pre-eminence_n that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d heb._n 2._o 3._o it_o receive_v its_o beginning_n of_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o lord_n himself_o god_n speak_v in_o these_o last_o day_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o son_n heb._n 1._o 1._o sect._n 24._o thus_o god_n who_o himself_o begin_v the_o write_n of_o the_o word_n with_o his_o own_o finger_n exod._n 31._o 11_o after_o he_o have_v speak_v it_o exod._a 20_o appoint_v or_o approve_v the_o write_n of_o the_o rest_n that_o follow_v deut._n 31._o 12._o josh_n 23._o 6._o 1_o king_n 2_o 3._o 2_o king_n 14._o 6._o 2_o king_n 17._o 13._o 1_o chron._n 21._o 15._o 2_o chron._n 25._o 4_o 4._o ezek._n 2._o 9_o 10._o hab._n 2._o 2._o luk._n 16._o 29._o joh._n 5._o 39_o joh._n 20._o 31._o act._n 17._o 11_o do_v last_o command_v the_o close_a of_o the_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o be_v write_v in_o a_o book_n re._n 1._o 11_o and_o so_o give_v out_o the_o whole_a of_o his_o mind_n and_o counsel_n unto_o we_o in_o write_v as_o a_o merciful_a and_o steadfast_a relief_n against_o all_o that_o confusion_n darkness_n and_o uncertainty_n which_o the_o vanity_n folly_n and_o looseness_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n draw_v out_o and_o heighten_v by_o the_o unspeakable_a alteration_n that_o fall_v out_o among_o they_o will_v otherwise_o have_v certain_o run_v into_o sect._n 25._o thus_o we_o have_v lay_v down_o the_o original_a of_o the_o scripture_n from_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v self_n and_o this_o original_a be_v the_o basis_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o its_o authority_n thus_o be_v it_o from_o god_n entire_o from_o he_o as_o to_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o and_o the_o word_n wherein_o that_o doctrine_n be_v deliver_v it_o be_v whole_o he_o what_o that_o speak_v he_o speak_v himself_o he_o speak_v in_o it_o and_o by_o it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v vest_v with_o all_o the_o moral_a authority_n of_o god_n over_o his_o creature_n chap._n ii_o the_o main_a question_n propose_v to_o consideration_n how_o we_o may_v know_v assure_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o scripture_n to_o be_v receive_v by_o divine_a faith_n the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o that_o faith_n inquire_v after_o the_o answer_n in_o the_o general_n thesis_n of_o this_o discourse_n the_o authority_n of_o god_n that_o foundation_n the_o way_n whereby_o that_o authority_n be_v evidence_v or_o make_v know_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n authority_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o other_o first_o general_a evidence_n give_v to_o the_o thesis_n lay_v down_o the_o various_a way_n of_o god_n reveal_v he_o self_n and_o his_o mind_n 1_o by_o his_o work_n 2._o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n 3._o by_o his_o word_n each_o of_o these_o evince_n themselves_o to_o be_v from_o he_o his_o word_n especial_o sect._n 1_o have_v lay_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n the_o foundation_n that_o we_o be_v to_o build_v and_o proceed_v upon_o i_o come_v now_o to_o lay_v down_o the_o enquiry_n who_o resolution_n must_v thence_o be_v educe_v that_o than_o which_o we_o be_v seek_v after_o be_v how_o we_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n who_o through_o the_o merciful_a dispensation_n of_o god_n have_v the_o book_n or_o book_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n give_v out_o from_o he_o as_o above_o declare_v be_v contain_v or_o say_v to_o be_v contain_v who_o live_v so_o many_o age_n from_o the_o last_o person_n who_o receive_v any_o part_n of_o it_o immediate_o from_o god_n or_o who_o have_v not_o receive_v it_o immediate_o ourselves_o may_v come_v to_o be_v ascertain_v as_o to_o all_o end_n and_o purpose_n wherein_o we_o may_v be_v concern_v therein_o that_o the_o whole_a and_o entire_o write_v word_n in_o that_o book_n or_o those_o book_n have_v the_o original_n &_o consequent_o the_o authority_n that_o it_o plead_v and_o avow_v namely_o that_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o god_n in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n lay_v down_o and_o not_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n attend_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o pet._n 1._o 26_o or_o to_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n sect._n 2._o now_o see_v it_o be_v expect_v from_o we_o and_o require_v of_o we_o by_o god_n himself_o and_o that_o on_o the_o penalty_n of_o his_o eternal_a displeasure_n if_o we_o fail_v in_o our_o duty_n 2_o thes_n 1._o 8_o 9_o 10._o that_o we_o receive_v the_o scripture_n not_o as_o we_o do_v other_o book_n in_o relation_n to_o their_o author_n with_o a_o firm_a opinion_n build_v on_o prevail_v probable_a argument_n prevalent_a against_o any_o actual_a conclusion_n to_o the_o contrary_a but_o with_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a faith_n omit_v all_o such_o induction_n as_o serve_v only_o to_o ingenerate_v a_o persuasion_n not_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o mind_n by_o contrary_a reason_n or_o objection_n it_o be_v especial_o inquire_v what_o be_v the_o foundation_n &_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o do_v so_o if_o we_o so_o do_v whatever_o that_o be_v it_o return_v a_o answer_n to_o this_o important_a question_n why_o or_o on_o what_o account_n do_v you_o believe_v the_o scripture_n or_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o thing_n be_v but_o one_o what_o ever_o consideration_n may_v be_v have_v of_o other_o inducement_n or_o argument_n to_o beget_v in_o we_o a_o persuasion_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o they_o have_v no_o influence_n into_o that_o divine_a faith_n wherewith_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v they_o they_o may_v indeed_o be_v of_o some_o use_n to_o repel_v the_o objection_n that_o be_v or_o may_v by_o any_o be_v raise_v against_o the_o truth_n we_o believe_v and_o so_o indirect_o cherish_v and_o further_a faith_n its_o self_n but_o as_o to_o a_o concurrence_n unto_o the_o foundation_n or_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o believe_v it_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o it_o sect._n 3_o have_v then_o lay_v down_o the_o divine_a original_a of_o the_o scripture_n and_o open_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o word_n be_v come_v forth_o from_o god_n a_o answer_n shall_v now_o on_o that_o sole_a foundation_n be_v return_v to_o the_o enquiry_n lay_v down_o and_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v in_o the_o ensue_a position_n the_o authority_n of_o god_n the_o supreme_a lord_n of_o all_o the_o first_o and_o only_o absolute_a truth_n who_o word_n be_v truth_n speak_v in_o and_o by_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n evidence_v single_o in_o and_o by_o the_o scripture_n its_o self_n be_v the_o sole_a bottom_n and_o foundation_n or_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o assent_v to_o those_o scripture_n as_o his_o word_n and_o of_o our_o submit_v our_o heart_n and_o conscience_n unto_o they_o with_o that_o faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o moral_o respect_v he_o and_o be_v due_a to_o he_o alone_o sect._n 4_o god_n speak_v in_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n heb._n 1._o 1_o his_o voice_n to_o they_o be_v accompany_v with_o its_o own_o evidence_n which_o give_v assurance_n unto_o they_o and_o god_n speak_v by_o they_o or_o their_o write_n unto_o we_o his_o word_n be_v accompany_v with_o its_o own_o evidence_n and_o give_v assurance_n unto_o we_o his_o authority_n and_o veracity_n do_v and_o do_v in_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o sufficient_o manifest_v themselves_o that_o man_n may_v quiet_o repose_v their_o soul_n upon_o they_o in_o believe_v and_o obedience_n thus_o be_v we_o build_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ephes_n 2._o 20._o on_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n in_o our_o believe_v sect._n 5._o that_o than_o which_o to_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n i_o shall_v labour_v to_o prove_v and_o evince_v be_v plain_o this_o namely_o that_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n do_v abundant_o and_o uncontroleable_o manifest_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o live_a god_n so_o that_o mere_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o own_o proposal_n of_o themselves_o unto_o we_o in_o the_o name_n and_o majesty_n of_o god_n as_o such_o without_o the_o contribution_n of_o help_n or_o assistance_n from_o tradition_n church_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o without_o themselves_o we_o be_v oblige_v upon_o the_o penalty_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n as_o be_v all_o to_o who_o by_o any_o mean_n they_o come_v or_o be_v bring_v to_o receive_v they_o with_o that_o subjection_n of_o soul_n which_o be_v due_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o authority_n of_o god_n shine_v in_o they_o they_o afford_v unto_o we_o all_o the_o divine_a evidence_n of_o themselves_o which_o god_n be_v willing_a to_o grant_v unto_o we_o
standard_n the_o touchstone_n of_o all_o speaking_o whatever_o now_o that_o must_v speak_v alone_o for_o its_o self_n which_o must_v try_v the_o speak_n of_o all_o but_o its_o self_n yea_o it_o be_v own_o also_o sect._n 8._o but_o what_o do_v this_o law_n and_o testimony_n that_o be_v this_o write_a word_n plead_v on_o the_o account_n whereof_o it_o shall_v be_v thus_o attend_v unto_o what_o do_v it_o urge_v for_o its_o acceptation_n tradition_n authority_n of_o the_o church_n miracle_n consent_n of_o man_n or_o do_v it_o speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o stand_v only_o upon_o its_o own_o sovereignty_n the_o apostle_n give_v we_o his_o answer_n to_o this_o enquiry_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 16._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v plea_n for_o reception_n in_o comparison_n with_o and_o opposition_n unto_o all_o other_o way_n of_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n his_o mind_n and_o will_n found_v whereon_o it_o call_v for_o attendance_n and_o submission_n with_o supreme_a uncontroleable_a authority_n be_v its_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o divine_a inspiration_n it_o remain_v then_o only_o to_o be_v inquire_v whether_o when_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v plead_v there_o be_v any_o middle_a way_n but_o either_o that_o it_o be_v receive_v with_o divine_a faith_n or_o reject_v as_o false_a sect._n 9_o suppose_v a_o man_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d divine_o inspire_v and_o shall_v so_o profess_v himself_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o do_v the_o prophet_n of_o old_a amos_n 7._o suppose_v i_o say_v he_o be_v so_o indeed_o it_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o his_o message_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o submit_v unto_o on_o that_o account_n the_o denial_n of_o it_o will_v justify_v they_o who_o reject_v and_o slay_v those_o that_o speak_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o it_o be_v to_o say_v in_o plain_a term_n we_o may_v reject_v they_o who_o god_n send_v though_o miracle_n be_v give_v only_o with_o respect_n to_o person_n not_o thing_n yet_o most_o of_o the_o prophet_n who_o wrought_v no_o miracle_n insist_v on_o this_o that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d divine_o inspire_v their_o doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o from_o god_n in_o their_o so_o do_v it_o be_v sin_n even_o unbelief_n and_o rebellion_n against_o god_n not_o to_o submit_v to_o what_o they_o speak_v in_o his_o name_n and_o it_o always_o so_o fall_v out_o to_o fix_v our_o faith_n on_o the_o right_a bottom_n that_o scarce_o any_o prophet_n that_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n have_v any_o approbation_n from_o the_o church_n in_o who_o day_n he_o speak_v math._n 5._o 12._o chap._n 23._o 29._o luk._n 17._o 47_o 48._o act_n 7._o 52._o math._n 21._o 33_o 34_o 35_o 36_o 37_o 38._o it_o be_v true_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o pet._n 2._o 1._o there_o be_v false_a prophet_n that_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o send_v they_o not_o jerem._n 23._o 22._o yet_o be_v those_o who_o he_o do_v send_v to_o be_v receive_v on_o pain_n of_o damnation_n on_o the_o same_o penalty_n be_v the_o other_o to_o be_v refuse_v jerem._n 23._o 28_o 29._o the_o foundation_n of_o this_o duty_n lie_v in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o accompany_v the_o word_n that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o which_o afterward_o and_o without_o a_o supposal_n hereof_o it_o can_v not_o consist_v with_o the_o goodness_n and_o righteousness_n of_o god_n to_o require_v of_o man_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o his_o eternal_a displeasure_n to_o make_v such_o a_o discrimination_n where_o he_o have_v not_o give_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d infallible_a token_n to_o enable_v they_o so_o to_o do_v sect._n 10._o but_o that_o he_o have_v and_o have_v do_v so_o he_o declare_v jerem._n 23._o how_o long_o shall_v this_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o prophet_n that_o prophesy_v lie_n that_o be_v prophet_n of_o the_o deceit_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n which_o think_v to_o cause_v my_o people_n to_o forget_v my_o name_n by_o their_o dream_n which_o they_o tell_v every_o man_n to_o his_o neighbour_n as_o their_o father_n have_v forget_v my_o name_n for_o baal_n the_o prophet_n that_o have_v a_o dream_n let_v he_o tell_v a_o dream_n and_o he_o that_o have_v my_o word_n let_v he_o speak_v my_o word_n faithful_o what_o be_v the_o chaff_n to_o the_o wheat_n say_v the_o lord_n be_v not_o my_o word_n like_o a_o fire_n say_v the_o lord_n and_o like_o a_o hammer_n that_o break_v the_o mountain_n in_o piece_n in_o the_o latter_a day_n of_o that_o church_n when_o the_o people_n be_v most_o eminent_o perplex_v with_o false_a prophet_n both_o as_o to_o their_o number_n and_o subtlety_n yet_o god_n lay_v their_o eternal_a and_o temporal_a safety_n or_o ruin_n on_o their_o discern_v aright_o between_o his_o word_n and_o that_o which_o be_v only_o pretend_v so_o to_o be_v and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o complain_v of_o this_o imposition_n he_o tender_v they_o security_n of_o its_o easiness_n of_o performance_n speak_v of_o his_o own_o word_n comparative_o as_o to_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o so_o he_o say_v it_o be_v as_o wheat_n to_o chaff_n which_o may_v infallible_o by_o be_v what_o it_o be_v be_v discern_v from_o it_o and_o then_o absolute_o that_o it_o have_v such_o property_n as_o that_o it_o will_v discover_v its_o self_n even_o light_a and_o heat_n and_o power_n a_o person_n then_o who_o be_v true_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o be_v attend_v unto_o because_o he_o be_v so_o sect._n 11_o as_o than_o be_v say_v before_o the_o scripture_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v not_o the_o case_n the_o same_o as_o with_o a_o man_n that_o be_v so_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o write_v of_o it_o by_o god_n command_n that_o shall_v impair_v its_o authority_n nay_o be_v it_o not_o free_v from_o innumerable_a prejudices_fw-la that_o attend_v it_o in_o its_o first_o give_v out_o by_o man_n arise_v from_o the_o personal_a infirmity_n and_o suppose_a interest_n of_o they_o that_o deliver_v it_o jerem._n 43._o 3._o joh._n 9_o 29._o acts._n 24._o 5._o sect._n 12._o this_o be_v plead_v by_o it_o and_o insist_v on_o its_o testimony_n be_v receive_v or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v receive_v on_o this_o account_n there_o be_v in_o it_o we_o say_v the_o proper_a basis_n and_o foundation_n of_o faith_n whereon_o it_o have_v its_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o subsistence_n if_o it_o be_v reject_v it_o must_v be_v not_o only_o with_o a_o refusal_n of_o its_o witness_n but_o also_o with_o a_o high_a detestation_n of_o its_o pretence_n to_o be_v from_o god_n what_o ground_n or_o plea_n for_o such_o a_o refusal_n and_o detestation_n any_o one_o have_v or_o can_v have_v shall_v be_v afterward_o consider_v if_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o refuse_v it_o it_o have_v be_v a_o duty_n to_o receive_v it_o if_o a_o duty_n to_o receive_v it_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n then_o be_v it_o sufficient_o manifest_v so_o to_o be_v of_o the_o objection_n arise_v from_o they_o who_o pretend_v to_o this_o inspiration_n false_o we_o have_v speak_v before_o and_o we_o be_v as_o yet_o deal_v with_o they_o that_o own_o the_o book_n whereof_o we_o speak_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o only_o call_v in_o question_n the_o ground_n on_o which_o they_o do_v so_o or_o on_o which_o other_o aught_o so_o to_o do_v as_o to_o these_o it_o may_v suffice_v that_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o all_o the_o authority_n and_o truth_n they_o profess_v to_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v in_o it_o it_o declare_v the_o foundarion_n of_o its_o acceptance_n to_o be_v no_o other_o but_o it_o be_v own_o divine_a inspiration_n hence_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sect._n 13._o again_o in_o that_o dispute_n that_o be_v between_o abraham_n and_o the_o rich_a man_n luk._n 16._o 31._o about_o the_o best_a and_o most_o effectual_a mean_n of_o bring_v man_n to_o repentance_n the_o rich_a man_n in_o hell_n speak_v his_o own_o conception_n fix_v upon_o miracle_n if_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o preach_v the_o work_n will_v be_v do_v abraham_n be_v otherwise_o mind_a that_o be_v christ_n be_v so_o the_o author_n of_o that_o parable_n he_o bid_v they_o attend_v to_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o write_a word_n as_o that_o which_o all_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v immediate_o to_o be_v ground_v on_o the_o enquiry_n be_v how_o man_n may_v be_v best_o assure_v that_o any_o message_n be_v from_o god_n do_v not_o the_o word_n manifest_v its_o self_n to_o be_v from_o he_o this_o direction_n have_v not_o be_v equal_a sect._n 14._o
to_o every_o one_o conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n but_o if_o our_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o there_o be_v in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n a_o evidence_n of_o truth_n commend_v its_o self_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n some_o receive_v not_o this_o evidence_n be_v it_o for_o want_v of_o light_n in_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v self_n no_o that_o be_v a_o glorious_a light_n that_o shine_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v it_o for_o want_v of_o testimony_n to_o assert_v this_o light_n no_o but_o mere_o because_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o behold_v it_o sect._n 11._o from_o what_o then_o have_v be_v lay_v down_o these_o two_o thing_n may_v be_v infer_v 1._o that_o as_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n the_o first_o and_o only_o absolute_a truth_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v that_o alone_a which_o divine_a faith_n rest_v upon_o and_o be_v the_o formal_a object_n of_o it_o so_o wherever_o the_o word_n come_v by_o what_o mean_v soever_o it_o have_v in_o its_o self_n a_o sufficiency_n of_o light_n to_o evidence_n to_o all_o and_o will_v do_v it_o eventual_o to_o all_o that_o be_v not_o blind_v by_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n that_o authority_n of_o god_n its_o author_n and_o the_o only_a reason_n why_o it_o be_v not_o receive_v by_o many_o in_o the_o world_n to_o who_o it_o be_v come_v be_v the_o advantage_n that_o satan_n have_v to_o keep_v they_o in_o ignorance_n and_o blindness_n by_o the_o lust_n corruption_n prejudices_fw-la and_o hardness_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n sect._n 12._o the_o word_n than_o make_v a_o sufficient_a proposition_n of_o its_o self_n wherever_o it_o be_v and_o he_o to_o who_o it_o shall_v come_v who_o refuse_v it_o because_o it_o come_v not_o so_o or_o so_o testify_v will_v give_v a_o accouâ—t_n of_o his_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n he_o that_o have_v the_o witness_n of_o god_n need_v not_o stay_v for_o the_o witness_n of_o man_n for_o the_o witness_n of_o god_n be_v great_a sect._n 13._o wherever_o the_o word_n be_v receive_v indeed_o as_o it_o require_v itself_o to_o be_v receive_v and_o be_v real_o assent_v unto_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v so_o receive_v upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o that_o light_n which_o it_o have_v in_o its_o self_n manifest_o declare_v its_o self_n so_o to_o be_v it_o be_v all_o one_o by_o what_o mean_n by_o what_o hand_n whether_o of_o a_o child_n or_o a_o church_n by_o accident_n or_o tradition_n by_o common_a consent_n of_o man_n or_o pecular_a providence_n the_o scripture_n come_v unto_o we_o come_v how_o it_o will_v it_o have_v its_o authority_n in_o its_o self_n and_o towards_o we_o by_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o have_v its_o power_n of_o manifest_v its_o self_n so_o to_o be_v from_o its_o own_o innate_a light_n sect._n 14._o now_o this_o light_n in_o the_o scripture_n for_o which_o we_o contend_v be_v nothing_o but_o the_o beam_a of_o the_o majesty_n truth_n holiness_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n give_v unto_o it_o and_o leave_v upon_o it_o by_o its_o author_n the_o holy_a ghost_n a_o impress_n it_o have_v of_o god_n excellency_n upon_o it_o distinguish_v it_o by_o infallible_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o the_o product_n of_o any_o creature_n by_o this_o it_o dive_v into_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n into_o all_o the_o secret_a recess_n of_o their_o heart_n guide_n teach_v direct_v determine_v and_o judge_n in_o they_o upon_o they_o in_o the_o name_n majesty_n &_o authority_n of_o god_n if_o man_n who_o be_v blind_v by_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n will_v yet_o deny_v this_o light_n because_o they_o perceive_v it_o not_o it_o shall_v not_o prejudice_v they_o who_o do_v by_o this_o self_n evidence_v light_n i_o say_v do_v the_o scripture_n make_v such_o a_o proposition_n of_o its_o self_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o whoever_o reject_v it_o do_v it_o at_o the_o peril_n of_o his_o eternal_a ruin_n and_o thereby_o a_o bottom_n and_o foundation_n be_v tender_v for_o that_o faith_n which_o it_o require_v to_o repose_v its_o self_n upon_o sect._n 15._o for_o the_o proof_n then_o of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n unto_o he_o or_o they_o who_o as_o yet_o on_o no_o account_n what_o ever_o do_v acknowledge_v it_o i_o shall_v only_o suppose_v that_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n the_o book_n it_o be_v self_n be_v so_o bring_v unto_o he_o or_o they_o as_o that_o he_o or_o they_o be_v engage_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o or_o do_v attend_v to_o the_o read_n of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n providence_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n upon_o a_o supposal_n hereof_o i_o leave_v the_o word_n with_o they_o and_o if_o it_o evidence_n not_o its_o self_n unto_o their_o conscience_n it_o be_v because_o they_o be_v blind_v by_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n which_o will_v be_v no_o plea_n for_o the_o refusal_n of_o it_o at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o they_o who_o receive_v it_o not_o on_o this_o ground_n will_v never_o receive_v it_o on_o any_o as_o they_o ought_v sect._n 16._o the_o second_o sort_n of_o thing_n that_o evidence_n themselves_o be_v thing_n of_o a_o effectual_a powerful_a operation_n in_o any_o kind_n so_o do_v fire_n by_o heat_n the_o wind_n by_o its_o noise_n and_o force_n salt_n by_o its_o taste_n and_o savour_n the_o sun_n by_o its_o light_n and_o heat_n so_o do_v also_o moral_a principle_n that_o be_v effectual_o operative_a rom._n 2._o 14_o 15._o man_n in_o who_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v manifest_v the_o work_n of_o they_o or_o they_o by_o their_o work_n and_o efficacy_n whatever_o it_o be_v that_o have_v a_o innate_a power_n in_o its_o self_n that_o will_v effectual_o operate_v on_o a_o fit_a and_o proper_a subject_n it_o be_v able_a to_o evidence_n it_o be_v self_n and_o it_o be_v own_o nature_n and_o condition_n sect._n 17._o to_o manifest_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v enroll_v among_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n yea_o under_o god_n himself_o who_o be_v know_v by_o his_o great_a power_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o to_o have_v the_o pre-eminence_n i_o shall_v observe_v only_o one_o or_o two_o thing_n concern_v it_o the_o various_a improvement_n whereof_o will_v take_v up_o more_o time_n and_o great_a space_n than_o i_o have_v allot_v to_o this_o discourse_n sect._n 18._o it_o be_v absolute_o call_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o that_o unto_o its_o proper_a end_n which_o way_n lie_v the_o tendency_n of_o its_o efficacy_n in_o operation_n rom._n 1._o 16._o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d vis_fw-la virtus_fw-la dei_fw-la the_o power_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n concern_v the_o cross_n that_o be_v the_o gospel_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o cor._n 1._o 18_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o faith_n which_o be_v build_v on_o that_o word_n without_o other_o help_n or_o advantage_n be_v say_v to_o stand_v in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 5._o that_o be_v effectual_o work_v in_o and_o by_o the_o word_n it_o work_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v spiritual_a power_n give_v a_o demonstration_n of_o it_o thus_o it_o come_v not_o as_o a_o naked_a word_n 1_o thes_n 1._o 5_o but_o in_o power_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d give_v all_o manner_n of_o assurance_n and_o full_a persuasion_n of_o its_o self_n even_o by_o its_o power_n and_o efficacy_n hence_o it_o be_v term_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o rod_n of_o power_n or_o strength_n psal_n 110._o 2_o denote_v both_o authority_n and_o efficacy_n sure_o that_o which_o be_v thus_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v able_a to_o make_v its_o self_n know_v so_o to_o be_v sect._n 19_o it_o be_v not_o only_o say_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d power_n the_o power_n of_o god_n in_o its_o self_n but_o also_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d able_a and_o powerful_a in_o respect_n of_o we_o thou_o have_v learn_v say_v paul_n to_o timothy_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o sacred_a letter_n the_o write_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v able_a to_o make_v thou_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n they_o be_v powerful_a
indeed_o be_v full_a of_o tradition_n flow_v from_o the_o word_n that_o be_v a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o a_o tradition_n of_o the_o word_n not_o resolve_v into_o the_o word_n a_o tradition_n refer_v to_o a_o fountain_n of_o sense_n in_o see_v and_o hear_v preserve_v as_o a_o oral_a law_n in_o a_o distinct_a channel_n and_o stream_n by_o its_o self_n when_o it_o be_v evidence_v either_o by_o instance_n in_o some_o particular_a preserve_v therein_o or_o in_o a_o probability_n of_o secure_v it_o through_o the_o generation_n pass_v by_o a_o comparison_n of_o some_o such_o effect_n in_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n i_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o receive_v it_o sect._n 18._o give_v i_o then_o as_o i_o say_v before_o but_o the_o least_o obscure_a report_n of_o any_o one_o of_o those_o many_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v not_o record_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o i_o shall_v put_v more_o valuation_n on_o the_o pretend_a tradition_n than_o i_o can_v as_o yet_o persuade_v myself_o unto_o beside_o many_o writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n wrought_v no_o miracle_n and_o by_o this_o rule_n their_o write_n be_v leave_v to_o shift_v for_o themselves_o miracle_n indeed_o be_v necessary_a to_o take_v of_o all_o prejudices_fw-la from_o the_o person_n that_o bring_v any_o new_a doctrine_n from_o god_n but_o the_o doctrine_n still_o evidence_v its_o self_n the_o apostle_n convert_v many_o where_o they_o wrought_v no_o miracle_n act._n 16._o 17_o 18_o and_o where_o they_o do_v so_o work_v yet_o they_o for_o their_o doctrine_n and_o not_o the_o doctrine_n on_o their_o account_n be_v receive_v and_o the_o scripture_n now_o have_v no_o less_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n in_o its_o self_n of_o its_o divinity_n than_o it_o have_v when_o by_o they_o it_o be_v preach_v sect._n 19_o but_o because_o this_o tradition_n be_v pretend_v with_o great_a confidence_n as_o a_o sure_a bottom_n and_o foundation_n for_o receive_v of_o the_o scripture_n i_o shall_v a_o little_a far_o inquire_v into_o it_o that_o which_o in_o this_o case_n be_v intend_v by_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o tradition_n mas_o be_v a_o report_n of_o man_n which_o those_o who_o be_v present_a have_v receive_v from_o they_o that_o be_v go_v before_o they_o now_o this_o may_v be_v either_o of_o all_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n or_o only_o of_o some_o of_o they_o if_o of_o all_o either_o their_o suffrage_n must_v be_v take_v in_o some_o convention_n or_o gather_v up_o from_o the_o individuall_n as_o we_o be_v able_a and_o have_v opportunity_n if_o the_o first_o way_n of_o receive_v they_o be_v possible_a which_o be_v the_o utmost_a improvement_n that_o imagination_n can_v give_v the_o authority_n inquire_v after_o yet_o every_o individual_a of_o man_n be_v a_o liar_n the_o whole_a convention_n must_v be_v of_o the_o same_o complexion_n and_o so_o not_o be_v able_a to_o yield_v a_o sufficient_a basis_n to_o build_v a_o faith_n upon_o cui_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la subesse_fw-la falsum_fw-la that_o be_v infallible_a and_o can_v possible_o be_v deceive_v much_o less_o be_v there_o any_o foundation_n for_o it_o in_o such_o a_o report_n as_o be_v the_o emergencie_n of_o the_o assertion_n of_o individuall_n sect._n 21._o but_o now_o if_o this_o tradition_n be_v allege_v as_o preserve_v only_o by_o some_o in_o the_o world_n not_o the_o half_a of_o rational_a creature_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v what_o reason_n i_o have_v to_o believe_v those_o who_o have_v that_o tradition_n or_o plead_v that_o they_o have_v it_o before_o and_o against_o they_o who_o profess_v they_o have_v no_o such_o report_n deliver_v to_o they_o from_o their_o forefather_n be_v the_o reason_n hereof_o because_o i_o live_v among_o these_o who_o have_v this_o tradition_n and_o they_o be_v my_o neighbour_n who_o i_o know_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n those_o who_o live_v among_o the_o other_o part_n of_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o receive_v what_o they_o deliver_v they_o upon_o tradition_n and_o so_o man_n may_v be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v the_o alcoran_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n sect._n 22._o it_o be_v more_o probable_a it_o will_v be_v answer_v that_o their_o testimony_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v because_o they_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o it_o do_v not_o yet_o appear_v that_o i_o can_v any_o other_o way_n have_v any_o kowledge_v of_o they_o so_o to_o be_v or_o of_o any_o authority_n that_o any_o number_n of_o man_n more_o or_o less_o can_v have_v in_o this_o case_n under_o that_o name_n or_o notion_n unless_o by_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v self_n and_o if_o so_o it_o will_v quick_o appear_v what_o place_n be_v to_o be_v allot_v to_o their_o testimony_n who_o can_v be_v admit_v as_o witness_n unless_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v self_n be_v own_v and_o receive_v because_o they_o have_v neither_o plea_n nor_o claim_n to_o be_v so_o admit_v but_o only_o from_o the_o scripture_n if_o they_o shall_v aver_v that_o they_o take_v this_o honour_n to_o themselves_o and_o that_o without_o relation_n to_o the_o scripture_n they_o claim_v a_o right_n of_o authoritative_a witness_n bear_v in_o this_o case_n i_o say_v again_o upon_o the_o general_a ground_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o equity_n i_o have_v no_o more_o inducement_n to_o give_v credit_n to_o their_o assertion_n then_o to_o a_o alike_a number_n of_o man_n hold_v out_o a_o tradition_n utter_o to_o the_o contrary_a of_o what_o they_o assert_v sect._n 23._o but_o yet_o suppose_v that_o this_o also_o be_v grant_v and_o that_o man_n may_v be_v allow_v to_o speak_v in_o their_o own_o name_n and_o authority_n give_v testimony_n to_o themselves_o which_o upon_o the_o hypothesis_n under_o consideration_n god_n himself_o be_v not_o allow_v to_o do_v i_o shall_v desire_v to_o know_v whither_o when_o the_o church_n declare_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n unto_o we_o it_o do_v apprehend_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o ground_n of_o that_o judgement_n and_o declaration_n or_o no_o if_o it_o say_v no_o but_o that_o it_o be_v propose_v upon_o its_o sole_a authority_n then_o sure_o if_o we_o think_v good_a to_o acquiesse_n in_o this_o decision_n of_o this_o doubt_n and_o enquiry_n it_o be_v full_a time_n for_o we_o to_o lay_v aside_o all_o our_o study_n and_o inquiry_n after_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o seek_v only_o what_o that_o man_n or_o those_o man_n say_v who_o be_v entrust_v with_o this_o authority_n as_o they_o say_v and_o as_o they_o will_v have_v we_o believe_v they_o though_o we_o know_v not_o at_o all_o how_o or_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o come_v by_o it_o see_v they_o dare_v not_o pretend_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o scripture_n lest_o thereby_o they_o direct_v we_o to_o that_o in_o the_o first_o place_n sect._n 24._o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o do_v upon_o other_o account_n judge_v and_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v true_a and_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o suppose_v it_o will_v not_o be_v think_v unreasonable_a if_o we_o inquire_v after_o those_o ground_n and_o account_n see_v they_o be_v of_o so_o great_a concernment_n unto_o we_o all_o truth_n in_o relation_n consist_v in_o their_o consonancy_n and_o agreement_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o deliver_v i_o desire_v to_o know_v how_o they_o come_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o consonancy_n between_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o delivery_n of_o they_o therein_o the_o thing_n whereof_o we_o speak_v be_v heavenly_a spiritual_a mysterious_a and_o supernatural_a there_o can_v be_v any_o knowledge_n obtain_v of_o they_o but_o by_o the_o word_n it_o be_v self_n how_o then_o can_v they_o make_v any_o judgement_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o scripture_n in_o the_o relation_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v no_o where_o to_o be_v know_v i_o speak_v of_o many_o of_o they_o in_o the_o least_o but_o by_o that_o scripture_n its_o self_n sect._n 25._o if_o they_o shall_v say_v that_o they_o find_v their_o judgement_n and_o declaration_n upon_o some_o discovery_n that_o the_o scripture_n make_v of_o its_o self_n unto_o they_o they_o affirm_v the_o same_o that_o we_o plead_v for_o only_o they_o will_v very_o desirous_o appropriate_v to_o themselves_o the_o privilege_n of_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v that_o discovery_n so_o make_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o make_v good_a this_o claim_n they_o must_v either_o plead_v somewhat_o from_o themselves_o or_o from_o the_o scripture_n if_o from_o themselves_o it_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o that_o they_o see_v like_o the_o man_n of_o china_n and_o all_o other_o be_v blind_a or_o have_v but_o one_o eye_n at_o the_o best_a
word_n wherein_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o great_a and_o holy_a god_n to_o give_v we_o a_o portraiture_n as_o it_o be_v of_o his_o wisdom_n holiness_n and_o goodness_n so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o he_o in_o this_o life_n be_v not_o able_a to_o declare_v and_o evince_v its_o original_a that_o god_n who_o be_v prima_fw-la veritas_fw-la the_o first_o and_o sovereign_a truth_n infinite_o separate_v and_o distinguish_v from_o all_o creature_n on_o all_o account_n whatever_o shall_v write_v a_o book_n or_o at_o least_o immediate_o indite_v it_o command_v we_o to_o receive_v it_o as_o he_o under_o the_o penalty_n of_o his_o eternal_a displeasure_n and_o yet_o that_o book_n not_o make_v a_o sufficient_a discovery_n of_o its_o self_n to_o be_v his_o to_o be_v from_o he_o be_v past_o all_o belief_n let_v man_n that_o live_v on_o thing_n receive_v by_o tradition_n from_o their_o father_n who_o perhaps_o never_o have_v sense_n of_o any_o real_a transaction_n between_o god_n and_o their_o soul_n who_o scarce_o ever_o peruse_v the_o word_n serious_o in_o their_o life_n nor_o bring_v their_o conscience_n to_o it_o please_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o imagination_n the_o sure_a anchor_n of_o a_o soul_n that_o will_v draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n in_o and_o by_o his_o word_n lie_v in_o the_o thing_n lay_v down_o sect._n 33._o i_o suppose_v it_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n that_o those_o to_o who_o his_o word_n shall_v come_v shall_v own_v it_o and_o receive_v it_o as_o he_o if_o not_o it_o be_v no_o sin_n in_o they_o to_o reject_v it_o unto_o who_o it_o do_v so_o come_v if_o it_o be_v then_o either_o he_o have_v give_v those_o character_n unto_o it_o and_o leave_v upon_o it_o that_o impression_n of_o his_o majesty_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v his_o or_o he_o have_v not_o do_v so_o and_o that_o either_o because_o he_o will_v not_o or_o because_o he_o can_v not_o to_o say_v the_o latter_a be_v to_o make_v he_o more_o infirm_a than_o a_o man_n or_o other_o worm_n of_o the_o earth_n than_o any_o natural_o effectual_a cause_n he_o that_o say_v the_o former_a must_v know_v that_o it_o be_v incumbent_n on_o he_o to_o yield_v a_o satisfactory_a account_n why_o god_n will_v not_o do_v so_o or_o else_o he_o will_v be_v think_v blasphemous_o to_o impute_v a_o want_n of_o that_o goodness_n &_o love_n of_o mankind_n unto_o he_o which_o he_o have_v in_o infinite_a grace_n manifest_v to_o be_v in_o himself_o that_o no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o assign_v any_o such_o reason_n i_o shall_v firm_o believe_v until_o i_o find_v some_o attempt_n so_o to_o do_v which_o as_o yet_o none_o have_v arrive_v at_o that_o height_n of_o impudence_n and_o wickedness_n as_o to_o own_o sect._n 34._o 2_o how_o horrible_a be_v it_o to_o the_o thought_n of_o any_o saint_n of_o god_n that_o the_o scripture_n shall_v not_o have_v its_o authority_n from_o its_o self_n tertullian_n object_n this_o to_o the_o gentile_n apol._n cap._n 5._o facit_fw-la &_o hoc_fw-la ad_fw-la causam_fw-la nostram_fw-la quod_fw-la apud_fw-la vos_fw-la de_fw-la humano_fw-la arbitratu_fw-la divinitas_fw-la pensitatur_fw-la nisi_fw-la homini_fw-la deus_fw-la placuerit_fw-la deus_fw-la non_fw-la erit_fw-la homo_fw-la jaâ—_n deo_fw-la propitiâ—s_fw-la esse_fw-la debebit_fw-la will_v it_o be_v otherwise_o in_o this_o case_n if_o the_o scripture_n must_v stand_v to_o the_o mercy_n of_o man_n for_o the_o reputation_n of_o its_o divinity_n nay_o of_o its_o verity_n for_o whence_o it_o have_v its_o authority_n thence_o it_o have_v its_o verity_n also_o as_o be_v observe_v before_o and_o many_o more_o word_n of_o this_o nature_n may_v be_v add_v chap._n vi_o consequential_a consideration_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n sect._n 1_o i_o say_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n that_o i_o will_v not_o employ_v myself_o willing_o â—o_o enervate_a or_o weaken_v any_o of_o the_o reason_n or_o argument_n that_o be_v usual_o insist_v on_o to_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n though_o i_o confess_v i_o like_v not_o to_o multiply_v argument_n that_o conclude_v to_o a_o probability_n only_o and_o be_v suit_v to_o beget_v a_o firm_a opinion_n at_o best_a where_o the_o principle_n intend_v to_o be_v evince_v be_v the_o fide_fw-la and_o must_v be_v believe_v with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a yet_o because_o some_o may_v happy_o be_v keep_v to_o some_o kind_n of_o adherence_n to_o the_o scripture_n by_o mean_a ground_n that_o will_v not_o in_o their_o own_o strength_n abide_v until_o they_o get_v foot_v in_o those_o that_o be_v more_o firm_a i_o shall_v not_o make_v it_o my_o business_n to_o drive_v they_o from_o their_o present_a station_n have_v persuade_v they_o by_o that_o which_o be_v better_o sect._n 2._o yea_o because_o on_o supposition_n of_o the_o evidence_n former_o tender_v there_o may_v be_v great_a use_n at_o several_a season_n of_o some_o consequential_a consideration_n and_o argument_n to_o the_o purpose_n in_o hand_n i_o shall_v insist_v on_o two_o of_o that_o kind_n which_o to_o i_o who_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o receive_v the_o word_n on_o the_o forementioned_a account_n seem_v not_o only_o to_o persuade_v and_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n to_o convince_v to_o undeniable_a probability_n but_o also_o to_o prevail_v irresistable_o on_o the_o understanding_n of_o unprejudiced_a man_n to_o close_o with_o the_o divine_a truth_n of_o it_o sect._n 3_o the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o doctrine_n its_o self_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o second_o from_o the_o mannagement_n of_o the_o whole_a design_n therein_o the_o first_o be_v innate_a the_o other_o of_o a_o more_o external_a and_o rational_a consideration_n sect._n 4._o for_o the_o first_o of_o they_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n considerable_a in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v powerful_a and_o if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v uncontroleable_o prevalent_a as_o to_o this_o purpose_n sect._n 5._o first_o its_o universal_a suitablenesse_n upon_o its_o first_o clear_a discovery_n and_o revelation_n to_o all_o the_o entanglement_n and_o perplexity_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o reference_n to_o their_o relation_n to_o and_o dependence_n upon_o god_n if_o all_o mankind_n have_v certain_a entanglement_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o spirit_n in_o reference_n unto_o god_n which_o none_o of_o they_o that_o be_v not_o utter_o brutish_a do_v not_o wrestle_v withal_o and_o which_o all_o of_o they_o be_v not_o able_a in_o the_o least_o to_o assoil_v themselves_o in_o and_o about_o certain_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v suit_v universal_o to_o satisfy_v all_o their_o perplexity_n to_o calm_v and_o quiet_a their_o â—_z in_o all_o their_o tumultuating_n and_o do_v break_v in_o upon_o they_o with_o a_o glorious_a efficacy_n to_o that_o purpose_n in_o its_o discovery_n and_o revelation_n must_v needs_o be_v from_o that_o god_n with_o who_o we_o have_v to_o do_v and_o none_o else_o from_o who_o else_o i_o pray_v shall_v it_o be_v he_o that_o can_v give_v out_o such_o a_o word_n ille_fw-la mihi_fw-la semper_fw-la erit_fw-la deus_fw-la sect._n 6._o now_o there_o be_v 3_o general_a head_n of_o thing_n that_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o mankind_n not_o natural_o brutish_a be_v perplex_v withal_o in_o reference_n to_o their_o dependence_n on_o god_n and_o relation_n to_o he_o 1_o how_o they_o may_v worship_v he_o as_o they_o ought_v 2_o how_o they_o may_v be_v reconcile_v and_o at_o peace_n with_o he_o or_o have_v a_o atonement_n for_o that_o guilt_n which_o natural_o they_o be_v sensible_a of_o 3_o what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o true_a blessedness_n and_o how_o they_o may_v attain_v it_o or_o how_o they_o may_v come_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n sect._n 7._o that_o all_o mankind_n be_v perplex_v and_o entangle_v with_o and_o about_o these_o consideration_n that_o all_o man_n ever_o be_v so_o without_o exception_n more_o or_o less_o and_o continue_v so_o to_o be_v to_o this_o day_n that_o of_o themselves_o they_o miserable_o grope_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o be_v never_o able_a to_o come_v to_o any_o satisfaction_n neither_o as_o to_o what_o be_v present_a nor_o as_o to_o what_o be_v to_o come_v i_o can_v manifest_v from_o the_o state_n office_n and_o condition_n of_o conscience_n the_o indelible_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o presumption_n about_o they_o that_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o by_o nature_n the_o whole_a history_n of_o all_o religion_n which_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n with_o the_o design_n of_o all_o ancient_a and_o present_a philosophy_n with_o innumerable_a other_o uncontroleable_a conviction_n which_o also_o god_n assist_v theologiae_n i_o shall_v in_o
who_o i_o know_v not_o i_o can_v with_o due_a consideration_n and_o do_v utter_o deny_v the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n know_v i_o lie_v not_o and_o what_o shall_v possible_o infect_v i_o with_o that_o leaven_n i_o neither_o profess_v any_o deep_a skill_n in_o the_o learning_n use_v in_o that_o work_n nor_o be_o ever_o like_a to_o be_v engage_v in_o any_o thing_n that_o shall_v be_v set_v up_o in_o competition_n with_o it_o nor_o do_v ever_o know_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n in_o the_o world_n as_o the_o chief_a author_n of_o this_o edition_n of_o the_o bibles_n but_o by_o it_o i_o shall_v then_o never_o fail_v on_o all_o just_a occasion_n to_o commend_v the_o usefullnesse_n of_o this_o work_n and_o the_o learning_n diligence_n and_o pain_n of_o the_o worthy_a person_n that_o have_v bring_v it_o forth_o nor_o will_v be_v want_v to_o their_o full_a praise_n in_o this_o place_n but_o that_o a_o entrance_n into_o this_o discourse_n with_o their_o due_a commendation_n may_v be_v liable_a to_o misrepresentation_n but_o whereas_o we_o have_v not_o only_o the_o bible_n publish_v but_o also_o private_a opinion_n of_o man_n and_o collection_n of_o various_a readins_n real_o or_o pretend_o so_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o tend_v some_o of_o they_o as_o i_o apprehend_v to_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o the_o great_a and_o important_a truth_n that_o i_o have_v be_v plead_v for_o tender_v unto_o we_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o be_v grievous_a to_o any_o nor_o matter_n of_o offence_n if_o use_v the_o same_o liberty_n that_o they_o or_o any_o of_o they_o who_o hand_n have_v be_v most_o eminent_a in_o this_o work_n have_v do_v i_o do_v with_o i_o hope_v christian_n candour_n and_o moderation_n of_o spirit_n brief_o discover_v my_o thought_n upon_o some_o thing_n propose_v by_o they_o sect._n 4._o the_o renowned_o learned_a prefacer_n unto_o the_o arabic_a translation_n in_o this_o edition_n of_o it_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o work_n of_o translate_n the_o pentateuch_n into_o that_o language_n be_v perform_v by_o a_o jew_n who_o take_v care_n to_o give_v countenance_n to_o his_o own_o private_a opinion_n and_o so_o render_v they_o authentic_a by_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o text_n of_o his_o translation_n it_o be_v not_o of_o any_o such_o attempt_n that_o i_o have_v any_o cause_n to_o complain_v or_o shall_v so_o do_v in_o reference_n to_o these_o prolegomena_n and_o appendix_n only_o i_o can_v have_v wish_v with_o submission_n to_o better_a judgement_n be_v it_o speak_v that_o in_o the_o publish_n of_o the_o bible_n the_o sacred_a text_n with_o the_o translation_n and_o such_o naked_a historical_a account_n of_o their_o original_n and_o preservation_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o have_v lay_v they_o fair_a and_o open_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o reader_n have_v not_o be_v clog_v with_o dispute_n and_o plea_n for_o particular_a private_a opinion_n impose_v thereby_o with_o too_o much_o advantage_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o their_o constant_a neighbourhood_n unto_o canonical_a truth_n sect._n 5._o but_o my_o present_a consideration_n be_v not_o to_o be_v extend_v beyond_o the_o concernment_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n i_o have_v plead_v for_o i_o shall_v first_o propose_v a_o brief_a abstract_n thereof_o as_o to_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v especial_o concern_v and_o then_o lie_v down_o what_o to_o i_o appear_v in_o its_o prejudice_n in_o the_o volume_n now_o under_o debate_n not_o doubt_v but_o a_o full_a account_n of_o the_o whole_a will_v by_o some_o or_o other_o be_v speedy_o tender_v unto_o the_o learned_a and_o impartial_a reader_n of_o they_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o be_o plead_v for_o as_o to_o the_o particular_a head_n to_o be_v vindicate_v be_v that_o as_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v immediate_o and_o entire_o give_v out_o by_o god_n himself_o his_o mind_n be_v in_o they_o represent_v unto_o we_o without_o the_o least_o interveniency_n of_o such_o medium_n and_o way_n as_o be_v capable_a of_o give_v change_n or_o alteration_n to_o the_o least_o iota_fw-la or_o syllable_n so_o by_o his_o good_a and_o merciful_a providentiall_a dispensation_n in_o his_o love_n to_o his_o word_n and_o church_n his_o whole_a word_n as_o first_o give_v out_o by_o he_o be_v preserve_v unto_o we_o entire_a in_o the_o original_a language_n where_o shine_v in_o its_o own_o beauty_n and_o lustre_n as_o also_o in_o all_o translation_n so_o far_o as_o they_o faithful_o represent_v the_o original_n it_o manifest_v and_o evidence_n unto_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n without_o other_o foreign_a help_n or_o assistance_n its_o divine_a original_n and_o authority_n sect._n 6._o now_o the_o several_a assertion_n or_o proposition_n contain_v in_o this_o position_n be_v to_o i_o such_o important_a truth_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v blame_v in_o the_o least_o by_o my_o own_o spirit_n nor_o i_o hope_v by_o any_o other_o in_o contend_v for_o they_o judge_v they_o fundamental_a part_n of_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o though_o some_o of_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v less_o weighty_a than_o other_o yet_o they_o be_v so_o concatenate_v in_o themselves_o that_o by_o the_o removal_n or_o destruction_n of_o any_o one_o of_o they_o our_o interest_n in_o the_o other_o be_v utter_o take_v away_o it_o will_v assure_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o come_n forth_o of_o the_o word_n immediate_o from_o god_n in_o the_o way_n plead_v for_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o faith_n hope_n and_o obedience_n but_o what_o i_o pray_v will_v it_o advantage_v we_o that_o god_n do_v so_o once_o deliver_v his_o word_n if_o we_o be_v not_o assure_v also_o that_o that_o word_n so_o deliver_v have_v be_v by_o his_o special_a care_n and_o providence_n preserve_v entire_a and_o uncorrupt_a unto_o we_o or_o that_o it_o do_v not_o evidence_n and_o manifest_v its_o self_n to_o be_v his_o word_n be_v so_o preserve_v bless_v may_v we_o say_v be_v the_o age_n past_a who_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o its_o unquestionable_a power_n and_o purity_n when_o it_o shine_v bright_o in_o its_o own_o glorious_a native_a light_n and_o be_v free_a from_o those_o defect_n and_o corruption_n which_o through_o the_o default_n of_o man_n in_o a_o long_a tract_n of_o time_n it_o have_v contract_v but_o for_o we_o as_o we_o know_v not_o well_o where_o to_o lay_v a_o sure_a foundation_n of_o believe_v that_o this_o book_n rather_o than_o any_o other_o do_v contain_v what_o be_v leave_v unto_o we_o of_o that_o word_n of_o he_o so_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v ever_o come_v to_o any_o certainty_n almost_o of_o any_o individual_a word_n or_o expression_n whither_o it_o be_v from_o god_n or_o no_o far_o be_v it_o from_o the_o thought_n of_o any_o good_a man_n that_o god_n who_o covenant_n with_o his_o church_n be_v that_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n shall_v never_o depart_v from_o it_o isa_n 59_o 21._o math._n 5._o 18._o 1_o pet._n 1._o 25._o 1_o cor._n 11._o math._n 28._o 20._o have_v leave_v it_o in_o uncertainty_n about_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o that_o faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o he_o require_v at_o our_o hand_n as_o than_o i_o have_v in_o the_o forego_n treatise_n evince_v as_o i_o hope_v the_o self_n evidence_v light_n and_o power_n of_o the_o scripture_n so_o let_v we_o now_o candid_o for_o the_o sake_n and_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o truth_n deal_v with_o a_o mind_n free_v from_o prejudices_fw-la and_o disquiet_v affection_n save_v only_o the_o trouble_n that_o arise_v from_o the_o necessity_n of_o dissent_v from_o the_o author_n of_o so_o useful_a a_o work_n address_v ourselves_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o seem_v in_o these_o prolegomena_n and_o appendix_n to_o impair_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o other_o assertion_n about_o the_o entire_a preservation_n of_o the_o word_n as_o give_v out_o from_o god_n in_o the_o copy_n which_o yet_o remain_v with_o we_o and_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o person_n themselves_o concern_v will_v fair_o accept_v and_o weigh_v what_o be_v conscientious_o tender_v sect._n 7._o as_o than_o i_o do_v with_o all_o thankfulness_n acknowledge_v that_o many_o thing_n be_v speak_v very_o honourable_o of_o the_o original_n in_o these_o prolegomena_n and_o that_o they_o be_v in_o they_o absolute_o prefer_v above_o any_o translation_n whatever_o 17._o and_o assert_v in_o general_a as_o the_o authentic_a rule_n of_o all_o version_n contrary_a to_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o publisher_n of_o the_o great_a parisian_a bibles_n and_o his_o infamous_a hyperaspiste_n morinus_n so_o as_o they_o stand_v in_o their_o aspect_n unto_o the_o appendix_n of_o various_a lection_n there_o be_v
the_o ground_n of_o the_o request_n for_o the_o rise_n of_o one_o from_o the_o dead_a be_v lay_v in_o the_o common_a apprehension_n of_o man_n not_o know_v the_o power_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n who_o think_v that_o if_o a_o evident_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v all_o pretence_n and_o plea_n of_o unbelief_n will_v be_v exclude_v who_o do_v not_o think_v so_o our_o saviour_n discover_v that_o mistake_n and_o let_v man_n know_v that_o those_o who_o will_v not_o own_o or_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o the_o word_n will_v not_o be_v move_v by_o the_o most_o signal_n miracle_n imaginable_a if_o a_o holy_a man_n who_o we_o have_v know_v assure_o to_o have_v be_v dead_a for_o some_o year_n shall_v rise_v out_o of_o his_o grave_n and_o come_v unto_o we_o with_o a_o message_n from_o god_n can_v any_o man_n doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v send_v unto_o we_o of_o god_n or_o no_o i_o suppose_v not_o the_o rise_n of_o man_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v the_o great_a miracle_n that_o attend_v the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n math._n 27._o 52_o 53._o yea_o great_a than_o his_o own_o if_o the_o socinian_o may_v be_v believe_v namely_o in_o that_o he_o raise_v not_o himself_o by_o his_o own_o power_n yet_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o mission_n of_o such_o a_o one_o &_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o he_o our_o saviour_n be_v judge_n be_v not_o of_o a_o efficacy_n to_o enforce_v belief_n beyond_o that_o which_o be_v in_o the_o write_a word_n nor_o a_o sure_a foundation_n for_o faith_n to_o repose_v its_o self_n upon_o sect._n 15._o can_v we_o hear_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n accompany_v with_o such_o a_o divine_a power_n as_o to_o evidence_n its_o self_n to_o be_v from_o god_n shall_v we_o not_o rest_v in_o it_o as_o such_o i_o suppose_v man_n think_v they_o will_v can_v we_o think_v that_o any_o man_n shall_v withdraw_v his_o assent_n and_o say_v yea_o but_o i_o must_v have_v some_o testimony_n that_o this_o be_v from_o god_n all_o such_o evasion_n be_v preclude_v in_o the_o supposition_n wherein_o a_o self_n evidence_v power_n be_v grant_v what_o great_a miracle_n do_v the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n ever_o behold_v or_o hear_v then_o that_o voice_n that_o come_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o the_o most_o excellent_a glory_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n yet_o peter_n who_o hear_v that_o voice_n tell_v we_o that_o comparative_o we_o have_v great_a security_n from_o and_o by_o the_o write_a word_n than_o they_o have_v in_o and_o by_o that_o miraculous_a voice_n we_o have_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o hear_v say_v he_o that_o voice_n indeed_o but_o we_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n to_o attend_v unto_o more_o sure_a not_o in_o in_o its_o self_n but_o in_o its_o give_v out_o its_o evidence_n unto_o we_o and_o how_o do_v it_o appear_v so_o to_o be_v the_o reason_n he_o allege_v for_o it_o be_v before_o insist_v on_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 18_o 19_o 20._o sect._n 16._o yea_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v speak_v to_o we_o from_o heaven_n as_o he_o speak_v to_o moses_n or_o as_o he_o speak_v to_o christ_n or_o from_o some_o certain_a place_n as_o numb_a 7._o 8_o 9_o how_o shall_v we_o be_v able_a to_o know_v it_o to_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n can_v satan_n cause_v a_o voice_n to_o be_v hear_v in_o the_o air_n and_o so_o deceive_v we_o or_o may_v not_o there_o be_v some_o way_n in_o this_o kind_n find_v out_o whereby_o man_n may_v impose_v upon_o we_o with_o their_o delusion_n pope_n celestine_n think_v he_o hear_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n when_o it_o be_v but_o the_o cheat_n of_o his_o successor_n must_v we_o not_o rest_v at_o last_o in_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o accompany_v the_o true_a voice_n of_o god_n evidence_v its_o self_n and_o ascertain_v the_o soul_n beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o mistake_n now_o do_v not_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d accompany_v the_o write_a word_n at_o its_o first_o give_v forth_o if_o it_o do_v not_o as_o be_v say_v how_o can_v any_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o discern_v it_o from_o all_o delusion_n if_o it_o do_v how_o come_v it_o to_o loose_v it_o do_v god_n appoint_v his_o word_n to_o be_v write_v that_o so_o he_o may_v destroy_v its_o authority_n if_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n propose_v to_o be_v believe_v be_v truth_n of_o god_n or_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n we_o be_v send_v to_o the_o scripture_n its_o self_n and_o that_o alone_a to_o give_v the_o determination_n chap._n iu._n innate_a argument_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o its_o divine_a original_n and_o authority_n these_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o believe_v it_o be_v self_n evidence_v efficacy_n all_o light_n manife_v itself_o the_o scripture_n light_n what_o kind_n of_o light_n it_o be_v spiritual_a light_n evidentiall_a the_o ground_n of_o man_n not_o discern_v this_o light_n consectary_n from_o the_o premise_n lay_v down_o what_o the_o self_n evidence_v light_n of_o the_o scripture_n peculiar_o be_v the_o proposition_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v from_o and_o by_o this_o light_n power_n self_n evidence_v the_o scripture_n the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o powerful_a how_o this_o power_n exert_v its_o self_n the_o whole_a question_n resolve_v §_o 1._o have_v give_v some_o few_o instance_n of_o those_o many_o testimony_n which_o the_o scripture_n in_o express_a term_n bear_v to_o its_o self_n and_o the_o spring_n rise_v and_o fountain_n of_o all_o that_o authority_n which_o it_o claim_v among_o and_o over_o the_o son_n of_o man_n which_o all_o those_o who_o pretend_v on_o any_o account_n whatever_o to_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v its_o divinity_n be_v bind_v to_o stand_v to_o and_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v or_o the_o innate_a argument_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v furnish_v withal_o for_o its_o own_o manifestation_n and_o whereby_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v for_o faith_n to_o repose_v its_o self_n upon_o come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n into_o consideration_n now_o these_o argument_n contain_v the_o full_a and_o formal_a ground_n of_o our_o answer_n to_o that_o enquiry_n before_o lay_v down_o namely_o why_o and_o wherefore_o we_o do_v receive_v and_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o whereon_o it_o be_v build_v and_o whereunto_o it_o be_v resolve_v that_o be_v inquire_v after_o we_o answer_v as_o we_o say_v before_o we_o do_v so_o receive_v embrace_v believe_v and_o submit_v unto_o it_o because_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n who_o speak_v it_o or_o give_v it_o forth_o as_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n evidence_v its_o self_n by_o the_o spirit_n in_o and_o with_o that_o word_n unto_o our_o mind_n and_o conscience_n or_o because_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v bring_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n in_o way_n of_o his_o appointment_n and_o preservation_n it_o do_v evidence_n its_o self_n infallible_o unto_o our_o conscience_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o live_a god_n sect._n 2._o the_o self_n evidence_v efficacy_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o which_o consist_v in_o common_a medium_n that_o have_v a_o extent_n and_o latitude_n answerable_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n whether_o as_o yet_o they_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o no_o be_v that_o than_o which_o in_o the_o remainder_n of_o this_o discourse_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o clear_v and_o vindicate_v this_o only_a i_o shall_v desire_v to_o premise_v that_o whereas_o some_o ground_n of_o this_o efficacy_n seem_v to_o be_v place_v in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n i_o shall_v not_o consider_v they_o abstract_o as_o such_o but_o under_o the_o formality_n of_o their_o be_v the_o scripture_n or_o write_a word_n of_o god_n without_o which_o consideration_n and_o resolution_n the_o thing_n mention_v will_v be_v leave_v naked_a and_o utter_o devest_v of_o their_o authority_n and_o efficacy_n plead_v for_o and_o be_v of_o no_o other_o nature_n and_o importance_n than_o the_o same_o thing_n find_v in_o other_o book_n it_o be_v the_o write_v its_o self_n that_o now_o supply_v the_o place_n and_o room_n of_o the_o person_n in_o and_o by_o who_o god_n original_o speak_v to_o man_n as_o be_v the_o person_n speak_v of_o old_a so_o be_v the_o write_n now_o it_o be_v the_o word_n speak_v that_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v yet_o as_o speak_v by_o they_o from_o god_n and_o it_o be_v now_o the_o word_n write_v that_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v yet_o as_o write_v by_o the_o command_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n sect._n
not_o how_o build_v we_o know_v not_o upon_o what_o foundation_n that_o we_o intend_v in_o the_o assignation_n of_o our_o receive_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o the_o effectual_a work_n and_o witness_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n sect._n 5._o two_o thing_n then_o we_o intend_v by_o this_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n 1_o his_o communication_n of_o of_o spiritual_a light_n by_o a_o act_n of_o his_o power_n enable_v the_o mind_n to_o discern_v the_o save_a truth_n majesty_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o be_v a_o blindness_n a_o darkness_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o not_o only_o disenable_v they_o from_o discern_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n in_o their_o certainty_n evidence_n necessity_n and_o beauty_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o also_o cause_v they_o to_o judge_v amiss_o of_o they_o as_o thing_n weak_a and_o foolish_a dark_a unintelligible_a not_o answer_v to_o any_o principle_n of_o wisdom_n whereby_o they_o be_v guide_v 1_o cor._n 2._o whilst_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d abide_v on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v on_o any_o right_a abide_a foundation_n assent_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o may_v have_v a_o prejudicate_a opinion_n they_o have_v no_o faith_n concern_v it_o this_o darkness_n than_o must_v be_v remove_v by_o the_o communication_n of_o light_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o work_n of_o his_o illumination_n be_v common_o by_o other_o speak_v unto_o and_o by_o i_o also_o in_o another_o place_n sect._n 6._o 2._o the_o holy_a ghost_n together_o with_o and_o by_o his_o work_n of_o illumination_n take_v off_o the_o perverse_a disposition_n of_o mind_n that_o be_v in_o we_o by_o nature_n with_o our_o enmity_n to_o and_o aversation_n from_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n effectual_o also_o persuade_v the_o mind_n to_o a_o receive_n and_o admit_v of_o the_o truth_n wisdom_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o word_n now_o because_o this_o perverse_a disposition_n of_o mind_n possess_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o soul_n influence_n the_o will_v also_o into_o a_o aversation_n and_o dislike_n of_o that_o goodness_n which_o be_v in_o the_o truth_n propose_v to_o it_o it_o be_v remove_v by_o a_o double_a act_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n §_o 7._o 1._o he_o give_v we_o wisdom_n understanding_n a_o spiritual_a judgement_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o compare_v spiritual_a thing_n with_o spiritual_a in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n and_o to_o come_v thereby_o to_o a_o clear_a and_o full_a light_n of_o the_o heavenly_a excellency_n and_o majesty_n of_o the_o word_n and_o so_o enable_v we_o to_o know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whither_o it_o be_v of_o god_n under_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o assistance_n all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o their_o harmony_n and_o correspondency_n all_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o their_o power_n and_o necessity_n come_v in_o together_o to_o give_v evidence_n one_o to_o another_o and_o all_o of_o they_o to_o the_o whole_a i_o mean_v as_o the_o mind_n be_v enable_v to_o make_v a_o spiritual_a judgement_n of_o they_o §_o 8._o 2._o he_o give_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o spiritual_a sense_n a_o taste_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o upon_o the_o mind_n heart_n and_o conscience_n when_o we_o have_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v such_o thing_n these_o thing_n deserve_v a_o more_o full_a handle_n and_o to_o be_v particular_o exemplify_v from_o scripture_n if_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o present_a design_n will_v admit_v thereof_o sect._n 9_o as_o in_o our_o natural_a estate_n in_o respect_n of_o these_o thing_n of_o god_n the_o mind_n be_v full_a of_o vanity_n darkness_n blindness_n yea_o be_v darkness_n its_o self_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o correspondency_n between_o the_o faculty_n and_o the_o object_n and_o the_o will_n lie_v in_o a_o utter_a unacquaintednesse_n yea_o impossibility_n of_o any_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o life_n power_n savour_n sweetness_n relish_n and_o goodness_n that_o be_v in_o the_o thing_n propose_v to_o be_v know_v and_o discern_v under_o the_o dark_a shade_n of_o a_o blind_a mind_n so_o for_o a_o removal_n of_o both_o these_o the_o holy_a ghost_n communicate_v light_a to_o the_o understanding_n whence_o it_o be_v able_a to_o see_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n and_o the_o will_n be_v thereby_o deliver_v from_o the_o dungeon_n wherein_o it_o be_v and_o quicken_v a_o new_a perform_v its_o office_n in_o embrace_v what_o be_v proper_a and_o suit_v unto_o it_o in_o the_o object_n propose_v the_o spirit_n indeed_o discover_v to_o every_o one_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o will_n but_o yet_o in_o that_o way_n in_o the_o general_n whereby_o the_o sun_n give_v out_o his_o light_n and_o heat_n the_o former_a make_v way_n for_o the_o latter_a but_o these_o thing_n must_v not_o now_o be_v insist_v on_o sect._n 10._o now_o by_o these_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n he_o do_v i_o say_v persuade_v the_o mind_n concern_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o therein_o leave_v a_o impression_n of_o a_o effectual_a testimony_n within_o we_o and_o this_o testimony_n of_o he_o as_o it_o be_v authoritative_a and_o infallible_a in_o its_o self_n so_o of_o inconceivable_o more_o efficacy_n power_n and_o certainty_n unto_o they_o that_o do_v receive_v it_o than_o any_o voice_n or_o internal_a word_n boast_v of_o by_o some_o can_v be_v but_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n at_o present_a inquire_v after_o sect._n 11._o 2_o there_o be_v a_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o respect_v the_o object_n or_o the_o word_n its_o self_n and_o this_o be_v a_o public_a testimony_n which_o as_o it_o satisfy_v our_o soul_n in_o particular_a so_o it_o be_v and_o may_v be_v plead_v in_o reference_n unto_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o other_o to_o who_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v come_v the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v in_o and_o by_o the_o word_n impart_v to_o it_o virtue_n power_n efficacy_n majesty_n and_o authority_n afford_v we_o the_o witness_n that_o our_o faith_n be_v resolve_v unto_o and_o thus_o whereas_o there_o be_v but_o two_o head_n whereunto_o all_o ground_n of_o assent_n do_v belong_v namely_o authority_n of_o testimony_n and_o the_o self_n evidence_n of_o truth_n they_o do_v here_o both_o concur_v in_o one_o in_o the_o same_o word_n we_o have_v both_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o self_n evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n speak_v by_o he_o yea_o so_o that_o both_o these_o be_v material_o one_o and_o the_o same_o though_o distinguish_v in_o their_o formal_a conception_n i_o have_v be_v much_o affect_v with_o those_o verse_n of_o dante_n be_v the_o italian_a poet_n which_o some_o body_n have_v thus_o word_n for_o word_n turn_v into_o latin_a larga_fw-la pluvia_fw-la spiritus_fw-la sancti_fw-la quae_fw-la est_fw-la diffusa_fw-la super_fw-la veteres_fw-la &_o super_fw-la novas_fw-la membranas_fw-la est_fw-la syllogismus_fw-la quâ—_n eam_fw-la mihi_fw-la conclusit_fw-la acutè_fw-la adeo_fw-la ut_fw-la prae_fw-la illa_fw-la omnis_fw-la demonstratio_fw-la mihi_fw-la videatur_fw-la obtusa_fw-la the_o spirit_n communication_n of_o his_o own_o light_n and_o authority_n to_o the_o scripture_n as_o evidence_n of_o its_o original_n be_v the_o testimony_n plead_v for_o sect._n 12._o when_o then_o we_o resolve_v our_o faith_n into_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o be_v not_o any_o private_a whisper_n word_n or_o voice_n give_v to_o individual_a person_n it_o be_v not_o the_o secret_a and_o effectual_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o fall_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o some_o man_n from_o various_a involve_a consideration_n of_o education_n tradition_n and_o the_o like_a whereof_o they_o can_v give_v no_o particular_a account_n it_o be_v not_o the_o effectual_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o man_n enable_v they_o saving_o to_o believe_v that_o be_v intend_v the_o papist_n for_o the_o most_o part_n plead_v about_o these_o thing_n do_v but_o show_v their_o ignorance_n and_o malice_n but_o it_o be_v the_o public_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v unto_o all_o of_o the_o word_n by_o and_o in_o the_o word_n and_o its_o own_o divine_a light_n efficacy_n and_o power_n sect._n 13._o thus_o far_o then_o have_v we_o proceed_v the_o scripture_n the_o write_a word_n have_v its_o infallible_a truth_n in_o its_o self_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d joh._n 17._o from_o whence_o it_o have_v its_o verity_n thence_o it_o have_v its_o authority_n for_o its_o whole_a authority_n be_v found_v in_o
be_v wise_a than_o any_o other_o and_o more_o able_a to_o discern_v than_o they_o now_o though_o i_o shall_v easy_o grant_v they_o to_o be_v very_o subtle_a and_o cunning_a yet_o that_o they_o be_v so_o much_o wise_a than_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o that_o they_o be_v meet_v to_o impose_v upon_o their_o belief_n thing_n that_o they_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v discern_v or_o know_v i_o will_v not_o be_v think_v to_o admit_v until_o i_o can_v believe_v myself_o and_o all_o other_o not_o of_o their_o society_n or_o combination_n to_o be_v beast_n of_o the_o field_n and_o they_o as_o the_o serpent_n among_o we_o sect._n 26._o if_o it_o be_v from_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o seek_v to_o make_v good_a this_o claim_n then_o as_o we_o cause_v they_o there_o to_o make_v a_o stand_n which_o be_v all_o we_o aim_v at_o so_o their_o plea_n must_v be_v from_o the_o promise_n of_o some_o special_a assistance_n grant_v to_o they_o for_o that_o purpose_n if_o their_o assistance_n be_v that_o of_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v either_o of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v promise_v to_o believer_n to_o work_v in_o they_o as_o before_o describe_v and_o relate_v or_o it_o be_v some_o private_a testimony_n that_o they_o pretend_v be_v afford_v to_o they_o if_o the_o former_a be_v affirm_v we_o be_v in_o a_o condition_n wherein_o the_o necessity_n of_o devolve_v all_o on_o the_o scripture_n its_o self_n to_o decide_v and_o judge_v who_o be_v beleiver_n lie_v in_o every_o one_o view_n if_o the_o latter_a who_o shall_v give_v i_o assurance_n that_o when_o they_o pretend_v that_o witness_n and_o testimony_n they_o do_v not_o lie_v and_o deceive_v we_o must_v here_o certain_o go_v either_o to_o the_o scrippture_n or_o to_o some_o cunning_a man_n to_o be_v resolve_v isa_n 8._o 19_o 20._o sect._n 27._o i_o confess_v the_o argument_n which_o have_v not_o long_o since_o be_v single_v out_o and_o dextrous_o manage_v by_o a_o able_a and_o learned_a pen_n namely_o of_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n etc._n from_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o story_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o story_n from_o the_o certainty_n there_o be_v that_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v those_o person_n who_o name_n and_o inscription_n they_o bear_v so_o pursue_v the_o evidence_n that_o what_o they_o write_v be_v true_a and_o know_v to_o they_o so_o to_o be_v from_o all_o requisita_fw-la that_o may_v possible_o be_v seek_v after_o for_o the_o strengthen_n of_o such_o evidence_n be_v of_o great_a force_n and_o efficacy_n it_o be_v i_o say_v of_o great_a force_n and_o efficacy_n as_o to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v insist_v on_o that_o be_v to_o satisfy_v man_n rational_a inquiry_n but_o as_o to_o a_o ground_n of_o faith_n it_o have_v the_o same_o insufficiency_n with_o all_o other_o argument_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n though_o i_o shall_v grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n &_o penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v person_n of_o the_o great_a industry_n honesty_n integrity_n faithfulness_n holiness_n that_o ever_o live_v in_o the_o world_n as_o they_o be_v and_o that_o they_o write_v nothing_o but_o what_o themselves_o have_v as_o good_a assurance_n of_o as_o what_o man_n by_o their_o sense_n of_o see_v and_o hear_v be_v able_a to_o attain_v yet_o such_o a_o knowledge_n and_o assurance_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a foundation_n for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n if_o they_o receive_v not_o every_o word_n by_o inspiration_n and_o that_o evidence_v its_o self_n unto_o we_o otherwise_o then_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o integrity_n it_o can_v be_v no_o foundation_n for_o we_o to_o build_v our_o faith_n upon_o sect._n 28._o before_o the_o commit_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o writing_n god_n have_v give_v the_o world_n a_o experiment_n what_o keeper_n man_n be_v of_o this_o revelation_n by_o tradition_n within_o some_o hundred_o of_o year_n after_o the_o flood_n all_o knowledge_n of_o he_o through_o the_o craft_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n which_o be_v unspeakable_a be_v so_o lose_v that_o nothing_o but_o as_o it_o be_v the_o creation_n of_o a_o new_a world_n or_o the_o erection_n of_o a_o new_a church_n state_n by_o new_a revelation_n can_v relieve_v it_o after_o that_o great_a trial_n what_o can_v be_v far_o pretend_v on_o the_o behalf_n of_o tradition_n i_o know_v not_o sect._n 29._o the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v the_o merciful_a good_a providence_n of_o god_n have_v by_o divers_a and_o various_a mean_n use_v therein_o among_o other_o thing_n the_o ministry_n of_o man_n and_o church_n preserve_v the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o world_n and_o by_o the_o same_o gracious_a disposal_n afford_v they_o unto_o we_o they_o be_v receive_v and_o submit_v unto_o by_o we_o upon_o the_o ground_n and_o evidence_n of_o their_o divine_a original_a before_o insist_v on_o sect_n 30._o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n then_o i_o will_v know_v whither_o if_o the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o any_o man_n when_o or_o where_o he_o can_v not_o possible_o have_v it_o attest_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o any_o public_a or_o private_a authority_n of_o man_n or_o church_n tradition_n or_o otherwise_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v it_o or_o no_o whither_o he_o shall_v obey_v god_n in_o believe_v or_o sin_n in_o the_o reject_v of_o it_o suppose_v de_fw-fr do_v but_o take_v it_o into_o consideration_n do_v but_o give_v it_o the_o read_n or_o hear_v see_v in_o every_o place_n it_o aver_v its_o self_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n he_o must_v of_o necessity_n either_o give_v credit_n unto_o it_o or_o disbelieve_v it_o to_o hang_v in_o suspense_n which_o arise_v from_o the_o imperfect_a act_n of_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o its_o self_n a_o weakness_n and_o in_o this_o case_n be_v reckon_v no_o the_o worst_a side_n be_v interpretative_o a_o rejection_n if_o you_o say_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o such_o a_o one_o to_o believe_v it_o you_o acknowledge_v in_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v self_n a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o its_o own_o original_a authority_n without_o which_o it_o can_v be_v no_o man_n duty_n to_o believe_v it_o if_o you_o say_v it_o will_v not_o be_v his_o sin_n to_o reject_v and_o refuse_v it_o to_o disbelieve_v all_o that_o it_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n then_o this_o be_v that_o you_o say_v god_n may_v true_o and_o real_o speak_v unto_o a_o man_n as_o he_o do_v by_o the_o scripture_n and_o yet_o that_o man_n not_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v he_o we_o deal_v not_o thus_o with_o one_o another_o sect._n 31._o to_o wind_v up_o then_o the_o plea_n insist_v on_o in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n concern_v the_o self_n evidence_v light_n and_o power_n of_o the_o scripture_n from_o which_o we_o have_v divert_v and_o to_o make_v way_n for_o some_o other_o consideration_n that_o tend_v to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o divine_a original_a i_o shall_v close_v this_o discourse_n with_o the_o two_o general_a consideration_n follow_v sect._n 32._o 1_o then_o lay_v aside_o these_o fail_a plea_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o moral_a impossibility_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v not_o manifest_v it_o be_v own_o original_a and_o its_o authority_n from_o thence_o quaelibet_fw-la herba_fw-la deum_fw-la there_o be_v no_o work_n of_o god_n as_o be_v show_v but_o reveal_v its_o author_n a_o curious_a artificer_n impart_v that_o of_o form_n shape_n proportion_n and_o comeliness_n to_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o invention_n and_o work_v of_o his_o hand_n that_o every_o one_o that_o look_v upon_o it_o must_v conclude_v that_o it_o come_v from_o skill_n and_o ability_n a_o man_n in_o the_o delivery_n of_o his_o mind_n in_o the_o write_n of_o a_o book_n will_v give_v it_o such_o a_o impression_n of_o reason_n that_o though_o you_o can_v conclude_v that_o this_o or_o that_o man_n write_v it_o yet_o you_o must_v that_o it_o be_v the_o product_n of_o a_o man_n or_o rational_a creature_n yea_o some_o individual_a man_n of_o excellency_n in_o some_o skill_n be_v instant_o know_v by_o they_o that_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v in_o that_o art_n or_o skill_n by_o the_o effect_n of_o their_o skill_n this_o be_v the_o piece_v this_o be_v the_o hand_n the_o work_n of_o such_o a_o one_o how_o easy_a be_v it_o for_o those_o who_o be_v conversant_a about_o ancient_a author_n to_o discover_v a_o author_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o stile_n of_o his_o write_n now_o certain_o this_o be_v strange_a beyond_o all_o belief_n that_o almost_o every_o agent_n shall_v give_v a_o impress_n to_o its_o work_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v appropriate_v unto_o he_o and_o only_o the_o