be_v for_o in_o matter_n of_o common_a testimony_n we_o make_v little_a difference_n between_o speech_n and_o write_v if_o a_o man_n who_o we_o dare_v trust_n send_v we_o a_o letter_n and_o therein_o relate_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n as_o hear_v or_o see_v by_o himself_o or_o as_o well_o attest_v to_o he_o by_o unexceptionable_a witness_n we_o give_v as_o full_a credit_n to_o his_o letter_n as_o we_o shall_v do_v to_o his_o word_n so_o that_o in_o truth_n our_o case_n who_o live_v now_o be_v not_o very_o different_a from_o they_o who_o live_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o hear_v they_o say_v those_o same_o thing_n which_o we_o now_o read_v in_o their_o book_n and_o if_o we_o think_v those_o inexcusable_a who_o do_v not_o receive_v their_o testimony_n when_o give_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n we_o can_v in_o good_a reason_n hold_v ourselves_o excuse_v if_o we_o receive_v not_o the_o same_o testimony_n of_o the_o same_o person_n give_v under_o their_o hand_n in_o one_o respect_n 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honourable_a the_o house_n of_o commons_o at_o st._n margaret_n westminster_n january_n the_o 30_o 1698_o 9_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o a_o stand_a revelation_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral_n church_n of_o st._n paul_n jan._n one_a 1699_o 700._o be_v the_o first_o for_o the_o year_n 1700._o of_o the_o lecture_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n revelation_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v the_o second_o for_o the_o year_n 1700._o of_o the_o lecture_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n these_o three_o by_o offspring_n blackall_n rector_n of_o st._n marry_o aldermary_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n a_o persuasive_a to_o prayer_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n at_o st._n james_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o lord_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a in_o parliament_n assemble_v in_o the_o abbey_n church_n at_o westminster_n jan._n 30_o fifteen_o sermon_n preach_v on_o several_a occasion_n the_o last_o of_o which_o be_v never_o before_o print_v these_o three_o by_o the_o most_o reverend_a father_n in_o god_n john_n lord_n archbishop_n of_o york_n primate_n of_o england_n and_o metropolitan_a the_o faith_n and_o practice_n of_o a_o church_n of_o england_n man._n a_o false_a faith_n not_o justify_v by_o care_n for_o the_o poor_a prove_v in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o st._n paul_n church_n mystery_n in_o religion_n vindicated_n or_o the_o filiation_n deity_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o saviour_n assert_v against_o socinian_o and_o other_o with_o occasional_a reflection_n on_o several_a late_a pamphlet_n these_o two_o by_o luke_n milbourn_n a_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n two_o sermon_n of_o mr._n young_n about_o nature_n and_o grace_n preach_v at_o whitehall_n the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture-revelation_n as_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o part_n ii_o two_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral-church_n of_o st._n paul_n april_n 1_o st_o and_o may_v 6_o the_o 1700._o be_v the_o four_o and_o five_o for_o the_o year_n 1700_o of_o the_o lecture_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n by_o offspring_n blackall_n rector_n of_o st._n marry_o aldermary_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v by_o j._n leake_n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1700._o st._n luke_n xvi_o 29_o 30_o 31._o abraham_n say_v unto_o he_o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o and_o he_o say_v nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o 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 the_o point_n i_o enter_v upon_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o last_o time_n be_v this_o 3._o that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n give_v we_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o consequent_o of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v teach_v by_o it_o and_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o have_v for_o brevity_n sake_n confine_v my_o discourse_n upon_o it_o to_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n only_o the_o rather_o because_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o be_v grant_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n can_v reasonable_o be_v question_v i_o propound_v to_o show_v 1._o that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v by_o those_o person_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n thereof_o 2._o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v full_a credit_n to_o they_o in_o their_o relation_n of_o those_o
other_o matter_n that_o he_o have_v relate_v as_o of_o his_o own_o knowledge_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a there_o may_v be_v mistake_n in_o the_o sign_n and_o proof_n of_o the_o divine_a revelation_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o revelation_n its_o self_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o report_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o prophet_n himself_o or_o any_o other_o man_n who_o have_v report_v the_o miracle_n do_v by_o the_o prophet_n as_o matter_n of_o his_o own_o knowledge_n do_v imagine_v he_o see_v thing_n which_o he_o do_v not_o see_v and_o that_o he_o hear_v thing_n which_o he_o do_v not_o hear_v but_o if_o this_o be_v suppose_v possible_a that_o any_o man_n and_o much_o more_o that_o several_a man_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o report_n the_o organ_n of_o who_o sense_n be_v right_o dispose_v and_o who_o by_o all_o their_o other_o action_n and_o discourse_n appear_v to_o be_v sober_a and_o considerate_a and_o judicious_a shall_v yet_o in_o the_o day_n time_n 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be_v already_o some_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n extant_a that_o be_v sufficient_a to_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n and_o 2._o if_o there_o be_v already_o any_o such_o stand_a revelation_n extant_a it_o may_v be_v strong_o presume_v that_o it_o be_v that_o which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o book_n that_o we_o know_v of_o which_o have_v such_o good_a evidence_n of_o divine_a authority_n and_o inspiration_n as_o that_o have_v let_v we_o then_o be_v prepare_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o religion_n with_o unprejudiced_a mind_n with_o a_o sincere_a love_n and_o desire_n of_o truth_n and_o with_o a_o resolution_n to_o hear_v reason_n and_o to_o be_v convince_v by_o it_o and_o above_o all_o which_o indeed_o be_v the_o best_a preparation_n for_o truth_n and_o the_o best_a security_n against_o error_n let_v we_o in_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o heart_n 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5_o the_o 1699_o 700._o be_v the_o second_o for_o the_o year_n 1700_o of_o the_o lecture_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n by_o offspring_n blackall_n rector_n of_o st._n marry_o aldermary_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v by_o j._n leake_n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1700._o st._n luke_n xvi_o 29_o 30_o 31._o abraham_n say_v unto_o he_o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o and_o he_o say_v nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o 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 the_o first_o thing_n which_o i_o propound_v to_o do_v in_o discourse_v on_o these_o word_n be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o the_o present_a stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o persuade_v man_n to_o repentance_n if_o they_o be_v not_o unreasonable_o blind_a and_o obstinate_a they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n they_o have_v also_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o and_o if_o that_o stand_a revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o we_o of_o his_o will_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n can_v upon_o any_o account_n be_v think_v insufficient_a to_o effect_v this_o design_n it_o must_v be_v i_o think_v either_o 1._o because_o no_o stand_a revelation_n can_v be_v sufficient_a for_o this_o purpose_n or_o 2._o because_o there_o be_v some_o particular_a defect_n in_o that_o revelation_n which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o render_v it_o not_o so_o sufficient_a for_o this_o purpose_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a a_o stand_a revelation_n may_v be_v i_o have_v therefore_o in_o a_o former_a discourse_n upon_o 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that_o upon_o such_o a_o search_n into_o antiquity_n he_o find_v that_o he_o be_v so_o very_o well_o provide_v to_o make_v out_o his_o title_n if_o there_o shall_v ever_o be_v any_o occasion_n for_o it_o although_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o long_a and_o quiet_a possession_n that_o he_o and_o his_o ancestor_n before_o he_o time_n out_o of_o mind_n have_v have_v of_o it_o he_o have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o fear_n he_o shall_v ever_o meet_v â—ith_o any_o disturbance_n and_o so_o it_o be_v here_o these_o write_n the_o book_n of_o â—he_n new_a testament_n be_v general_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v â—ritten_v by_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o authority_n be_v at_o present_a uncontested_a it_o may_v therefore_o reasonable_o be_v presume_v especial_o by_o those_o who_o have_v â—ot_n part_n or_o learning_n or_o leisure_n to_o examine_v into_o the_o â—easons_n of_o such_o thing_n that_o they_o will_v not_o have_v â—â—en_o so_o universal_o acknowledge_v and_o reverence_v as_o â—â—ey_n be_v upon_o this_o account_n but_o upon_o very_o good_a ground_n though_o what_o the_o ground_n thereof_o be_v they_o â—â—ve_v not_o yet_o inquire_v their_o be_v in_o possession_n be_v â—one_n reason_n enough_o to_o acknowledge_v and_o assert_v their_o â—â—tle_n it_o lie_v upon_o they_o that_o deny_v these_o book_n to_o 〈◊〉_d they_o to_o produce_v satisfactory_a evidence_n of_o their_o â—ing_n forge_v or_o counterfeit_a and_o till_o they_o shall_v proâ—â—ce_v some_o evidence_n thereof_o that_o have_v a_o show_n and_o appearance_n of_o truth_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v stagger_v in_o our_o belief_n by_o their_o bare_a however_o bold_a and_o confident_a denial_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o much_o â—s_n shall_v we_o need_v to_o give_v our_o reason_n for_o our_o reâ—â—ving_v they_o as_o write_v by_o the_o apostle_n till_o our_o adversary_n shall_v offer_v some_o reason_n why_o we_o ought_v not_o 〈◊〉_d receive_v they_o as_o such_o but_o nevertheless_o because_o we_o see_v there_o be_v some_o in_o â—s_n incredulous_a age_n that_o show_v a_o good_a will_n to_o deny_v 〈◊〉_d authority_n of_o these_o sacred_a book_n and_o who_o inâ—est_n it_o will_v be_v to_o prove_v they_o spurious_a and_o beâ—se_o we_o can_v tell_v what_o unwarrantable_a practice_n â—ir_a inclination_n and_o interest_n may_v put_v they_o upon_o 〈◊〉_d what_o write_n or_o evidence_n plausible_o forge_a 〈◊〉_d counterfeit_v they_o may_v hereafter_o produce_v it_o can_v be_v amiss_o for_o we_o to_o inquire_v and_o see_v and_o it_o can_v but_o be_v a_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o we_o who_o hold_v our_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n chief_o by_o these_o write_n to_o find_v and_o consider_v how_o well_o provide_v we_o be_v to_o detect_v and_o disprove_v any_o such_o forgery_n if_o they_o shall_v be_v offer_v by_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v in_o opposition_n thereto_o as_o good_a positive_a proof_n that_o these_o book_n be_v genuine_a as_o such_o a_o matter_n be_v capable_a of_o much_o better_a than_o i_o believe_v can_v be_v produce_v for_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o other_o book_n of_o the_o like_a antiquity_n and_o it_o give_v we_o some_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o belief_n wâ—_n have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o that_o these_o be_v the_o genuiâ—â—_n book_n of_o the_o author_n to_o who_o they_o be_v ascribe_v tâ—_n find_v that_o they_o be_v receive_v as_o such_o not_o by_o a_o smaâ—â—_n party_n of_o man_n not_o by_o that_o church_n and_o nation_n only_o to_o which_o we_o belong_v but_o by_o all_o christian_n disperseâ—_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o likewise_o that_o they_o aâ—_n agree_v with_o we_o in_o the_o same_o testimony_n viz._n that_o theâ—_n receive_v then_o as_o such_o from_o their_o father_n for_o thâ—â—_n these_o book_n shall_v be_v thus_o general_o receive_v anâ—_n acknowledge_v
matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o have_v record_v and_o 3._o that_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v true_a they_o be_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v therein_o teach_v and_o i_o hope_v enough_o be_v say_v the_o last_o time_n to_o show_v that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v by_o those_o person_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n thereof_o what_o i_o be_o next_o to_o do_v be_v 2._o to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v full_a credit_n to_o these_o author_n in_o their_o relation_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o have_v record_v and_o i_o hope_v none_o of_o you_o that_o hear_v i_o who_o i_o presume_v to_o be_v all_o christian_n will_v take_v offence_n at_o it_o if_o now_o while_o i_o be_o argue_v this_o point_n i_o sometime_o speak_v of_o the_o holy_a evangelist_n with_o the_o same_o freedom_n that_o may_v be_v use_v in_o speak_v concern_v any_o other_o author_n and_o if_o i_o sometime_o plead_v for_o no_o more_o credit_n to_o be_v give_v to_o they_o in_o their_o relation_n than_o be_v fit_a and_o reasonable_a to_o be_v give_v to_o any_o other_o historian_n that_o be_v natural_o as_o well_o furnish_v and_o qualify_v to_o write_v a_o true_a history_n as_o they_o be_v and_o who_o fidelity_n and_o veracity_n be_v as_o well_o attest_v and_o confirm_v other_o way_n as_o they_o be_v for_o you_o will_v consider_v i_o hope_v that_o my_o business_n be_v now_o with_o infidel_n with_o who_o we_o can_v argue_v only_o upon_o the_o principle_n of_o common_a reason_n and_o though_o we_o who_o be_v christian_n already_o do_v believe_v as_o one_o of_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o our_o religion_n that_o these_o sacred_a writer_n be_v divine_o and_o supernatural_o assist_v in_o their_o work_n and_o that_o upon_o that_o account_n they_o 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engage_v we_o to_o receive_v they_o not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o as_o they_o be_v in_o truth_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o this_o one_o thing_n nevertheless_o i_o suppose_v i_o may_v presume_v viz._n that_o if_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o historical_a part_n of_o it_o in_o particular_a be_v write_v by_o those_o author_n to_o who_o they_o be_v ascribe_v which_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n record_v by_o the_o evangelist_n in_o write_v be_v the_o same_o which_o they_o and_o the_o other_o apostle_n testify_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n in_o their_o preach_a for_o it_o can_v i_o think_v with_o any_o reason_n be_v suspect_v that_o their_o preach_a and_o write_n be_v disagreeable_a to_o each_o other_o because_o such_o disagreement_n will_v most_o certain_o have_v utter_o destroy_v the_o credit_n of_o they_o both_o and_o this_o be_v suppose_v i_o hope_v it_o will_v clear_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a 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high_o credible_a if_o without_o any_o regard_n as_o yet_o have_v to_o the_o ability_n and_o integrity_n of_o its_o author_n we_o only_o consider_v the_o nature_n condition_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o matter_n therein_o record_v and_o of_o the_o history_n its_o self_n concern_v which_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n especial_o that_o may_v be_v observe_v 1._o that_o the_o matter_n record_v by_o the_o evangelical_n writer_n be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v certain_o know_v and_o 2._o that_o they_o be_v such_o and_o in_o such_o manner_n relate_v by_o the_o evangelist_n that_o if_o their_o history_n of_o they_o have_v be_v false_a it_o can_v never_o have_v gain_v credit_n in_o the_o world_n 1._o first_o i_o say_v the_o matter_n record_v by_o the_o evangelical_n writer_n be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v certain_o know_v i_o mean_v either_o by_o the_o historian_n themselves_o or_o by_o those_o from_o who_o they_o have_v their_o information_n for_o 1._o they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n plain_a matter_n of_o sense_n which_o those_o who_o be_v present_a at_o they_o can_v have_v no_o doubt_n of_o without_o distrust_v their_o own_o faculty_n of_o hear_v or_o see_v and_o which_o those_o who_o testify_v they_o may_v be_v as_o certain_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o as_o we_o can_v be_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o we_o hear_v with_o our_o own_o ear_n or_o see_v with_o our_o own_o eye_n for_o thus_o whether_o our_o saviour_n give_v out_o himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n whether_o he_o say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o whether_o he_o utter_v those_o other_o speech_n which_o the_o evangelist_n have_v record_v as_o speak_v by_o he_o can_v not_o but_o be_v certain_o know_v by_o the_o people_n who_o often_o hear_v he_o and_o especial_o by_o his_o apostle_n who_o constant_o attend_v he_o and_o so_o likewise_o whether_o he_o do_v those_o many_o wonderful_a work_n which_o the_o evangelist_n have_v record_v of_o he_o can_v not_o but_o be_v know_v by_o those_o that_o be_v present_a with_o he_o they_o may_v be_v certain_a either_o that_o he_o do_v they_o or_o that_o he_o do_v not_o do_v they_o thus_o for_o instance_n it_o may_v be_v certain_o know_v to_o those_o that_o first_o affirm_v that_o he_o give_v sight_n to_o the_o blind_a whether_o those_o person_n have_v be_v once_o blind_a and_o whether_o afterward_o they_o â—aw_v and_o to_o those_o that_o witness_v that_o he_o give_v strength_n â—o_o the_o cripple_n whether_o the_o man_n who_o they_o say_v he_o wrought_v this_o cure_n upon_o have_v be_v lame_a or_o disable_v â—n_o their_o foot_n hand_n or_o body_n before_o and_o whether_o â—fterwards_o they_o walk_v and_o have_v strength_n like_o other_o man_n and_o to_o those_o that_o testify_v that_o he_o raise_v the_o dead_a whether_o the_o person_n say_v to_o have_v be_v raise_v by_o â—im_n have_v be_v true_o dead_a and_o whether_o afterward_o â—hey_n live_v but_o above_o all_o his_o own_o resurrection_n which_o the_o preâ—ent_a season_n as_o well_o as_o the_o wonderfulness_n and_o importance_n of_o the_o thing_n oblige_v we_o to_o have_v a_o special_a â—egard_n to_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v most_o certain_o know_v to_o those_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v witness_n of_o it_o week_n this_o sermon_n be_v preach_v on_o the_o monday_n in_o easter_n week_n â—hey_n may_v be_v certain_a whether_o he_o have_v be_v once_o dead_a â—nd_v whether_o he_o show_v himself_o alive_a after_o his_o passion_n â—y_a many_o infallible_a proof_n and_o be_v see_v of_o they_o forty_o day_n of_o this_o they_o may_v be_v rather_o more_o certain_a than_o â—f_a any_o other_o of_o his_o miracle_n because_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n â—ot_n to_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o one_o sense_n only_o as_o some_o of_o the_o â—est_n be_v
sermon_n iii_o page_n 25._o line_n 1._o for_o once_o read_v now_o for_o those_o read_v these_o advertisement_n the_o three_o remain_a lecture_n for_o this_o year_n be_v to_o be_v at_o st._n paul_n on_o the_o first_o mondays_n in_o september_n october_n and_o november_n but_o the_o first_o monday_n in_o september_n be_v the_o fast-day_n for_o the_o fire_n of_o london_n when_o there_o will_v be_v in_o the_o morning_n a_o sermon_n suitable_a to_o that_o occasion_n preach_v before_o the_o lord_n mayor_n aldermen_z and_o company_n of_o the_o city_n mr._n boyle_n lecture_n on_o that_o day_n be_v order_v to_o be_v preach_v in_o the_o afternoon_n the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture-revelation_n as_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o part_n iii_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral-church_n of_o st._n paul_n september_n 2d_o 1700._o be_v the_o six_o for_o the_o year_n 1700_o of_o thâ—_n lecture_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n by_o offspring_n blackall_n d._n d._n rector_n of_o st._n marry_o aldermary_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v by_o j._n leake_n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1700._o st._n luke_n xvi_o 29_o 30_o 31._o abraham_n say_v unto_o he_o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o and_o he_o say_v nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o 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 in_o order_n to_o show_v that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n give_v we_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o new-testament_n and_o of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v teach_v by_o it_o i_o have_v former_o propound_v to_o show_v 1._o that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n be_v write_v by_o those_o person_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n thereof_o 2._o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v full_a credit_n to_o they_o in_o their_o relation_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o have_v record_v and_o 3._o that_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n therein_o record_v be_v true_a they_o be_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v therein_o teach_v and_o the_o two_o first_o of_o these_o point_n i_o have_v i_o hope_v already_o make_v good_a i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o three_o viz._n 3._o to_o show_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v well_o ground_v upon_o the_o history_n of_o it_o that_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n record_v in_o the_o new-testament_n be_v true_a they_o be_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v therein_o teach_v and_o here_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o understand_v both_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o it_o propose_v to_o our_o belief_n and_o the_o rule_n which_o it_o prescribe_v to_o our_o practice_n many_o of_o the_o former_a of_o which_o be_v themselves_o part_v of_o the_o gospel_n history_n as_o the_o incarnation_n life_n suffering_n death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o both_o sort_n be_v teach_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n either_o by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o or_o by_o his_o apostle_n and_o i_o suppose_v it_o will_v be_v ready_o grant_v that_o all_o their_o doctrine_n be_v true_a and_o also_o of_o divine_a authority_n if_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o they_o be_v commission_v and_o send_v by_o god_n to_o instruct_v the_o world_n for_o he_o who_o god_n have_v send_v speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n joh._n iii._o 34._o the_o single_a point_n therefore_o to_o be_v consider_v at_o this_o time_n be_v whether_o there_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n from_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n record_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v commission_v and_o send_v by_o god_n to_o instruct_v the_o world_n and_o first_o whether_o there_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n from_o thence_o that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o be_v a_o teacher_n send_v from_o god_n now_o that_o he_o say_v he_o be_v send_v from_o god_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o a_o part_n of_o the_o gospel_n history_n joh._n twelve_o 49._o 24._o see_v joh._n 5.37_o 38.8.38.14.10_o 24._o i_o have_v not_o speak_v of_o myself_o but_o the_o father_n which_o send_v i_o he_o give_v i_o a_o commandment_n what_o i_o shall_v say_v and_o what_o i_o shall_v speak_v and_o that_o he_o say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n which_o have_v be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n be_v likewise_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o a_o part_n of_o the_o same_o history_n joh._n four_o 25_o 26._o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n say_v unto_o he_o i_o know_v that_o messiah_n come_v which_o be_v call_v christ_n 9.47_o mat._n 16.16_o 17._o mar._n 9.41_o luke_n 24.46_o joh._n 9.47_o when_o he_o be_v come_v he_o will_v tell_v we_o all_o thing_n jesus_n say_v unto_o he_o i_o that_o speak_v unto_o thou_o am_z he._n the_o question_n therefore_o be_v whether_o from_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v record_v of_o he_o by_o the_o evangelist_n there_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o either_o or_o both_o these_o pretence_n i_o say_v of_o either_o or_o both_o of_o they_o because_o either_o of_o they_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o receive_v his_o doctrine_n as_o true_a and_o divine_a for_o which_o cause_n therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o in_o speak_v to_o this_o subject_a distinguish_v between_o the_o evidence_n which_o the_o gospel-history_n afford_v of_o his_o be_v a_o prophet_n and_o those_o which_o it_o afford_v of_o his_o be_v the_o messiah_n but_o shall_v propose_v they_o promiscuous_o as_o they_o come_v to_o mind_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v consider_v first_o the_o credibility_n of_o our_o saviour_n own_o testimony_n concern_v himself_o and_o second_o the_o confirmation_n that_o be_v give_v to_o this_o testimony_n by_o god_n ground_v all_o that_o shall_v be_v say_v on_o both_o these_o head_n upon_o the_o gospel-history_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o i_o now_o take_v for_o grant_v as_o be_v i_o hope_v already_o sufficient_o prove_v first_o then_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o credibility_n of_o our_o saviour_n own_o testimony_n concern_v himself_o when_o he_o say_v that_o he_o be_v send_v by_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o i_o know_v it_o be_v common_o say_v that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v in_o his_o own_o case_n and_o this_o very_a thing_n be_v object_v to_o our_o saviour_n by_o the_o jew_n joh._n viij_o 13._o thou_o bear_v record_n of_o thyself_o thy_o record_n be_v not_o true_a but_o this_o say_v be_v not_o without_o exception_n when_o indeed_o what_o a_o man_n witness_n be_v for_o his_o own_o benefit_n his_o testimony_n if_o it_o be_v single_a may_v reasonable_o be_v reject_v especial_o if_o any_o proof_n be_v make_v that_o at_o other_o time_n he_o have_v tell_v a_o lie_n or_o do_v any_o other_o ill_a thing_n for_o his_o advantage_n but_o otherwise_o a_o man_n testimony_n concern_v himself_n may_v be_v credible_a nay_o in_o some_o case_n it_o may_v be_v more_o credible_a than_o another_o man_n because_o he_o may_v sometime_o be_v sure_a of_o what_o he_o say_v concern_v himself_o than_o another_o man_n can_v be_v and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n who_o in_o joh._n v._n 31._o allow_v of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o that_o say_v if_o i_o bear_v witness_n of_o myself_o my_o witness_n be_v not_o true_a yet_o when_o this_o very_a thing_n be_v afterward_o object_v to_o he_o by_o the_o pharisee_n in_o the_o place_n before-cited_n make_v answer_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n though_o i_o bear_v record_n of_o myself_o 8.14_o joh._n 8.14_o yet_o my_o record_n be_v true_a for_o i_o know_v whence_o i_o come_v etc._n etc._n and_o that_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n concern_v his_o own_o divine_a mission_n be_v such_o as_o we_o may_v rational_o give_v credit_n to_o though_o we_o have_v no_o other_o evidence_n of_o it_o will_n i_o suppose_v sufficient_o appear_v if_o these_o follow_a thing_n be_v consider_v 1._o that_o his_o whole_a life_n according_a to_o the_o account_n that_o be_v give_v of_o it_o by_o the_o evangelist_n which_o we_o now_o build_v upon_o as_o true_a be_v in_o all_o respect_n spotless_a and_o unblameable_a 1.19_o 1_o pet._n 2.22_o 1_o pet._n 1.19_o he_o do_v no_o sin_n neither_o be_v guile_n find_v in_o his_o mouth_n he_o be_v a_o lamb_n without_o blemish_n and_o without_o spot_n
power_n of_o work_a miracle_n shall_v cease_v too_o at_o least_o till_o such_o time_n as_o god_n shall_v think_v fit_a to_o make_v some_o alteration_n in_o or_o addition_n to_o his_o former_a revelation_n which_o we_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o think_v he_o will_v never_o do_v or_o till_o he_o shall_v please_v to_o undertake_v the_o conversion_n of_o those_o nation_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n to_o who_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o former_a miracle_n that_o have_v be_v wrought_v for_o its_o confirmation_n can_v not_o be_v so_o well_o communicate_v by_o credible_a history_n as_o it_o be_v to_o we_o for_o as_o be_v hint_v before_o credible_a history_n be_v all_o the_o proof_n and_o evidence_n that_o we_o ever_o think_v reasonable_a to_o require_v in_o other_o case_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n as_o for_o instance_n when_o a_o new_a law_n be_v make_v concern_v any_o matter_n it_o be_v requisite_a according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o our_o country_n that_o it_o shall_v pass_v both_o house_n of_o parliament_n and_o that_o the_o king_n shall_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v it_o and_o that_o afterward_o it_o shall_v be_v some_o way_n so_o publish_v and_o promulge_v that_o all_o the_o subject_n that_o be_v then_o alive_a shall_v have_v sufficient_a assurance_n give_v they_o that_o such_o a_o law_n be_v make_v but_o after_o this_o law_n have_v be_v once_o so_o pass_v and_o ratify_v and_o promulge_v it_o be_v pass_v and_o ratify_v and_o promulge_v for_o ever_o and_o no_o man_n be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o expect_v that_o every_o parliament_n that_o be_v call_v afterward_o shall_v read_v and_o pass_v over_o again_o all_o the_o law_n that_o have_v be_v make_v before_o their_o time_n or_o that_o every_o king_n that_o succeed_v to_o the_o throne_n shall_v afresh_o ratify_v and_o publish_v all_o the_o law_n that_o be_v make_v by_o all_o his_o predecessor_n but_o all_o the_o proof_n that_o we_o ever_o require_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o ancient_a law_n be_v a_o true_a copy_n of_o it_o and_o a_o good_a history_n or_o record_n of_o its_o be_v make_v at_o such_o a_o time_n by_o such_o a_o king_n confirm_v by_o the_o tradition_n of_o all_o the_o intermediate_v age_n to_o our_o time_n which_o have_v allow_v of_o its_o authority_n by_o cite_v it_o as_o a_o law_n of_o the_o land_n by_o plead_v from_o it_o and_o by_o give_v judgement_n according_a to_o it_o and_o he_o who_o will_v not_o allow_v of_o the_o same_o proof_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o christian_a institution_n so_o many_o hundred_o year_n ago_o establish_v but_o will_v needs_o have_v new_a miracle_n and_o new_a revelation_n to_o confirm_v the_o former_a be_v every_o whit_n as_o unreasonable_a as_o that_o criminal_a will_v be_v who_o be_v indict_v upon_o some_o ancient_a statute_n shall_v refuse_v to_o plead_v to_o his_o indictment_n upon_o pretence_n that_o he_o know_v not_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o law_n or_o not_o it_o be_v make_v if_o ever_o it_o be_v make_v long_o before_o his_o time_n and_o there_o be_v none_o now_o alive_a that_o be_v present_a at_o the_o make_n of_o it_o show_v he_o the_o law_n in_o the_o statute_n book_n why_o how_o do_v he_o know_v he_o will_v say_v but_o that_o the_o printer_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o put_v a_o cheat_n upon_o the_o nation_n by_o print_v a_o law_n of_o their_o own_o make_n as_o a_o law_n make_v by_o some_o of_o our_o ancient_a king_n nay_o show_v he_o the_o original_a record_n still_o he_o will_v say_v there_o have_v be_v abundance_n of_o forgery_n in_o the_o world_n and_o how_o do_v he_o know_v but_o that_o this_o be_v one_o the_o record_n he_o will_v own_v perhaps_o look_v like_o a_o ancient_a deed_n and_o have_v all_o the_o mark_n of_o such_o antiquity_n as_o it_o pretend_v to_o but_o after_o all_o it_o be_v possible_a it_o may_v be_v and_o therefore_o he_o can_v be_v sure_a it_o be_v not_o a_o forgery_n and_o till_o he_o be_v assure_v of_o this_o he_o will_v not_o plead_v to_o a_o indictment_n that_o be_v ground_v upon_o it_o but_o if_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n that_o now_o be_v will_v be_v please_v to_o declare_v that_o this_o be_v a_o good_a law_n and_o if_o he_o himself_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v by_o when_o they_o shall_v declare_v it_o or_o if_o at_o least_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n that_o he_o can_v trust_v shall_v testify_v upon_o oath_n that_o they_o be_v present_a when_o it_o be_v pass_v into_o a_o law_n than_o he_o will_v allow_v it_o to_o be_v a_o good_a law_n and_o after_o that_o will_v be_v content_a to_o suffer_v the_o punishment_n of_o it_o if_o he_o shall_v ever_o again_o be_v a_o transgressor_n now_o what_o man_n be_v there_o that_o will_v think_v this_o a_o reasonable_a demand_n or_o what_o judge_n or_o court_n will_v ever_o allow_v of_o such_o a_o plea_n and_o yet_o as_o unreasonable_a as_o it_o be_v it_o be_v just_a the_o same_o with_o they_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v more_o wise_a and_o cautious_a than_o their_o neighbour_n will_v not_o allow_v of_o the_o same_o sort_n of_o proof_n though_o indeed_o much_o better_a in_o its_o kind_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o though_o we_o have_v as_o authentic_a history_n as_o any_o be_v in_o the_o world_n such_o history_n as_o the_o great_a adversary_n of_o christianity_n have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o say_v any_o thing_n to_o invalidate_v the_o truth_n of_o which_o declare_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v such_o and_o such_o doctrine_n and_o wrought_v such_o and_o such_o miracle_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n yet_o will_v not_o believe_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v true_a and_o divine_a unless_o they_o may_v have_v special_a messenger_n send_v to_o they_o to_o declare_v afresh_o all_o the_o same_o thing_n which_o the_o apostle_n once_o do_v and_o those_o endue_v with_o a_o power_n of_o work_v in_o their_o sight_n and_o presence_n the_o same_o miracle_n over_o again_o that_o be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v former_o do_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o confirm_v the_o testimony_n that_o they_o give_v 2._o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o that_o request_n which_o the_o rich_a man_n here_o make_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o his_o brethren_n viz._n that_o god_n will_v make_v a_o new_a revelation_n for_o their_o particular_a conversion_n or_o in_o general_a the_o unreasonableness_n of_o our_o now_o desire_v fresh_a revelation_n new_a miracle_n or_o apparition_n of_o man_n from_o the_o dead_a to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v already_o sufficient_o prove_v to_o we_o by_o the_o stand_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v further_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o to_o we_o who_o live_v now_o in_o christian_a country_n other_o ground_n of_o faith_n or_o strong_a motive_n to_o repentance_n than_o we_o have_v already_o in_o the_o stand_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o excellency_n of_o faith_n 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