_v in_o and_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o that_o alone_a which_o our_o faith_n be_v to_o rest_v on_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o it_o do_v not_o require_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o any_o church_n or_o on_o any_o other_o argument_n that_o it_o give_v we_o to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v from_o god_n but_o speak_v unto_o we_o immediate_o in_o his_o name_n and_o thereon_o require_v faith_n and_o obedience_n some_o it_o may_v be_v will_v ask_v whether_o this_o prove_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o it_o say_v so_o of_o itself_o when_o any_o other_o write_v may_v say_v the_o same_o but_o we_o be_v not_o now_o give_v argument_n to_o prove_v unto_o other_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o only_o prove_v and_o show_v what_o our_o own_o faith_n rest_v on_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o or_o at_o least_o ought_v so_o to_o be_v how_o it_o evidence_v itself_o unto_o our_o faith_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v afterward_o declare_v it_o be_v sufficient_a unto_o our_o present_a purpose_n that_o god_n require_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o it_o be_v his_o word_n or_o a_o divine_a revelation_n from_o he_o and_o if_o so_o his_o authority_n and_o truth_n be_v the_o formal_a reason_n why_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n or_o any_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o to_o this_o purpose_n do_v testimony_n abound_v in_o particular_a beside_o that_o general_a attestation_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o it_o in_o that_o sole_a preface_n of_o divine_a revelation_n thus_o say_v the_o
be_v mistake_v but_o only_o its_o own_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n make_v our_o duty_n necessary_a and_o secure_v our_o faith_n infallible_o and_o those_o testimony_n be_v with_o i_o of_o more_o weight_n a_o thousand_o time_n than_o the_o plausible_a reason_n of_o any_o to_o the_o contrary_n with_o some_o indeed_o it_o be_v grow_v a_o matter_n of_o contempt_n to_o quote_v or_o cite_v the_o scripture_n in_o our_o write_n such_o reverence_n have_v they_o for_o the_o ancient_a father_n some_o of_o who_o write_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o perpetual_a contexture_n of_o scripture_n but_o for_o such_o who_o pretend_v to_o despise_v those_o testimony_n in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v because_o either_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v what_o they_o be_v produce_v to_o confirm_v or_o can_v answer_v the_o proof_n that_o be_v in_o they_o for_o it_o be_v not_o unlikely_a but_o that_o some_o person_n well_o conceit_v of_o their_o own_o understanding_n in_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v most_o ignorant_a will_v pride_n and_o please_v themselves_o in_o the_o ridiculousness_n of_o prove_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o testimony_n take_v out_o of_o it_o but_o as_o be_v say_v we_o must_v not_o forgo_v the_o truth_n because_o either_o they_o will_v not_o or_o can_v understand_v what_o we_o discourse_v about_o 2._o our_o assertion_n be_v confirm_v by_o the_o uniform_a practice_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o propose_v these_o divine_a revelation_n which_o they_o receive_v by_o immediate_a inspiration_n from_o god_n for_o that_o which_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n unto_o who_o they_o first_o declare_v those_o divine_a revelation_n be_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o faith_n now_o they_o be_v record_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o write_n of_o it_o be_v by_o god_n appointment_n it_o come_v into_o the_o room_n and_o supply_v the_o place_n of_o their_o oral_a ministry_n on_o what_o ground_n soever_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v and_o believe_v divine_a revelation_n when_o make_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n on_o the_o same_o be_v we_o oblige_v to_o receive_v and_o believe_v they_o now_o they_o be_v make_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n the_o write_v be_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o appoint_v as_o the_o mean_n and_o cause_n of_o our_o faith_n it_o be_v true_a god_n be_v please_v sometime_o to_o bear_v witness_n unto_o their_o personal_a ministry_n by_o miracle_n or_o sign_n and_o wonder_n as_o heb._n 2._o 4._o god_n bear_v they_o witness_n but_o this_o be_v only_o at_o some_o season_n and_o with_o some_o of_o they_o that_o which_o they_o universal_o insist_v on_o whether_o they_o wrought_v any_o miracle_n or_o no_o be_v that_o the_o word_n which_o they_o preach_v declare_v write_v be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o man_n come_v not_o by_o any_o private_a suggestion_n or_o from_o any_o invention_n of_o their_o own_o but_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 1_o thes._n 2._o 13._o and_o declare_v by_o they_o as_o they_o be_v act_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 21._o under_o the_o old_a testament_n although_o the_o prophet_n sometime_o refer_v person_n unto_o the_o word_n already_o write_v as_o that_o which_o their_o faith_n be_v to_o acquiesce_v in_o isa._n 8._o 20_o mal._n 4._o 4._o set_v out_o its_o power_n and_o excellency_n for_o all_o the_o end_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n psal._n 19_o 7_o 8_o 9_o psal._n 119._o and_o not_o to_o any_o thing_n else_o nor_o to_o any_o other_o motive_n or_o argument_n to_o beget_v and_o require_v faith_n but_o it_o be_v own_o authority_n only_o yet_o as_o to_o their_o own_o especial_a message_n and_o revelation_n they_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o they_o require_v in_o this_o alone_a thus_o say_v the_o lord_n the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o infallible_a preacher_n and_o writer_n thereof_o do_v in_o the_o first_o place_n propose_v the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o be_v receive_v for_o their_o own_o sake_n or_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o divine_a original_a see_v john_n 45._o 46_o 47._o luk._n 16._o 29_o 31._o mat._n 21._o 42._o act_n 18._o 24_o 25_o 28._o act_n 24._o 14._o chap._n 26._o 22._o 2_o pet._n 1._o 21._o hence_o be_v they_o call_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n rom._n 3._o 2._o and_o oracle_n always_o require_v a_o assent_n for_o their_o own_o sake_n and_o other_o evidence_n they_o plead_v none_o and_o for_o the_o revelation_n which_o they_o superad_v they_o plead_v that_o they_o have_v they_o immediate_o from_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ_n gal._n 1._o 1._o and_o this_o be_v accompany_v with_o such_o a_o infallible_a assurance_n in_o they_o that_o receive_v it_o as_o to_o be_v prefer_v above_o a_o supposition_n of_o the_o high_a miracle_n to_o confirm_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_a gal._n 1._o 8._o for_o if_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v have_v preach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n than_o what_o they_o reveal_v and_o propose_v in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n they_o be_v to_o esteem_v he_o accurse_v for_o this_o cause_n they_o still_o insist_v on_o their_o apostolical_a authority_n and_o mission_n which_o include_v infallible_a inspiration_n and_o direction_n as_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o they_o unto_o who_o they_o preach_v and_o write_v and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o be_v not_o themselves_o divine_o inspire_v or_o wherein_o those_o that_o be_v so_o do_v not_o act_v by_o immediate_a inspiration_n they_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v by_o its_o consonancy_n unto_o the_o scripture_n already_o write_v refer_v the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n unto_o they_o for_o their_o ultimate_a satisfaction_n act_v 18._o 28._o chap._n 28._o 33._o 3._o it_o be_v before_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v require_v as_o subservient_fw-fr unto_o believe_v as_o a_o mean_n of_o it_o or_o the_o resolution_n of_o our_o faith_n into_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n the_o ministerial_a proposal_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o truth_n contain_v in_o they_o with_o the_o command_n of_o god_n for_o obedience_n unto_o they_o rom._n 16._o 25._o 26._o this_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n either_o extraordinary_a or_o ordinary_a god_n have_v appoint_v unto_o this_o end_n and_o ordinary_o it_o be_v indispensible_a thereunto_o rom._n 10._o 14_o 15._o how_o shall_v they_o believe_v in_o he_o of_o who_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o hear_v without_o a_o preacher_n and_o how_o shall_v they_o preach_v unless_o they_o be_v send_v without_o this_o ordinary_o we_o can_v believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o to_o be_v from_o he_o though_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o for_o it_o i_o do_v grant_v that_o in_o extraordinary_a case_n outward_a providence_n may_v supply_v the_o room_n of_o this_o ministerial_a proposal_n for_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o unto_o our_o duty_n by_o what_o mean_v the_o scripture_n be_v bring_v unto_o we_o but_o upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o this_o ministerial_a proposal_n of_o the_o word_n which_o ordinary_o include_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o testimony_n and_o declaration_n of_o the_o truth_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v whether_o those_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v propose_v be_v oblige_v without_o further_a external_a evidence_n to_o receive_v it_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o rest_v their_o faith_n in_o it_o and_o submit_v their_o conscience_n unto_o it_o the_o rule_n seem_v plain_a that_o they_o be_v oblige_v so_o to_o do_v mark_v 16._o 16._o we_o may_v consider_v this_o under_o the_o distinct_a way_n of_o its_o proposal_n extraordinary_a and_o ordinary_a upon_o the_o preach_a of_o any_o of_o the_o prophet_n by_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o on_o their_o declaration_n of_o any_o new_a revelation_n they_o have_v from_o god_n by_o preach_v or_o write_v suppose_v isaiah_n or_o jeremiah_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v whether_o or_o no_o all_o person_n be_v bind_v to_o receive_v their_o doctrine_n as_o from_o god_n to_o believe_v and_o submit_v unto_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o the_o revelation_n make_v by_o he_o without_o any_o external_a motive_n or_o argument_n or_o the_o testimony_n or_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n witness_v thereunto_o if_o they_o be_v not_o then_o be_v they_o all_o excuse_v as_o guiltless_a who_o refuse_v to_o believe_v the_o message_n they_o declare_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o in_o despise_v the_o warning_n and_o instruction_n which_o they_o give_v they_o for_o external_a motive_n they_o use_v not_o and_o the_o present_a church_n most_o
condemn_v they_o and_o their_o ministry_n as_o be_v plain_a and_o the_o case_n of_o jeremiah_n now_o it_o be_v impious_a to_o imagine_v that_o those_o to_o who_o they_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o believe_v they_o and_o it_o tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o all_o religion_n if_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v they_o and_o that_o under_o the_o penalty_n of_o divine_a displeasure_n and_o so_o to_o receive_v the_o revelation_n make_v by_o they_o or_o their_o declaration_n of_o it_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n than_o it_o must_v contain_v in_o it_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o believe_v or_o the_o full_a and_o entire_a cause_n reason_n and_o ground_n why_o they_o ought_v to_o believe_v with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a or_o let_v another_o ground_n of_o faith_n in_o this_o case_n be_v assign_v suppose_v the_o proposal_n be_v make_v in_o the_o ordinary_a ministry_n of_o the_o church_n hereby_o the_o scripture_n be_v declare_v unto_o man_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o be_v acquaint_v with_o it_o and_o what_o god_n require_v of_o they_o therein_o and_o they_o be_v charge_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n to_o receive_v and_o believe_v it_o do_v any_o obligation_n unto_o believe_v hence_o arise_v it_o may_v be_v some_o will_v say_v that_o immediate_o there_o be_v not_o only_o they_o will_v grant_v that_o man_n be_v bind_v hereon_o to_o inquire_v into_o such_o reason_n and_o motive_n as_o be_v propose_v unto_o they_o for_o its_o reception_n and_o admission_n i_o say_v there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o consider_v all_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n which_o be_v propose_v unto_o they_o and_o not_o to_o receive_v it_o with_o brutish_a implicit_a belief_n for_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o act_n of_o man_n own_o mind_n or_o understanding_n on_o the_o best_a ground_n and_o evidence_n which_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n propose_v be_v capable_a of_o but_o suppose_v man_n to_o do_v their_o duty_n in_o their_o diligent_a inquiry_n into_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v whether_o by_o the_o proposal_n mention_v there_o come_v upon_o man_n a_o obligation_n to_o believe_v if_o there_o do_v not_o then_o be_v all_o man_n perfect_o innocent_a who_o refuse_v to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n in_o the_o preach_n of_o it_o as_o to_o any_o respect_n unto_o that_o preach_n which_o to_o say_v be_v to_o overthrow_v the_o whole_a dispensation_n of_o the_o ministry_n if_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v upon_o the_o preach_n of_o it_o then_o have_v the_o word_n in_o itself_o those_o evidence_n of_o its_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o faith_n or_o reason_n of_o believe_v for_o what_o god_n require_v we_o to_o believe_v upon_o have_v so_o always_o as_o the_o issue_n of_o this_o whole_a discourse_n it_o be_v affirm_v that_o our_o faith_n be_v build_v on_o and_o resolve_v into_o the_o scripture_n itself_o which_o carry_v with_o it_o its_o own_o evidence_n of_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o therefore_o do_v that_o faith_n ultimate_o rest_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n alone_o and_o not_o in_o any_o human_a testimony_n such_o as_o be_v that_o of_o the_o church_n nor_o in_o any_o rational_a argument_n or_o motive_n that_o be_v absolute_o fallible_a it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o if_o the_o scripture_n thus_o evidence_n itself_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o the_o sun_n manifest_v itself_o by_o light_n and_o fire_n by_o heat_n or_o as_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o reason_n be_v evident_a in_o themselves_o without_o further_a proof_n or_o testimony_n then_o every_o one_o and_o all_o man_n upon_o the_o proposal_n of_o the_o scripture_n unto_o they_o and_o its_o own_o bare_a assertion_n that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n will_v necessary_o on_o that_o evidence_n alone_o assent_v thereunto_o and_o believe_v it_o so_o to_o be_v but_o this_o be_v not_o so_o all_o experience_n lie_v against_o it_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o pleadable_a ground_n of_o reason_n that_o so_o it_o be_v or_o that_o so_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o answer_n unto_o this_o objection_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o i_o shall_v show_v what_o it_o be_v what_o power_n what_o faculty_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n whereunto_o this_o revelation_n be_v propose_v and_o whereby_o we_o assent_v unto_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o wherein_o the_o mistake_v whereon_o this_o objection_n proceed_v will_v be_v discover_v 2._o i_o shall_v mention_v some_o of_o those_o thing_n whereby_o the_o holy_a ghost_n testify_v and_o give_v evidence_n unto_o the_o scripture_n in_o and_o by_o itself_o so_o as_o that_o our_o faith_n may_v be_v immediate_o resolve_v into_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n alone_o 1._o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o may_v consider_v that_o there_o be_v three_o way_n whereby_o we_o assent_v unto_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v propose_v unto_o we_o as_o true_a and_o receive_v it_o as_o such_o 1._o by_o inbred_a principle_n of_o natural_a light_n and_o the_o first_o rational_a act_n of_o our_o mind_n this_o in_o reason_n answer_v instinct_n in_o irrational_a creature_n hence_o god_n complain_v that_o his_o people_n do_v neglect_v and_o sin_n against_o their_o own_o natural_a light_n and_o first_o dictate_v of_o reason_n whereas_o brute_n creature_n will_v not_o forsake_v the_o conduct_n of_o the_o instinct_n of_o their_o nature_n isa._n 1._o 3_o in_o general_n the_o mind_n be_v necessary_o determine_v to_o a_o assent_n unto_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o these_o principle_n it_o can_v do_v otherwise_o it_o can_v but_o assent_v unto_o the_o prime_n dictate_v of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n yea_o those_o dictate_v be_v nothing_o but_o its_o assent_n its_o first_o apprehension_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n embrace_v without_o either_o express_a reason_n or_o further_a consideration_n be_v this_o assent_n thus_o do_v the_o mind_n embrace_v in_o itself_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a with_o the_o difference_n between_o they_o however_o it_o practical_o comply_v notwith_o what_o they_o guide_v unto_o judas_n v._n 10._o and_o so_o do_v it_o assent_v unto_o many_o principle_n of_o reason_n as_o that_o the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o the_o part_n without_o admit_v any_o debate_n about_o they_o 2._o by_o rational_a consideration_n of_o thing_n external_o propose_v unto_o we_o herein_o the_o mind_n exercise_v its_o discursive_a faculty_n gather_v one_o thing_n out_o of_o another_o and_o conclude_v one_o thing_n from_o another_o and_o hereon_o be_v it_o able_a to_o assent_v unto_o what_o be_v propose_v unto_o it_o in_o various_a degree_n of_o certainty_n according_a unto_o the_o nature_n and_o degree_n of_o the_o evidence_n it_o proceed_v upon_o hence_o it_o have_v a_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o some_o thing_n of_o other_o a_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n prevalent_a against_o the_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_a which_o it_o know_v and_o who_o force_n it_o understand_v which_o may_v be_v true_a or_o false_a 3._o by_o faith_n this_o respect_v that_o power_n of_o our_o mind_n whereby_o we_o be_v able_a to_o assent_v unto_o any_o thing_n as_o true_a which_o we_o have_v no_o first_o principles_n concern_v no_o inbred_a notion_n of_o nor_o can_v from_o more_o know_v principle_n make_v unto_o ourselves_o any_o certain_a rational_a conclusion_n concern_v they_o this_o be_v our_o assent_n upon_o testimony_n whereon_o we_o believe_v many_o thing_n which_o no_o sense_n inbred_a principle_n nor_o reason_v of_o our_o own_o can_v either_o give_v we_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o or_o a_o assurance_n of_o and_o this_o assent_n also_o have_v not_o only_o various_a degree_n but_o be_v also_o of_o divers_a kind_n according_a as_o the_o testimony_n be_v which_o it_o arise_v from_o and_o rest_v on_o as_o be_v humane_a if_o that_o be_v humane_a and_o divine_a if_o that_o be_v so_o also_o according_a to_o these_o distinct_a faculty_n and_o power_n of_o our_o soul_n god_n be_v please_v to_o reveal_v or_o make_v know_v himself_o his_o mind_n or_o will_v three_o way_n unto_o we_o for_o he_o have_v implant_v no_o power_n on_o our_o mind_n but_o the_o principal_a use_n and_o exercise_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v with_o respect_n unto_o himself_o and_o our_o live_n unto_o he_o which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o they_o all_o and_o a_o neglect_n of_o the_o improvement_n of_o they_o unto_o this_o end_n be_v the_o high_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v a_o aggravation_n of_o sin_n when_o man_n abuse_v the_o creature_n of_o god_n otherwise_o than_o he_o have_v appoint_v or_o in_o not_o use_v they_o to_o his_o glory_n when_o they_o take_v his_o corn_n and_o wine_n and_o oil_n and_o spend_v
mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n with_o its_o operation_n of_o divine_a effect_n thereon_o this_o the_o apostle_n express_o affirm_v to_o be_v the_o reason_n and_o cause_n of_o faith_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 24_o 25._o if_o all_o prophesy_n and_o there_o come_v in_o one_o that_o believe_v not_o or_o one_o unlearned_a he_o be_v convince_v of_o all_o he_o be_v judge_v of_o all_o and_o thus_o be_v the_o secret_n of_o his_o heart_n make_v manifest_a and_o so_o fall_v down_o on_o his_o face_n he_o will_v worship_v god_n and_o report_n that_o god_n be_v in_o you_o of_o a_o truth_n the_o acknowledgement_n and_o confession_n of_o god_n to_o be_v in_o they_o or_o among_o they_o be_v a_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o word_n administer_v by_o they_o such_o person_n assent_v unto_o its_o divine_a authority_n or_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o on_o what_o evidence_n or_o ground_n of_o credibility_n they_o do_v so_o be_v express_o declare_v it_o be_v not_o upon_o the_o force_n of_o any_o external_a argument_n produce_v and_o plead_v unto_o that_o purpose_n it_o be_v not_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o this_o or_o that_o or_o any_o church_n whatever_o nor_o be_v it_o upon_o a_o conviction_n of_o any_o miracle_n which_o they_o see_v wrought_v in_o its_o confirmation_n yea_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o confession_n declare_v be_v oppose_v unto_o the_o efficacy_n and_o use_v of_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o tongue_n v_o 23_o 24._o wherefore_o the_o only_a evidence_n whereon_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n and_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v of_o god_n be_v that_o divine_a power_n and_o efficacy_n whereof_o they_o find_v and_o feel_v the_o experience_n in_o themselves_o he_o be_v convince_v of_o all_o judge_v of_o all_o and_o thus_o be_v the_o secret_n of_o his_o heart_n make_v manifest_a whereon_o he_o fall_v down_o before_o it_o with_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o its_o divine_a authority_n find_v the_o word_n to_o come_v upon_o his_o conscience_n with_o a_o irresistible_a power_n of_o conviction_n and_o judgement_n thereon_o he_o be_v convince_v of_o all_o judge_v of_o all_o he_o can_v but_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o divine_a efficacy_n in_o it_o or_o accompany_v of_o it_o especial_o his_o mind_n be_v influence_v by_o this_o that_o the_o secret_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v make_v manifest_a by_o it_o for_o all_o man_n must_v acknowledge_v this_o to_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o divine_a power_n see_v god_n alone_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o who_o search_v know_v and_o judge_v the_o heart_n and_o if_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n because_o he_o tell_v she_o all_o thing_n that_o ever_o she_o do_v john_n 4._o 29._o there_o be_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o word_n to_o be_v from_o god_n which_o make_v manifest_a even_o the_o secret_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o although_o i_o do_v conceive_v that_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n heb._n 4._o 12._o the_o live_n and_o eternal_a word_n be_v principal_o intend_v yet_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n there_o ascribe_v to_o he_o be_v that_o which_o he_o put_v forth_o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o that_o word_n also_o in_o its_o place_n and_o use_v pierce_v to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o joint_n and_o marrew_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n or_o pass_v a_o critical_a judgement_n on_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n or_o make_v manifest_v the_o secret_n of_o man_n heart_n as_o it_o be_v here_o express_v hereby_o then_o do_v the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o evidence_n the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o word_n namely_o by_o that_o divine_a power_n which_o it_o have_v upon_o our_o soul_n and_o conscience_n that_o we_o do_v assure_o acquiesce_v in_o it_o to_o be_v from_o god_n so_o the_o thessalonian_n be_v commend_v that_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o effectual_o work_v in_o they_o that_o believe_v 1_o thess._n 2._o 15._o it_o distinguish_v itself_o from_o the_o word_n of_o man_n and_o evidence_n itself_o to_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o its_o effectual_a operation_n in_o they_o that_o believe_v and_o he_o who_o have_v this_o testimony_n in_o himself_o have_v a_o high_a and_o more_o firm_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n than_o what_o can_v be_v attain_v by_o the_o force_n of_o external_a argument_n or_o the_o credit_n of_o humane_a testimony_n wherefore_o i_o say_v in_o general_a that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n give_v testimony_n unto_o and_o evince_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o word_n by_o its_o powerful_a operation_n and_o divine_a effect_n on_o the_o soul_n of_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v so_o that_o although_o it_o be_v weakness_n and_o foolishness_n unto_o other_o yet_o as_o be_v christ_n himself_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v call_v it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o i_o must_v say_v that_o although_o a_o man_n be_v furnish_v with_o external_a argument_n of_o all_o sort_n concern_v the_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n although_o he_o esteem_v his_o motive_n of_o credibility_n to_o be_v effectual_o persuasive_a and_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o or_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n to_o confirm_v his_o persuasion_n yet_o if_o he_o have_v no_o experience_n in_o himself_o of_o its_o divine_a power_n authority_n and_o efficacy_n he_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v believe_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a but_o he_o that_o have_v this_o experience_n have_v that_o testimony_n in_o himself_o which_o will_v never_o fail_v this_o will_v be_v the_o more_o manifest_a if_o we_o consider_v some_o few_o of_o those_o many_o instance_n wherein_o it_o exert_v its_o power_n or_o the_o effect_n which_o be_v produce_v thereby_o the_o principal_a divine_a effect_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v in_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o sinner_n unto_o god_n the_o greatness_n and_o glory_n of_o this_o work_n we_o have_v elsewhere_o declare_v at_o large_a and_o all_o those_o who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o it_o as_o it_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o have_v any_o experience_n of_o it_o in_o their_o own_o heart_n do_v constant_o give_v it_o as_o a_o instance_n of_o the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n it_o may_v be_v they_o speak_v not_o improper_o who_o prefer_v the_o work_n of_o the_o new_a creation_n before_o the_o work_n of_o the_o old_a for_o the_o express_a evidence_n of_o almighty_a power_n contain_v in_o it_o as_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n do_v now_o of_o this_o great_a and_o glorious_a effect_v the_o word_n be_v the_o only_a instrumental_a cause_n whereby_o the_o divine_a power_n operate_v and_o be_v expressive_a of_o itself_o for_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o bear_v of_o god_n not_o of_o corruptible_a seed_n but_o of_o incorruptible_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o abide_v for_o ever_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 21._o for_o of_o his_o own_o will_n do_v god_n beget_v we_o with_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n jam._n 1._o 18._o the_o word_n be_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n in_o we_o that_o whereby_o our_o whole_a nature_n our_o soul_n and_o all_o their_o faculty_n be_v change_v and_o renew_v into_o the_o image_n and_o likeness_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o same_o word_n be_v this_o new_a nature_n keep_v and_o preserve_v 1_o pet._n 2._o 2._o and_o the_o whole_a soul_n carry_v on_o unto_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n it_o be_v unto_o believer_n a_o engraft_a word_n which_o be_v able_a to_o save_v their_o soul_n james_n 1._o 21._o the_o word_n of_o god_n grace_n which_o be_v able_a to_o build_v we_o up_o and_o give_v we_o a_o inheritance_n among_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v act_v 20._o 32._o and_o that_o because_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n unto_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v rom._n 1._o 16._o all_o the_o power_n which_o god_n put_v forth_o and_o exert_n in_o the_o communication_n of_o that_o grace_n and_o mercy_n unto_o believer_n whereby_o they_o be_v gradual_o carry_v on_o and_o prepare_v unto_o salvation_n he_o do_v it_o by_o the_o word_n therein_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n be_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o word_n evidence_v by_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o efficacy_n give_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o work_n which_o be_v effect_v by_o it_o in_o the_o regeneration_n conversion_n and_o sanctification_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n do_v evidence_n it_o infallible_o unto_o their_o conscience_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o word_n
of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n it_o will_v be_v say_v this_o testimony_n be_v private_a in_o the_o mind_n only_o of_o they_o on_o who_o this_o work_n be_v wrought_v and_o therefore_o do_v i_o press_v it_o no_o further_o but_o he_o that_o believe_v have_v the_o witness_n in_o himself_o 1_o john_n 5._o 10._o let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o all_o who_o be_v real_o convert_v unto_o god_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n have_v that_o infallible_a evidence_n and_o testimony_n of_o its_o divine_a original_a authority_n and_o power_n in_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o conscience_n that_o they_o thereon_o believe_v it_o with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o other_o evidence_n before_o mention_v as_o part_n of_o the_o same_o divine_a testimony_n and_o it_o be_v all_o i_o aim_v at_o herein_o but_o yet_o although_o this_o testimony_n be_v private_o receive_v for_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v not_o so_o but_o common_a unto_o all_o believer_n yet_o be_v it_o ministerial_o pleadable_a in_o the_o church_n as_o a_o principal_a motive_n unto_o believe_v a_o declaration_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n which_o some_o have_v find_v by_o experience_n in_o the_o word_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o convince_v other_o and_o to_o bring_v they_o unto_o the_o faith_n yea_o of_o all_o the_o external_a argument_n that_o be_v or_o may_v be_v plead_v to_o justify_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v none_o more_o prevalent_a nor_o cogent_a than_o this_o of_o its_o mighty_a efficacy_n in_o all_o age_n on_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o change_v convert_v and_o renew_v they_o into_o the_o image_n and_o likeness_n of_o god_n which_o have_v be_v visible_a and_o manifest_a moreover_o there_o be_v yet_o other_o particular_a effect_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n of_o the_o word_n on_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n belong_v unto_o this_o general_a work_n either_o precede_a or_o follow_v of_o it_o which_o be_v clear_o sensible_a and_o enlarge_v the_o evidence_n as_o 1._o the_o work_n of_o conviction_n of_o sin_n on_o those_o who_o expect_v it_o not_o who_o desire_v it_o not_o and_o who_o will_v avoid_v it_o if_o by_o any_o mean_v possible_a they_o can_v the_o world_n be_v fill_v with_o instance_n of_o this_o nature_n whilst_o man_n have_v be_v full_a of_o love_n to_o their_o sin_n at_o peace_n in_o they_o enjoy_v benefit_n and_o advantage_n by_o they_o the_o word_n come_v upon_o they_o in_o its_o power_n have_v awe_v disquiet_v and_o terrify_v they_o take_v away_o their_o peace_n destroy_v their_o hope_n and_o make_v they_o as_o it_o be_v whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o desire_n inclination_n and_o carnal_a affection_n to_o conclude_v that_o if_o they_o comply_v not_o with_o what_o be_v propose_v unto_o they_o in_o that_o word_n which_o before_o they_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o nor_o have_v any_o regard_n unto_o they_o must_v be_v present_o or_o eternal_o miserable_a conscience_n be_v the_o territory_n or_o dominion_n of_o god_n in_o man_n which_o he_o have_v so_o reserve_v unto_o himself_o that_o no_o human_a power_n can_v possible_o enter_v into_o it_o or_o dispose_v of_o it_o in_o any_o wise_a but_o in_o this_o work_n of_o conviction_n of_o sin_n the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o scripture_n enter_v into_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o sinner_n take_v possession_n of_o it_o dispose_v it_o unto_o peace_n or_o trouble_v by_o its_o law_n or_o rule_n and_o no_o otherwise_o where_o it_o give_v disquietment_n all_o the_o world_n can_v give_v it_o peace_n and_o where_o it_o speak_v peace_n there_o be_v none_o can_v give_v it_o trouble_v be_v not_o this_o the_o word_n of_o god_n how_o shall_v it_o come_v thus_o to_o speak_v in_o his_o name_n and_o to_o act_v his_o authority_n in_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n as_o it_o do_v when_o once_o it_o begin_v this_o work_n conscience_n immediate_o own_v a_o new_a rule_n a_o new_a law_n a_o new_a government_n in_o order_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o it_o and_o all_o its_o action_n and_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o conscience_n to_o take_v this_o upon_o itself_o nor_o will_v it_o do_v so_o but_o that_o it_o sensible_o find_v god_n speak_v and_o act_v in_o it_o and_o by_o it_o see_v 1_o cor._n 14._o 25_o 26._o a_o invasion_n may_v be_v make_v on_o the_o outward_a duty_n that_o conscience_n dispose_v unto_o but_o none_o can_v be_v so_o upon_o its_o internal_a act_n no_o power_n under_o heaven_n can_v cause_v conscience_n to_o think_v act_n or_o judge_v otherwise_o than_o it_o do_v by_o its_o immediate_a respect_n unto_o god_n for_o it_o be_v the_o mind_n self-judging_a with_o respect_n unto_o god_n and_o what_o be_v not_o so_o be_v no_o act_n of_o conscience_n wherefore_o to_o force_v a_o act_n of_o conscience_n imply_v a_o contradiction_n however_o it_o may_v be_v defile_v bribe_v sear_a and_o at_o length_n utter_o debauch_v admit_v of_o a_o superior_a power_n a_o power_n above_o or_o over_o itself_o under_o god_n it_o can_v i_o know_v conscience_n may_v be_v prepossess_v with_o prejudices_fw-la and_o by_o education_n with_o the_o insinuation_n of_o tradition_n take_v on_o itself_o the_o power_n of_o false_a corrupt_a superstitious_a principle_n and_o error_n as_o mean_n of_o convey_v unto_o it_o a_o sense_n of_o divine_a authority_n so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o mahometans_n and_o other_o false_a worshipper_n in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o power_n of_o those_o divine_a conviction_n whereof_o we_o treat_v be_v manifest_o different_a from_o such_o prejudicate_a opinion_n for_o where_o these_o be_v not_o impose_v on_o man_n by_o artifices_fw-la and_o delusion_n easy_o discoverable_a they_o prepossess_v their_o mind_n and_o inclination_n by_o tradition_n antecedent_o unto_o any_o right_a judgement_n they_o can_v make_v of_o themselves_o or_o other_o thing_n and_o they_o be_v general_o wrap_v up_o and_o condit_v in_o their_o secular_a interest_n the_o conviction_n we_o treat_v of_o come_v from_o without_o upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o that_o with_o a_o sensible_a power_n prevail_v over_o all_o their_o previous_a thought_n and_o inclination_n those_o first_o affect_v deceive_v and_o delude_v the_o notional_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n whereby_o conscience_n be_v insensible_o influence_v and_o divert_v into_o improper_a respect_n and_o be_v deceive_v as_o to_o its_o judge_n of_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n these_o immediate_o principle_n the_o practical_a understanding_n and_o self-judging_a power_n of_o the_o soul_n wherefore_o such_o opinion_n and_o persuasion_n be_v gradual_o insinuate_v into_o the_o mind_n and_o be_v admit_v insensible_o without_o opposition_n or_o reluctancy_n be_v never_o accompany_v at_o their_o first_o admission_n with_o any_o secular_a disadvantage_n but_o these_o divine_a conviction_n by_o the_o word_n befall_v man_n some_o when_o they_o think_v of_o nothing_o less_o and_o desire_v nothing_o less_o some_o when_o they_o design_v other_o thing_n as_o the_o please_a of_o their_o ear_n or_o the_o entertainment_n of_o their_o company_n and_o some_o that_o go_v on_o purpose_n to_o deride_v and_o scoff_n at_o what_o shall_v be_v speak_v unto_o they_o from_o it_o it_o may_v also_o be_v add_v unto_o the_o same_o purpose_n how_o confirm_v some_o have_v be_v in_o their_o carnal_a peace_n and_o security_n by_o love_n of_o sin_n with_o innumerable_a inveterate_a prejudices_fw-la what_o loss_n and_o ruin_n to_o their_o outward_a concernment_n many_o have_v fall_v into_o by_o admit_v of_o their_o conviction_n what_o force_n diligence_n and_o artifices_fw-la have_v be_v use_v to_o defeat_v they_o what_o contribution_n of_o aid_n and_o assistance_n have_v there_o be_v from_o satan_n unto_o this_o purpose_n and_o yet_o against_o all_o have_v the_o divine_a power_n of_o the_o word_n absolute_o prevail_v and_o accomplish_v its_o whole_a design_v effect_n see_v 2_o cor._n 10._o 4_o 5._o jerem._n 23._o 29._o zach._n 1._o 6._o 2._o it_o do_v it_o by_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o it_o and_o that_o spiritual_a illuminate_a efficacy_n wherewith_o it_o be_v accompany_v hence_o it_o be_v call_v a_o light_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 19_o that_o light_n whereby_o god_n shine_v into_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 4_o 6._o without_o the_o scripture_n all_o the_o world_n be_v in_o darkness_n darkness_n cover_v the_o earth_n and_o thick_a darkness_n the_o people_n isa_n 60._o 2._o it_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n fill_v with_o darkness_n and_o confusion_n superstition_n idolatry_n lie_v vanity_n wherein_o man_n know_v not_o at_o all_o what_o they_o do_v nor_o whither_o they_o go_v fill_v the_o whole_a world_n even_o as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n and_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v natural_o in_o darkness_n there_o be_v a_o blindness_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
so_o many_o uncertain_a and_o fierce_a digladiation_n wherein_o not_o any_o one_o truth_n be_v assert_v nor_o any_o one_o duty_n prescribe_v that_o be_v not_o spoil_v and_o vitiate_a by_o its_o circumstance_n and_o end_n beside_o they_o never_o rise_v up_o so_o much_o as_o to_o a_o surmise_n of_o or_o about_o the_o most_o important_a matter_n of_o religion_n without_o which_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a by_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v ever_o attain_v the_o end_n for_o which_o we_o be_v make_v nor_o the_o blessedness_n whereof_o we_o be_v capable_a no_o account_n can_v they_o ever_o give_v of_o our_o apostasy_n from_o god_n of_o the_o depravation_n of_o our_o nature_n of_o the_o cause_n or_o necessary_a cure_n of_o it_o in_o this_o lose_a and_o wander_a condition_n of_o mankind_n the_o scripture_n present_v itself_o as_o a_o light_n rule_n and_o guide_n unto_o all_o to_o direct_v they_o in_o their_o whole_a course_n unto_o their_o end_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o unto_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o this_o it_o do_v with_o that_o clearness_n and_o evidence_n as_o to_o dispel_v all_o the_o darkness_n and_o put_v a_o end_n unto_o all_o the_o confusion_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o the_o sun_n with_o rise_v do_v the_o shade_n of_o the_o night_n unless_o they_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o it_o love_a darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a for_o all_o the_o confusion_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o extricate_v themselves_o from_o whence_o they_o find_v out_o and_o immix_v themselves_o in_o endless_a question_n to_o no_o purpose_n arise_v from_o their_o ignorance_n of_o what_o we_o be_v original_o of_o what_o we_o now_o be_v and_o how_o we_o come_v so_o to_o be_v by_o what_o way_n or_o mean_n we_o may_v be_v deliver_v or_o relieve_v what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o life_n or_o what_o be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o live_n to_o god_n as_o our_o chief_a end_n and_o wherein_o the_o blessedness_n of_o our_o nature_n do_v consist_v all_o the_o world_n be_v never_o able_a to_o give_v a_o answer_n tolerable_o satisfactory_a unto_o any_o one_o of_o these_o inquiry_n &_o yet_o unless_o they_o be_v all_o infallible_o determine_v we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o the_o least_o rest_n or_o happiness_n above_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v but_o now_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o clear_o declare_v and_o state_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o it_o come_v with_o a_o evidence_n like_o a_o light_n from_o heaven_n on_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o unprejudiced_a person_n what_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o nature_n in_o its_o first_o creation_n and_o constitution_n with_o the_o blessedness_n and_o advantage_n of_o that_o condition_n how_o we_o fall_v from_o it_o and_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n what_o be_v the_o nature_n and_o what_o the_o consequent_n and_o effect_n of_o our_o present_a depravation_n and_o apostasy_n from_o god_n how_o help_n and_o relief_n be_v provide_v for_o we_o herein_o by_o infinite_a wisdom_n grace_n and_o bounty_n what_o that_o help_n be_v how_o we_o may_v be_v interest_v in_o it_o and_o make_v partaker_n of_o it_o what_o be_v that_o system_fw-la of_o duty_n or_o course_n of_o obedience_n unto_o god_n which_o be_v require_v of_o we_o and_o wherein_o our_o eternal_a felicity_n do_v consist_v be_v all_o of_o they_o so_o plain_o and_o clear_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o in_o general_a to_o leave_v mankind_n no_o ground_n for_o doubt_n enquiry_n or_o conjecture_n set_v aside_o inveterate_a prejudices_fw-la from_o tradition_n education_n false_a notion_n into_o the_o mould_n whereof_o the_o mind_n be_v cast_v the_o love_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o conduct_n of_o lust_n which_o thing_n have_v a_o inconceivable_a power_n over_o the_o mind_n soul_n and_o affection_n of_o man_n and_o the_o light_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o these_o thing_n be_v like_o that_o of_o the_o sun_n at_o noonday_n which_o shut_v up_o the_o way_n unto_o all_o further_a enquiry_n and_o efficacious_o necessitate_v unto_o a_o acquiescency_n in_o it_o and_o in_o particular_a in_o that_o direction_n which_o it_o give_v unto_o the_o live_v of_o man_n in_o order_n unto_o that_o obedience_n which_o they_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o that_o reward_v which_o they_o expect_v from_o he_o there_o be_v no_o instance_n conceivable_a of_o any_o thing_n conduce_v thereunto_o which_o be_v not_o prescribe_v therein_o nor_o of_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a unto_o it_o that_o fall_v not_o under_o its_o prohibition_n those_o therefore_o who_o desire_n or_o interest_n it_o be_v that_o the_o bound_n and_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n shall_v be_v unfixed_a and_o confound_v who_o be_v afraid_a to_o know_v what_o they_o be_v what_o they_o be_v or_o what_o they_o shall_v come_v unto_o who_o care_n to_o know_v neither_o god_n nor_o themselves_o their_o duty_n nor_o their_o reward_n may_v despise_v this_o book_n and_o deny_v its_o divine_a original_a other_o will_v retain_v a_o sacred_a veneration_n of_o it_o as_o of_o the_o offspring_n of_o god_n 4._o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n may_v in_o like_a manner_n be_v plead_v unto_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o i_o shall_v also_o insist_v upon_o it_o partly_o to_o manifest_v wherein_o its_o true_a nature_n and_o efficacy_n do_v consist_v and_o partly_o to_o evince_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o old_a pretence_n that_o even_o we_o also_o who_o be_v depart_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v receive_v the_o scripture_n upon_o the_o authority_n thereof_o whence_o it_o be_v further_o pretend_v that_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n and_o reason_n we_o ought_v to_o receive_v whatever_o else_o it_o propose_v unto_o we_o 1._o the_o church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 15._o which_o be_v the_o only_a text_n plead_v with_o any_o sobriety_n to_o give_v countenance_n unto_o the_o assertion_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n with_o respect_n unto_o we_o to_o depend_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o weakness_n of_o a_o plea_n to_o that_o purpose_n from_o hence_o have_v be_v so_o full_o manifest_v by_o many_o already_o that_o it_o need_v no_o more_o to_o be_v insist_v on_o in_o short_a it_o can_v be_v so_o the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n that_o the_o truth_n shall_v be_v as_o it_o be_v build_v and_o rest_n upon_o it_o as_o its_o foundation_n for_o this_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o same_o apostle_n who_o teach_v we_o that_o the_o church_n itself_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n eph._n 2._o 20._o the_o church_n can_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o truth_n the_o ground_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n or_o kind_n wherefore_o the_o church_n be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n in_o that_o it_o hold_v up_o and_o declare_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o thing_n contain_v therein_o so_o to_o be_v 2._o in_o receive_v any_o thing_n from_o a_o church_n we_o may_v consider_v the_o authority_n of_o it_o or_o its_o ministry_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o matter_n we_o intend_v no_o more_o but_o the_o weight_n and_o importance_n that_o be_v in_o its_o testimony_n as_o testimony_n do_v vary_v according_a to_o the_o worth_n gravity_n honesty_n honour_n and_o reputation_n of_o they_o by_o who_o they_o be_v give_v for_o to_o suppose_v a_o authority_n proper_o so_o call_v in_o any_o church_n or_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o world_n whereon_o our_o reception_n of_o the_o scripture_n shall_v depend_v as_o that_o which_o give_v its_o authority_n towards_o we_o and_o a_o sufficient_a warranty_n to_o our_o faith_n be_v a_o nice_a imagination_n for_o the_o authority_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n stand_v not_o in_o need_n nor_o be_v capable_a of_o any_o such_o attestation_n from_o man_n all_o they_o will_v admit_v of_o from_o the_o child_n of_o man_n be_v that_o they_o do_v humble_o submit_v unto_o they_o and_o testify_v their_o so_o do_v with_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v that_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n whereby_o it_o propose_v and_o declare_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o as_o it_o have_v occasion_n to_o all_o the_o world_n and_o this_o ministry_n also_o may_v be_v consider_v either_o formal_o as_o it_o be_v appoint_v of_o god_n unto_o this_o end_n and_o bless_v by_o he_o or_o material_o only_o as_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v though_o the_o ground_n whereon_o it_o be_v do_v and_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o be_v not_o divine_o approve_v we_o whole_o deny_v that_o we_o receive_v the_o scripture_n or_o ever_o
do_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o any_o sense_n whatever_o for_o the_o reason_n that_o shall_v be_v mention_v immediate_o but_o it_o may_v be_v grant_v that_o together_o with_o the_o ministry_n of_o other_o church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o many_o other_o providential_a mean_v of_o their_o preservation_n and_o successive_a communication_n we_o do_v the_o facto_fw-la receive_v the_o scripture_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n also_o see_v they_o also_o be_v in_o the_o possession_n of_o they_o but_o this_o ministry_n we_o allow_v only_o in_o the_o latter_a sense_n as_o a_o actual_a mean_n in_o subserviency_n unto_o god_n providence_n without_o respect_n unto_o any_o especial_a institution_n and_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o case_n in_o that_o sense_n wherein_o it_o be_v allow_v namely_o as_o denote_v the_o weight_n and_o importance_n of_o a_o testimony_n which_o be_v strengthen_v by_o all_o sort_n of_o circumstance_n may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v great_a authority_n in_o it_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a unto_o who_o or_o what_o church_n we_o grant_v or_o allow_v it_o for_o let_v man_n assume_v what_o name_n or_o title_n to_o themselves_o they_o please_v yet_o if_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o be_v corrupt_a or_o flagitious_a in_o their_o life_n and_o have_v great_a secular_a advantage_n which_o they_o high_o prize_v and_o studious_o improve_v from_o what_o they_o suppose_v and_o profess_v the_o scripture_n to_o supply_v they_o withal_o be_v they_o call_v church_n or_o what_o you_o please_v their_o testimony_n therein_o be_v of_o very_o little_a value_n for_o all_o man_n may_v see_v that_o they_o have_v a_o earthly_a worldly_a interest_n of_o their_o own_o therein_o and_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o if_o such_o person_n do_v know_v the_o whole_a bible_n to_o be_v a_o fable_n as_o one_o pope_n express_v himself_o to_o that_o purpose_n they_o will_v not_o forego_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o unless_o they_o can_v more_o advantage_v themselves_o in_o the_o world_n another_o way_n wherefore_o whereas_o it_o be_v manifest_a unto_o all_o that_o those_o who_o have_v the_o conduct_v of_o the_o roman_a church_n have_v make_v and_o do_v make_v to_o themselves_o great_a earthly_a temporal_a advantage_n in_o honour_n power_n wealth_n and_o reputation_n in_o the_o world_n by_o their_o profession_n of_o the_o scripture_n their_o testimony_n may_v rational_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v so_o far_o influence_v by_o self_n interest_n as_o to_o be_v of_o little_a validity_n the_o testimony_n therefore_o which_o i_o intend_v be_v that_o of_o multitude_n of_o person_n of_o unspotted_a reputation_n on_o all_o other_o account_n in_o the_o world_n free_a from_o all_o possibility_n of_o impeachment_n as_o unto_o any_o design_v evil_a or_o conspiracy_n among_o themselves_o with_o respect_n unto_o any_o corrupt_a end_n and_o who_o have_v not_o the_o least_o secular_a advantage_n by_o what_o they_o testify_v unto_o be_v absolute_o secure_v against_o all_o exception_n which_o either_o common_a reason_n or_o common_a usage_n among_o mankind_n can_v put_v in_o unto_o any_o witness_n whatever_o and_o to_o evidence_n the_o force_n that_o be_v in_o this_o consideration_n i_o shall_v brief_o represent_v 1._o who_o they_o be_v that_o give_v and_o do_v give_v this_o testimony_n in_o some_o especial_a instance_n 2._o what_o they_o give_v this_o testimony_n unto_o 3._o how_o or_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o do_v so_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o testimony_n of_o those_o by_o who_o the_o several_a book_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v be_v to_o be_v consider_v they_o all_o of_o they_o several_o and_o joint_o witness_v that_o what_o they_o write_v be_v receive_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n this_o be_v plead_v by_o the_o apostle_n peter_n in_o the_o name_n of_o they_o all_o 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_v of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o be_v eye_n 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 that_o shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n until_o the_o day_n dawn_n and_o the_o day_n star_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 this_o be_v the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o the_o writer_n both_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o new_a namely_o that_o as_o they_o have_v certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o write_v so_o their_o writing_n be_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n so_o in_o particular_a john_n bear_v witness_n unto_o his_o revelation_n chap._n 19_o 9_o chap._n 22._o 6._o these_o be_v the_o true_a and_o faithful_a say_n of_o god_n and_o what_o weight_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v hereon_o be_v declare_v joh._n 21._o 24._o this_o be_v that_o disciple_n which_o testify_v of_o these_o thing_n and_o write_v these_o thing_n and_o we_o know_v that_o his_o testimony_n be_v true_a he_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o write_v but_o how_o be_v it_o know_v to_o the_o church_n there_o intend_v we_o know_v that_o his_o testimony_n be_v true_a that_o so_o it_o be_v indeed_o he_o be_v not_o absolute_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o one_o that_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v in_o mere_o on_o his_o own_o account_n yet_o here_o it_o be_v speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n with_o the_o high_a assurance_n and_o we_o know_v that_o his_o testimony_n be_v true_a i_o answer_v this_o assurance_n of_o they_o do_v not_o arise_v mere_o from_o his_o moral_n or_o natural_a endowment_n or_o holy_a counsel_n but_o from_o the_o evidence_n they_o have_v of_o his_o divine_a inspiration_n whereof_o we_o shall_v treat_v afterward_o the_o thing_n plead_v to_o give_v force_n unto_o this_o testimony_n in_o particular_a be_v all_o that_o such_o a_o testimony_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o so_o many_o as_o will_v require_v a_o large_a discourse_n by_o itself_o to_o propose_v discuss_v and_o confirm_v they_o but_o suppose_v the_o testimony_n they_o give_v i_o shall_v in_o compliance_n which_o my_o own_o design_n reduce_v the_o evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n unto_o these_o two_o consideration_n 1._o of_o their_o person_n and_o 2._o of_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o write_n 1._o as_o to_o their_o person_n they_o be_v absolute_o remove_v from_o all_o possible_a suspicion_n of_o deceive_v or_o be_v deceive_v the_o wit_n of_o all_o the_o atheistical_a spirit_n in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o able_a to_o fix_v on_o any_o one_o thing_n that_o will_v be_v a_o tolerable_a ground_n of_o any_o such_o suspicion_n concern_v the_o integrity_n of_o witness_n can_v such_o a_o testimony_n be_v give_v in_o any_o other_o case_n and_o surmise_n in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n which_o have_v no_o pleadable_a ground_n for_o they_o be_v to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o diabolical_a suggestion_n or_o atheistical_a dream_n or_o at_o best_a the_o false_a imagination_n of_o weak_a and_o distemper_a mind_n the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o their_o work_n their_o unconcernment_n with_o all_o secular_a interest_n their_o unacquaintance_n with_o one_o another_o the_o time_n and_o place_n wherein_o the_o thing_n report_v by_o they_o be_v do_v and_o act_v the_o facility_n of_o convince_a they_o of_o falsehood_n if_o what_o they_o write_v in_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o what_o else_o they_o teach_v in_o case_n it_o be_v not_o true_a the_o evident_a certainty_n that_o this_o will_v have_v be_v do_v arise_v from_o the_o know_a desire_n ability_n will_n and_o interest_n of_o their_o adversary_n so_o to_o do_v have_v it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v effect_v see_v this_o will_v have_v secure_v they_o the_o victory_n in_o the_o conflict_n wherein_o they_o be_v violent_o engage_v and_o have_v put_v a_o immediate_a issue_n unto_o all_o that_o difference_n and_o uproar_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n about_o their_o doctrine_n their_o harmony_n among_o themselves_o without_o conspiracy_n or_o antecedent_n agreement_n the_o misery_n which_o they_o undergo_v most_o of_o they_o without_o hope_n of_o relief_n or_o
always_o esteem_v no_o less_o traitor_n to_o christianity_n who_o give_v up_o their_o bibles_n to_o persecutor_n than_o those_o who_o deny_v jesus_n christ._n 3._o the_o manner_n wherein_o this_o testimony_n be_v give_v add_v to_o the_o importance_n of_o it_o for_o 1._o many_o of_o they_o especial_o in_o some_o season_n give_v it_o in_o and_o with_o sundry_a miraculous_a operation_n this_o our_o apostle_n plead_v as_o a_o corroboration_n of_o the_o witness_n give_v by_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o heb._n 2._o 4._o as_o the_o same_o be_v do_v by_o all_o the_o apostle_n together_o act._n 5._o 32._o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o these_o miracle_n be_v not_o wrought_v immediate_o to_o confirm_v this_o single_a truth_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n but_o the_o end_n of_o miracle_n be_v to_o be_v a_o immediate_a witness_n from_o heaven_n or_o god_n attestation_n to_o their_o person_n and_o ministry_n by_o who_o they_o be_v wrought_v his_o presence_n with_o they_o and_o approbation_n of_o their_o doctrine_n be_v public_o declare_v by_o they_o but_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n whereby_o god_n give_v immediate_a testimony_n unto_o the_o divine_a mission_n of_o their_o person_n and_o infallible_a truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n may_v either_o not_o have_v be_v write_v as_o most_o of_o they_o be_v not_o or_o they_o may_v have_v be_v write_v and_o their_o doctrine_n record_v in_o book_n not_o give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n beside_o as_o to_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n himself_o and_o most_o of_o those_o of_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v wrought_v among_o they_o by_o who_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v acknowledge_v as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o before_o the_o write_n of_o those_o of_o the_o new_a so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o immediate_a confirmation_n of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o neither_o have_v we_o any_o infallible_a testimony_n concern_v these_o miracle_n but_o the_o scripture_n itself_o wherein_o they_o be_v record_v whence_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v infallible_o true_a before_o we_o can_v believe_v on_o ground_n infallible_a the_o miracle_n therein_o record_v to_o be_v so_o wherefore_o i_o grant_v that_o the_o whole_a force_n of_o this_o consideration_n lie_v in_o this_o alone_a that_o those_o who_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v a_o attestation_n give_v unto_o their_o ministry_n by_o these_o miraculous_a operation_n concern_v which_o we_o have_v good_a collateral_a security_n also_o 2._o many_o of_o they_o confirm_v their_o testimony_n with_o their_o suffering_n be_v not_o only_a witness_n but_o martyr_n in_o the_o peculiar_a church_n notion_n of_o that_o word_n ground_v on_o the_o scripture_n act._n 22._o 20._o rev._n 2._o 13._o chap._n 17._o 7._o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o any_o worldly_a advantage_n by_o the_o profession_n they_o make_v and_o the_o testimony_n they_o give_v as_o that_o in_o the_o confirmation_n of_o they_o they_o willing_o and_o cheerful_o undergo_v whatever_o be_v evil_a dreadful_a or_o destructive_a to_o humane_a nature_n in_o all_o its_o temporary_a concern_v it_o be_v therefore_o unquestionable_a that_o they_o have_v the_o high_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o these_o thing_n which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o management_n of_o this_o argument_n be_v the_o principal_a design_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o whole_a 11_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n for_o have_v declare_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n in_o general_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v the_o subsistence_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v ver_fw-la 1._o that_o be_v such_o a_o assent_n unto_o and_o confidence_n of_o invisible_a thing_n thing_n capable_a of_o no_o demonstration_n from_o sense_n or_o reason_n as_o respect_n divine_a revelation_n only_o whereinto_o alone_o it_o be_v resolve_v for_o our_o encouragement_n thereunto_o and_o establishment_n therein_o he_o produce_v a_o long_a catalogue_n of_o those_o who_o do_v suffer_v and_o obtain_v great_a thing_n thereby_o that_o which_o he_o principal_o insist_o upon_o be_v the_o hardship_n misery_n cruelty_n torture_n and_o several_a sort_n of_o death_n which_o they_o undergo_v especial_o from_o ver_fw-la 35._o to_o the_o end_n these_o he_o call_v a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n wherewith_o we_o be_v compass_v about_o chap._n 12._o 1._o give_v testimony_n unto_o what_o we_o do_v believe_v that_o be_v divine_a revelation_n and_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n the_o promise_n therein_o contain_v unto_o our_o encouragement_n in_o the_o same_o duty_n as_o he_o there_o declare_v and_o certain_o what_o be_v thus_o testify_v unto_o by_o so_o many_o great_a wise_a and_o holy_a person_n and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o manner_n have_v as_o great_a a_o outward_a evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n as_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o world_n 3._o they_o give_v not_o their_o testimony_n casual_o or_o on_o some_o extraordinary_a occasion_n only_o or_o by_o some_o one_o solemn_a act_n or_o in_o some_o one_o certain_a way_n as_o other_o testimony_n be_v give_v nor_o can_v be_v give_v otherwise_o but_o they_o give_v their_o testimony_n in_o this_o cause_n in_o their_o whole_a course_n in_o all_o that_o they_o think_v speak_v or_o do_v in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o whole_a disposal_n of_o their_o way_n life_n and_o action_n as_o every_o true_a believer_n continue_v to_o do_v at_o this_o day_n for_o a_o man_n when_o he_o be_v occasional_o call_v out_o to_o give_v a_o verbal_a testimony_n unto_o the_o divine_a original_n of_o the_o scripture_n order_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o conversation_n his_o hope_n design_n aim_n and_o end_n without_o any_o eminent_a respect_n or_o regard_n unto_o it_o his_o testimony_n be_v of_o no_o value_n nor_o can_v have_v any_o influence_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o sober_a and_o considerate_a man_n but_o when_o man_n do_v manifest_a and_o evince_n that_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n have_v a_o sovereign_n divine_a authority_n over_o their_o soul_n and_o conscience_n absolute_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n then_o be_v their_o witness_n cogent_a and_o efficacious_a there_o be_v to_o i_o a_o thousand_o time_n more_o force_n and_o weight_n in_o the_o testimony_n to_o this_o purpose_n of_o some_o holy_a person_n who_o universal_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n with_o respect_n unto_o this_o world_n and_o their_o future_a eternal_a condition_n in_o all_o their_o thought_n word_n action_n and_o way_n do_v real_o experiment_n in_o themselves_o and_o express_v to_o other_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o this_o word_n of_o god_n in_o their_o soul_n and_o conscience_n live_v do_v suffer_v and_o die_v in_o peace_n assurance_n of_o mind_n and_o consolation_n thereon_o then_o in_o the_o verbal_a declaration_n of_o the_o most_o splendid_a numerous_a church_n in_o the_o world_n who_o evidence_n not_o such_o a_o inward_a sense_n of_o its_o power_n and_o efficacy_n there_o be_v therefore_o that_o force_n in_o the_o real_a testimony_n which_o have_v be_v give_v in_o all_o age_n by_o all_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n not_o one_o except_v unto_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v high_o arrogant_a for_o any_o one_o to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o without_o evident_a conviction_n of_o its_o imposture_n which_o no_o person_n of_o any_o tolerable_a sobriety_n do_v ever_o yet_o pretend_v unto_o i_o shall_v add_v in_o the_o last_o place_n the_o consideration_n of_o that_o success_n which_o the_o doctrine_n derive_v sole_o from_o the_o scripture_n and_o resolve_v thereinto_o have_v have_v in_o the_o world_n upon_o the_o mind_n and_o life_n of_o man_n especial_o upon_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o two_o thing_n offer_v themselves_o hereon_o immediate_o unto_o our_o consideration_n first_o the_o person_n by_o who_o this_o doctrine_n be_v successful_o carry_v on_o in_o the_o world_n and_o second_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o propagation_n of_o it_o both_o which_o the_o scripture_n take_v notice_n of_o in_o particular_a as_o evidence_n of_o that_o divine_a power_n which_o the_o word_n be_v real_o accompany_v withal_o for_o the_o person_n unto_o who_o this_o work_n be_v commit_v i_o mean_v the_o apostle_n and_o first_o evangelist_n be_v as_o to_o their_o outward_a condition_n in_o the_o world_n poor_a low_a and_o every_o way_n despise_v and_o as_o unto_o the_o endowment_n of_o their_o mind_n destitute_a of_o all_o those_o ability_n and_o advantage_n which_o may_v give_v they_o either_o reputation_n or_o
unto_o it_o as_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o prove_v at_o large_a we_o shall_v therefore_o proceed_v there_o be_v two_o thing_n considerable_a with_o respect_n unto_o our_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 or_o according_a to_o our_o duty_n the_o first_o respect_v the_o subject_a or_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n how_o it_o be_v enable_v thereunto_o the_o other_o the_o object_n to_o be_v believe_v with_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o we_o do_v believe_v the_o scripture_n with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a the_o first_o of_o these_o must_v of_o necessity_n fall_v under_o our_o consideration_n herein_o as_o that_o without_o which_o what_o ever_o reason_n evidence_n or_o motive_n be_v propose_v unto_o we_o we_o shall_v never_o believe_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n for_o whereas_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n or_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o man_n be_v by_o nature_n deprave_v corrupt_a carnal_a and_o enmity_n against_o god_n they_o can_v of_o themselves_o or_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o innate_a ability_n of_o their_o own_o understand_v or_o assent_v unto_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n which_o we_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v and_o confirm_v before_o wherefore_o that_o assent_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o mere_a external_a argument_n consist_v in_o the_o rational_a conclusion_n and_o judgement_n which_o we_o make_v upon_o their_o truth_n and_o evidence_n be_v not_o that_o faith_n wherewith_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n wherefore_o that_o we_o may_v believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n according_a to_o our_o duty_n as_o god_n require_v it_o of_o we_o in_o a_o useful_a profitable_a and_o save_a manner_n above_z and_o beyond_o that_o natural_a humane_a faith_n and_o assent_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o argument_n and_o motive_n of_o credibility_n before_o insist_v on_o with_o all_o other_o of_o the_o like_a kind_n there_o be_v and_o must_v be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n faith_n supernatural_a and_o divine_a whereby_o we_o be_v enable_v so_o to_o do_v or_o rather_o whereby_o we_o do_v so_o this_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v distinct_a from_o so_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v antecedent_n unto_o all_o divine_a objective_n evidence_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o the_o formal_a reason_n move_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o wherefore_o without_o it_o whatever_o argument_n or_o motive_n be_v propose_v unto_o we_o we_o 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 as_o it_o be_v in_o duty_n require_v of_o we_o some_o it_o may_v be_v will_v suppose_v these_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o impertinent_a unto_o our_o present_a purpose_n for_o while_o we_o be_v inquire_v on_o what_o ground_n we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o seem_v to_o fly_v to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o our_o own_o mind_n which_o be_v irrational_a but_o we_o must_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o because_o some_o do_v not_o understand_v or_o will_v not_o due_o consider_v what_o be_v propose_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v return_v unto_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n not_o with_o peculiar_a respect_n unto_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v but_o unto_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o that_o faith_n wherewith_o they_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n but_o the_o power_n whereby_o we_o be_v enable_v so_o to_o do_v which_o at_o present_a we_o inquire_v after_o 1._o that_o the_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 wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n can_v be_v deny_v only_o on_o two_o principle_n or_o supposition_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v not_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a whereby_o we_o believe_v they_o so_o to_o be_v but_o only_o we_o have_v other_o moral_a assurance_n thereof_o 2._o that_o this_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a be_v of_o ourselves_o and_o be_v not_o wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o first_o of_o these_o have_v be_v already_o disprove_v and_o shall_v be_v further_o evict_v afterward_o and_o it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v very_o few_o who_o be_v of_o that_o judgement_n for_o general_o whatever_o man_n suppose_v the_o prime_a object_n principal_a motive_n and_o formal_a reason_n of_o that_o faith_n to_o be_v yet_o that_o it_o be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a they_o all_o acknowledge_v and_o as_o to_o the_o second_o what_o be_v so_o it_o be_v of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o to_o say_v it_o be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a be_v to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o of_o ourselves_o but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o grace_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n wrought_v in_o we_o by_o his_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a power_n and_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o will_v resolve_v our_o faith_n in_o this_o matter_n objective_o into_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o church_n yet_o subjective_o acknowledge_v the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n ingenerate_v faith_n in_o we_o and_o that_o work_v to_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o believe_v the_o scripture_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n externae_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 interni_fw-la dei_fw-la beneficio_fw-la ad_fw-la videndum_fw-la dati_fw-la say_v canus_n loc._n theol._n lib._n 2._o cap._n 8._o nor_o be_v there_o any_o of_o the_o divine_n of_o that_o church_n which_o dissent_n herein_o we_o do_v not_o therefore_o assert_v any_o such_o divine_a formal_a reoson_n of_o believe_v as_o that_o the_o mind_n shall_v not_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o supernatural_a assistance_n enable_v it_o to_o assent_v thereunto_o nay_o we_o affirm_v that_o without_o this_o there_o be_v in_o no_o man_n any_o true_a faith_n at_o all_o let_v the_o argument_n and_o motive_n whereon_o he_o believe_v be_v as_o forcible_a and_o pregnant_a with_o evidence_n as_o can_v be_v imagine_v it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n as_o in_o thing_n natural_a neither_o the_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n nor_o any_o persuasive_a argument_n unto_o man_n to_o look_v up_o unto_o it_o will_v enable_v they_o to_o discern_v it_o unless_o they_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o due_a visive_a faculty_n and_o this_o the_o scripture_n be_v express_v in_o beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o contradiction_n neither_o be_v it_o that_o i_o know_v of_o by_o any_o as_o yet_o in_o express_a term_n deny_v for_o indeed_o that_o all_o which_o be_v proper_o call_v faith_n with_o respect_n unto_o divine_a revelation_n and_o be_v accept_v with_o god_n as_o such_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o we_o or_o be_v bestow_v on_o we_o by_o he_o can_v be_v question_v by_o any_o who_o own_o the_o gospel_n i_o have_v also_o prove_v it_o elsewhere_o so_o full_o and_o large_o as_o that_o i_o shall_v give_v it_o at_o present_v no_o other_o confirmation_n but_o what_o will_v necessary_o fall_v in_o with_o the_o description_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o faith_n whereby_o we_o do_v believe_v and_o the_o way_n or_o manner_n of_o its_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n unto_o this_o purpose_n consist_v in_o the_o save_a illumination_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o be_v a_o supernatural_a light_n whereby_o the_o mind_n be_v renew_v see_v rom._n 12._o 1._o ephes._n 1._o 18_o 19_o chap._n 3._o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o it_o be_v call_v a_o heart_n to_o understand_v eye_n to_o see_v ear_n to_o hear_v deut._n 29._o 4._o the_o open_n of_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o vunderstanding_n ephes._n 1._o 18._o the_o give_v of_o a_o understanding_n 1_o john_n 5._o 20._o hereby_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o discern_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v in_o itself_o as_o well_o as_o assent_v unto_o the_o truth_n contain_v in_o it_o and_o without_o it_o we_o can_v do_v so_o for_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o neither_o can_v be_v know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v 1_o cor._n 2._o 14._o and_o unto_o this_o end_n it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o prophet_n that_o we_o
place_n that_o the_o plea_n hitherto_o insist_v on_o can_v be_v manage_v without_o great_a disadvantage_n to_o christian_a religion_n for_o if_o we_o take_v away_o the_o rational_a ground_n on_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v true_a and_o divine_a and_o the_o whole_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v lay_v on_o thing_n not_o only_o deride_v by_o man_n of_o atheistical_a spirit_n but_o in_o themselves_o such_o as_o can_v be_v discern_v by_o any_o but_o such_o as_o do_v believe_v on_o what_o ground_n can_v we_o proceed_v to_o convince_v a_o unbeliever_n answer_v 1_o by_o the_o way_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o prove_v and_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v true_a and_o divine_a another_o to_o prove_v and_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n or_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o alone_o be_v propose_v unto_o consideration_n a_o doctrine_n true_a and_o divine_a may_v be_v write_v in_o and_o propose_v unto_o we_o by_o write_n that_o be_v not_o divine_o and_o infallible_o inspire_v and_o so_o may_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v but_o not_o without_o the_o unspeakable_a disadvantage_n of_o the_o church_n and_o there_o be_v sundry_a argument_n which_o forcible_o and_o effectual_o prove_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o have_v be_v true_a and_o divine_a which_o be_v not_o of_o any_o efficacy_n to_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n though_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n whatever_o do_v prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v equal_o prove_v the_o divine_a truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n 2._o there_o be_v two_o way_n of_o convince_a unbeliever_n the_o one_o insist_v on_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o follower_n the_o other_o by_o some_o learned_a man_n since_o their_o day_n the_o way_n principal_o insist_v on_o by_o the_o apostle_n be_v by_o preach_v the_o word_n itself_o 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