Selected quad for the lemma: faith_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
faith_n church_n scripture_n tradition_n 15,184 5 9.5685 5 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A27017 The saints everlasting rest, or, A treatise of the blessed state of the saints in their enjoyment of God in glory wherein is shewed its excellency and certainty, the misery of those that lose it, the way to attain it, and assurance of it, and how to live in the continual delightful forecasts of it and now published by Richard Baxter ... Baxter, Richard, 1615-1691.; Herbert, George, 1593-1633. 1650 (1650) Wing B1383; ESTC R17757 797,603 962

There are 12 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

what_o we_o believe_v both_o these_o be_v again_o divine_a or_o humane_a 3._o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o believe_v as_o probable_a another_o thing_n to_o believe_v it_o as_o certain_a 4._o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v true_a conditional_o another_o to_o believe_v it_o absolute_o 5._o we_o must_v distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o bare_a assent_n of_o the_o understanding_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o axiom_n when_o it_o be_v only_o silence_v by_o force_n of_o argument_n which_o will_v be_v strong_a or_o weak_a as_o the_o argument_n seem_v more_o or_o less_o demonstrative_a and_o second_o that_o deep_a apprehension_n and_o firm_a assent_n which_o proceed_v from_o a_o well_o establish_v confirm_a faith_n back_v by_o experience_n 6._o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o axiom_n another_o to_o taste_v and_o choose_v the_o good_a contain_v in_o it_o which_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o will._n sect_n ii_o 2._o the_o use_v i_o shall_v make_v of_o these_o distinction_n be_v to_o open_v the_o way_n to_o these_o follow_a position_n which_o will_v resolve_v the_o great_a question_n on_o foot_n how_o far_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o write_a word_n be_v of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o whether_o this_o foundation_n have_v be_v always_o the_o same_o pos._n 1._o the_o object_n of_o belief_n be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v or_o a_o divine_a testimony_n where_o two_o thing_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a first_o the_o matter_n second_o the_o revelation_n 2._o all_o this_o reveal_v will_n be_v necessary_a perfectionem_fw-la to_o the_o complete_n of_o our_o faith_n praecepti_fw-la and_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o believe_v it_o but_o it_o be_v only_o the_o substance_n and_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o thing_n necessary_o suppose_v to_o the_o know_v and_o keep_v of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o the_o be_v of_o faith_n and_o to_o salvation_n a_o man_n may_v be_v save_v though_o he_o shall_v not_o believe_v many_o thing_n which_o yet_o he_o be_v bind_v by_o god_n to_o believe_v 3._o yet_o this_o must_v be_v only_o through_o ignorance_n of_o the_o divineness_n of_o the_o testimony_n for_o a_o flat_a unbelief_n of_o the_o small_a truth_n when_o we_o know_v the_o testimony_n to_o be_v of_o god_n will_v not_o stand_v with_o the_o be_v of_o true_a faith_n nor_o with_o salvation_n for_o reason_n lay_v this_o ground_n that_o god_n can_v speak_v nothing_o but_o truth_n and_o faith_n proceed_v upon_o that_o supposition_n 4._o this_o doctrine_n so_o absolute_o necessary_a have_v not_o be_v ever_o from_o the_o beginning_n the_o same_o but_o have_v differ_v according_a to_o the_o different_a covenant_n and_o administration_n that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v now_o so_o necessary_a be_v not_o so_o before_o the_o fall_n and_o that_o which_o be_v so_o necessary_a since_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o so_o before_o his_o come_n then_o they_o may_v be_v save_v in_o believe_v in_o the_o messiah_n to_o come_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n but_o now_o it_o be_v of_o necessity_n to_o believe_v that_o this_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n be_v he_o and_o that_o we_o look_v not_o for_o another_o i_o prove_v it_o thus_o that_o which_o be_v not_o reveal_v can_v be_v no_o object_n for_o faith_n much_o less_o so_o necessary_a but_o christ_n be_v not_o reveal_v before_o the_o fall_n nor_o this_o jesus_n reveal_v to_o be_v he_o before_o his_o come_n therefore_o these_o be_v not_o of_o necessity_n to_o be_v believe_v or_o as_o some_o metaphorical_o speak_v they_o be_v then_o to_o fundamental_a doctrine_n perhaps_o also_o some_o thing_n will_v be_v find_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o we_o which_o be_v not_o so_o to_o indian_n and_o turk_n 5._o god_n have_v make_v this_o substance_n of_o scripture-doctrine_n to_o be_v thus_o necessary_a aliud_fw-la primary_o and_o for_o itself_o 6._o that_o it_o be_v reveal_v be_v also_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n but_o secondary_o and_o for_o the_o doctrine_n sake_n as_o a_o mean_n without_o which_o believe_v be_v neither_o possible_a nor_o a_o duty_n and_o though_o where_o there_o be_v no_o revelation_n faith_n be_v not_o necessary_a as_o a_o duty_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v necessary_a i_o think_v as_o a_o mean_n that_o be_v our_o natural_a misery_n may_v be_v such_o as_o can_v no_o other_o way_n be_v cure_v but_o this_o concern_v not_o we_o that_o have_v hear_v of_o christ_n 7._o nature_n creature_n and_o providence_n be_v no_o sufficient_a revelation_n of_o this_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n 8._o it_o be_v necessary_a not_o only_o that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v reveal_v but_o also_o that_o it_o be_v reveal_v with_o ground_n or_o argument_n rational_o sufficient_a to_o evince_v the_o verity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n or_o the_o divineness_n of_o the_o testimony_n that_o from_o it_o we_o may_v conclude_v the_o former_a 9_o the_o revelation_n of_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o first_o immediate_a delivery_n from_o god_n or_o second_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o way_n of_o its_o come_n down_o to_o we_o it_o be_v deliver_v by_o god_n immediate_o either_o by_o writing_n as_o the_o two_o table_n or_o by_o inform_v angel_n who_o may_v be_v his_o messenger_n or_o by_o inspire_v some_o choice_n particular_a man_n so_o that_o few_o in_o the_o world_n have_v receive_v it_o from_o god_n at_o the_o first_o hand_n 10._o the_o only_a way_n of_o revelation_n that_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v be_v now_o leave_v be_v scripture_n and_o tradition_n for_o though_o god_n have_v not_o tie_v himself_o from_o revelation_n by_o the_o spirit_n yet_o he_o have_v cease_v they_o and_o perfect_v his_o scripture_n revelation_n so_o that_o the_o spirit_n only_o reveal_v what_o be_v reveal_v already_o in_o the_o word_n by_o illuminate_v we_o to_o understand_v it_o 11._o the_o more_o immediate_a the_o revelation_n caeteris_fw-la paribus_fw-la the_o more_o sure_a and_o the_o more_o succession_n of_o hand_n it_o pass_v through_o the_o more_o uncertain_a especial_o in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n 12._o when_o we_o receive_v from_o man_n by_o tradition_n the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n as_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n there_o be_v less_o danger_n of_o corruption_n then_o when_o they_o deliver_v we_o that_o doctrine_n in_o their_o own_o word_n because_o here_o take_v liberty_n to_o vary_v the_o expression_n it_o will_v represent_v the_o truth_n more_o uncertain_o and_o in_o more_o various_a shape_n 13._o therefore_o have_v god_n be_v please_v when_o he_o cease_v immediate_a revelation_n to_o leave_v his_o will_n write_v in_o a_o form_n of_o word_n which_o shall_v be_v his_o stand_a law_n and_o a_o rule_n to_o try_v all_o other_o man_n expression_n by_o 14._o in_o all_o the_o forementioned_a respect_n therefore_o the_o write_a word_n do_v excel_v the_o unwritten_a tradition_n of_o the_o same_o doctrine_n 15._o yet_o unwritten_a tradition_n or_o any_o sure_a way_n of_o reveal_v this_o doctrine_n may_v suffice_v to_o save_v he_o who_o thereby_o be_v bring_v to_o believe_v as_o if_o there_o be_v any_o among_o the_o aba●sines_n of_o ethiopia_n the_o coply_n in_o egypt_n or_o elsewhere_o that_o have_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o covenant_n deliver_v they_o by_o unwritten_a tradition_n or_o by_o other_o write_n if_o hereby_o they_o come_v to_o believe_v they_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o so_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n run_v giving_z salvation_n to_o all_o that_o believe_v by_o what_o mean_v soever_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o it_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o true_a believer_n in_o those_o part_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n where_o the_o scripture_n be_v whole_o hide_v from_o the_o vulgar_a if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o part_n 16._o yet_o where_o the_o write_a word_n be_v want_v salvation_n must_v needs_o be_v more_o difficult_a and_o more_o rare_a and_o faith_n more_o feeble_a and_o man_n conversation_n worse_o order_v because_o they_o want_v that_o clear_a revelation_n that_o sure_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n which_o may_v make_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n more_o easy_a 17._o when_o tradition_n arise_v no_o high_a or_o come_v original_o but_o from_o this_o write_a word_n and_o not_o from_o the_o verbal_a testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n before_o the_o word_n be_v write_v there_o that_o tradition_n be_v but_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o not_o a_o distinct_a way_n of_o reveal_v 18._o such_o be_v most_o of_o the_o tradition_n for_o aught_o i_o can_v learn_v that_o be_v now_o afoot_a in_o the_o world_n for_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n but_o not_o for_o matter_n of_o fact_n 17._o therefore_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o only_o necessary_a to_o the_o well-being_a of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o
veterem_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la traditionem_fw-la ne_fw-la in_o conceptionem_fw-la quidem_fw-la mentis_fw-la admittunt_fw-la quodcunque_fw-la haereticorum_fw-la portentiloquium_fw-la est_fw-la i_o have_v be_v the_o large_a in_o prove_v a_o immortal_a life_n after_o this_o because_o i_o find_v none_o doubt_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n but_o they_o doubt_v of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n too_o among_o we_o this_o join_v with_o the_o evident_a vanity_n of_o all_o other_o religion_n be_v a_o excellent_a medium_n to_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o if_o we_o must_v be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a for_o ever_o sure_o there_o be_v some_o true_a religion_n teach_v the_o way_n to_o happiness_n that_o all_o other_o religion_n be_v false_a any_o man_n that_o live_v out_o of_o the_o dust_n and_o smoke_n of_o prejudice_n may_v see_v with_o one_o eye_n that_o there_o be_v a_o future_a happiness_n or_o misery_n be_v evident_a to_o nature_n or_o else_o how_o will_v all_o nation_n so_o universal_o acknowledge_v it_o the_o ancient_a barbarian_n believe_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o of_o the_o getae_n herodotus_n witness_v lib._n 4._o and_o of_o the_o egyptian_n diodorus_n siculus_n l._n 1._o biblioth_n numb_a 93._o the_o very_a inhabitant_n of_o guiny_n virginia_n guiana_n peru_n china_n mexico_n etc._n etc._n do_v believe_v a_o happiness_n and_o misery_n hereafter_o as_o descrip._n reg._n afric_n guineae_fw-la cap._n 21.44_o acosta_n lib._n 5._o c._n 7_o 8._o hug._n linscot_n part_n 1._o cap._n 25._o jo._n lerius_fw-la cap._n 16._o sir_n walter_n raleigh_n etc._n etc._n witness_n what_o poet_n speak_v not_o de_n tartaro_fw-la campis_n elisiis_fw-la manibus_fw-la and_o philosopher_n of_o best_a note_n except_o galen_n epicurus_n plinius_n etc._n etc._n as_o for_o pythagoras_n and_o his_o master_n pherecides_n the_o druid_n the_o indian_a brachmanes_n socrates_n plato_n cicero_n seneca_n they_o all_o acknowledge_v it_o lege_fw-la marsil_n ficinum_n de_fw-fr immort_n animae_fw-la yea_o aristotle_n himself_o as_o be_v evident_a de_fw-fr anima_fw-la lib._n 1._o context_n 65_o 66._o lib._n 2._o context_n 21._o lib._n 3._o context_n 4_o 6_o 7_o 19_o 20._o yet_o we_o must_v not_o take_v the_o same_o course_n with_o all_o man_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o scripture_n authority_n we_o must_v first_o deal_v with_o a_o atheist_n in_o habitu_fw-la philosophico_fw-la before_o we_o plead_v or_o direct_o prove_v scripture_n authority_n of_o which_o see_v learned_a ludovicus_n crocius_n syntagm_n l._n 1._o p._n 126._o the_o validity_n of_o that_o humane_a testimony_n which_o here_o we_o have_v most_o use_v for_o depend_v not_o on_o any_o authority_n thereto_o confer_v from_o god_n as_o romanist_n fond_o imagine_v but_o on_o man_n as_o sensible_a rational_a and_o of_o common_a honesty_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o enemy_n be_v more_o strong_a then_o of_o friend_n strabo_n witness_v lib._n 16._o geogra_fw-la of_o moses_n and_o the_o ancient_a israelite_n that_o they_o be_v true_o righteous_a and_o godly_a man_n so_o do_v josephus_n testify_v of_o john_n baptist_n and_o james_n and_o pliny_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n lib._n 10._o epist._n 101._o but_o i_o pass_v these_o as_o not_o intend_v a_o full_a handle_n of_o this_o subject_n the_o best_a that_o i_o know_v already_o extant_a on_o it_o be_v grotius_n and_o du_n plessis_n and_o i_o will_v some_o able_a man_n will_v do_v yet_o more_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o have_v have_v so_o many_o rare_a convince_a experience_n of_o the_o fulfil_n of_o promise_n to_o i_o and_o answer_v prayer_n by_o wonder_n of_o unusual_a providence_n that_o serve_v mighty_o to_o conform_v i_o by_o second_v my_o argument_n and_o be_v it_o fit_a to_o speak_v so_o much_o of_o my_o own_o matter_n i_o will_v produce_v they_o for_o the_o confirm_v of_o other_o be_v it_o not_o to_o digress_v i_o shall_v here_o express_v my_o admiration_n that_o so_o many_o learned_a man_n shall_v lean_v towards_o rome_n mere_o upon_o a_o conceit_n that_o there_o be_v a_o flat_a necessity_n of_o some_o vltimate_o decisive_n judicial_a expounder_n of_o scripture_n and_o that_o must_v needs_o be_v their_o church_n for_o they_o think_v it_o abominable_a that_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v judg._n at_o present_a i_o will_v but_o know_v of_o they_o first_o whether_o they_o speak_v of_o fundamental_a plain_a place_n of_o scripture_n or_o of_o more_o obscure_a and_o of_o less_o moment_n for_o the_o former_a first_o where_o there_o be_v such_o plainness_n there_o need_v a_o teacher_n to_o the_o ignorant_a but_o not_o a_o judge_n among_o christian_n fundamental_o be_v no_o controversy_n second_o and_o if_o the_o judge_n mistake_v in_o fundamental_o if_o we_o obey_v he_o we_o must_v renounce_v our_o faith_n second_o if_o the_o pope_n or_o his_o council_n of_o prelate_n be_v judge_n how_o shall_v all_o people_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n know_v what_o exposition_n they_o give_v hear_v their_o voice_n they_o can_v if_o by_o their_o write_a canon_n who_o shall_v expound_v they_o to_o the_o people_n if_o another_o pope_n or_o council_n who_o shall_v expound_v their_o exposition_n and_o so_o in_o infinitum_fw-la i_o do_v not_o see_v but_o god_n speak_v as_o plain_o as_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o as_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v three_o do_v the_o pope_n and_o prelate_n know_v the_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n by_o rational_a mean_n or_o by_o euthusiasm_n or_o by_o some_o superior_a judge_n if_o by_o rational_a mean_n why_o may_v not_o as_o learned_a doctor_n know_v it_o as_o well_o by_o the_o same_o if_o by_o some_o other_o judge_n who_o be_v it_o if_o they_o believe_v scripture_n or_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o upon_o their_o own_o authority_n who_o will_v regard_v such_o self_n idolize_v wretch_n four_o if_o there_o be_v a_o mean_v leave_v of_o god_n for_o a_o true_a decide_v all_o controversy_n and_o resolve_v all_o difficulty_n in_o scripture_n then_o why_o be_v not_o all_o resolve_v and_o why_o be_v we_o not_o perfect_a in_o knowledge_n the_o plain_a truth_n be_v christ_n be_v the_o only_a proper_a judge_n himself_o and_o have_v leave_v we_o his_o law_n and_o magistrate_n to_o see_v that_o we_o obey_v they_o and_o minister_n to_o teach_v we_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o every_o man_n of_o these_o be_v bind_v to_o judge_n right_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o these_o law_n every_o particular_a man_n that_o he_o may_v obey_v they_o and_o if_o he_o mistake_v he_o sine_v and_o must_v answer_v it_o to_o god_n and_o in_o some_o case_n to_o magistrate_n and_o overseer_n the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o judge_v right_o when_o any_o be_v punishable_a and_o if_o he_o err_v he_o must_v answer_v it_o to_o the_o supreme_a and_o he_o to_o god_n the_o minister_n be_v to_o judge_n right_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n that_o they_o may_v teach_v they_o other_o and_o admonish_v and_o censure_v according_o and_o if_o they_o mistake_v they_o be_v in_o synod_n to_o consult_v for_o information_n and_o in_o case_n of_o difficulty_n beyond_o their_o own_o reach_n to_o obey_v the_o decree_n of_o such_o a_o lawful_a synod_n but_o to_o expect_v a_o final_a decisive_a judgement_n of_o all_o controversy_n on_o earth_n be_v vain_a and_o that_o synod_n shall_v be_v too_o bold_a in_o determine_v what_o god_n have_v leave_v doubtful_a and_o utter_o uncertain_a be_v destructive_a to_o the_o unity_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n rather_o than_o conducible_a and_o for_o man_n to_o believe_v any_o of_o their_o conclusion_n or_o obey_v any_o of_o their_o canon_n when_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o be_v to_o change_v our_o master_n and_o take_v they_o for_o christ_n the_o prophet_n who_o be_v but_o his_o ambassador_n and_o usher_n in_o his_o school_n when_o we_o have_v dispute_v and_o contend_v ourselves_o weary_a and_o wrangle_v the_o church_n into_o flame_n and_o ash_n yet_o that_o which_o god_n have_v speak_v obscure_o and_o so_o leave_v difficult_a in_o itself_o will_v remain_v obscure_a and_o difficult_a still_o and_o that_o which_o be_v difficult_a through_o the_o weakness_n and_o incapacity_n of_o the_o reader_n will_v be_v far_o better_a clear_v by_o a_o rational_a explication_n then_o by_o a_o ●are_a canon_n o_o when_o will_v the_o lord_n once_o persuade_v his_o church_n ●o_o take_v his_o scripture_n law_n for_o the_o only_a canon_n of_o their_o faith_n ●nd_v that_o in_o their_o own_o naked_a simplicity_n and_o evidence_n without_o ●he_v canon_n and_o comment_n of_o man_n which_o be_v no_o part_n of_o our_o creed_n but_o help_v to_o our_o understanding_n and_o bound_n to_o our_o practice_n 〈◊〉_d matter_n circumstantial_a which_o god_n have_v leave_v to_o man_n determination_n when_o will_v the_o lord_n persuade_v we_o not_o to_o be_v wise_a above_o what_o 〈◊〉_d write_v but_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o to_o be_v beyond_o
give_v they_o such_o rejoice_n in_o it_o 5.5_o and_o yet_o never_o bestow_v it_o on_o they_o it_o can_v be_v nay_o do_v he_o give_v they_o the_o earnest_n of_o the_o inheritance_n eph._n 1.14_o and_o seal_v they_o with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n eph._n 1.13_o and_o yet_o will_v he_o deny_v the_o full_a possession_n these_o absurdity_n may_v not_o be_v charge_v on_o a_o ordinary_a man_n much_o less_o on_o the_o faithful_a and_o righteous_a god_n sect_n vi_o 6._o six_o already_o and_o last_o the_o scripture_n mention_v particular_o and_o by_o name_n those_o who_o have_v enter_v into_o this_o rest._n as_o henoch_n who_o be_v take_v up_o to_o god_n so_o abraham_n lazarus_n the_o thief_n that_o be_v crucify_v with_o christ_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o rest_n for_o these_o sure_o there_o be_v a_o rest_n for_o all_o believer_n chap._n ii_o motive_n to_o study_v and_o preach_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n 1._o sect_n i._o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v where_o the_o scripture_n be_v believe_v to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n viz._n the_o certain_a futurity_n of_o the_o saint_n rest._n and_o for_o pagan_n and_o infidel_n who_o believe_v not_o scripture_n it_o be_v beside_o the_o intention_n of_o this_o discourse_n to_o endeavour_v their_o conviction_n i_o be_o endeavour_v the_o consolation_n and_o edification_n of_o saint_n and_o not_o the_o information_n and_o conversion_n of_o pagan_n yet_o do_v i_o acknowledge_v the_o subject_n exceed_v necessary_a even_o to_o the_o saint_n themselves_o for_o satan_n assault_n be_v oft_o make_v at_o the_o foundation_n and_o if_o he_o can_v persuade_v they_o to_o question_v the_o verity_n of_o scripture_n they_o will_v soon_o cast_v away_o their_o hope_n of_o heaven_n but_o if_o i_o shall_v here_o enter_v upon_o that_o task_n to_o prove_v scripture_n to_o be_v the_o infallible_a word_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v make_v too_o broad_a a_o digression_n and_o set_v upon_o a_o work_n as_o large_a as_o the_o main_a for_o who_o sake_n i_o shall_v undertake_v it_o neither_o be_o i_o insensible_a of_o how_o great_a difficulty_n it_o will_v prove_v to_o manage_v it_o satisfactory_o and_o how_o much_o more_o than_o my_o ability_n be_v thereto_o requisite_a yet_o lest_o the_o tempt_a christian_n shall_v have_v no_o relief_n nor_o any_o argument_n at_o hand_n against_o the_o temptation_n i_o shall_v adventure_v upon_o a_o confirm_a argument_n or_o two_o but_o i_o shall_v premise_v first_o a_o word_n of_o entreaty_n to_o my_o brethren_n of_o the_o ministry_n to_o preach_v this_o a_o little_a more_o to_o their_o people_n ☜_o and_o that_o not_o any_o body_n but_o some_o of_o the_o choice_a who_o god_n have_v especial_o furnish_v for_o such_o a_o task_n will_v be_v please_v in_o a_o full_a treatise_n to_o undertake_v it_o to_o which_o end_n i_o give_v they_o some_o of_o the_o reason_n of_o my_o request_n entreat_v the_o lord_n to_o enable_v and_o persuade_v some_o of_o they_o to_o the_o work_n 1._o i_o desire_v they_o to_o consider_v whether_o any_o thing_n yet_o publish_v be_v near_o complete_a or_o such_o as_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o subject_n require_v whether_o much_o more_o may_v not_o be_v say_v and_o be_v convince_a necessary_a to_o be_v say_v then_o be_v yet_o say_v by_o any_o that_o have_v write_v on_o this_o subject_n 2._o whether_o if_o christian_n who_o have_v opportunity_n do_v their_o duty_n will_v it_o not_o be_v a_o singular_a part_n of_o their_o work_n to_o endeavour_v the_o thing_n conversion_n of_o pagan_n and_o infidel_n and_o as_o i_o say_v before_o without_o some_o argument_n to_o demonstrate_v to_o they_o the_o verity_n of_o scripture_n how_o be_v we_o furnish_v for_o such_o a_o work_n or_o what_o have_v we_o to_o say_v but_o naked_a affirmation_n yea_o how_o can_v we_o maintain_v the_o credit_n of_o christianity_n if_o we_o be_v put_v to_o dispute_v the_o case_n with_o a_o unbeliever_n 3._o whether_o the_o assertion_n of_o some_o of_o our_o divine_n that_o a_o natural_a man_n without_o the_o extraordinary_a 57_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n can_v be_v persuade_v of_o the_o verity_n of_o scripture_n notwithstanding_o all_o argument_n that_o can_v be_v produce_v be_v not_o very_a derogatory_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n and_o do_v not_o justify_v the_o world_n in_o their_o unbelief_n for_o it_o be_v not_o their_o sin_n to_o deny_v assent_n to_o that_o which_o have_v not_o sufficient_a evidence_n as_o if_o we_o confess_v to_o they_o we_o have_v not_o argument_n to_o convince_v you_o but_o you_o must_v be_v convince_v by_o the_o spirit_n without_o argument_n as_o if_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o deal_v with_o we_o as_o rational_a creature_n and_o do_v persuade_v without_o argument_n and_o not_o by_o it_o as_o if_o many_o wicked_a man_n do_v not_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n yet_o i_o confess_v there_o be_v great_a difference_n betwixt_o natural_a and_o spiritual_a belief_n 4._o be_v not_o this_o the_o groundwork_n of_o the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o very_a christ._n foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o therefore_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v timely_a and_o sound_o lay_v and_o frequent_o and_o clear_o teach_v etc._n 5._o be_v not_o faith_n a_o rational_a act_n of_o a_o rational_a creature_n and_o so_o the_o understanding_n proceed_v discursive_o in_o its_o production_n and_o be_v not_o that_o the_o strong_a faith_n which_o have_v the_o strong_a reason_n to_o prove_v the_o testimony_n to_o be_v valid_a upon_o which_o it_o rest_v and_o the_o clear_a apprehension_n and_o use_n of_o those_o reason_n and_o the_o true_a faith_n which_o have_v the_o true_a reason_n true_o apprehend_v and_o use_v and_o must_v not_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_n be_v a_o weak_a or_o false_a faith_n which_o receive_v the_o verity_n and_o validity_n of_o the_o testimony_n from_o weak_a or_o false_a ground_n though_o the_o testimony_n of_o itself_o be_v the_o true_a in_o the_o world_n our_o divine_n use_v to_o say_v concern_v love_n to_o christ_n that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o degree_n of_o fervour_n so_o much_o as_o by_o the_o ground_n and_o motive_n so_o that_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v love_v christ_n upon_o the_o same_o reason_n as_o a_o turk_n love_v mahomet_n it_o be_v no_o true_a love_n if_o he_o love_v he_o upon_o false_a ground_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o false_a love_n and_o if_o upon_o common_a ground_n it_o can_v be_v but_o a_o common_a love_n and_o be_v it_o not_o then_o as_o clear_v that_o to_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n upon_o the_o ground_n that_o a_o turk_n believe_v in_o mahomet_n or_o to_o believe_v scripture_n upon_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o the_o turk_n believe_v the_o alcoran_n be_v no_o true_a faith_n suppose_v that_o both_o have_v the_o like_a verity_n of_o their_o reason_n 6._o be_v the_o generality_n of_o christian_n able_a to_o give_v any_o better_a than_o some_o such_o common_a reason_n to_o prove_v the_o verity_n of_o scripture_n nay_o be_v the_o more_o exercise_v understanding_n sort_n of_o christian_n able_a by_o sound_a argument_n to_o make_v it_o good_a if_o a_o enemy_n or_o a_o temptation_n put_v they_o to_o it_o nay_o be_v the_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o minister_n in_o england_n able_a to_o do_v this_o let_v they_o that_o have_v try_v judge_v 7._o can_v the_o superstructure_n be_v firm_a where_o the_o foundation_n be_v sandy_a and_o can_v our_o affection_n and_o action_n be_v sound_a and_o strong_a when_o our_o belief_n of_o scripture_n be_v unsound_a or_o infirm_a sure_o this_o faith_n will_v have_v influence_n into_o all_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o coldness_n in_o duty_n weakness_n in_o grace_n boldness_n in_o sin_v and_o unwillingness_n to_o die_v etc._n etc._n that_o our_o faith_n be_v either_o unsound_a or_o infirm_a in_o this_o point_n few_o christian_n among_o we_o for_o aught_o i_o find_v have_v any_o better_a than_o the_o popish_a implicit_a faith_n in_o this_o point_n 64._o nor_o any_o better_a argument_n than_o the_o papist_n have_v to_o prove_v scripture_n the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o have_v receive_v it_o by_o tradition_n godly_a minister_n and_o christian_n tell_v they_o so_o it_o be_v impious_a to_o doubt_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o they_o believe_v it_o and_o this_o worm_n lie_v at_o the_o root_n cause_v the_o languish_a and_o decay_n of_o the_o whole_a yet_o be_v it_o usual_o undiscerned_a 204._o for_o the_o root_n lie_v secret_a under_o ground_n but_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o judge_n that_o though_o the_o most_o complain_v of_o their_o uncertainty_n of_o salvation_n through_o want_n of_o assurance_n of_o their_o own_o interest_n and_o of_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o apply_v act_n of_o faith_n yet_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o all_o
officer_n and_o order_n of_o church_n be_v to_o we_o as_o law_n still_o bind_v with_o those_o limitation_n as_o positives_n only_o which_o give_v way_n to_o great_a 43._o the_o ground_n of_o this_o position_n be_v because_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n to_o send_v man_n to_o a_o work_n and_o promise_v to_o be_v with_o they_o and_o yet_o to_o forsake_v they_o and_o suffer_v they_o to_o err_v in_o the_o build_n of_o that_o house_n which_o must_v endure_v till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n 44._o yet_o if_o any_o of_o these_o commissioner_n do_v err_v in_o their_o own_o particular_a conversation_n or_o in_o matter_n without_o the_o extent_n of_o their_o commission_n 12.13_o this_o may_v consist_v with_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n god_n have_v not_o promise_v they_o infallibility_n and_o perfection_n the_o disgrace_n be_v their_o own_o but_o if_o they_o shall_v miscarry_v in_o that_o wherein_o they_o be_v send_v to_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o other_o the_o church_n will_v then_o have_v a_o imperfect_a rule_n and_o the_o dishonour_n will_v redound_v to_o god_n 45._o yet_o i_o find_v not_o that_o ever_o god_n authorize_v any_o mere_a man_n to_o be_v a_o lawgiver_n to_o the_o church_n in_o substantial_o but_o only_o to_o deliver_v the_o law_n which_o he_o have_v give_v to_o interpret_v they_o and_o to_o determine_v circumstantial_n not_o by_o he_o determine_v 46._o where_o god_n ow_v man_n doctrine_n and_o example_n by_o miracle_n they_o be_v to_o be_v take_v as_o infallible_o divine_a much_o more_o when_o commission_n promise_v and_o miracle_n do_v concur_v which_o confirm_v the_o apostle_n example_n for_o currant_n 47._o so_o that_o if_o any_o of_o the_o ●ings_n or_o prophet_n have_v give_v law_n and_o form_v the_o church_n as_o moses_n they_o have_v not_o be_v bind_v because_o without_o the_o say_a commission_n or_o if_o any_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v by_o word_n or_o action_n arrogate_v a_o apostolical_a privilege_n 48._o there_o be_v no_o verity_n about_o god_n or_o the_o chief_a happiness_n of_o man_n write_v in_o nature_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v write_v in_o scripture_n 49._o so_o that_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v in_o these_o several_a respect_n be_v the_o object_n both_o of_o knowledge_n and_o of_o faith_n 50._o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o perfect_a a_o transcript_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o reason_n be_v much_o more_o to_o be_v credit_v in_o its_o supernatural_a revelation_n 51._o the_o probability_n of_o most_o thing_n and_o the_o possibility_n of_o all_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n may_v well_o be_v discern_v by_o reason_n itself_o which_o make_v their_o existence_n or_o futurity_n the_o more_o easy_a to_o be_v believe_v 52._o yet_o before_o this_o existence_n or_o futurity_n of_o any_o thing_n beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o reason_n can_v be_v sound_o believe_v the_o testimony_n must_v be_v know_v to_o be_v true_o divine_a 53._o yet_o a_o belief_n of_o scripture_n doctrine_n as_o probable_a do_v usual_o go_v before_o a_o belief_n of_o certainty_n and_o be_v a_o good_a preparative_n thereto_o 54._o the_o direct_a express_a sense_n must_v be_v believe_v direct_o and_o absolute_o as_o infallible_a and_o the_o consequence_n where_o they_o may_v be_v clear_o and_o certain_o raise_v but_o where_o there_o be_v danger_n of_o err_v in_o raise_v consequence_n the_o assent_n can_v be_v but_o weak_a and_o conditional_a 55._o a_o consequence_n raise_v from_o scripture_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o immediate_a sense_n can_v be_v call_v any_o part_n of_o scripture_n 56._o where_o one_o of_o the_o premise_n be_v in_o nature_n and_o the_o other_o only_o in_o scripture_n there_o the_o conclusion_n be_v mix_v partly_o know_v and_o partly_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o those_o premise_n be_v know_v but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n be_v as_o i_o say_v apprehend_v by_o a_o mix_a act._n such_o be_v a_o christian_n conclude_v himself_o to_o be_v justify_v and_o sanctify_v etc._n etc._n 57_o where_o through_o weakness_n we_o be_v unable_a to_o discern_v the_o consequence_n there_o be_v enough_o in_o the_o express_a direct_a sense_n for_o salvation_n 58._o where_o the_o sense_n be_v not_o unstood_v there_o the_o belief_n can_v be_v but_o implicit_a 59_o where_o the_o sense_n be_v partly_o understand_v but_o with_o some_o doubt_v the_o belief_n can_v be_v but_o conditional_o explicit_a that_o be_v we_o believe_v it_o if_o it_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n 60._o fundamental_o must_v be_v believe_v explicit_o and_o absolute_o chap._n four_o the_o first_o argument_n to_o prove_v scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n sect_n four_o 1._o have_v thus_o show_v you_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o how_o far_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o what_o be_v the_o excellency_n necessity_n and_o authority_n of_o they_o 3.16_o i_o shall_v now_o add_v three_o or_o four_o argument_n to_o help_v your_o faith_n which_o i_o hope_v will_v not_o only_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v divine_a testimony_n to_o the_o substance_n of_o doctrine_n though_o that_o be_v a_o useful_a work_n against_o our_o unbelief_n but_o also_o that_o they_o be_v the_o very_a write_v law_n of_o god_n and_o a_o perfect_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o duty_n my_o argument_n shall_v be_v but_o few_o because_o i_o handle_v it_o but_o on_o the_o by_o and_o those_o such_o as_o i_o find_v little_a of_o in_o other_o writing_n lest_o i_o shall_v waste_v time_n in_o do_v what_o be_v do_v to_o my_o hand_n 1._o those_o writing_n and_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o many_o &_o real_a 443._o miracle_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o god_n and_o consequent_o of_o undoubted_a truth_n but_o the_o book_n and_o doctrine_n of_o canonical_a scripture_n be_v so_o confirm_v therefore_o etc._n etc._n against_o the_o major_a proposition_n nothing_o of_o any_o moment_n can_v be_v say_v for_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n apparent_a enough_o to_o nature_n that_o none_o but_o god_n can_v work_v real_a miracle_n or_o at_o lest_o none_o but_o those_o who_o he_o do_v especial_o enable_v thereto_o and_o it_o be_v as_o manifest_v that_o the_o righteous_a and_o faithful_a god_n will_v not_o give_v this_o power_n for_o a_o seal_n to_o any_o falsehood_n or_o deceit_n the_o usual_a objection_n be_v these_o first_o antichrist_n shall_v come_v with_o lie_v wonder_n answ._n they_o be_v no_o true_a 20._o miracle_n as_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o thess._n 2.9_o lie_v in_o seal_v to_o a_o lie_a doctrine_n so_o also_o in_o be_v but_o seem_v and_o counterfeit_a miracle_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v to_o those_o of_o pharaoh_n magician_n and_o all_o other_o sorcerer_n and_o witch_n and_o those_o that_o may_v be_v wrought_v by_o satan_n himself_o they_o may_v be_v wonder_n but_o not_o miracle_n object_n 2._o god_n may_v enable_v false_a prophet_n to_o work_v miracle_n to_o try_v the_o world_n without_o any_o derogation_n to_o his_o faithfulness_n answ._n no_o for_o divine_a power_n be_v proper_o the_o attendant_n of_o divine_a revelation_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v annex_v to_o diabolical_a delusion_n it_o will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a excuse_n to_o the_o world_n for_o their_o believe_v those_o delusion_n and_o if_o miracle_n shall_v not_o be_v a_o sufficient_a seal_n to_o prove_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o witness_n to_o be_v divine_a then_o be_v there_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n sufficient_a and_o so_o our_o faith_n will_v be_v quite_o overthrow_v object_n but_o however_o miracle_n will_v no_o more_o prove_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n than_o they_o will_v prove_v moses_n elias_n or_o elisha_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o they_o wrought_v miracle_n as_o well_o as_o christ._n answ._n miracle_n be_v god_n seal_v not_o to_o extol_v the_o person_n that_o be_v instrumental_a nor_o for_o his_o glory_n but_o to_o extol_v god_n and_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n god_n do_v not_o entrust_v any_o creature_n with_o this_o seal_n so_o absolute_o as_o that_o they_o may_v use_v it_o when_o and_o in_o what_o case_n they_o please_v if_o moses_n or_o elias_n have_v affirm_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n they_o can_v never_o have_v confirm_v that_o affirmation_n with_o a_o miracle_n for_o god_n will_v not_o have_v seal_v to_o a_o lie_n christ_n power_n of_o work_a miracle_n do_v not_o immediate_o prove_v he_o to_o be_v the_o christ._n but_o it_o immediate_o prove_v his_o testimony_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o that_o testimony_n speak_v his_o nature_n and_o office_n so_o that_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n in_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v not_o to_o a●●est_v to_o their_o own_o greatness_n but_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n concern_v christ._n
call_v christian_n so_o name_v from_o he_o do_v remain_v thus_o far_o josephus_n a_o jew_n by_o nation_n and_o religion_n who_o write_v this_o about_o eighty_o six_o year_n after_o christ_n and_o fourteen_o year_n before_o the_o death_n of_o st._n john_n himself_o be_v bear_v about_o five_o or_o six_o year_n after_o christ._n 20._o consider_v also_o how_o that_o every_o age_n have_v afford_v multitude_n of_o tryphon_n witness_n who_o before_o be_v most_o bitter_a and_o violent_a enemy_n and_o divers_a of_o these_o man_n of_o note_n for_o learning_n and_o place_n in_o the_o world_n how_o mad_a be_v saul_n against_o the_o truth_n sure_o it_o can_v be_v no_o favour_n to_o the_o cause_n nor_o overmuch_o credulity_n that_o cause_v such_o man_n to_o witness_v to_o the_o death_n the_o truth_n of_o that_o for_o which_o they_o have_v persecute_v other_o to_o the_o death_n but_o a_o little_a before_o nor_o can_v childish_a fable_n or_o common_a fly_a tale_n have_v so_o mighty_o wrought_v with_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o understanding_n for_o some_o such_o be_v christian_n in_o all_o age_n 21._o nay_o observe_v but_o the_o confession_n of_o these_o adversary_n when_o they_o come_v to_o believe_v how_o general_o and_o ingenuous_o they_o acknowledge_v their_o former_a ignorance_n and_o prejudice_n to_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o unbelief_n 22._o consider_v also_o how_o unable_a all_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v to_o abolish_v these_o sacred_a record_n they_o can_v burn_v the_o witness_n by_o thousand_o but_o yet_o they_o can_v never_o either_o hinder_v their_o succession_n or_o extinguish_v these_o testimony_n 23._o nay_o the_o most_o eminent_a adversary_n have_v have_v the_o most_o eminent_a ruin_n as_o antiochus_n herod_n julian_n with_o multitude_n more_o this_o stone_n have_v fall_v upon_o they_o have_v grind_v they_o to_o powder_n 24_o it_o be_v not_o difficult_a here_o to_o collect_v from_o unquestioned_a author_n a_o constant_a succession_n of_o wonder_n at_o least_o to_o have_v in_o several_a age_n accompany_v the_o attestation_n of_o this_o truth_n and_o notable_a judgement_n that_o have_v befall_v the_o persecutor_n of_o it_o and_o though_o the_o papist_n by_o their_o fiction_n and_o fabulous_a legend_n have_v do_v more_o wrong_a to_o the_o christian_a cause_n than_o ever_o they_o be_v able_a to_o repair_v yet_o unquestionable_a history_n do_v afford_v we_o very_o many_o example_n and_o even_o many_o of_o those_o action_n which_o they_o have_v deform_v with_o their_o fabulous_a addition_n may_v yet_o for_o the_o substance_n have_v much_o truth_n and_o god_n may_v even_o in_o time_n of_o popery_n work_v some_o of_o these_o wonder_n though_o not_o to_o confirm_v their_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v popish_a yet_o to_o confirm_v it_o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o as_o he_o have_v then_o his_o church_n and_o then_o his_o scripture_n so_o have_v he_o then_o his_o special_a providence_n to_o confirm_v his_o church_n in_o their_o belief_n and_o to_o silence_v the_o several_a enemy_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o therefore_o i_o advise_v those_o who_o in_o their_o inconsiderate_a zeal_n be_v apt_a to_o reject_v all_o these_o history_n of_o providence_n mere_o because_o they_o be_v write_v by_o papist_n or_o because_o some_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n be_v a_o little_a leaven_a with_o some_o popish_a error_n that_o they_o will_v first_o view_v they_o and_o consider_v of_o their_o probability_n of_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n that_o so_o they_o may_v pick_v out_o the_o truth_n and_o not_o reject_v all_o together_o in_o the_o lump_n lest_o otherwise_o in_o their_o zeal_n against_o popery_n they_o shall_v injure_v christianity_n and_o now_o i_o leave_v any_o man_n to_o judge_n whether_o we_o have_v not_o have_v a_o infallible_a way_n of_o receive_v these_o record_n from_o the_o first_o witness_n not_o that_o every_o of_o the_o particular_n before_o mention_v be_v necessary_a to_o the_o prove_v or_o certain_a receive_v the_o authentic_a record_n without_o depravation_n for_o you_o may_v perceive_v that_o almost_o any_o two_o or_o three_o of_o they_o may_v suffice_v and_o that_o divers_a of_o they_o be_v from_o abundance_n for_o full_a confirmation_n 4._o sect_n iv_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o this_o first_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o miracle_n which_o prove_v the_o doctrine_n and_o write_n to_o be_v of_o god_n answer_v but_o i_o must_v satisfy_v the_o scruple_n of_o some_o before_o i_o proceed_v first_o some_o will_v question_v whether_o this_o be_v not_o 1._o to_o resolve_v our_o faith_n into_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n 2._o and_o so_o to_o make_v it_o a_o humane_a faith_n and_o so_o 3._o to_o jump_v in_o this_o with_o the_o papist_n answ._n who_o believe_v the_o scripture_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o argue_v circular_o in_o this_o as_o they_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o i_o make_v in_o this_o argument_n the_o last_o resolution_n of_o my_o faith_n into_o the_o ibidem_fw-la miracle_n wrought_v to_o confirm_v the_o doctrine_n if_o you_o ask_v why_o i_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v of_o god_n i_o answer_v because_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o many_o undeniable_a miracle_n if_o you_o ask_v why_o i_o believe_v those_o miracle_n to_o be_v from_o god_n i_o answer_v because_o no_o create_a power_n can_v work_v a_o miracle_n so_o that_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n be_v not_o the_o reason_n of_o my_o believe_v but_o only_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v bring_v down_o to_o my_o knowledge_n again_o our_o faith_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v resolve_v into_o that_o which_o we_o give_v in_o answer_n to_o your_o last_o interrogation_n except_o your_o question_n be_v only_o still_o of_o the_o proper_a ground_n of_o faith_n but_o if_o you_o change_v your_o question_n from_o what_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o my_o faith_n to_o what_o be_v the_o 1._o mean_n of_o convey_v down_o the_o history_n to_o i_o then_o my_o faith_n be_v not_o resolve_v into_o this_o mean_n yet_o this_o mean_n or_o some_o other_o equivalent_a i_o acknowledge_v so_o necessary_a that_o without_o it_o i_o have_v never_o be_v like_o to_o have_v believe_v 2._o this_o show_v you_o also_o that_o i_o argue_v not_o in_o the_o popish_a circle_n nor_o take_v my_o faith_n on_o their_o common_a ground_n for_o first_o when_o you_o ask_v they_o how_o know_v you_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v infallible_a they_o prove_v it_o again_o by_o scripture_n and_o there_o be_v their_o circle_n but_o as_o i_o trust_v not_o on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n only_o as_o they_o do_v no_o nor_o proper_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o church_n no_o nor_o only_o to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n but_o also_o to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o enemy_n themselves_o so_o do_v i_o prove_v the_o validity_n of_o the_o testimony_n i_o bring_v from_o nature_n and_o well_o know_v principle_n in_o reason_n and_o not_o from_o scripture_n itself_o as_o you_o may_v see_v before_o 3._o there_o be_v a_o humane_a testimony_n which_o be_v also_o divine_a and_o so_o a_o humane_a faith_n which_o be_v also_o divine_a few_o of_o god_n extraordinary_a revelation_n have_v be_v immediate_a the_o c._n best_a schoolman_n think_v none_o of_o all_o but_o either_o by_o angel_n or_o by_o jesus_n himself_o who_o be_v man_n as_o well_o as_o god_n you_o will_v acknowledge_v if_o god_n reveal_v it_o to_o a_o angel_n and_o the_o angel_n to_o moses_n and_o moses_n to_o israel_n this_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n to_o israel_n for_o that_o be_v call_v a_o divine_a revelation_n which_o we_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n do_v any_o way_n reveal_v now_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v why_o that_o which_o god_n do_v natural_o and_o certain_o reveal_v to_o all_o man_n may_v not_o as_o proper_o be_v call_v a_o divine_a revelation_n as_o that_o which_o he_o reveal_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o a_o few_o be_v not_o this_o truth_n from_o god_n that_o the_o sense_n apprehension_n of_o their_o object_n right_o state_v be_v certain_a as_o well_o as_o this_o jesus_n christ_n be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n etc._n etc._n though_o a_o saint_n or_o angel_n be_v a_o fit_a messenger_n to_o reveal_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o any_o man_n may_v be_v a_o messenger_n to_o reveal_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o flesh_n a_o ungodly_a man_n if_o he_o have_v better_a eye_n and_o ear_n may_v be_v a_o better_a messenger_n or_o witness_n of_o that_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o he_o see_v and_o hear_v than_o a_o godly_a man_n that_o be_v blind_a or_o deaf_a especial_o in_o case_n wherein_o that_o ungodly_a man_n have_v no_o provocation_n to_o speak_v false_o and_o most_o of_o all_o if_o his_o testimony_n be_v against_o himself_o i_o take_v that_o revelation_n whereby_o i_o know_v
that_o such_o a_o latin_a or_o greek_a word_n have_v such_o a_o signification_n when_o will_v he_o learn_v or_o how_o will_v he_o know_v nay_o how_o do_v the_o most_o learned_a linguist_n know_v the_o signification_n of_o word_n in_o any_o language_n and_o so_o in_o the_o hebrew_n and_o greek_a scripture_n but_o only_o upon_o the_o credit_n of_o their_o teacher_n and_o author_n and_o yet_o certain_a enough_o too_o in_o the_o main_a tradition_n be_v not_o so_o useless_a to_o the_o world_n or_o the_o church_n as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o though_o the_o papist_n do_v sinful_o plead_v it_o against_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n yet_o scripture_n sufficiency_n or_o perfection_n be_v only_o in_o svo_fw-la genere_fw-la in_o its_o own_o kind_a and_o not_o in_o omni_fw-la genere_fw-la not_o sufficient_a for_o every_o purpose_n scripture_n be_v a_o sufficient_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n but_o not_o a_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o convey_v itself_o to_o all_o generation_n and_o person_n if_o humane_a testimony_n have_v not_o be_v necessary_a why_o shall_v christ_n have_v man_n to_o be_v witness_n in_o the_o beginning_n and_o also_o still_o instrument_n of_o persuade_v other_o and_o attest_v the_o verity_n of_o these_o sacred_a record_n to_o those_o that_o can_v otherwise_o come_v to_o know_v they_o and_o doubtless_o this_o be_v a_o chief_a obey_v use_n of_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o great_a end_n of_o god_n in_o the_o state_v and_o continue_v that_o function_n that_o what_o man_n be_v uncapable_a of_o believe_v explicit_o with_o a_o faith_n proper_o divine_a that_o they_o may_v receive_v implicit_o and_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o their_o teacher_n with_o a_o humane_a faith_n every_o man_n shall_v labour_v indeed_o to_o see_v with_o his_o own_o eye_n post_fw-la and_o to_o know_v all_o that_o god_n have_v reveal_v and_o to_o be_v wise_a e●en_n his_o teacher_n but_o every_o man_n can_v bestow_v that_o time_n and_o pain_n in_o the_o study_n of_o language_n and_o science_n without_o which_o that_o knowledge_n be_v not_o now_o attain_v we_o may_v rather_o wish_v than_o hope_n 4.15_o that_o all_o the_o lord_n people_n be_v prophet_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v long_o in_o a_o very_a doleful_a plight_n betwixt_o these_o two_o extreme_n take_v all_o thing_n upon_o trust_n from_o our_o teacher_n and_o take_v nothing_o upon_o trust_n and_o yet_o those_o very_a man_n who_o so_o disclaim_v take_v upon_o trust_n do_v themselves_o take_v as_o much_o upon_o trust_n as_o other_o why_o else_o be_v minister_n call_v the_o eye_n and_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o body_n steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n and_o of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n overseer_n ruler_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o such_o as_o must_v give_v the_o child_n their_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n father_n of_o their_o people_n etc._n etc._n sure_o the_o clear_o know_a truth_n and_o duty_n must_v be_v receive_v from_o any_o one_o though_o but_o a_o child_n and_o know_v error_n and_o iniquity_n must_v be_v receive_v from_o none_o though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n what_o then_o be_v that_o we_o be_v so_o often_o require_v to_o obey_v our_o teach_v ruler_n in_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o in_o the_o receive_n of_o new_a institute_v ceremony_n from_o they_o which_o they_o call_v thing_n indifferent_a but_o as_o in_o all_o profession_n the_o scholar_n must_v take_v his_o master_n word_n in_o learning_n till_o he_o can_v grow_v up_o to_o know_v the_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o evidence_n and_o as_o man_n will_v take_v the_o word_n of_o any_o 6._o a●tificers_n in_o the_o matter_n that_o concern_v their_o own_o trade_n and_o as_o every_o wise_a patient_n will_v trust_v the_o judgement_n of_o his_o physician_n except_o he_o know_v as_o much_o himself_o and_o the_o client_n will_v take_v the_o word_n of_o his_o lawyer_n so_o also_o christ_n have_v order_v that_o the_o more_o strong_a and_o know_a shall_v be_v teacher_n in_o his_o school_n and_o the_o young_a and_o ignorant_a shall_v believe_v they_o and_o obey_v they_o till_o they_o can_v reach_v to_o understand_v the_o thing_n themselves_o so_o that_o the_o matter_n which_o we_o must_v receive_v upon_o trust_n from_o our_o teacher_n be_v those_o which_o we_o can_v reach_v to_o know_v ourselves_o and_o therefore_o must_v either_o take_v they_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o other_o or_o not_o receive_v they_o at_o all_o so_o that_o if_o these_o ruler_n and_o steward_n do_v require_v we_o to_o believe_v when_o we_o know_v not_o ourselves_o whether_o it_o be_v truth_n or_o not_o or_o if_o they_o require_v we_o to_o obey_v when_o we_o know_v not_o ourselves_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n command_v by_o god_n or_o not_o here_o it_o be_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o obey_v they_o for_o though_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o god_n have_v reveal_v such_o a_o point_n or_o command_v such_o a_o action_n yet_o that_o he_o have_v command_v we_o to_o obey_v they_o that_o rule_n over_o we_o who_o preach_v to_o we_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o we_o certain_o know_v heb._n 13.7_o yet_o i_o think_v not_o we_o be_v so_o strict_o tie_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o weak_a minister_n of_o our_o own_o as_o to_o take_v his_o word_n before_o another_o that_n be_v more_o judicious_a in_o a_o neighbour_n congregation_n nor_o do_v i_o think_v if_o we_o see_v but_o a_o appearance_n of_o his_o err_a that_o we_o shall_v careless_o go_v on_o in_o believe_v and_o obey_v he_o without_o a_o diligent_a search_n after_o the_o truth_n even_o a_o liklyhood_n of_o his_o mistake_n must_v quicken_v we_o to_o further_a enquiry_n and_o may_v during_o that_o enquiry_n suspend_v our_o belief_n and_o obedience_n for_o where_o we_o be_v able_a to_o reach_v to_o know_v probability_n in_o divine_a thing_n we_o may_v with_o diligence_n light_o reach_v to_o that_o degree_n of_o certainty_n which_o our_o teacher_n themselves_o have_v attain_v or_o at_o least_o to_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o doctrine_n but_o still_o remember_v what_o i_o say_v before_o that_o fundamental_o must_v be_v believe_v with_o a_o faith_n explicit_a absolute_a and_o divine_a and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v you_o the_o flat_a necessity_n of_o take_v much_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n and_o that_o some_o of_o these_o humane_a testimony_n be_v so_o certain_a that_o they_o may_v well_o be_v call_v divine_a i_o conclude_v all_o with_o this_o intimation_n you_o may_v see_v by_o this_o of_o what_o singular_a use_n be_v the_o monument_n of_o antiquity_n and_o the_o knowledge_n thereof_o for_o the_o breed_n and_o strengthen_v of_o the_o christian_a faith_n especial_o the_o history_n of_o those_o time_n authority_n i_o will_v not_o persuade_v you_o to_o bestow_v much_o time_n in_o the_o read_n of_o the_o father_n in_o reference_n to_o their_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n god_n word_n be_v a_o sufficient_a rule_n and_o latter_a time_n have_v afford_v far_o better_a expositor_n but_o in_o reference_n to_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o confirm_v the_o miracle_n mention_v in_o scripture_n and_o relate_v the_o wonderful_a providence_n since_o i_o will_v they_o be_v read_v a_o hundred_o time_n more_o not_o only_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o church_n but_o even_o the_o history_n of_o the_o enemy_n and_o all_o other_o antiquity_n little_o do_v most_o consider_v how_o useful_a these_o be_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n chap._n v._o the_o second_o argument_n sect_n i._o 2._o 1._o i_o come_v now_o to_o my_o second_o argument_n to_o prove_v scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v this_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v neither_o the_o invention_n of_o devil_n scripture_n nor_o of_o man_n than_o it_o can_v be_v from_o none_o but_o god_n but_o that_o it_o be_v neither_o of_o devil_n nor_o mere_o of_o man_n i_o shall_v now_o prove_v for_o i_o suppose_v none_o will_v question_v the_o major_a proposition_n first_o not_o from_o devil_n for_o first_o they_o can_v work_v miracle_n to_o confirm_v they_o second_o it_o will_v not_o stand_v with_o god_n sovereignty_n over_o they_o or_o with_o his_o goodness_n wisdom_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o govern_v the_o world_n to_o suffer_v satan_n to_o make_v law_n and_o confirm_v they_o with_o wonder_n and_o obtrude_v they_o upon_o the_o world_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o all_o this_o without_o his_o disclaim_v they_o or_o give_v the_o world_n any_o notice_n of_o the_o forgery_n three_o will_v satan_n speak_v so_o much_o for_o god_n so_o seek_v his_o glory_n as_o the_o scripture_n do_v will_v he_o so_o vilify_v and_o reproach_v himself_o and_o make_v know_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o hatefull_a and_o most_o miserable_a of_o all_o creature_n will_v he_o so_o full_o discover_v his_o own_o wile_n his_o temptation_n his_o method_n of_o deceive_v and_o
hope_n our_o diligence_n of_o all_o mercy_n of_o all_o ordinance_n as_o before_o be_v prove_v it_o be_v not_o for_o themselves_o but_o for_o this_o rest_n that_o all_o these_o be_v desire_v and_o use_v pray_v be_v not_o the_o end_n of_o pray_v nor_o preach_v the_o end_n of_o preach_v nor_o believe_v the_o end_n of_o believe_v these_o be_v but_o the_o way_n to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o way_n to_o this_o rest._n 6._o indeed_o christ_n himself_o be_v both_o the_o way_n and_o the_o rest_n the_o mean_n and_o the_o end_n singular_o desirable_a as_o the_o way_n but_o yet_o more_o as_o the_o end_n if_o any_o thing_n then_o that_o ever_o you_o see_v or_o enjoy_v appear_v lovely_a and_o desirable_a then_o must_v its_o end_n be_v so_o much_o more_o sect_n ii_o 2._o 2._o in_o order_n of_o good_a the_o last_o be_v still_o the_o best_a for_o all_o good_a tend_v to_o perfection_n the_o end_n be_v still_o the_o last_o enjoy_v though_o first_o intend_v now_o this_o rest_n be_v the_o saint_n last_o estate_n their_o beginning_n be_v as_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n but_o their_o perfection_n will_v be_v a_o estate_n high_a and_o flourish_a they_o be_v take_v with_o david_n from_o the_o sheep-fold_n to_o reign_v as_o king_n for_o ever_o their_o first_o day_n be_v a_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n but_o their_o last_o will_v be_v a_o everlasting_a perfection_n they_o sow_v in_o tear_n 126.5_o but_o they_o reap_v in_o joy_n if_o their_o prosperity_n here_o their_o res_fw-la secundae_fw-la be_v desirable_a much_o more_o their_o res_fw-la ultimae_fw-la their_o final_a blessedness_n rondeletius_n see_v a_o priest_n at_o rome_n who_o will_v fall_v down_o in_o a_o ecstasy_n when_o ever_o he_o hear_v those_o word_n of_o christ_n 98._o consummatum_fw-la est_fw-la it_o be_v finish_v but_o observe_v he_o careful_a in_o his_o fall_n ever_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n in_o a_o soft_a place_n he_o suspect_v the_o dissimulation_n and_o by_o the_o threat_n of_o a_o cudgel_n quick_o recover_v he_o but_o methinks_v the_o fore-thought_n of_o that_o consummation_n and_o last_o estate_n we_o speak_v of_o shall_v bring_v a_o consider_v christian_a into_o such_o a_o unfeigned_a ecstasy_n that_o he_o shall_v even_o forget_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o no_o care_n or_o fear_n shall_v raise_v he_o out_o of_o it_o sure_o that_o be_v well_o which_o end_v well_o and_o that_o be_v good_a which_o be_v good_a at_o last_o and_o therefore_o heaven_n must_v needs_o be_v good_n sect_n iii_o 3._o 3._o another_o rule_n be_v this_o that_o who_o absence_n or_o loss_n be_v the_o worst_a or_o th●_n great_a evil_n must_v needs_o itself_o be_v best_o or_o the_o great_a good_n and_o be_v there_o a_o great_a loss_n then_o to_o lose_v this_o rest_n if_o you_o can_v ask_v the_o restless_a soul_n that_o be_v shut_v out_o of_o it_o they_o will_v tell_v you_o more_o sensible_o than_o i_o can_v for_o as_o none_o know_v the_o sweetness_n like_o those_o who_o enjoy_v it_o so_o none_o know_v the_o loss_n like_o those_o that_o be_v deprive_v of_o it_o wicked_a man_n be_v here_o senseless_a of_o the_o loss_n because_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o lose_v and_o have_v the_o delight_n of_o flesh_n and_o sense_n to_o take_v they_o up_o and_o make_v they_o forget_v it_o but_o when_o they_o shall_v know_v it_o to_o their_o torment_n as_o the_o saint_n do_v to_o their_o joy_n and_o when_o they_o shall_v see_v man_n from_o the_o east_n and_o west_n sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n 29._o isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o themselves_o shut_v out_o when_o they_o shall_v know_v both_o what_o they_o have_v lose_v and_o for_o what_o and_o why_o they_o lose_v it_o sure_o there_o will_v be_v weep_v and_o gnash_v of_o tooth_n he_o that_o lose_v riches_n may_v have_v more_o and_o he_o that_o lose_v honour_n may_v repair_v it_o or_o if_o not_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o undo_v he_o that_o lose_v life_n 8.35_o may_v save_v it_o but_o what_o become_v of_o he_o that_o lose_v god_n and_o who_o or_o what_o shall_v repair_v his_o loss_n we_o can_v bear_v the_o loss_n of_o any_o thing_n below_o if_o we_o have_v it_o not_o we_o can_v either_o live_v without_o it_o or_o die_v and_o live_v eternal_o without_o it_o but_o can_v we_o do_v so_o without_o god_n in_o christ_n 6.33_o as_o god_n give_v we_o outward_a thing_n as_o auctuary_n as_o overplus_n or_o above_o measure_n into_o our_o bargain_n so_o when_o he_o take_v they_o from_o we_o he_o take_v away_o our_o superfluity_n rather_o than_o our_o necessary_n and_o pare_v but_o our_o nail_n and_o touch_v not_o the_o quick_a but_o can_v we_o so_o spare_v our_o part_n in_o glory_n you_o know_v who_o question_n it_o be_v 16.26_o what_o shall_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n to_o win_v all_o the_o world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n will_v it_o prove_v a_o save_a match_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v for_o the_o ransom_n of_o his_o soul_n christian_n compare_v but_o all_o your_o loss_n with_o that_o loss_n and_o all_o your_o suffering_n with_o that_o suffering_n and_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v lay_v your_o hand_n upon_o your_o mouth_n and_o cease_v your_o repine_a thought_n for_o ever_o sect_n iv_o 4._o 4._o another_o rule_n be_v this_o that_o which_o can_v be_v give_v by_o man_n or_o take_v away_o by_o man_n be_v ever_o better_a than_o that_o which_o can_v and_o then_o i_o hope_v heaven_n will_v carry_v it_o for_o who_o have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o everlasting_a treasure_n and_o who_o be_v the_o disposer_n of_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o saint_n who_o say_v come_v you_o bless_v and_o go_v you_o curse_v be_v it_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n or_o of_o mere_a man_n if_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n come_v from_o above_o 1.17_o from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n whence_o then_o come_v the_o gift_n of_o eternal_a light_n with_o the_o father_n who_o privilege_n soever_o it_o be_v to_o be_v key-keeper_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n here_o below_o sure_a no_o mere_a man_n but_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n will_v challenge_v the_o key_n of_o that_o kingdom_n and_o undertake_v to_o shut_v out_o or_o take_v in_o or_o to_o dispose_v of_o that_o treasure_n of_o the_o church_n we_o may_v be_v behold_v to_o man_n as_o god_n instrument_n for_o our_o faith_n but_o no_o further_o for_o what_o be_v paul_n or_o who_o be_v apolio_n but_o minister_n by_o who_o we_o believe_v 3.5_o even_o as_o the_o lord_n give_v to_o every_o man_n sure_o every_o step_n to_o that_o glory_n every_o gracious_a gift_n and_o act_n every_o deliverance_n and_o mercy_n to_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v so_o clear_o from_o god_n that_o his_o very_a name_n shall_v be_v write_v in_o the_o forehead_n of_o it_o and_o his_o excellent_a attribute_n stamp_v upon_o it_o that_o he_o who_o run_v may_v read_v it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o the_o question_n may_v easy_o be_v answer_v whether_o it_o be_v from_o heaven_n or_o of_o man_n much_o more_o evident_o be_v that_o glory_n the_o gift_n of_o the_o god_n of_o glory_n what_o can_v man_n give_v god_n or_o earth_n and_o dust_n give_v heaven_n sure_o no_o and_o as_o much_o be_v it_o beyond_o they_o to_o deprive_v we_o of_o it_o tyrant_n and_o persecutor_n may_v take_v away_o our_o good_n but_o not_o our_o chief_a good_a our_o liberty_n here_o but_o not_o that_o state_n of_o freedom_n our_o head_n but_o not_o our_o crown_n you_o can_v shut_v we_o up_o in_o prison_n and_o shut_v we_o out_o of_o your_o church_n and_o kingdom_n but_o now_o shut_v we_o out_o of_o heaven_n if_o you_o can_v try_v in_o low_a attempt_n can_v you_o deny_v we_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o cause_v it_o to_o forbear_v its_o shine_a can_v you_o stop_v the_o influence_n of_o the_o planet_n or_o deny_v we_o the_o dew_n of_o heaven_n or_o command_v the_o cloud_n to_o shut_v up_o their_o womb_n or_o stay_v the_o course_n of_o the_o flow_a stream_n or_o seal_v up_o the_o passage_n of_o the_o deep_a how_o much_o less_o can_v you_o deprive_v we_o of_o our_o god_n or_o deny_v we_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n or_o stop_v the_o influence_n of_o his_o spirit_n or_o forbid_v the_o dew_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o fall_v or_o stay_v the_o stream_n of_o his_o love_n and_o shut_v up_o his_o overflow_a everflowing_a spring_n or_o seal_v up_o the_o bottomless_a depth_n of_o his_o bounty_n you_o can_v kill_v our_o body_n if_o he_o permit_v you_o but_o try_v whether_o you_o can_v reach_v our_o soul_n nay_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o saint_n own_o power_n to_o give_v to_o or_o take_v away_o from_o themselves_o this_o glory_n so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n there_o be_v no_o state_n like_o the_o saint_n rest._n
their_o sorrow_n and_o that_o which_o shake_v the_o whole_a building_n be_v the_o weakness_n of_o their_o faith_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n though_o perhaps_o the_o other_o be_v more_o perceive_v and_o this_o take_a notice_n of_o by_o few_o there_o may_v be_v great_a weakness_n and_o unsoundness_n of_o belief_n where_o yet_o no_o doubt_n be_v perceive_v to_o stir_v therefore_o though_o we_o can_v persuade_v people_n to_o believe_v never_o so_o confident_o that_o scripture_n be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o teach_v they_o no_o more_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v believe_v this_o then_o any_o other_o book_n to_o be_v that_o word_n as_o it_o will_v prove_v in_o they_o no_o right_a way_n of_o believe_v so_o be_v it_o in_o we_o no_o right_a way_n of_o teach_v 8._o there_o be_v many_o a_o one_o who_o feel_v his_o faith_n shake_v here_o who_o never_o discover_v it_o to_o doubt_v of_o our_o evidence_n be_v take_v for_o no_o great_a disgrace_n and_o therefore_o man_n more_o free_o profess_v such_o doubt_n nay_o and_o some_o perhaps_o who_o be_v not_o much_o trouble_v with_o they_o because_o they_o will_v be_v think_v to_o be_v humble_a christian_n but_o to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n be_v a_o reproachful_a blalphemy_n and_o therefore_o all_o that_o be_v guilty_a here_o speak_v not_o their_o doubt_n 9_o be_v not_o the_o great_a battery_n by_o all_o sort_n of_o enemy_n especial_o make_v against_o this_o foundation_n the_o first_o place_n that_o the_o praelatos_fw-la papist_n assault_n you_o in_o be_v here_o how_o know_v you_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o seeker_n who_o be_v the_o jesuit_n by_o blow_n though_o they_o yet_o know_v not_o their_o own_o father_n will_v accost_v you_o with_o the_o like_a question_n how_o know_v you_o that_o your_o scripture_n and_o your_o ministry_n be_v of_o god_n the_o familist_n and_o libertine_n do_v spit_v their_o venom_n here_o and_o some_o christian_n by_o experience_n be_v able_a to_o testify_v that_o satan_n temptation_n be_v most_o violent_a here_o yea_o and_o our_o own_o carnal_a delude_a reason_n be_v apt_a of_o all_o to_o stumble_v here_o they_o talk_v of_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o some_o desire_n that_o the_o 170._o jew_n may_v have_v free_a commerce_n among_o we_o it_o will_v then_o be_v time_n for_o we_o i_o think_v to_o be_v well_o arm_v at_o this_o point_n let_v the_o ordinary_a professor_n of_o our_o time_n who_o be_v of_o weak_a judgement_n and_o fiery_a spirit_n look_v to_o it_o how_o they_o will_v stand_v in_o such_o assault_n lest_o as_o now_o when_o they_o can_v answer_v a_o separatist_n they_o yield_v to_o he_o and_o when_o they_o can_v answer_v a_o antinomian_a they_o turn_v antinomian_o so_o then_o when_o they_o can_v much_o less_o answer_v the_o subtle_a argument_n of_o a_o jew_n against_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n they_o shall_v as_o easy_o turn_v jew_n and_o deny_v christ_n and_o the_o verity_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o libertine_n among_o we_o think_v it_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v have_v such_o a_o toleration_n to_o discover_v the_o unsound_a who_o hold_v their_o faith_n upon_o tradition_n and_o custom_n i_o be_o no_o more_o of_o their_o mind_n in_o this_o then_o of_o his_o who_o will_v have_v a_o fair_a virgin_n to_o lie_v with_o he_o and_o try_v his_o chastity_n and_o make_v its_o victory_n more_o honourable_a but_o if_o we_o must_v needs_o have_v such_o a_o trial_n its_o time_n to_o look_v to_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o belief_n 3.15_o that_o we_o may_v be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o our_o hope_n 10._o however_o though_o i_o be_v mistake_v in_o all_o this_o yet_o certain_a i_o be_o that_o the_o strengthen_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o the_o verity_n of_o scripture_n will_v be_v a_o exceed_a help_n to_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o will_v advance_v their_o confident_a hope_n of_o rest._n for_o myself_o if_o my_o faith_n in_o this_o point_n have_v no_o imperfection_n if_o i_o do_v as_o very_o believe_v the_o glory_n to_o come_v as_o i_o do_v believe_v that_o the_o sun_n will_v rise_v again_o when_o it_o be_v set_v o_o how_o will_v it_o raise_v my_o desire_n and_o my_o joy_n what_o haste_n shall_v i_o make_v how_o serious_a shall_v i_o be_v how_o shall_v i_o trample_v on_o these_o earthly_a vanity_n and_o even_o forget_v the_o thing_n below_o how_o restless_a shall_v i_o be_v till_o i_o be_v assure_v of_o this_o rest_n and_o then_o how_o restless_a till_o i_o do_v possess_v it_o how_o shall_v i_o delight_v in_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n and_o my_o heart_n leap_v at_o the_o tiding_n of_o its_o approach_n how_o graseri_fw-la glad_a shall_v i_o be_v of_o the_o body_n decay_n to_o feel_v my_o prison_n moulder_v to_o dust_n sure_o this_o will_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o a_o perfect_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o our_o eternal_a rest._n which_o though_o it_o can_v be_v here_o expect_v yet_o shall_v we_o use_v the_o most_o strengthen_v mean_n and_o press_v on_o till_o we_o have_v attain_v sect_n ii_o 2._o thus_o much_o i_o have_v purposely_o speak_v as_o to_o stir_v up_o christian_n to_o look_v to_o their_o faith_n so_o especialiy_v to_o provoke_v some_o choice_n servant_n of_o christ_n among_o the_o multitude_n of_o book_n that_o be_v write_v to_o bestow_v their_o labour_n on_o this_o most_o needful_a subject_n and_o all_o minister_n to_o preach_v it_o more_o frequent_o and_o clear_o to_o their_o people_n some_o think_v it_o be_v faith_n honour_n to_o be_v as_o credulous_a as_o may_v be_v and_o the_o weak_a be_v the_o rational_a ground_n the_o strong_a be_v the_o faith_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v believe_v and_o not_o dispute_v indeed_o when_o it_o be_v once_o know_v to_o be_v a_o divine_a testimony_n than_o the_o most_o credulous_a soul_n be_v the_o best_a but_o when_o the_o doubt_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n or_o no_o a_o man_n may_v easy_o be_v over-credulous_a else_o why_o be_v we_o bid_v believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v they_o whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o and_o how_o shall_v the_o false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n be_v know_v who_o will_v deceive_v be_v it_o possible_a the_o very_a elect_n to_o be_v give_v up_o of_o god_n to_o believe_v a_o lie_n be_v one_o of_o the_o sore_a of_o god_n judgement_n some_o think_v august_n the_o only_a way_n to_o deal_v with_o such_o temptation_n to_o blasphemy_n be_v to_o cast_v they_o away_o and_o not_o to_o dispute_v they_o and_o i_o think_v the_o direction_n be_v very_o good_a so_o it_o be_v use_v with_o some_o distinction_n and_o caution_n the_o rule_n hold_v good_a against_o real_a blasphemy_n know_v to_o be_v such_o but_o if_o the_o person_n know_v it_o not_o how_o shall_v he_o make_v use_n of_o this_o rule_n against_o it_o further_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o he_o who_o know_v it_o to_o be_v blasphemy_n have_v argument_n whereby_o to_o prove_v it_o such_o else_o how_o do_v he_o know_v it_o therefore_o here_o lie_v the_o sin_n when_o a_o man_n be_v by_o sufficient_a evidence_n convince_v or_o at_o least_o have_v evidence_n sufficient_a for_o conviction_n that_o it_o be_v a_o divine_a testimony_n and_o yet_o be_v still_o cherish_v doubt_n or_o harken_v to_o temptation_n which_o may_v feed_v those_o doubt_n when_o a_o man_n like_a balaam_n will_v take_v no_o answer_n but_o he_o who_o will_v therefore_o cast_v away_o all_o doubt_n before_o he_o have_v argument_n sufficient_a against_o they_o or_o can_v ever_o prove_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n he_o do_v indeed_o cast_v aside_o the_o temptation_n but_o not_o overcome_v it_o and_o may_v expect_v it_o shall_v short_o return_v again_o it_o be_v a_o methodical_a cure_n which_o prevent_v a_o relapse_n such_o a_o neglecter_n of_o temptation_n may_v be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o may_v as_o well_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n but_o however_o it_o be_v not_o right_a to_o he_o because_o not_o right_o believe_v i'faith_o always_o imply_v a_o testimony_n and_o the_o knowledge_n usual_o of_o the_o matter_n and_o author_n of_o that_o testimony_n divine_a faith_n have_v ever_o a_o divine_a 〈…〉_o testimony_n and_o suppose_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o matter_n when_o the_o faith_n be_v particular_a but_o always_o of_o the_o author_n of_o that_o testimony_n a_o implicit_a faith_n in_o god_n that_o be_v a_o believe_a that_o all_o be_v true_a which_o he_o testify_v though_o we_o see_v no_o reason_n for_o it_o from_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o matter_n this_o be_v necessary_a to_o every_o true_a believer_n but_o to_o believe_v implicit_o that_o the_o testimony_n be_v divine_a or_o that_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v god_n
but_o to_o resolve_v our_o faith_n into_o some_o humane_a testimony_n even_o to_o lay_v our_o foundation_n upon_o the_o sand_n where_o all_o will_v fall_v at_o the_o next_o assault_n it_o be_v strange_a to_o consider_v how_o we_o all_o abhor_v that_o piece_n of_o popery_n as_o most_o injurious_a to_o god_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n which_o resolve_v our_o faith_n into_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o that_o we_o do_v for_o the_o generality_n of_o professor_n content_v ourselves_o with_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o faith_n only_o with_o this_o difference_n the_o papist_n believe_v scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o their_o church_n say_v so_o exercit_fw-la and_o we_o because_o our_o church_n or_o our_o leader_n say_v so_o yea_o and_o many_o miinister_n never_o yet_o give_v their_o people_n better_a ground_n but_o tell_v they_o which_o be_v true_a that_o it_o be_v damnable_a to_o deny_v it_o but_o help_v they_o not_o to_o the_o necessary_a antecedent_n of_o faith_n if_o any_o think_v that_o these_o word_n tend_v to_o the_o shake_n of_o man_n faith_n i_o answer_v first_o only_o of_o that_o which_o will_v fall_v of_o itself_o second_o and_o that_o it_o may_v in_o time_n be_v build_v again_o more_o strong_o three_o or_o at_o least_o that_o the_o sound_n may_v be_v sure_a settle_v christ_n it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o many_o a_o thousand_o do_v profess_v christianity_n and_o zealous_o hate_v the_o enemy_n thereof_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n to_o the_o same_o end_n and_o from_o the_o same_o inward_a corrupt_a principle_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v hate_n and_o kill_v christ_n it_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o country_n where_o every_o man_n be_v reproach_v that_o believe_v otherwise_o they_o be_v bear_v and_o bring_v up_o in_o this_o belief_n and_o it_o have_v increase_v in_o they_o upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n have_v they_o be_v bear_v and_o breed_v in_o the_o religion_n of_o mahomet_n they_o will_v have_v beeen_n as_o zealous_a for_o he_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o he_o and_o a_o mahometan_a be_v more_o that_o he_o live_v where_o better_a law_n and_o religion_n dwell_v then_o that_o he_o have_v more_o knowledge_n or_o soundness_n of_o apprehension_n yet_o will_v i_o not_o drive_v into_o causeless_a doubt_n the_o soul_n of_o any_o true_a believer_n or_o make_v they_o believe_v their_o faith_n be_v unsound_a because_o it_o be_v not_o so_o strong_a as_o some_o other_o therefore_o i_o add_v some_o may_v perhaps_o have_v ground_n for_o their_o belief_n though_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o express_v it_o by_o argumentation_n and_o may_v have_v argument_n in_o their_o heart_n to_o persuade_v themselves_o though_o they_o have_v none_o in_o their_o mouth_n to_o persuade_v another_o yea_o and_o those_o argument_n in_o themselves_o may_v be_v solid_a and_o convince_a some_o may_v be_v strengthen_v by_o some_o one_o sound_a argument_n and_o yet_o be_v ignorant_a of_o all_o the_o rest_n without_o overthrow_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o faith_n some_o also_o may_v have_v weak_a apprehension_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o 4.5_o scripture_n than_o other_o and_z as_o weak_a ground_n for_o their_o faith_n so_o a_o less_o degree_n of_o assent_n and_o yet_o that_o assent_n may_v be_v sincere_a and_o save_a so_o it_o have_v these_o two_o qualification_n first_o if_o the_o argument_n which_o we_o have_v for_o believe_v the_o scripture_n be_v in_o themselves_o more_o sufficient_a to_o convince_v of_o its_o truth_n than_o any_o argument_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o scripture_n can_v be_v to_o persuade_v a_o man_n of_o the_o contrary_a and_o do_v according_o discover_v to_o we_o a_o high_a degree_n at_o least_o of_o probability_n second_o and_o if_o be_v thus_o far_o convince_v it_o prevail_v with_o we_o to_o choose_v this_o as_o the_o only_a way_n of_o life_n and_o to_o adventure_v our_o soul_n upon_o this_o way_n deny_v all_o other_o and_o adhere_v though_o to_o the_o loss_n of_o estate_n and_o life_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n thus_o weak_o apprehend_v this_o i_o think_v god_n will_v accept_v as_o a_o true_a belief_n but_o though_o such_o a_o faith_n may_v serve_v to_o salvation_n yet_o when_o the_o christian_a shall_v use_v it_o for_o his_o consolation_n he_o will_v find_v it_o much_o fail_v he_o even_o as_o leg_n or_o arm_n of_o the_o weak_a or_o lame_a which_o when_o a_o man_n shall_v use_v they_o do_v fail_v he_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o weakness_n or_o lameness_n so_o much_o doubt_v as_o there_o remain_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n or_o so_o much_o weakness_n as_o there_o be_v in_o our_o believe_v or_o so_o much_o darkness_n or_o uncertainty_n as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o evidence_n which_o persuade_v we_o to_o believe_v so_o much_o will_v be_v want_v to_o our_o love_n desire_n labour_n adventure_n and_o especial_o to_o our_o joy_n therefore_o i_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o speak_v a_o little_a and_o but_o a_o little_a to_o fortify_v the_o believer_n against_o temptation_n and_o to_o confirm_v his_o faith_n in_o the_o certain_a truth_n of_o that_o scripture_n which_o contain_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o rest._n chap._n iii_o sect_n i._o 1._o and_o here_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o first_o distinguish_v betwixt_o 1._o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o scripture_n or_o the_o doctrine_n which_o it_o contain_v 2._o and_o the_o word_n or_o writing_n contain_v or_o express_v this_o doctrine_n the_o one_o be_v as_o the_o blood_n the_o other_o as_o the_o vein_n in_o which_o it_o run_v second_o we_o must_v distinguish_v betwixt_o 1._o the_o substantial_a and_o fundamental_a part_n of_o scripture●_n doctrine_n without_o which_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n and_o 2._o the_o circumstantial_a and_o less_o necessary_a part_n as_o genealogy_n succession_n chronology_n etc._n etc._n three_o of_o the_o substantial_a fundamental_a part_n 1._o some_o may_v be_v know_v and_o prove_v even_o without_o scripture_n as_o be_v write_v in_o nature_n itself_o 2._o some_o can_v be_v know_v only_o by_o the_o assent_n of_o faith_n to_o divine_a revelation_n four_o of_o this_o last_o sort_n 1._o some_o thing_n be_v above_o reason_n as_o it_o be_v without_o divine_a revelation_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o probability_n existence_n and_o futurity_n 2._o other_o may_v be_v know_v by_o mere_a reason_n without_o divine_a testimony_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o possibility_n and_o probability_n but_o not_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o existence_n or_o futurity_n five_o again_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n must_v be_v distinguish_v from_o matter_n of_o fact_n six_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v either_o 1._o such_o as_o god_n produce_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n or_o 2._o extrordinary_a and_o miraculous_a seven_o history_n and_o phophesie_n must_v be_v distinguish_v eight_o we_o must_v distinguish_v also_o the_o book_n and_o writing_n themselves_o 1._o between_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o those_o part_n which_o express_v the_o chief_a content_n and_o 2._o particular_a word_n and_o phrase_n not_o express_v any_o substantial_o nine_o also_o it_o be_v one_o question_n 1._o whether_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a number_n of_o book_n which_o be_v canonical_a or_o of_o divine_a authority_n and_o 2._o another_o question_n what_o number_n there_o be_v of_o these_o and_o which_o particular_a book_n they_o be_v ten_o the_o direct_a express_a sense_n must_v be_v distinguish_v from_o that_o which_o be_v only_o employ_v or_o consequential_a eleven_o we_o must_v distinguish_v revelation_n unwriten_v from_o that_o which_o be_v write_v twelve_o and_o last_o we_o must_v distinguish_v that_o scripture_n which_o be_v speak_v or_o write_v by_o god_n immediate_o from_o that_o which_o be_v speak_v or_o write_v immediate_o by_o man_n and_o but_o mediate_o by_o god_n and_o of_o this_o last_o sort_n 1._o some_o of_o the_o instrument_n or_o penman_n be_v know_v 2._o some_z not_o know_v of_o those_o know_a 1._o some_o that_o speak_v much_o in_o scripture_n be_v bad_a man_n 3._o other_o be_v godly_a and_o of_o these_o some_o be_v 1._o more_o eminent_a and_o extraordinary_a as_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n 2._o other_o be_v person_n more_o inferior_a and_o ordinary_a again_o as_o we_o must_v distinguish_v of_o scripture_n and_o divine_a testimony_n so_o must_v we_o also_o distinguish_v the_o apprehension_n or_o faith_n by_o which_o we_o do_v receive_v it_o 1._o there_o be_v a_o divine_a faith_n when_o we_o take_v the_o testimony_n to_o be_v god_n own_o and_o so_o believe_v the_o thing_n testify_v as_o upon_o god_n word_n second_o there_o be_v a_o human_a faith_n when_o we_o believe_v it_o mere_o upon_o the_o credit_n of_o man_n 2._o faith_n be_v either_o first_o implicit_a when_o we_o believe_v the_o thing_n be_v true_a though_o we_o understand_v not_o what_o it_o be_v or_o second_o explicit_a when_o we_o believe_v and_o understand_v
unjust_a aspersion_n and_o the_o church_n from_o her_o reproach_n and_o confusion_n have_v not_o minister_n work_v enough_o of_o their_o own_o to_o do_v o_o that_o you_o know_v what_o it_o be_v that_o lie_v on_o they_o and_o if_o beside_o this_o you_o will_v cast_v upon_o they_o the_o work_n of_o every_o master_n and_o parent_n in_o the_o parish_n it_o be_v like_o indeed_o to_o be_v well_o do_v how_o many_o sort_n of_o workman_n must_v there_o be_v to_o the_o build_n of_o a_o house_n and_o if_o all_o of_o they_o shall_v cast_v it_o upon_o one_o and_o themselves_o do_v nothing_o you_o may_v judge_v how_o much_o be_v like_a to_o be_v do_v if_o there_o be_v three_o or_o four_o schoolmaster_n in_o a_o school_n among_o three_o or_o four_o hundred_o scholar_n &_o all_o the_o low_a that_o shall_v fit_v they_o for_o the_o high_a school_n shall_v do_v nothing_o at_o all_o but_o send_v all_o these_o scholar_n to_o the_o high_a schoolmaster_n as_o ignorant_a as_o they_o receive_v they_o will_v not_o his_o life_n be_v a_o burden_n to_o he_o and_o all_o the_o work_n be_v frustrate_a and_o spoil_v why_o so_o it_o be_v here_o the_o first_o work_n towards_o the_o reforming_a and_o make_v happy_a of_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n lie_v in_o the_o good_a education_n of_o your_o child_n the_o most_o of_o this_o be_v your_o work_n and_o if_o this_o be_v leave_v undo_v and_o then_o they_o come_v to_o minister_n raw_a and_o ignorant_a and_o harden_v in_o their_o sin_n alas_o what_o can_v a_o minister_n do_v whereas_o if_o they_o come_v train_v up_o in_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o godliness_n and_o be_v teach_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n in_o their_o youth_n o_o what_o a_o encouragement_n will_v it_o be_v to_o minister_n and_o how_o will_v the_o work_n go_v on_o in_o their_o hand_n i_o tell_v you_o serious_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o our_o misery_n and_o unreformedness_n in_o church_n and_o state_n even_o the_o want_n of_o a_o holy_a education_n of_o child_n many_o lay_v the_o blame_n on_o this_o neglect_n and_o that_o but_o there_o be_v none_o have_v so_o great_a a_o hand_n in_o it_o as_o this_o what_o a_o school_n must_v there_o needs_o be_v where_o all_o be_v bring_v raw_a as_o i_o say_v to_o the_o high_a school_n what_o a_o house_n must_v there_o needs_o be_v build_v when_o clay_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o mason_n hand_n in_o stead_n of_o brick_n what_o a_o commonwealth_n may_v be_v expect_v if_o all_o the_o constable_n and_o justice_n shall_v do_v nothing_o but_o cast_v all_o upon_o king_n and_o parliament_n and_o so_o what_o a_o church_n may_v we_o expect_v when_o all_o the_o parent_n and_o master_n in_o the_o parish_n shall_v cast_v all_o their_o duty_n on_o their_o minister_n alas_o how_o long_o may_v we_o catechise_v they_o and_o preath_n to_o they_o before_o we_o can_v get_v they_o to_o understand_v the_o very_a principle_n of_o the_o faith_n this_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o church_n deformity_n and_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o present_a difficulty_n of_o reformation_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o contend_v about_o order_n and_o disci●pline_n if_o the_o person_n that_o live_v under_o it_o be_v not_o prepare_v perhaps_o you_o will_v say_v the_o apostle_n have_v not_o their_o hearer_n thus_o prepare_v to_o their_o hand_n be_v not_o the_o word_n the_o first_o mean_n of_o conversion_n answ._n 1._o the_o apostle_n preach_v to_o none_o at_o first_o but_o infidel_n and_o pagan_n and_o be_v you_o no_o better_o will_v you_o do_v no_o more_o for_o your_o child_n then_o they_o 2._o all_o the_o success_n of_o their_o labour_n be_v to_o gather_v here_o and_o there_o a_o church_n from_o among_o the_o world_n of_o unbeliever_n but_o now_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n be_v become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o christ._n 3._o and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n be_v extraordinary_o qualify_v for_o the_o work_n and_o second_v it_o by_o miracle_n for_o the_o convince_a of_o their_o hearer_n 4._o i_o do_v very_o believe_v that_o if_o parent_n do_v their_o duty_n as_o they_o ought_v the_o word_n public_o preach_v will_v not_o be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o regeneration_n in_o the_o church_n but_o only_o without_o the_o church_n among_o infidel_n not_o that_o i_o believe_v doctor_n burges_n and_o master_n bedford_n doctrine_n of_o baptismal_a regeneration_n but_o god_n will_v pour_v out_o his_o grace_n so_o upon_o the_o child_n of_o his_o people_n and_o hear_v prayer_n for_o they_o and_o bless_v such_o endeavour_n for_o their_o holy_a education_n that_o we_o shall_v see_v the_o promise_n make_v good_a to_o our_o seed_n and_o the_o unthankful_a anabaptist_n that_o will_v not_o confess_v that_o the_o child_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v any_o near_a god_n or_o more_o beholden_a to_o he_o then_o pagan_n so_o much_o as_o for_o the_o favour_n to_o be_v visible_a church-member_n shall_v by_o sweet_a experience_n be_v convince_v of_o their_o error_n and_o be_v teach_v better_a how_o to_o understand_v that_o our_o child_n be_v holy_a ii_o i_o entreat_v you_o that_o be_v parent_n also_o to_o consider_v what_o excellent_a advantage_n you_o have_v above_o all_o other_o for_o the_o save_n of_o your_o child_n 1._o they_o be_v under_o your_o hand_n while_o they_o be_v young_a and_o tender_a and_o flexible_a but_o they_o come_v to_o minister_n when_o they_o be_v grow_v elder_a and_o stiff_a and_o settle_v in_o their_o way_n and_o think_v themselves_o too_o good_a to_o be_v catechise_v and_o too_o old_a to_o be_v teach_v you_o have_v a_o twig_n to_o bend_v and_o we_o a_o oak_n you_o have_v the_o young_a plant_n of_o sin_n to_o pluck_v up_o and_o we_o the_o deep_a root_a vice_n the_o conscience_n of_o child_n be_v not_o so_o sear_v with_o a_o custom_n of_o sin_v and_o long_o resist_a grace_n as_o other_o you_o have_v the_o soft_a and_o tender_a earth_n to_o plough_v in_o and_o we_o have_v the_o hard_a and_o stony_a way_n that_o have_v be_v tread_v on_o by_o many_o year_n practice_n of_o evil_n when_o they_o be_v young_a '_o their_o understanding_n be_v like_o a_o sheet_n of_o white_a paper_n that_o have_v nothing_o write_v on_o and_o so_o you_o have_v opportunity_n to_o write_v what_o you_o will_n but_o when_o they_o be_v grow_v up_o in_o sin_n they_o be_v like_o the_o same_o paper_n write_v over_o with_o falsehood_n which_o must_v all_o be_v bloat_v out_o again_o and_o truth_n write_v in_o the_o place_n and_o how_o hard_o be_v that_o we_o have_v a_o double_a task_n first_o to_o unteach_v they_o and_o then_o to_o teach_v they_o better_o but_o you_o have_v but_o one_o we_o must_v unteach_v they_o all_o that_o the_o world_n and_o flesh_n and_o wicked_a company_n and_o the_o devil_n have_v be_v diligent_o teach_v they_o in_o many_o year_n time_n we_o have_v harden_v heart_n to_o beat_v on_o like_o a_o smith_n anvil_n that_o will_v not_o feel_v we_o we_o may_v tell_v they_o of_o death_n and_o judgement_n heaven_n and_o hell_n and_o they_o hear_v we_o as_o if_o they_o be_v asleep_a or_o dead_a you_o have_v the_o soft_a clay_n to_o mould_n and_o we_o the_o harden_a burn_a brick_n you_o have_v they_o before_o they_o be_v possess_v with_o prejudice_n and_o false_a conceit_n against_o the_o truth_n but_o we_o have_v they_o to_o teach_v when_o they_o have_v many_o year_n live_v among_o those_o that_o have_v scorn_v at_o godliness_n and_o teach_v they_o to_o think_v god_n way_n to_o be_v foolish_a preciseness_n custom_n have_v not_o ensnare_v and_o engage_v your_o little_a one_o to_o contrary_a way_n but_o of_o old_a sinner_n the_o lord_n himself_o have_v say_v that_o if_o the_o aethiopian_a can_v change_v his_o skin_n and_o the_o leopard_n his_o spot_n then_o may_v those_o that_o be_v accustom_v to_o do_v evil_a learn_v to_o do_v well_o jer._n 13.23_o do_v not_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o the_o world_n show_v you_o the_o power_n of_o education_n what_o else_o make_v all_o the_o child_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o be_v jew_n and_o all_o the_o child_n of_o the_o turk_n to_o be_v mahometan_n and_o of_o christian_n to_o be_v in_o profession_n christian_n and_o of_o each_o sect_n or_o party_n in_o religion_n to_o follow_v their_o parent_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o place_n why_o now_o what_o a_o advantage_n have_v you_o to_o use_v all_o this_o for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o their_o happiness_n and_o possess_v they_o as_o strong_o beforehand_o against_o sin_n as_o else_o satan_n will_v do_v for_o it_o and_o so_o satan_n shall_v come_v to_o they_o upon_o some_o of_o those_o disadvantage_n that_o now_o christ_n come_v on_o 2._o consider_v also_o that_o you_o have_v the_o affection_n of_o your_o child_n more_o than_o any_o other_o
tell_v i_o what_o difference_n between_o this_o fool_n expression_n and_o thy_o affection_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o thou_o have_v more_o wit_n then_o to_o speak_v thy_o mind_n just_a in_o his_o language_n but_o man_n remember_v thou_o have_v to_o do_v with_o the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n it_o may_v be_v thou_o hold_v on_o in_o thy_o course_n of_o duty_n and_o pray_v as_o oft_o as_o thou_o do_v before_o it_o may_v be_v thou_o keep_v in_o with_o good_a minister_n and_o with_o godly_a man_n and_o seem_v as_o forward_o in_o religion_n as_o ever_o but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o purpose_n mock_v not_o thy_o soul_n man_n for_o god_n will_v not_o so_o be_v mock_v what_o good_a may_v yet_o remain_v in_o thou_o i_o know_v not_o but_o sure_o i_o be_o thy_o course_n be_v dangerous_a and_o if_o thou_o follow_v it_o on_o will_v end_v in_o dolour_n methinks_v i_o see_v thou_o befool_v thyself_o and_o tear_v thy_o hair_n and_o gnash_v thy_o tooth_n when_o thou_o hear_v thy_o case_n lay_v open_a by_o god_n thou_o fool_n this_o night_n shall_v they_o require_v thy_o soul_n from_o thou_o and_o than_o who_o be_v all_o these_o thing_n certain_o so_o much_o as_o thou_o delight_v and_o rest_v on_o earth_n so_o much_o be_v abate_v of_o thy_o delight_n in_o god_n thy_o earthly_a mind_n may_v consist_v with_o thy_o profession_n and_o common_a duty_n but_o it_o can_v consist_v with_o this_o heavenly_a duty_n i_o need_v not_o tell_v thou_o all_o this_o if_o thou_o will_v deal_v impartial_o and_o not_o be_v a_o traitor_n to_o thy_o own_o soul_n thou_o know_v thyself_o how_o seldom_o and_o cold_a how_o cursory_a and_o strange_a thy_o thought_n have_v be_v of_o the_o joy_n hereafter_o ever_o since_o thou_o do_v trade_v so_o eager_o for_o the_o world_n methinks_v i_o even_o perceive_v thy_o conscience_n stir_v now_o and_o tell_v thou_o plain_o that_o this_o be_v thy_o case_n hear_v it_o man_n o_o hear_v it_o now_o lest_o thou_o hear_v it_o in_o another_o manner_n when_o thou_o will_v be_v full_a loath_a o_o the_o curse_a madness_n of_o many_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v religious_a who_o thrust_v themselves_o into_o multitude_n of_o employment_n and_o think_v they_o can_v never_o have_v business_n enough_o till_o they_o be_v load_v with_o labour_n and_o clog_v with_o care_n that_o their_o soul_n be_v as_o unfit_a to_o converse_v with_o god_n as_o a_o man_n to_o walk_v with_o a_o mountain_n on_o his_o back_n and_o till_o he_o have_v even_o transform_v his_o soul_n almost_o into_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o drossy_a carcase_n and_o make_v it_o as_o unapt_a to_o soar_v aloft_o as_o his_o body_n be_v to_o leap_v above_o the_o sun_n and_o when_o all_o be_v do_v and_o they_o have_v lose_v that_o heaven_n they_o may_v have_v have_v upon_o earth_n they_o rake_v up_o a_o few_o rot_a argument_n to_o prove_v it_o lawful_a and_o then_o they_o think_v that_o they_o have_v salve_v all_o though_o these_o sot_n will_v not_o do_v so_o for_o their_o body_n nor_o forbear_v their_o eat_n or_o drink_v or_o sleep_v or_o sport_v though_o they_o can_v prove_v it_o lawful_a so_o to_o do_v though_o indeed_o they_o can_v prove_v it_o lawful_a neither_o they_o miss_v not_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o heavenly_a life_n if_o they_o can_v but_o quiet_a their_o conscience_n while_o they_o fasten_v upon_o low_a and_o base_a pleasure_n for_o thou_o o_o christian_n who_o have_v taste_v of_o these_o pleasure_n i_o advise_v thou_o as_o thou_o value_v their_o enjoyment_n as_o ever_o thou_o will_v taste_v of_o they_o any_o more_o take_v heed_n of_o this_o gulf_n of_o a_o earthly_a mind_n for_o if_o once_o thou_o come_v to_o this_o that_o thou_o will_v be_v rich_a thou_o fall_v into_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n and_o into_o divers_a foolish_a and_o hurtful_a lust_n 21._o it_o be_v saint_n paul_n own_o word_n 1_o tim_n 6.9_o set_a not_o thy_o mind_n as_o saul_n on_o the_o ass_n when_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n be_v before_o thou_o keep_v these_o thing_n as_o thy_o upper_a garment_n still_o loose_a about_o thou_o that_o thou_o may_v lay_v they_o by_o when_o ever_o there_o be_v cause_n but_o let_v god_n and_o glory_n be_v next_o thy_o heart_n yea_o as_o the_o very_a blood_n and_o spirit_n by_o which_o thou_o live_v still_o remember_v that_o of_o the_o spirit_n the_o friendship_n of_o the_o world_n be_v enmity_n with_o god_n whosoever_o therefore_o will_v be_v a_o friend_n of_o the_o world_n be_v the_o enemy_n of_o god_n jam._n 4.4_o and_o 1_o john_n 2.15_o love_v not_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n if_o any_o man_n love_v the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o he_o this_o be_v plain_a deal_n and_o happy_a he_o that_o faithful_o receive_v it_o 3._o sect_n iii_o 3._o a_o three_o hindrance_n which_o i_o must_v advise_v thou_o to_o beware_v be_v the_o company_n of_o ungodly_a and_o sensual_a man_n not_o that_o i_o will_v dissuade_v thou_o from_o necessary_a converse_n or_o from_o do_v they_o any_o office_n of_o love_n especial_o not_o from_o endeavour_v the_o good_a of_o their_o soul_n as_o long_o as_o thou_o have_v any_o opportunity_n or_o hope_n nor_o will_v i_o have_v thou_o conclude_v they_o to_o be_v dog_n and_o swine_n that_o so_o thou_o may_v evade_v the_o duty_n of_o reproof_n nor_o yet_o to_o judge_v they_o such_o at_o all_o as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v any_o hope_n of_o better_a or_o before_o thou_o be_v certain_a they_o be_v such_o indeed_o much_o less_o can_v i_o approve_v of_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o who_o because_o the_o most_o of_o the_o world_n be_v naught_o do_v therefore_o conclude_v man_n dog_n or_o swine_n before_o ever_o they_o faithful_o and_o love_o do_v admonish_v they_o yea_o or_o perhaps_o before_o they_o have_v know_v they_o or_o speak_v with_o they_o and_o hereupon_o they_o will_v not_o communicate_v with_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n supper_n but_o separate_v from_o they_o into_o distinct_a congregation_n i_o persuade_v thou_o to_o no_o such_o ungodly_a separation_n as_o i_o never_o find_v one_o word_n in_o scripture_n where_o either_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n deny_v admittance_n to_o any_o man_n that_o desire_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n though_o but_o only_o prosess_v to_o repent_v and_o believe_v so_o neither_o do_v i_o ever_o there_o find_v that_o any_o but_o convict_a heretic_n or_o scandalous_a one_o and_o that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n after_o due_a admonition_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v or_o debar_v our_o fellowship_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v urge_v that_o they_o be_v to_o prove_v their_o interest_n to_o the_o privilege_n which_o they_o lay_v claim_v to_o and_o not_o we_o to_o disprove_v it_o i_o answer_v if_o that_o be_v grant_v yet_o their_o mere_a profess_v to_o repent_v and_o believe_v in_o christ_n be_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o their_o interest_n to_o church_n member-ship_n and_o admittance_n thereto_o by_o baptism_n suppose_v they_o not_o admit_v before_o and_o their_o be_v baptise_a person_n or_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n into_o which_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v baptise_a be_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o their_o interest_n to_o the_o supper_n till_o they_o do_v by_o heresy_n or_o scandal_n blot_v that_o evidence_n 14.1_o which_o evidence_n if_o they_o do_v produce_v yea_o though_o they_o be_v yet_o weak_a in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v he_o that_o dare_v refuse_v to_o receive_v they_o and_o this_o after_o much_o doubt_v dispute_n and_o study_v of_o the_o scripture_n i_o speak_v as_o confident_o as_o almost_o any_o truth_n of_o equal_a moment_n so_o plain_o be_v the_o scripture_n in_o this_o point_n to_o a_o man_n that_o bring_v his_o understanding_n to_o the_o model_n of_o scripture_n and_o do_v not_o bring_v a_o model_n in_o his_o brain_n and_o reduce_v all_o he_o read_v to_o that_o model_n the_o door_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v incomparable_o wide_a than_o the_o door_n of_o heaven_n and_o christ_n be_v so_o tender_a so_o bountiful_a and_o forward_o to_o convey_v his_o grace_n and_o the_o gospel_n so_o free_a a_o offer_n and_o invitation_n to_o all_o that_o sure_o christ_n will_v keep_v no_o man_n off_o if_o they_o will_v come_v quite_o over_o in_o spirit_n to_o christ_n they_o shall_v be_v welcome_a if_o they_o will_v come_v but_o only_o to_o a_o visible_a profession_n he_o will_v not_o deny_v they_o admittance_n there_o because_o they_o intend_v to_o go_v no_o further_o but_o will_v let_v they_o come_v as_o near_o as_o they_o will_v and_o that_o they_o come_v no_o further_o shall_v be_v their_o own_o fault_n and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o his_o readiness_n to_o admit_v such_o nor_o the_o openness_n of_o the_o door_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n
strength_n of_o faith_n but_o ordinary_o to_o the_o very_o be_v of_o faith_n and_o churches_n 20._o not_o that_o the_o present_a possession_n of_o scripture_n be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o the_o present_a be_v of_o a_o church_n not_o that_o it_o be_v so_o absolute_a necessary_a to_o every_o man_n salvation_n that_o he_o read_v or_o know_v this_o scripture_n himself_o but_o that_o it_o either_o be_v at_o present_a or_o have_v be_v former_o in_o the_o church_n that_o some_o know_v it_o may_v teach_v it_o to_o other_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o most_o person_n and_o church_n and_o necessary_a to_o the_o well-being_a of_o all_o 21._o though_o negative_a unbelief_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n may_v stand_v with_o salvation_n yet_o positive_a and_o universal_a i_o think_v can_v or_o though_o tradition_n may_v save_v where_o scripture_n be_v not_o know_v yet_o he_o that_o read_v or_o hear_v the_o scripture_n and_o will_v not_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n i_o think_v can_v be_v save_v because_o this_o be_v now_o the_o clear_a and_o sure_a revelation_n and_o he_o that_o will_v not_o believe_v it_o will_v muchless_a believe_v a_o revelation_n more_o uncertain_a and_o obscure_a 22._o though_o all_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a authority_n yet_o he_o that_o believe_v but_o some_o one_o book_n which_o contain_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n may_v be_v save_v much_o more_o they_o that_o have_v doubt_v but_o of_o some_o particular_a book_n 23._o they_o that_o take_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v but_o the_o write_n of_o godly_a honest_a man_n and_o so_o to_o be_v only_o a_o mean_n of_o make_v know_v christ_n have_v a_o gradual_a precedency_n to_o the_o write_n of_o other_o godly_a man_n and_o do_v believe_v in_o christ_n upon_o those_o strong_a ground_n which_o be_v draw_v from_o his_o doctrine_n miracle_n etc._n etc._n rather_o than_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o write_n as_o be_v pure_o infallible_a and_o divine_a may_v yet_o have_v a_o divine_a and_o save_a faith_n 24._o much_o more_o those_o that_o believe_v the_o whole_a write_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n where_o it_o handle_v the_o substance_n but_o doubt_v whether_o god_n infallible_o guide_v they_o in_o every_o circumstance_n 25._o and_o yet_o more_o those_o that_o believe_v that_o the_o spirit_n do_v guide_v the_o writer_n to_o truth_n both_o in_o substance_n and_o circumstance_n but_o doubt_v whether_o he_o guide_v they_o in_o orthography_n or_o whether_o their_o pen_n be_v as_o perfect_o guide_v as_o their_o mind_n 26._o and_o yet_o more_o may_v those_o have_v save_v faith_n who_o only_o doubt_v whether_o providence_n infallible_o guide_v any_o transcriber_n or_o printer_n as_o to_o retain_v any_o copy_n that_o perfect_o agree_v with_o the_o autograph_n 27._o yet_o do_v all_o these_o in_o my_o judgement_n cast_v away_o a_o singular_a prop_n to_o their_o faith_n and_o lay_v it_o open_v to_o dangerous_a assault_n and_o doubt_v of_o that_o which_o be_v a_o certain_a truth_n 28._o as_o the_o translation_n be_v no_o further_a scripture_n than_o they_o agree_v with_o the_o copy_n in_o the_o original_a tongue_n so_o neither_o be_v those_o copy_n further_o than_o they_o agree_v with_o the_o autograph_n or_o original_a copy_n or_o with_o some_o copy_n peruse_v and_o approve_v by_o the_o apostle_n 29._o yet_o be_v there_o not_o the_o like_a necessity_n of_o have_v the_o autograph_n to_o try_v the_o transcript_n by_o as_o there_o be_v of_o have_v the_o original_a transcript_n to_o try_v the_o translation_n by_o for_o there_o be_v a_o impossibility_n that_o any_o translation_n shall_v perfect_o express_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o original_a but_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n probability_n and_o facility_n of_o true_a transcribe_v and_o ground_n to_o prove_v it_o true_a de_fw-fr facto_fw-la as_o we_o shall_v touch_v anon_o 30._o that_o part_n which_o be_v write_v by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n as_o also_o the_o substance_n of_o doctrine_n through_o the_o whole_a scripture_n be_v so_o pure_o divine_a that_o they_o have_v not_o in_o they_o any_o thing_n humane_a 31._o the_o next_o to_o these_o be_v the_o word_n that_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o those_o that_o be_v speak_v by_o angel_n 32._o the_o circumstantial_o be_v many_o of_o they_o so_o divine_a as_o yet_o they_o have_v in_o they_o something_o humane_a as_o the_o bring_n of_o paul_n cloak_n and_o parchment_n and_o as_o it_o seem_v his_o counsel_n about_o marriage_n etc._n etc._n 33._o much_o more_o be_v there_o something_o humane_a in_o the_o method_n and_o phrase_n which_o be_v not_o so_o immediate_o divine_a as_o the_o doctrine_n 34._o yet_o be_v there_o nothing_o sinful_o humane_a and_o therefore_o nothing_o false_a in_o all_o 35._o but_o a_o innocent_a imperfection_n there_o be_v in_o the_o method_n and_o phrase_n which_o if_o we_o deny_v we_o must_v renounce_v most_o of_o our_o logic_n and_o rhetoric_n 36._o yet_o be_v this_o imperfect_a way_n at_o that_o time_n all_o thing_n consider_v the_o fit_a way_n to_o divulge_v the_o gospel_n that_o be_v the_o best_a language_n which_o be_v best_a suit_v to_o the_o hearer_n and_o not_o that_o which_o be_v best_a simple_o in_o itself_o and_o suppose_v that_o understanding_n in_o the_o hearer_n which_o they_o have_v not_o therefore_o it_o be_v wisdom_n and_o mercy_n to_o fit_v the_o scripture_n to_o the_o capacity_n of_o all_o yet_o will_v it_o not_o therefore_o follow_v that_o all_o preacher_n at_o all_o time_n shall_v as_o much_o neglect_n definition_n distinction_n syllogism_n etc._n etc._n as_o scripture_n do_v 37._o some_o doctrinal_a passage_n in_o scripture_n be_v only_o historical_o relate_v and_o therefore_o the_o relate_v they_o be_v no_o assert_v they_o for_o truth_n and_o therefore_o those_o sentence_n may_v be_v false_a and_o yet_o not_o the_o scripture_n false_a yea_o some_o falsehood_n be_v write_v by_o way_n of_o reprove_v they_o as_o gehezies_n lie_n saul_n excuse_v etc._n etc._n 38._o every_o doctrine_n that_o be_v thus_o relate_v only_o historical_o be_v therefore_o of_o doubtful_a credit_n because_o it_o be_v not_o a_o divine_a assertion_n except_o christ_n himself_o be_v the_o speaker_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o scripture_n 39_o where_o ordinary_a man_n be_v the_o speaker_n the_o credit_n of_o such_o doctrine_n be_v the_o more_o doubtful_a and_o yet_o much_o more_o when_o the_o speaker_n be_v wicked_a of_o the_o former_a sort_n be_v the_o speech_n of_o job_n friend_n and_z divers_z other_o of_o the_o late_a sort_n be_v the_o speech_n of_o the_o pharisee_n etc._n etc._n and_o perhaps_o gamaliels_n counsel_n act._n 5.34_o 40._o yet_o where_o god_n do_v testify_v his_o inspiration_n or_o approbation_n the_o doctrine_n be_v of_o divine_a authority_n though_o the_o speaker_n be_v wicked_a as_o in_o balaams_n prophecy_n argum._n 41._o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o it_o be_v not_o either_o necessary_a or_o lawful_a to_o speak_v such_o word_n or_o do_v such_o action_n mere_o because_o man_n in_o scripture_n do_v so_o speak_v or_o do_v no_o not_o though_o they_o be_v the_o best_a saint_n for_o their_o own_o speech_n or_o action_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o law_n and_o therefore_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o law_n themselves_o and_o as_o they_o be_v evil_a where_o they_o cross_v the_o law_n as_o joseph_n swear_v the_o ancient_n polygamy_n etc._n etc._n so_o be_v they_o doubtful_a where_o their_o congruence_n with_o the_o law_n be_v doubtful_a 42._o but_o here_o be_v one_o most_o observable_a exception_n conduce_v much_o to_o resolve_v the_o great_a doubt_n whether_o example_n bind_v where_o man_n be_v design_v by_o god_n to_o such_o a_o office_n and_o act_n by_o commission_n and_o with_o a_o promise_n of_o direction_n their_o doctrine_n be_v of_o divine_a authority_n though_o we_o find_v not_o where_o god_n do_v dictate_v and_o their_o action_n do_v by_o that_o commission_n be_v currant_n and_o exemplary_a so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v intend_v or_o perform_v for_o example_n and_o so_o example_n may_v be_v equivalent_a to_o a_o law_n and_o the_o argument_n a_o facto_fw-la ad_fw-la jus_o may_v hold_v so_o moses_n be_v appoint_v to_o the_o form_n of_o the_o old_a church_n and_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o the_o build_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n etc._n etc._n his_o precept_n and_o example_n in_o these_o work_n though_o we_o can_v not_o find_v his_o particular_a direction_n be_v to_o be_v take_v as_o divine_a so_o also_o the_o apostle_n have_v commission_n to_o form_n and_o order_n the_o gospel_n church_n their_o doctrine_n and_o example_n therein_o be_v by_o their_o general_a commission_n warrant_v and_o their_o practice_n in_o stablish_v the_o lord_n day_n in_o settle_v the_o