shall_v be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n john_n 6._o 45._o that_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a excellency_n in_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v deny_v by_o any_o who_o on_o any_o ground_n or_o motive_n whatever_o do_v own_o its_o divine_a original_a for_o all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n do_v set_v forth_o his_o praise_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o thing_n shall_v proceed_v immediate_o from_o he_o but_o that_o there_o will_v be_v express_a character_n of_o divine_a excellency_n upon_o it_o and_o as_o to_o the_o communication_n of_o these_o character_n of_o himself_o he_o have_v magnify_v his_o word_n above_o all_o his_o name_n but_o these_o we_o can_v discern_v be_v they_o in_o themselves_o never_o so_o illustrious_a without_o the_o effectual_a communication_n of_o the_o light_n mention_v unto_o our_o mind_n that_o be_v without_o divine_a supernatural_a illumination_n herein_o he_o who_o command_v light_a to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n shine_v into_o our_o heart_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o he_o irradiate_v the_o mind_n with_o a_o spiritual_a light_n whereby_o it_o be_v enable_v to_o discern_v the_o glory_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n this_o they_o can_v do_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o eye_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v into_o they_o v_o 6._o those_o who_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o their_o natural_a darkness_n and_o blindness_n especial_o where_o there_o be_v in_o they_o also_o superad_v prejudices_fw-la begotten_a and_o increase_v by_o the_o craft_n of_o satan_n as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o whole_a world_n of_o unbeliever_n can_v see_v nor_o discern_v that_o divine_a excellency_n in_o the_o scripture_n without_o a_o apprehension_n whereof_o no_o man_n can_v believe_v it_o a_o right_a to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n such_o person_n may_v assent_v unto_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o its_o divine_a original_a upon_o external_a argument_n and_o rational_a motive_n but_o believe_v it_o with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a on_o those_o argument_n and_o motive_n only_o they_o can_v there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o hinder_v or_o disenable_a man_n from_o believe_v with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a when_o any_o divine_a revelation_n be_v objective_o propose_v unto_o they_o first_o the_o natural_a blindness_n and_o darkness_n of_o their_o mind_n which_o be_v come_v upon_o all_o by_o the_o fall_n and_o the_o depravation_n of_o our_o nature_n that_o ensue_v thereon_o second_o the_o prejudices_fw-la that_o through_o the_o craft_n of_o satan_n the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n their_o mind_n be_v possess_v with_o by_o tradition_n education_n and_o converse_v in_o the_o world_n this_o last_o obstruction_n or_o hindrance_n may_v be_v so_o far_o remove_v by_o external_a argument_n and_o motive_n of_o credibility_n as_o that_o man_n may_v upon_o they_o attain_v unto_o a_o moral_a persuasion_n concern_v the_o divine_a original_a of_o the_o scripture_n but_o these_o argument_n can_v remove_v or_o take_v away_o the_o native_a blindness_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v remove_v by_o their_o renovation_n and_o divine_a illumination_n alone_o wherefore_o none_o i_o think_v will_v positive_o affirm_v that_o we_o can_v believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n which_o god_n require_v without_o a_o supernatural_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o our_o mind_n in_o the_o illumination_n of_o they_o so_o david_n pray_v that_o god_n will_v open_v his_o eye_n that_o he_o may_v behold_v wondrous_a thing_n out_o of_o the_o law_n psal._n 119._o 10._o that_o he_o will_v make_v he_o understand_v the_o way_n of_o his_o precept_n v_o 27._o that_o he_o will_v give_v he_o understanding_n and_o he_o shall_v keep_v the_o law_n v_o 34._o so_o the_o lord_n christ_n also_o open_v the_o understanding_n of_o his_o disciple_n that_o they_o may_v understand_v the_o scripture_n luk._n 24._o 45._o as_o he_o have_v affirm_v before_o that_o it_o be_v give_v unto_o some_o to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o not_o unto_o other_o mat._n 11._o 25._o chap._n 13._o 11._o and_o neither_o be_v these_o thing_n speak_v in_o vain_a nor_o be_v the_o grace_n intend_v in_o they_o needless_a the_o communication_n of_o this_o light_n unto_o we_o the_o scripture_n call_v reveal_v and_o revelation_n mat._n 11._o 25._o thou_o have_v hide_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a and_o have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o babe_n that_o be_v give_v they_o to_o understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n when_o they_o be_v preach_v unto_o they_o and_o no_o man_n know_v the_o father_n but_o he_o to_o who_o the_o son_n reveal_v he_o v_o 27._o so_o the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o the_o ephesian_n that_o god_n will_v give_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o understanding_n be_v enlighten_v they_o may_v know_v etc._n etc._n chap._n 1._o v._n 17_o 18_o 19_o it_o be_v true_a these_o ephesian_n be_v already_o believer_n or_o consider_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o such_o but_o if_o he_o judge_v it_o necessary_a to_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n to_o enlighten_v the_o eye_n of_o their_o understanding_n with_o respect_n unto_o further_a degree_n of_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n or_o as_o he_o speak_v in_o another_o place_n that_o they_o may_v come_v unto_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o understanding_n to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n col._n 2._o 2._o then_o it_o be_v much_o more_o necessary_a to_o make_v they_o believer_n who_o before_o be_v not_o so_o but_o utter_a stranger_n unto_o the_o faith_n but_o as_o a_o pretence_n hereof_o have_v be_v abuse_v as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o so_o the_o plead_n of_o it_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v mistake_v for_o some_o be_v ready_a to_o apprehend_v that_o this_o retreat_n unto_o a_o spirit_n of_o revelation_n be_v but_o a_o pretence_n to_o discard_v all_o rational_a argument_n and_o to_o introduce_v enthusiasm_n into_o their_o room_n now_o although_o the_o charge_n be_v grievous_a yet_o because_o it_o be_v groundless_a we_o must_v not_o forego_v what_o the_o scripture_n plain_o affirm_v and_o instruct_v we_o in_o thereby_o to_o avoid_v it_o scripture_n testimony_n may_v be_v expound_v according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n but_o deny_v or_o despise_v seem_v they_o never_o so_o contrary_a unto_o our_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n they_o must_v not_o be_v some_o i_o confess_v seem_v to_o disregard_n both_o the_o objective_n work_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o this_o matter_n whereof_o we_o shall_v treat_v afterward_o and_o his_o subjective_n work_v also_o in_o our_o mind_n that_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o sense_n and_o reason_n but_o we_o must_v grant_v that_o a_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n to_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n be_v needful_a to_o enable_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n or_o forgo_v the_o gospel_n and_o our_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o pray_v continual_o for_o that_o spirit_n if_o we_o intend_v to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o faith_n thereof_o but_o yet_o we_o plead_v not_o for_o external_a immediate_a revelation_n such_o as_o be_v grant_v unto_o the_o prophet_n apostle_n and_o other_o penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o revelation_n we_o intend_v differ_v from_o they_o both_o in_o its_o especial_a subject_n and_o formal_a reason_n or_o nature_n that_o be_v in_o the_o whole_a kind_n for_o 1._o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o divine_a prophetical_a revelation_n by_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o immediate_a divine_a inspiration_n be_v thing_n not_o make_v know_v before_o thing_n they_o be_v hide_v in_o god_n or_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o will_n and_o reveal_v unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n by_o the_o spirit_n ephes._n 2._o 5_o 9_o 10._o whether_o they_o be_v doctrine_n or_o thing_n they_o be_v at_o least_o as_o unto_o their_o present_a circumstance_n make_v know_v from_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n by_o their_o revelation_n but_o the_o matter_n and_o subject_n of_o the_o revelation_n we_o treat_v of_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v already_o reveal_v it_o be_v a_o internal_a revelation_n of_o that_o which_o be_v outward_o and_o antecedent_n unto_o it_o beyond_o the_o bound_n thereof_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v extend_v and_o if_o any_o pretend_v unto_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o thing_n not_o before_o reveal_v we_o have_v no_o concernment_n in_o
do_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o any_o sense_n whatever_o for_o the_o reason_n that_o shall_v be_v mention_v immediate_o but_o it_o may_v be_v grant_v that_o together_o with_o the_o ministry_n of_o other_o church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o many_o other_o providential_a mean_v of_o their_o preservation_n and_o successive_a communication_n we_o do_v the_o facto_fw-la receive_v the_o scripture_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n also_o see_v they_o also_o be_v in_o the_o possession_n of_o they_o but_o this_o ministry_n we_o allow_v only_o in_o the_o latter_a sense_n as_o a_o actual_a mean_n in_o subserviency_n unto_o god_n providence_n without_o respect_n unto_o any_o especial_a institution_n and_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o case_n in_o that_o sense_n wherein_o it_o be_v allow_v namely_o as_o denote_v the_o weight_n and_o importance_n of_o a_o testimony_n which_o be_v strengthen_v by_o all_o sort_n of_o circumstance_n may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v great_a authority_n in_o it_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a unto_o who_o or_o what_o church_n we_o grant_v or_o allow_v it_o for_o let_v man_n assume_v what_o name_n or_o title_n to_o themselves_o they_o please_v yet_o if_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o be_v corrupt_a or_o flagitious_a in_o their_o life_n and_o have_v great_a secular_a advantage_n which_o they_o high_o prize_v and_o studious_o improve_v from_o what_o they_o suppose_v and_o profess_v the_o scripture_n to_o supply_v they_o withal_o be_v they_o call_v church_n or_o what_o you_o please_v their_o testimony_n therein_o be_v of_o very_o little_a value_n for_o all_o man_n may_v see_v that_o they_o have_v a_o earthly_a worldly_a interest_n of_o their_o own_o therein_o and_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o if_o such_o person_n do_v know_v the_o whole_a bible_n to_o be_v a_o fable_n as_o one_o pope_n express_v himself_o to_o that_o purpose_n they_o will_v not_o forego_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o unless_o they_o can_v more_o advantage_v themselves_o in_o the_o world_n another_o way_n wherefore_o whereas_o it_o be_v manifest_a unto_o all_o that_o those_o who_o have_v the_o conduct_v of_o the_o roman_a church_n have_v make_v and_o do_v make_v to_o themselves_o great_a earthly_a temporal_a advantage_n in_o honour_n power_n wealth_n and_o reputation_n in_o the_o world_n by_o their_o profession_n of_o the_o scripture_n their_o testimony_n may_v rational_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v so_o far_o influence_v by_o self_n interest_n as_o to_o be_v of_o little_a validity_n the_o testimony_n therefore_o which_o i_o intend_v be_v that_o of_o multitude_n of_o person_n of_o unspotted_a reputation_n on_o all_o other_o account_n in_o the_o world_n free_a from_o all_o possibility_n of_o impeachment_n as_o unto_o any_o design_v evil_a or_o conspiracy_n among_o themselves_o with_o respect_n unto_o any_o corrupt_a end_n and_o who_o have_v not_o the_o least_o secular_a advantage_n by_o what_o they_o testify_v unto_o be_v absolute_o secure_v against_o all_o exception_n which_o either_o common_a reason_n or_o common_a usage_n among_o mankind_n can_v put_v in_o unto_o any_o witness_n whatever_o and_o to_o evidence_n the_o force_n that_o be_v in_o this_o consideration_n i_o shall_v brief_o represent_v 1._o who_o they_o be_v that_o give_v and_o do_v give_v this_o testimony_n in_o some_o especial_a instance_n 2._o what_o they_o give_v this_o testimony_n unto_o 3._o how_o or_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o do_v so_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o testimony_n of_o those_o by_o who_o the_o several_a book_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v be_v to_o be_v consider_v they_o all_o of_o they_o several_o and_o joint_o witness_v that_o what_o they_o write_v be_v receive_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n this_o be_v plead_v by_o the_o apostle_n peter_n in_o the_o name_n of_o they_o all_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21._o for_o we_o have_v not_o follow_v cunning_o devise_v fable_n when_o we_o make_v know_v unto_o you_o the_o power_n and_o come_v of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o be_v eye_n witness_n of_o his_o majesty_n for_o he_o receive_v from_o god_n the_o father_n honour_n and_o glory_n when_o there_o come_v such_o a_o voice_n to_o he_o from_o the_o excellent_a glory_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v and_o this_o voice_n which_o come_v from_o heaven_n we_o hear_v when_o we_o be_v with_o he_o in_o the_o holy_a mount_n we_o have_v also_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n whereunto_o you_o do_v well_o that_o you_o take_v heed_n as_o unto_o a_o light_n that_o shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n until_o the_o day_n dawn_n and_o the_o day_n star_n arise_v in_o your_o heart_n know_v this_o first_o that_o no_o prophecy_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n for_o the_o prophecy_n come_v not_o in_o old_a time_n by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o be_v the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o the_o writer_n both_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o new_a namely_o that_o as_o they_o have_v certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o write_v so_o their_o writing_n be_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n so_o in_o particular_a john_n bear_v witness_n unto_o his_o revelation_n chap._n 19_o 9_o chap._n 22._o 6._o these_o be_v the_o true_a and_o faithful_a say_n of_o god_n and_o what_o weight_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v hereon_o be_v declare_v joh._n 21._o 24._o this_o be_v that_o disciple_n which_o testify_v of_o these_o thing_n and_o write_v these_o thing_n and_o we_o know_v that_o his_o testimony_n be_v true_a he_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o write_v but_o how_o be_v it_o know_v to_o the_o church_n there_o intend_v we_o know_v that_o his_o testimony_n be_v true_a that_o so_o it_o be_v indeed_o he_o be_v not_o absolute_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o one_o that_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v in_o mere_o on_o his_o own_o account_n yet_o here_o it_o be_v speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n with_o the_o high_a assurance_n and_o we_o know_v that_o his_o testimony_n be_v true_a i_o answer_v this_o assurance_n of_o they_o do_v not_o arise_v mere_o from_o his_o moral_n or_o natural_a endowment_n or_o holy_a counsel_n but_o from_o the_o evidence_n they_o have_v of_o his_o divine_a inspiration_n whereof_o we_o shall_v treat_v afterward_o the_o thing_n plead_v to_o give_v force_n unto_o this_o testimony_n in_o particular_a be_v all_o that_o such_o a_o testimony_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o so_o many_o as_o will_v require_v a_o large_a discourse_n by_o itself_o to_o propose_v discuss_v and_o confirm_v they_o but_o suppose_v the_o testimony_n they_o give_v i_o shall_v in_o compliance_n which_o my_o own_o design_n reduce_v the_o evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n unto_o these_o two_o consideration_n 1._o of_o their_o person_n and_o 2._o of_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o write_n 1._o as_o to_o their_o person_n they_o be_v absolute_o remove_v from_o all_o possible_a suspicion_n of_o deceive_v or_o be_v deceive_v the_o wit_n of_o all_o the_o atheistical_a spirit_n in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o able_a to_o fix_v on_o any_o one_o thing_n that_o will_v be_v a_o tolerable_a ground_n of_o any_o such_o suspicion_n concern_v the_o integrity_n of_o witness_n can_v such_o a_o testimony_n be_v give_v in_o any_o other_o case_n and_o surmise_n in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n which_o have_v no_o pleadable_a ground_n for_o they_o be_v to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o diabolical_a suggestion_n or_o atheistical_a dream_n or_o at_o best_a the_o false_a imagination_n of_o weak_a and_o distemper_a mind_n the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o their_o work_n their_o unconcernment_n with_o all_o secular_a interest_n their_o unacquaintance_n with_o one_o another_o the_o time_n and_o place_n wherein_o the_o thing_n report_v by_o they_o be_v do_v and_o act_v the_o facility_n of_o convince_a they_o of_o falsehood_n if_o what_o they_o write_v in_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o what_o else_o they_o teach_v in_o case_n it_o be_v not_o true_a the_o evident_a certainty_n that_o this_o will_v have_v be_v do_v arise_v from_o the_o know_a desire_n ability_n will_n and_o interest_n of_o their_o adversary_n so_o to_o do_v have_v it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v effect_v see_v this_o will_v have_v secure_v they_o the_o victory_n in_o the_o conflict_n wherein_o they_o be_v violent_o engage_v and_o have_v put_v a_o immediate_a issue_n unto_o all_o that_o difference_n and_o uproar_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n about_o their_o doctrine_n their_o harmony_n among_o themselves_o without_o conspiracy_n or_o antecedent_n agreement_n the_o misery_n which_o they_o undergo_v most_o of_o they_o without_o hope_n of_o relief_n or_o
and_o supernatural_a rest_n upon_o that_o be_v it_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v for_o its_o own_o sake_n but_o say_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o if_o man_n will_v not_o hear_v that_o be_v believe_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o come_v and_o preach_v unto_o they_o a_o great_a miracle_n than_o which_o they_o can_v not_o desire_v now_o this_o can_v not_o be_v speak_v if_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o contain_v in_o itself_o the_o whole_a entire_a formal_a reason_n of_o believe_v for_o if_o it_o have_v not_o this_o something_o necessary_a unto_o believe_v will_v be_v want_v though_o that_o be_v enjoy_v and_o this_o be_v direct_o affirm_v john_n 20._o 30_o 31._o and_o many_o other_o sign_n true_o do_v jesus_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o disciple_n which_o be_v not_o write_v in_o this_o book_n but_o these_o be_v write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o believe_v you_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n the_o sign_n which_o christ_n wrought_v do_v evidence_n he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o how_o come_v we_o to_o know_v and_o believe_v these_o sign_n what_o be_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n thereof_o say_v the_o bless_a apostle_n these_o thing_n be_v write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v this_o writing_n of_o they_o by_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v so_o far_o sufficient_a to_o beget_v and_o assure_v faith_n in_o you_o as_o that_o thereby_o you_o may_v have_v eternal_a life_n through_o jesus_n christ._n for_o if_o the_o writing_n of_o divine_a thing_n and_o revelation_n be_v the_o mean_v appoint_v of_o god_n to_o cause_n man_n to_o believe_v unto_o eternal_a life_n than_o it_o must_v as_o such_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v believe_v and_o ground_n whereon_o we_o shall_v do_v so_o and_o in_o like_a manner_n be_v this_o matter_n determine_v by_o the_o apostle_n peter_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21._o for_o we_o have_v not_o follow_v cunning_o devise_v fable_n when_o we_o make_v know_v unto_o you_o the_o power_n and_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o majesty_n for_o he_o receive_v from_o god_n the_o father_n honour_n and_o glory_n when_o there_o come_v such_o a_o voice_n to_o he_o from_o the_o excellent_a glory_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v and_o this_o voice_n which_o come_v from_o heaven_n we_o hear_v when_o we_o be_v with_o he_o in_o the_o holy_a mount_n we_o have_v also_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n whereunto_o you_o do_v well_o that_o you_o take_v heed_n as_o unto_o a_o light_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n until_o the_o day_n dawn_n and_o the_o daystar_n arise_v in_o your_o heart_n know_v this_o first_o that_o no_o prophecy_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n for_o the_o prophecy_n come_v not_o in_o old_a time_n by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o question_n be_v about_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o powerful_a come_v of_o jesus_n christ_n whether_o it_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v or_o no_o and_o if_o it_o be_v upon_o what_o ground_n some_o say_v it_o be_v a_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n other_o that_o it_o be_v a_o fanatical_a story_n of_o mad_a man_n as_o festus_n think_v of_o it_o when_o preach_v by_o paul_n act_v 26._o 24._o and_o very_o many_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n still_o the_o apostle_n on_o the_o contrary_n aver_v that_o what_o be_v speak_v concern_v he_o be_v word_n of_o truth_n and_o soberness_n yea_o faithful_a saying_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 15._o that_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v for_o its_o worth_n and_o truth_n the_o ground_n and_o reason_n hereof_o be_v two_o 1._o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o not_o only_o converse_v with_o jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v eye_n witness_n of_o his_o majesty_n behold_v his_o glory_n the_o glory_n as_o of_o the_o only_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n john_n 1._o 14._o which_o they_o give_v in_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n 1_o john_n 1._o 1._o but_o also_o hear_v a_o miraculous_a testimony_n give_v unto_o he_o immediate_o from_o god_n in_o heaven_n ver_fw-la 17._o 18._o this_o give_v they_o indeed_o sufficient_a assurance_n but_o whereinto_o shall_v they_o resolve_v their_o faith_n who_o hear_v not_o this_o testimony_n why_o they_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a that_o be_v a_o most_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n that_o be_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v sufficient_a of_o itself_o to_o secure_v their_o faith_n in_o this_o matter_n especial_o as_o confirm_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n whereby_o the_o church_n come_v to_o be_v build_v in_o its_o faith_n on_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n ephes._n 2._o 20._o but_o why_o shall_v we_o believe_v this_o word_n of_o prophecy_n may_v not_o that_o also_o be_v a_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n and_o the_o whole_a scripture_n be_v but_o the_o suggestion_n of_o man_n private_a spirit_n as_o be_v object_v ver._n 20._o all_o be_v final_o resolve_v into_o this_o that_o the_o writer_n of_o it_o be_v immediate_o move_v and_o act_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o which_o divine_a original_a it_o carry_v along_o its_o own_o evidence_n with_o it_o plain_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o be_v that_o we_o believe_v all_o other_o divine_a truth_n for_o the_o scripture_n sake_n or_o because_o they_o be_v declare_v therein_o but_o the_o scripture_n we_o believe_v for_o its_o own_o sake_n or_o because_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n write_v it_o as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o be_v the_o whole_a object_n of_o faith_n propose_v by_o the_o same_o apostle_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 2._o the_o word_n that_o be_v speak_v before_o by_o the_o holy_a prophet_n and_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o because_o our_o faith_n be_v resolve_v into_o they_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n as_o be_v say_v eph._n 2._o 20._o that_o be_v our_o faith_n rest_v sole_o as_o on_o its_o proper_a foundation_n which_o bear_v the_o weight_n of_o it_o on_o the_o authority_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o their_o write_n hereunto_o we_o may_v add_v that_o of_o paul_n rom._n 16._o 25_o 26._o according_a to_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o mystery_n which_o be_v keep_v secret_a since_o the_o world_n begin_v but_o now_o be_v make_v manifest_a and_o by_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o prophet_n according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o everlasting_a god_n make_v know_v unto_o all_o nation_n for_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n the_o matter_n to_o be_v believe_v be_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v keep_v secret_a since_o the_o world_n begin_v or_o from_o the_o give_v of_o the_o first_o promise_n not_o absolute_o but_o with_o respect_n unto_o that_o full_a manifestation_n which_o it_o have_v now_o receive_v this_o god_n command_v to_o be_v believe_v the_o everlasting_a god_n he_o who_o have_v sovereign_a authority_n over_o all_o require_v faith_n in_o a_o way_n of_o obedience_n hereunto_o but_o what_o ground_n or_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o this_o alone_a be_v propose_v namely_o the_o divine_a revelation_n make_v in_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o apostle_n and_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n for_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n rom._n 10._o 17._o this_o course_n and_o no_o other_o do_v our_o saviour_n even_o after_o his_o resurrection_n take_v to_o beget_v and_o confirm_v faith_n in_o the_o disciple_n luk._n 24._o 25_o 26_o 27._o that_o great_a testimony_n to_o this_o purpose_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o i_o do_v not_o plead_v in_o particular_a because_o i_o have_v so_o full_o insist_v on_o it_o in_o another_o discourse_n from_o these_o and_o many_o other_o testimony_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n which_o may_v be_v produce_v it_o be_v evident_a 1._o that_o it_o be_v the_o scripture_n itself_o the_o word_n or_o will_n of_o god_n as_o reveal_v or_o write_v which_o be_v propose_v unto_o we_o as_o the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o we_o be_v to_o receive_v and_o believe_v with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a 2._o that_o no_o other_o reason_n be_v propose_v unto_o we_o either_o as_o a_o motive_n to_o encourage_v we_o or_o as_o a_o argument_n to_o assure_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o
they_o on_o their_o lust_n hos._n 2._o 8._o it_o be_v a_o high_a aggravation_n when_o man_n in_o sin_v abuse_n and_o dishonour_v their_o own_o body_n for_o these_o be_v the_o principal_a external_a workmanship_n of_o god_n be_v make_v for_o eternity_n and_o who_o preservation_n unto_o his_o glory_n be_v commit_v unto_o we_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n this_o the_o apostle_n declare_v to_o be_v the_o peculiar_a aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o fornication_n and_o uncleanness_n in_o any_o kind_n 1_o cor._n 6._o 18_o 19_o but_o the_o height_n of_o impiety_n consist_v in_o the_o abuse_n of_o the_o faculty_n and_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n wherewith_o we_o be_v endow_v purposely_o and_o immediate_o for_o the_o glorify_v of_o god_n hence_o proceed_v unbelief_n profaneness_n blasphemy_n atheism_n and_o the_o like_a pollution_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o mind_n and_o these_o be_v sin_n of_o the_o high_a provocation_n for_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o our_o mind_n be_v give_v we_o only_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o live_v unto_o god_n the_o divert_v of_o their_o principal_a exercise_n unto_o other_o end_n be_v a_o act_n of_o enmity_n against_o he_o and_o affront_v unto_o he_o 1._o he_o make_v himself_o know_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o innate_a principle_n of_o our_o nature_n unto_o which_o he_o have_v communicate_v as_o a_o power_n of_o apprehend_v so_o a_o indelible_a sense_n of_o his_o be_v his_o authority_n and_o his_o will_n so_o far_o as_o our_o natural_a dependence_n on_o he_o and_o moral_a subjection_n unto_o he_o do_v require_v for_o whereas_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n in_o this_o natural_a light_n and_o first_o dictate_v of_o reason_n first_o a_o power_n of_o conceive_v discern_v and_o assent_v and_o second_o a_o power_n of_o judge_v and_o determine_v upon_o the_o thing_n so_o discern_v and_o assent_v unto_o by_o the_o one_o god_n make_v know_v his_o be_v and_o essential_a property_n by_o the_o other_o his_o sovereign_a authority_n over_o all_o as_o to_o the_o first_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rom._n 1._o 19_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n his_o essence_n be_v subsistence_n his_o natural_a necessary_a essential_a property_n be_v manifest_a in_o they_o that_o be_v it_o have_v a_o self_n evidence_v power_n act_v itself_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o man_n endue_v with_o natural_a light_n and_o reason_n and_o as_o unto_o his_o sovereign_a authority_n he_o do_v evidence_n it_o in_o and_o by_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n which_o be_v the_o judgement_n that_o they_o make_v and_o can_v but_o make_v of_o themselves_o and_o their_o action_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o authority_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n rom._n 2._o 14_o 15._o and_o thus_o the_o mind_n do_v assent_v unto_o the_o principle_n of_o god_n be_v and_o authority_n antecedent_o unto_o any_o actual_a exercise_n of_o the_o discursive_a faculty_n of_o reason_n or_o other_o testimony_n whatever_o 2._o he_o do_v it_o unto_o our_o reason_n in_o its_o exercise_n by_o propose_v such_o thing_n unto_o its_o consideration_n as_o from_o whence_o it_o may_v and_o can_v but_o conclude_v in_o a_o assent_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o god_n intend_v to_o reveal_v unto_o we_o that_o way_n this_o he_o do_v by_o the_o work_v of_o creation_n and_o providence_n which_o present_v themselves_o unavoidable_o unto_o reason_n in_o its_o exercise_n to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o nature_n be_v and_o property_n of_o god_n thus_o the_o heaven_n declare_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o firmament_n show_v his_o handiwork_a day_n unto_o day_n utter_v speech_n and_o night_n unto_o night_n show_v knowledge_n there_o be_v no_o speech_n nor_o language_n where_o their_o voice_n be_v not_o hear_v psal._n 19_o 1_o 2_o 3._o but_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o thus_o declare_v evidence_n and_o reveal_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o first_o principle_n and_o notion_n of_o natural_a light_n without_o the_o actual_a exercise_n of_o reason_n only_o they_o do_v so_o when_o we_o consider_v his_o heaven_n the_o work_n of_o his_o finger_n the_o moon_n and_o the_o star_n which_o he_o have_v ordain_v as_o the_o same_o psalmist_n speak_v psal._n 8._o 3._o a_o rational_a consideration_n of_o they_o their_o greatness_n order_n beauty_n and_o use_v be_v require_v unto_o that_o testimony_n and_o evidence_n which_o god_n give_v in_o they_o and_o by_o they_o unto_o himself_o his_o glorious_a be_v power_n to_o this_o purpose_n the_o apostle_n discourse_v at_o large_a concern_v the_o work_n of_o creation_n rom._n 1._o 20_o 21_o 22._o as_o also_o of_o those_o of_o providence_n act_v 14._o 15_o 16_o 17._o chap._n 17._o 24_o 25_o 26_o 27_o 28._o and_o the_o rational_a use_v we_o be_v to_o make_v of_o they_o verse_n 29._o so_o god_n call_v unto_o man_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o reason_n about_o these_o thing_n reproach_v they_o with_o stupidity_n and_o brutishness_n where_o they_o be_v want_v therein_o isa_n 46._o 7_o 8_o 9_o chap._n 44._o 18_o 19_o 20._o 3._o god_n reveal_v himself_o unto_o our_o faith_n or_o that_o power_n of_o our_o soul_n whereby_o we_o be_v able_a to_o assent_v unto_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v propose_v unto_o we_o upon_o testimony_n and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o his_o word_n or_o the_o scripture_n propose_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o manner_n and_o way_n before_o express_v he_o do_v not_o reveal_v himself_o by_o his_o word_n unto_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a light_n nor_o unto_o reason_n in_o its_o exercise_n but_o yet_o these_o principle_n and_o reason_n itself_o with_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o mind_n be_v consequential_o affect_v with_o that_o revelation_n and_o be_v draw_v forth_o into_o their_o proper_a exercise_n by_o it_o but_o in_o the_o gospel_n the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o faith_n to_o faith_n rom._n 1._o 17._o not_o to_o natural_a light_n sense_n or_o reason_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o it_o be_v faith_n that_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v as_o reveal_v in_o the_o word_n heb._n 11._o 1._o unto_o this_o kind_n of_o revelation_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o assent_n and_o that_o assent_n be_v the_o assent_n of_o faith_n because_o it_o be_v resolve_v into_o testimony_n alone_o and_o concern_v these_o several_a way_n of_o the_o communication_n or_o revelation_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n it_o must_v be_v always_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o perfect_a consonancy_n in_o the_o thing_n reveal_v by_o they_o all_o if_o any_o thing_n pretend_v from_o the_o one_o what_o be_v absolute_o contradictory_n unto_o the_o other_o or_o our_o sense_n as_o the_o mean_n of_o they_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o whole_a as_o of_o all_o the_o act_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v in_o the_o inbred_a principle_n of_o natural_a light_n or_o first_o necessary_a dictate_v of_o our_o intellectual_a rational_a nature_n this_o so_o far_o as_o it_o extend_v be_v a_o rule_n unto_o our_o apprehension_n in_o all_o that_o follow_v wherefore_o if_o any_o pretend_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o reason_n to_o conclude_v unto_o any_o thing_n concern_v the_o nature_n be_v or_o will_v of_o god_n that_o be_v direct_o contradictory_n unto_o those_o principle_n and_o dictate_v it_o be_v no_o divine_a revelation_n unto_o our_o reason_n but_o a_o paralogism_n from_o the_o defect_n of_o reason_n in_o its_o exercise_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n charge_v on_o and_o vehement_o urge_v against_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n inbred_a notion_n they_o have_v in_o themselves_o of_o the_o be_v and_o eternal_a power_n of_o god_n and_o these_o be_v so_o manifest_a in_o they_o thereby_o that_o they_o can_v not_o but_o own_v they_o hereon_o they_o set_v their_o rational_a discursive_a faculty_n at_o work_n in_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n and_o his_o be_v but_o herein_o be_v they_o so_o vain_a and_o foolish_a as_o to_o draw_v conclusion_n direct_o contrary_a unto_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o natural_a light_n and_o the_o unavoidable_a notion_n which_o they_o have_v of_o the_o eternal_a be_v of_o god_n rom._n 1._o 21_o 22_o 23_o 24._o and_o many_o upon_o their_o pretend_a rational_a consideration_n of_o the_o promiscuous_a event_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n have_v foolish_o conclude_v that_o all_o thing_n have_v a_o fortuitous_a beginning_n and_o have_v fortuitous_a event_n or_o such_o as_o from_o a_o concatenation_n of_o antecedent_n cause_n be_v fatal_o necessary_o and_o be_v not_o dispose_v by_o a_o infinite_o wise_a unerring_a holy_a providence_n and_o this_o also_o be_v direct_o contradictory_n unto_o the_o first_o principle_n and_o notion_n of_o natural_a light_n whereby_o it_o open_o proclaim_v itself_o not_o to_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o reason_n in_o its_o due_a