the_o reason_n of_o faith_n or_o a_o answer_n unto_o that_o enquiry_n wherefore_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o the_o cause_n and_o nature_n of_o that_o faith_n wherewith_o we_o do_v so_o wherein_o the_o ground_n whereon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v believe_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a be_v declare_v and_o vindicate_v by_o john_n owen_n d._n d._n 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 luk._n 16._o 51._o london_n print_v for_o nathaniel_n ponder_n at_o the_o peacock_n in_o the_o poultry_n near_o cornhill_n 1677._o to_o the_o reader_n have_v add_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o design_n order_n and_o method_n of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n in_o a_o appendix_n at_o the_o close_a of_o it_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o detain_v the_o reader_n with_o the_o proposal_n of_o they_o yet_o some_o few_o thing_n remain_v which_o i_o judge_v it_o necessary_a to_o mind_v he_o of_o be_v he_o who_o he_o will_v i_o be_o sure_a we_o shall_v not_o differ_v about_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o argument_n in_o hand_n for_o whether_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n we_o contend_v for_o or_o otherwise_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o determination_n of_o it_o and_o the_o settle_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n about_o it_o be_v of_o the_o high_a concernment_n unto_o they_o but_o whereas_o so_o much_o have_v be_v write_v of_o late_a by_o other_o on_o this_o subject_n any_o further_a debate_n of_o it_o may_v seem_v either_o needless_a or_o unseasonable_a something_o therefore_o may_v be_v speak_v to_o evidence_n that_o the_o reader_n be_v not_o impose_v on_o by_o that_o which_o may_v absolute_o fall_v under_o either_o of_o those_o character_n have_v the_o end_n in_o and_o by_o these_o discourse_n be_v effectual_o accomplish_v it_o have_v be_v altogether_o useless_a to_o renew_v a_o 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those_o rational_a consideration_n whereby_o our_o assent_n unto_o the_o divine_a original_a of_o it_o be_v fortify_v and_o confirm_v against_o the_o exception_n and_o objection_n of_o such_o who_o love_n of_o sin_n and_o resolution_n to_o live_v therein_o tempt_v they_o to_o seek_v for_o shelter_n in_o a_o atheistical_a contempt_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n evidence_v itself_o therein_o but_o as_o neither_o of_o these_o be_v utter_o neglect_v in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n so_o the_o peculiar_a design_n of_o it_o be_v of_o another_o nature_n for_o the_o inquiry_n manage_v therein_o namely_o what_o be_v the_o obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n what_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o faith_n whereby_o we_o do_v so_o what_o it_o rest_v on_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o so_o as_o to_o become_v a_o divine_a and_o acceptable_a duty_n do_v respect_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n immediate_o and_o the_o way_n whereby_o they_o may_v come_v to_o rest_n and_o assurance_n in_o believe_v whereas_o therefore_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o may_v be_v often_o shake_v in_o their_o mind_n with-those_a atheistical_a objection_n against_o the_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o they_o frequent_o meet_v 〈◊〉_d that_o many_o know_v not_o how_o to_o extricate_v themselves_o from_o the_o ensnare_a question_n that_o they_o be_v often_o attaque_v withal_o about_o they_o not_o for_o want_v of_o a_o due_a assent_n unto_o they_o but_o of_o a_o right_a understanding_n what_o be_v the_o true_a and_o formal_a reason_n of_o that_o assent_n what_o be_v the_o firm_a basis_n and_o foundation_n that_o it_o rest_v upon_o what_o answer_v they_o may_v direct_o and_o peremptoty_o give_v unto_o that_o enquiry_n wherefore_o do_v you_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o give_v they_o those_o direction_n herein_o that_o upon_o a_o due_a examination_n they_o will_v find_v compliant_a with_o the_o scripture_n itself_o right_a reason_n and_o their_o own_o experience_n i_o be_o not_o therefore_o altogether_o without_o hope_n that_o this_o small_a discourse_n may_v have_v its_o use_n and_o be_v give_v out_o in_o its_o proper_a season_n moreover_o i_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o acquaint_v the_o reader_n that_o as_o i_o have_v allow_v all_o the_o argument_n plead_v by_o other_o to_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n their_o proper_a place_n and_o force_n so_o where_o i_o differ_v in_o the_o explication_n of_o any_o thing_n belong_v unto_o this_o subject_n from_o the_o conception_n of_o other_o man_n i_o have_v candid_o examine_v such_o opinion_n and_o the_o argument_n wherewith_o they_o be_v confirm_v without_o strain_v the_o word_n cavil_v at_o the_o expression_n or_o reflection_n on_o the_o person_n of_o any_o of_o the_o author_n of_o they_o and_o whereas_o i_o have_v myself_o be_v 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year_n since_o i_o publish_v a_o book_n about_o the_o dispensation_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o book_n be_v one_o part_n only_o of_o what_o i_o design_v on_o that_o subject_a the_o consideration_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o illumination_n of_o supplication_n of_o consolation_n and_o as_o the_o immediate_a author_n of_o all_o spiritual_a office_n and_o gift_n extraordinary_a and_o ordinary_a be_v design_v unto_o the_o second_o part_n of_o it_o hereof_o this_o ensue_a discourse_n be_v concern_v one_o part_n of_o his_o work_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o illumination_n which_o upon_o the_o earnest_a request_n of_o some_o acquaint_v with_o the_o nature_n and_o substance_n of_o it_o i_o have_v suffer_v to_o come_v out_o by_o itself_o that_o it_o may_v be_v of_o the_o more_o common_a use_n and_o more_o easy_o obtain_v may_v 11_o 1677._o the_o reason_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o ground_n whereon_o the_o scripture_n be_v believe_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a the_o principal_a design_n of_o that_o discourse_n whereof_o the_o ensue_a treatise_n be_v a_o part_n be_v to_o declare_v the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n for_o this_o work_n be_v particular_o and_o eminent_o ascribe_v unto_o he_o or_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n by_o he_o dispense_v ephes._n 1._o 17_o 18._o heb._n 6._o 4._o luke_n 2._o 32._o act_n 13._o 47._o chap._n 24._o 45._o chap._n 26._o 18._o 2_o cor._n 4._o 4._o 1_o pet._n 2._o 9_o the_o objective_a cause_n and_o outward_a mean_n of_o it_o be_v the_o subject_n at_o present_a design_v unto_o consideration_n and_o it_o will_v issue_v in_o these_o two_o inquiry_n 1._o on_o what_o ground_n or_o for_o what_o reason_n we_o do_v believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o faith_n
they_o some_o it_o may_v be_v can_v give_v no_o other_o account_n hereof_o but_o that_o they_o have_v be_v so_o instruct_v by_o they_o who_o they_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v credit_n unto_o or_o that_o they_o have_v so_o receive_v they_o by_o tradition_n from_o their_o father_n now_o whatever_o persuasion_n these_o reason_n may_v beget_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o profess_v to_o believe_v be_v true_a yet_o if_o they_o be_v alone_o it_o be_v not_o divine_a faith_n whereby_o they_o do_v believe_v but_o that_o which_o be_v mere_o humane_a as_o be_v resolve_v into_o humane_a testimony_n only_o or_o a_o opinion_n on_o probable_a argument_n for_o no_o faith_n can_v be_v of_o any_o other_o kind_n than_o be_v the_o evidence_n it_o reflect_v on_o or_o arise_v from_o i_o say_v it_o be_v so_o where_o they_o be_v alone_o for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o some_o who_o have_v never_o further_o consider_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o believe_v than_o the_o teach_n of_o their_o instructor_n have_v yet_o that_o evidence_n in_o their_o own_o soul_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o what_o they_o believe_v that_o with_o respect_n thereunto_o their_o faith_n be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a the_o faith_n of_o most_o have_v a_o beginning_n and_o progress_n not_o unlike_a that_o of_o the_o samaritan_n john_n 4._o 40_o 41_o 42._o as_o shall_v be_v afterward_o declare_v 3._o when_o we_o inquire_v after_o faith_n that_o be_v infallible_a or_o believe_v infallible_o which_o as_o we_o shall_v show_v hereafter_o be_v necessary_a in_o this_o case_n we_o do_v not_o intend_v a_o inherent_a quality_n in_o the_o subject_a as_o though_o he_o that_o believe_v with_o faith_n infallible_a must_n himself_o also_o be_v infallible_a much_o less_o do_v we_o speak_v of_o infallibility_n absolute_o which_o be_v a_o property_n of_o god_n who_o alone_o from_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n can_v neither_o deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v but_o it_o be_v that_o property_n or_o adjunct_n of_o the_o assent_n of_o our_o mind_n unto_o divine_a truth_n or_o supernatural_a revelation_n whereby_o it_o be_v difference_v from_o all_o other_o kind_n of_o assent_n whatever_o and_o this_o it_o have_v from_o its_o formal_a object_n or_o the_o evidence_n whereon_o we_o give_v this_o assent_n for_o the_o nature_n of_o every_o assent_n be_v give_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o evidence_n which_o it_o proceed_v from_o or_o rely_v on_o this_o in_o divine_a faith_n be_v divine_a revelation_n which_o be_v infallible_a render_v the_o faith_n that_o rest_v on_o it_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o it_o infallible_a also_o no_o man_n can_v believe_v that_o which_o be_v false_a or_o which_o may_v be_v false_a with_o divine_a faith_n for_o that_o which_o render_v it_o divine_a be_v the_o divine_a truth_n and_o infallibility_n of_o the_o ground_n and_o evidence_n which_o it_o be_v build_v upon_o but_o a_o man_n may_v believe_v that_o which_o be_v true_a infallible_o so_o and_o yet_o his_o faith_n not_o be_v infallible_a that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v infallible_o true_a yet_o the_o faith_n whereby_o a_o man_n believe_v it_o so_o to_o be_v may_v be_v fallible_a for_o it_o be_v such_o as_o his_o evidence_n be_v and_o no_o other_o he_o may_v believe_v it_o to_o be_v so_o on_o tradition_n or_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n only_o or_o on_o outward_a argument_n all_o which_o be_v fallible_a his_o faith_n be_v so_o also_o although_o the_o thing_n he_o assent_v unto_o be_v infallible_o true_a wherefore_o unto_o this_o faith_n divine_a and_o infallible_a it_o be_v not_o require_v that_o the_o person_n in_o who_o it_o be_v be_v infallible_a nor_o be_v it_o enough_o that_o the_o thing_n itself_o believe_v be_v infallible_o true_a but_o moreover_o that_o the_o evidence_n whereon_o he_o do_v believe_v it_o be_v infallible_a also_o so_o it_o be_v with_o they_o who_o receive_v divine_a revelation_n immediate_o from_o god_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o the_o thing_n reveal_v unto_o they_o be_v infallible_o true_a but_o they_o be_v to_o have_v infallible_a evidence_n of_o the_o revelation_n itself_o then_o be_v their_o faith_n infallible_a though_o their_o person_n be_v fallible_a with_o this_o faith_n then_o a_o man_n can_v believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v divine_o true_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v infallible_a and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o god_n veracity_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n be_v the_o only_a object_n of_o it_o hence_o say_v the_o prophet_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o chron._n 20._o 20._o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v establish_v or_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o god_n and_o his_o word_n be_v fix_v on_o truth_n or_o be_v infallible_a hence_o the_o enquiry_n in_o this_o case_n be_v what_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o we_o believe_v any_o thing_n with_o this_o faith_n divine_a or_o supernatural_a or_o what_o it_o be_v the_o believe_v whereof_o make_v our_o faith_n divine_a infallible_a and_o supernatural_a wherefore_o 4._o the_o authority_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n reveal_v the_o material_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o what_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o believe_v be_v the_o formal_a object_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o faith_n from_o whence_o it_o arise_v and_o whereinto_o it_o be_v ultimate_o resolve_v that_o be_v the_o only_a reason_n why_o we_o do_v believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o god_n be_v one_o single_a essence_n subsist_v in_o three_o person_n be_v because_o that_o god_n who_o be_v truth_n the_o god_n of_o truth_n deut._n 32._o 4._o who_o can_v lie_v tit._n 1._o 2._o and_o who_o word_n be_v truth_n john_n 17._o 17._o and_o the_o spirit_n which_o give_v it_o out_o be_v truth_n 1_o john_n 5_o 6._o have_v reveal_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v so_o and_o our_o believe_v these_o thing_n on_o that_o ground_n render_v our_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a suppose_v also_o a_o respect_n unto_o the_o subjective_a efficiency_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n inspire_v it_o into_o our_o mind_n whereof_o afterward_o for_o to_o speak_v distinct_o our_o faith_n be_v supernatural_a with_o respect_n unto_o the_o production_n of_o it_o in_o our_o mind_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o infallible_a with_o respect_n unto_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o it_o which_o be_v divine_a revelation_n and_o be_v divine_a in_o opposition_n unto_o what_o be_v mere_o humane_a on_o both_o account_n as_o thing_n be_v propose_v unto_o we_o to_o be_v believe_v as_o true_a faith_n in_o its_o assent_n respect_v only_o the_o truth_n or_o veracity_n of_o god_n but_o whereas_o this_o faith_n be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o a_o way_n of_o obedience_n and_o be_v consider_v not_o only_o physical_o in_o its_o nature_n but_o moral_o also_o as_o our_o duty_n it_o respect_v also_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n which_o i_o therefore_o join_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n as_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o faith_n see_v 2_o sam._n 7._o 28._o and_o these_o thing_n the_o scripture_n plead_v and_o and_o argue_v when_o faith_n be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o obedience_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n be_v that_o which_o be_v propose_v unto_o we_o as_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v believe_v what_o be_v speak_v whereunto_o often_o time_n other_o divine_a name_n and_o title_n be_v add_v signify_v his_o authority_n who_o require_v we_o to_o believe_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n god_n the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n isa._n 30._o 15._o thus_o say_v the_o high_a and_o lofty_a one_o who_o inhabit_v eternity_n who_o name_n be_v holy_a isa._n 57_o 15._o believe_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n 2_o chron._n 20._o 20._o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n precede_v most_o revelation_n in_o the_o prophet_n and_o other_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v believe_v the_o scripture_n propose_v none_o heb._n 1._o 1_o 2._o yea_o the_o interposition_n of_o any_o other_o authority_n between_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o our_o soul_n and_o conscience_n beside_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n overthrow_v the_o nature_n of_o divine_a faith_n i_o do_v not_o say_v the_o interposition_n of_o any_o other_o mean_n whereby_o we_o shall_v believe_v of_o which_o sort_n god_n have_v appoint_v many_o but_o the_o interposition_n of_o anyother_n authority_n upon_o which_o we_o shall_v believe_v as_o that_o pretend_a in_o and_o by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n no_o man_n can_v be_v lord_n of_o our_o faith_n though_o they_o may_v be_v helper_n of_o our_o joy_n 5._o the_o authority_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n consider_v in_o themselves_o absolute_o be_v not_o the_o immediate_a formal_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n though_o they_o be_v the_o ultimate_a whereinto_o it_o be_v resolve_v
for_o we_o can_v believe_v nothing_o on_o their_o account_n unless_o it_o be_v evidence_v unto_o we_o and_o this_o evidence_n of_o they_o be_v in_o that_o revelation_n which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v of_o himself_o for_o that_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n whereby_o our_o conscience_n and_o mind_n be_v affect_v with_o his_o truth_n and_o authority_n we_o do_v therefore_o no_o otherwise_o rest_n on_o the_o truth_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n in_o any_o thing_n than_o we_o rest_v on_o the_o revelation_n which_o he_o make_v unto_o we_o for_o that_o be_v the_o only_a way_n whereby_o we_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o not_o the_o lord_n be_v true_a absolute_o but_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v be_v that_o which_o we_o have_v immediate_a regard_n unto_o hereby_o alone_o be_v our_o mind_n affect_v with_o the_o authority_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n and_o by_o what_o way_n soever_o it_o be_v make_v unto_o we_o it_o be_v sufficient_a and_o able_a so_o to_o affect_v we_o at_o first_o as_o have_v be_v show_v it_o be_v give_v immediate_o to_o some_o person_n and_o preserve_v for_o the_o use_n of_o other_o in_o a_o oral_a ministry_n but_o now_o all_o revelation_n as_o have_v also_o be_v declare_v be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n only_o 6._o it_o follow_v that_o our_o faith_n whereby_o we_o believe_v any_o divine_a supernatural_a truth_n be_v resolve_v into_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n of_o divine_a revelation_n affect_v our_o mind_n and_o conscience_n with_o the_o authority_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n or_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o only_a immediate_a divine_a infallible_a revelation_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o first_o immediate_a formal_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o sole_a reason_n why_o and_o ground_n whereon_o we_o do_v believe_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v reveal_v with_o faith_n divine_a supernatural_a and_o infallible_a we_o do_v believe_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n why_o do_v we_o so_o do_v on_o what_o ground_n or_o reason_n it_o be_v because_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n command_v we_o so_o to_o do_v and_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n testify_v thereunto_o but_o how_o or_o by_o what_o mean_n be_v our_o mind_n and_o conscience_n affect_v with_o the_o authority_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n so_o as_o to_o believe_v with_o respect_n unto_o they_o which_o make_v our_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a it_o be_v alone_o the_o divine_a supernatural_a infallible_a revelation_n that_o he_o have_v make_v of_o this_o sacred_a truth_n and_o of_o his_o will_n that_o we_o shall_v believe_v it_o but_o what_o be_v this_o revelation_n or_o where_o be_v it_o to_o be_v find_v it_o be_v the_o scripture_n alone_o which_o contain_v the_o entire_a revelation_n that_o god_n have_v make_v of_o himself_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o believe_v or_o do_v hence_o 7._o the_o last_o enquiry_n arise_v how_o or_o on_o what_o ground_n for_o what_o reason_n do_v we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n proceed_v immediate_o from_o god_n or_o to_o be_v that_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v truth_n divine_a and_o infallible_a whereunto_o we_o answer_v it_o be_v sole_o on_o the_o evidence_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o and_o by_o the_o scripture_n itself_o give_v unto_o we_o that_o it_o be_v give_v by_o immediate_a inspiration_n from_o god_n or_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n whereon_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o authority_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n evidence_v themselves_o in_o and_o by_o it_o unto_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o men._n hereon_o as_o whatever_o we_o assent_v unto_o as_o propose_v in_o the_o scripture_n our_o faith_n rest_v on_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o the_o veracity_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n so_o be_v it_o also_o in_o this_o of_o believe_v the_o scripture_n itself_o to_o be_v the_o infallible_a word_n of_o god_n see_v we_o do_v it_o on_o no_o other_o ground_n but_o its_o own_o evidence_n that_o so_o it_o be_v this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v principal_o to_o be_v prove_v and_o therefore_o to_o prepare_v for_o it_o and_o to_o remove_v prejudices_fw-la something_o be_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o prepare_v the_o way_n thereunto_o 1._o there_o be_v sundry_a cogent_a argument_n which_o be_v take_v from_o external_n consideration_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o evince_n it_o on_o rational_a ground_n to_o be_v from_o god_n all_o these_o be_v motive_n of_o credibility_n or_o effectual_a persuasive_n to_o account_n and_o esteem_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o although_o they_o neither_o be_v nor_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o ever_o shall_v be_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n whereon_o we_o believe_v it_o so_o to_o be_v with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a yet_o be_v they_o necessary_a unto_o the_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n herein_o against_o temptation_n opposition_n and_o objection_n these_o argument_n have_v be_v plead_v by_o many_o and_o that_o useful_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o needful_a for_o i_o to_o insist_v upon_o they_o and_o they_o be_v the_o same_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o in_o ancient_a and_o modern_a writer_n however_o manage_v by_o some_o with_o more_o learning_n dexterity_n and_o force_v of_o reason_v than_o by_o other_o it_o may_v not_o be_v expect_v therefore_o that_o in_o this_o short_a discourse_n design_v unto_o another_o purpose_n i_o shall_v give_v they_o much_o improvement_n however_o i_o shall_v a_o little_a touch_n on_o those_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v most_o cogent_a and_o that_o in_o they_o wherein_o in_o my_o apprehension_n their_o strength_n do_v lie_v and_o i_o shall_v do_v this_o to_o manifest_v that_o although_o we_o plead_v that_o no_o man_n can_v believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o faith_n divine_a supernatural_a and_o infallible_a but_o upon_o its_o own_o internal_a divine_a evidence_n and_o efficacy_n yet_o we_o allow_v and_o make_v use_n of_o all_o those_o external_a argument_n of_o its_o sacred_a truth_n and_o divine_a original_a which_o be_v plead_v by_o other_o ascribe_v unto_o they_o as_o much_o weight_n and_o cogency_n as_o they_o can_v do_v acknowledge_v the_o persuasion_n which_o they_o beget_v and_o effect_v to_o be_v as_o firm_a as_o they_o can_v pretend_v it_o to_o be_v only_o we_o do_v not_o judge_v they_o to_o contain_v the_o whole_a of_o the_o evidence_n which_o we_o have_v for_o faith_n to_o rest_v in_o or_o to_o be_v resolve_v into_o yea_o not_o that_o at_o all_o which_o render_v it_o divine_a supernatural_a and_o infallible_a the_o rational_a argument_n we_o say_v which_o be_v or_o may_v be_v use_v in_o this_o matter_n with_o the_o humane_a testimony_n whereby_o they_o be_v corroborate_v may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o and_o insist_v on_o and_o it_o be_v but_o vain_o pretend_v that_o their_o use_n be_v supersede_v by_o our_o other_o assertion_n as_o though_o where_o faith_n be_v require_v all_o the_o subservient_fw-fr use_n of_o reason_n be_v absolute_o discard_v and_o our_o faith_n thereby_o render_v irrational_a and_o the_o assent_n unto_o the_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o the_o mind_n ought_v to_o give_v upon_o they_o we_o grant_v to_o be_v of_o as_o high_a a_o nature_n as_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v namely_o a_o moral_a certainty_n moreover_o the_o conclusion_n which_o unprejudiced_a reason_n will_v make_v upon_o these_o argument_n be_v more_o firm_a better_o ground_v and_o more_o pleadable_a than_o that_o which_o be_v build_v mere_o on_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o any_o church_n whatever_o but_o this_o we_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v a_o assent_n of_o another_o kind_n unto_o the_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n require_v of_o we_o namely_o that_o of_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a of_o this_o none_o will_v say_v that_o it_o can_v be_v effect_v by_o or_o resolve_v into_o the_o best_a and_o most_o cogent_a of_o rational_a argument_n and_o external_a testimony_n which_o be_v absolute_o humane_a and_o fallible_a for_o it_o do_v imply_v a_o contradiction_n to_o believe_v infallible_o upon_o fallible_a evidence_n wherefore_o i_o shall_v prove_v that_o beyond_o all_o these_o argument_n and_o their_o effect_n upon_o our_o mind_n there_o be_v a_o assent_n unto_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n require_v of_o we_o with_o faith_n divine_a supernatural_a and_o infallible_a and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v a_o divine_a evidence_n which_o be_v the_o formal_a object_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o which_o alone_o it_o rest_v on_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o which_o shall_v also_o be_v declare_v and_o prove_v but_o yet_o as_o be_v say_v in_o the_o first_o place_n because_o their_o
believe_v it_o so_o to_o be_v and_o then_o to_o believe_v the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o for_o this_o proposition_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o so_o to_o be_v believe_v but_o god_n no_o where_o require_v nor_o ever_o do_v that_o we_o shall_v believe_v any_o divine_a revelation_n upon_o such_o ground_n much_o less_o on_o such_o ground_n and_o motive_n only_o they_o be_v leave_v unto_o we_o as_o consequential_a unto_o our_o believe_v to_o plead_v with_o other_o in_o behalf_n of_o what_o we_o profess_v and_o for_o the_o justification_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o world_n but_o that_o which_o require_v our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n unto_o in_o the_o receive_n of_o divine_a revelation_n whether_o immediate_o give_v and_o declare_v or_o as_o record_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v his_o own_o authority_n and_o veracity_n i_o be_o the_o lord_n the_o high_a and_o lofty_a one._n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n this_o be_v my_o son_n hear_v he_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n believe_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o prophet_n this_o alone_a be_v that_o which_o he_o require_v we_o to_o resolve_v our_o faith_n into_o so_o when_o he_o give_v unto_o we_o the_o law_n of_o our_o life_n the_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a rule_n of_o our_o obedience_n unto_o he_o in_o the_o ten_o commandment_n he_o give_v no_o other_o reason_n to_o oblige_v we_o thereunto_o but_o this_o only_a i_o be_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n the_o sole_a formal_a reason_n of_o all_o our_o obedience_n be_v take_v from_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o our_o relation_n unto_o he_o nor_o do_v he_o propose_v any_o other_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v believe_v he_o or_o the_o revelation_n which_o he_o make_v of_o his_o mind_n and_o will._n and_o our_o faith_n be_v part_n of_o our_o obedience_n the_o root_n and_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o therefore_o the_o reason_n of_o both_o be_v the_o same_o neither_o do_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n ever_o make_v use_n of_o such_o argument_n or_o motive_n for_o the_o ingenerate_v of_o faith_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n nor_o have_v they_o give_v direction_n for_o the_o use_n of_o any_o such_o argument_n to_o this_o end_n and_o purpose_n but_o when_o they_o be_v accuse_v to_o have_v follow_v cunning_o devise_v fable_n they_o appeal_v unto_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n to_o the_o revelation_n they_o have_v themselves_o receive_v and_o those_o that_o be_v before_o record_v it_o be_v true_a they_o wrought_v miracle_n in_o confirmation_n of_o their_o own_o divine_a mission_n and_o of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v but_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v all_o of_o they_o wrought_v among_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o whole_a scripture_n then_o give_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o those_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v before_o the_o write_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n their_o doctrine_n therefore_o material_o consider_v and_o their_o warranty_n to_o teach_v it_o be_v sufficient_o yea_o abundant_o confirm_v by_o they_o but_o divine_a revelation_n formal_o consider_v and_o as_o write_v be_v leave_v upon_o the_o old_a foundation_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n who_o give_v it_o no_o such_o method_n be_v prescribe_v no_o such_o example_n be_v propose_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n to_o make_v use_n of_o these_o argument_n and_o motive_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n unto_o god_n and_o the_o ingenerate_v of_o faith_n in_o they_o yea_o in_o some_o case_n the_o use_n of_o such_o mean_n be_v decry_v as_o unprofitable_a and_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o god_n put_v forth_o his_o power_n in_o and_o by_o his_o word_n be_v appeal_v unto_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 4_o 5_o 13._o chap._n 14._o 26_o 27._o 2_o cor._n 4._o 7._o but_o yet_o in_o a_o way_n of_o preparation_n subservient_fw-fr unto_o the_o receive_n the_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o against_o gainsayer_n and_o their_o objection_n their_o use_n have_v be_v grant_v and_o prove_v but_o from_o first_o to_o last_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n the_o authority_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v constant_o and_o uniform_o propose_v as_o the_o immediate_a ground_n and_o reason_n of_o believe_v his_o revelation_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v that_o he_o do_v accept_v or_o approve_v of_o any_o kind_n of_o faith_n or_o assent_n but_o what_o be_v build_v thereon_o and_o resolve_v thereinto_o the_o sum_n be_v we_o be_v oblige_v in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n when_o they_o be_v ministerial_o or_o providential_o propose_v unto_o we_o whereof_o afterward_o the_o ground_n whereon_o we_o be_v to_o receive_v they_o be_v the_o authority_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o they_o we_o believe_v they_o because_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o this_o faith_n whereby_o we_o so_o believe_v be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a because_o the_o mal_fw-fr reason_n of_o it_o be_v so_o namely_o god_n truth_n and_o authority_n wherefore_o we_o do_v not_o nor_o aught_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n as_o high_o probable_a or_o with_o a_o moral_a persuasion_n and_o assurance_n build_v upon_o argument_n absolute_o fallible_a and_o humane_a only_o for_o if_o this_o be_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o faith_n namely_o the_o veracity_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n if_o we_o believe_v not_o with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a we_o believe_v not_o at_o all_o 2._o the_o moral_a certainty_n treat_v of_o be_v a_o mere_a effect_n of_o reason_n there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v unto_o it_o but_o that_o the_o reason_n propose_v for_o the_o assent_n require_v be_v such_o as_o the_o mind_n judge_v to_o be_v convince_a and_o prevalent_a whence_o a_o inferior_a kind_a of_o knowledge_n or_o a_o firm_a opinion_n or_o some_o kind_n of_o persuasion_n which_o have_v not_o yet_o get_v a_o intelligible_a name_n do_v necessary_o ensue_v there_o be_v therefore_o on_o this_o supposition_n no_o need_n of_o any_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o believe_v or_o to_o work_v faith_n in_o we_o for_o no_o more_o be_v require_v herein_o but_o what_o necessary_o arise_v from_o a_o naked_a exercise_n of_o reason_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o enquiry_n be_v not_o about_o what_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o we_o but_o concern_v the_o reason_n and_o motive_n to_o believe_v that_o be_v propose_v unto_o we_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v grant_v but_o that_o we_o urge_v herein_o be_v that_o the_o act_n which_o be_v exert_v on_o such_o motive_n or_o the_o persuasion_n which_o be_v beget_v in_o our_o mind_n by_o they_o be_v pure_o natural_a and_o such_o as_o require_v no_o especial_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o we_o for_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o now_o this_o be_v not_o faith_n nor_o can_v we_o be_v say_v in_o the_o scripture_n sense_n to_o believe_v thereby_o and_o so_o in_o particular_a not_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o be_v not_o of_o ourselves_o ephes_n 2._o 8._o it_o be_v give_v unto_o some_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o christ_n phil._n 1._o 29._o and_o not_o unto_o other_o mat._n 11._o 29._o chap._n 13._o 11._o but_o this_o assent_n on_o external_a argument_n and_o motive_n be_v of_o ourselves_o equal_o common_a and_o expose_v unto_o all_o no_o man_n can_v say_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 3._o but_o he_o who_o believe_v the_o scripture_n true_o aright_o and_o according_a to_o his_o duty_n do_v say_v so_o no_o man_n come_v to_o christ_n but_o he_o that_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v of_o the_o father_n john_n 6._o 45._o and_o as_o this_o be_v contrary_n to_o the_o scripture_n so_o it_o be_v express_o condemn_v by_o the_o ancient_a church_n particular_o by_o the_o second_o arausican_n council_n can._n 5._o 7._o si_fw-mi quis_fw-la sicut_fw-la augmentum_fw-la ita_fw-la etià m_fw-la initium_fw-la fidei_fw-la ipsumque_fw-la credulitatis_fw-la affectum_fw-la non_fw-la per_fw-la gratiae_fw-la donum_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la per_fw-la inspirationem_fw-la spiritus_fw-la sancti_fw-la corrigentem_fw-la voluntatem_fw-la nostram_fw-la ab_fw-la infidelitate_fw-la ad_fw-la fidem_fw-la ab_fw-la impietate_fw-la ad_fw-la pietatem_fw-la sed_fw-la naturalitèr_fw-la nobis_fw-la inesse_fw-la dicit_fw-la apostolicis_fw-la dogmatibus_fw-la adversarius_fw-la approbatur_fw-la and_o plain_o can._n 7._o si_fw-mi quis_fw-la per_fw-la naturae_fw-la vigorem_fw-la bonum_fw-la aliquod_fw-la quod_fw-la ad_fw-la salutem_fw-la pertinet_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la eternae_fw-la cogitare_fw-la ut_fw-la expedit_fw-la aut_fw-la eligere_fw-la sive_fw-la salutari_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la evangelicae_fw-la praedicaiioni_fw-la consentire_fw-la
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
condemn_v they_o and_o their_o ministry_n as_o be_v plain_a and_o the_o case_n of_o jeremiah_n now_o it_o be_v impious_a to_o imagine_v that_o those_o to_o who_o they_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o believe_v they_o and_o it_o tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o all_o religion_n if_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v they_o and_o that_o under_o the_o penalty_n of_o divine_a displeasure_n and_o so_o to_o receive_v the_o revelation_n make_v by_o they_o or_o their_o declaration_n of_o it_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n than_o it_o must_v contain_v in_o it_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o believe_v or_o the_o full_a and_o entire_a cause_n reason_n and_o ground_n why_o they_o ought_v to_o believe_v with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a or_o let_v another_o ground_n of_o faith_n in_o this_o case_n be_v assign_v suppose_v the_o proposal_n be_v make_v in_o the_o ordinary_a ministry_n of_o the_o church_n hereby_o the_o scripture_n be_v declare_v unto_o man_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o be_v acquaint_v with_o it_o and_o what_o god_n require_v of_o they_o therein_o and_o they_o be_v charge_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n to_o receive_v and_o believe_v it_o do_v any_o obligation_n unto_o believe_v hence_o arise_v it_o may_v be_v some_o will_v say_v that_o immediate_o there_o be_v not_o only_o they_o will_v grant_v that_o man_n be_v bind_v hereon_o to_o inquire_v into_o such_o reason_n and_o motive_n as_o be_v propose_v unto_o they_o for_o its_o reception_n and_o admission_n i_o say_v there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o consider_v all_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n which_o be_v propose_v unto_o they_o and_o not_o to_o receive_v it_o with_o brutish_a implicit_a belief_n for_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o act_n of_o man_n own_o mind_n or_o understanding_n on_o the_o best_a ground_n and_o evidence_n which_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n propose_v be_v capable_a of_o but_o suppose_v man_n to_o do_v their_o duty_n in_o their_o diligent_a inquiry_n into_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v whether_o by_o the_o proposal_n mention_v there_o come_v upon_o man_n a_o obligation_n to_o believe_v if_o there_o do_v not_o then_o be_v all_o man_n perfect_o innocent_a who_o refuse_v to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n in_o the_o preach_n of_o it_o as_o to_o any_o respect_n unto_o that_o preach_n which_o to_o say_v be_v to_o overthrow_v the_o whole_a dispensation_n of_o the_o ministry_n if_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v upon_o the_o preach_n of_o it_o then_o have_v the_o word_n in_o itself_o those_o evidence_n of_o its_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o faith_n or_o reason_n of_o believe_v for_o what_o god_n require_v we_o to_o believe_v upon_o have_v so_o always_o as_o the_o issue_n of_o this_o whole_a discourse_n it_o be_v affirm_v that_o our_o faith_n be_v build_v on_o and_o resolve_v into_o the_o scripture_n itself_o which_o carry_v with_o it_o its_o own_o evidence_n of_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o therefore_o do_v that_o faith_n ultimate_o rest_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n alone_o and_o not_o in_o any_o human_a testimony_n such_o as_o be_v that_o of_o the_o church_n nor_o in_o any_o rational_a argument_n or_o motive_n that_o be_v absolute_o fallible_a it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o if_o the_o scripture_n thus_o evidence_n itself_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o the_o sun_n manifest_v itself_o by_o light_n and_o fire_n by_o heat_n or_o as_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o reason_n be_v evident_a in_o themselves_o without_o further_a proof_n or_o testimony_n then_o every_o one_o and_o all_o man_n upon_o the_o proposal_n of_o the_o scripture_n unto_o they_o and_o its_o own_o bare_a assertion_n that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n will_v necessary_o on_o that_o evidence_n alone_o assent_v thereunto_o and_o believe_v it_o so_o to_o be_v but_o this_o be_v not_o so_o all_o experience_n lie_v against_o it_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o pleadable_a ground_n of_o reason_n that_o so_o it_o be_v or_o that_o so_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o answer_n unto_o this_o objection_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o i_o shall_v show_v what_o it_o be_v what_o power_n what_o faculty_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n whereunto_o this_o revelation_n be_v propose_v and_o whereby_o we_o assent_v unto_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o wherein_o the_o mistake_v whereon_o this_o objection_n proceed_v will_v be_v discover_v 2._o i_o shall_v mention_v some_o of_o those_o thing_n whereby_o the_o holy_a ghost_n testify_v and_o give_v evidence_n unto_o the_o scripture_n in_o and_o by_o itself_o so_o as_o that_o our_o faith_n may_v be_v immediate_o resolve_v into_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n alone_o 1._o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o may_v consider_v that_o there_o be_v three_o way_n whereby_o we_o assent_v unto_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v propose_v unto_o we_o as_o true_a and_o receive_v it_o as_o such_o 1._o by_o inbred_a principle_n of_o natural_a light_n and_o the_o first_o rational_a act_n of_o our_o mind_n this_o in_o reason_n answer_v instinct_n in_o irrational_a creature_n hence_o god_n complain_v that_o his_o people_n do_v neglect_v and_o sin_n against_o their_o own_o natural_a light_n and_o first_o dictate_v of_o reason_n whereas_o brute_n creature_n will_v not_o forsake_v the_o conduct_n of_o the_o instinct_n of_o their_o nature_n isa._n 1._o 3_o in_o general_n the_o mind_n be_v necessary_o determine_v to_o a_o assent_n unto_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o these_o principle_n it_o can_v do_v otherwise_o it_o can_v but_o assent_v unto_o the_o prime_n dictate_v of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n yea_o those_o dictate_v be_v nothing_o but_o its_o assent_n its_o first_o apprehension_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n embrace_v without_o either_o express_a reason_n or_o further_a consideration_n be_v this_o assent_n thus_o do_v the_o mind_n embrace_v in_o itself_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a with_o the_o difference_n between_o they_o however_o it_o practical_o comply_v notwith_o what_o they_o guide_v unto_o judas_n v._n 10._o and_o so_o do_v it_o assent_v unto_o many_o principle_n of_o reason_n as_o that_o the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o the_o part_n without_o admit_v any_o debate_n about_o they_o 2._o by_o rational_a consideration_n of_o thing_n external_o propose_v unto_o we_o herein_o the_o mind_n exercise_v its_o discursive_a faculty_n gather_v one_o thing_n out_o of_o another_o and_o conclude_v one_o thing_n from_o another_o and_o hereon_o be_v it_o able_a to_o assent_v unto_o what_o be_v propose_v unto_o it_o in_o various_a degree_n of_o certainty_n according_a unto_o the_o nature_n and_o degree_n of_o the_o evidence_n it_o proceed_v upon_o hence_o it_o have_v a_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o some_o thing_n of_o other_o a_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n prevalent_a against_o the_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_a which_o it_o know_v and_o who_o force_n it_o understand_v which_o may_v be_v true_a or_o false_a 3._o by_o faith_n this_o respect_v that_o power_n of_o our_o mind_n whereby_o we_o be_v able_a to_o assent_v unto_o any_o thing_n as_o true_a which_o we_o have_v no_o first_o principles_n concern_v no_o inbred_a notion_n of_o nor_o can_v from_o more_o know_v principle_n make_v unto_o ourselves_o any_o certain_a rational_a conclusion_n concern_v they_o this_o be_v our_o assent_n upon_o testimony_n whereon_o we_o believe_v many_o thing_n which_o no_o sense_n inbred_a principle_n nor_o reason_v of_o our_o own_o can_v either_o give_v we_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o or_o a_o assurance_n of_o and_o this_o assent_n also_o have_v not_o only_o various_a degree_n but_o be_v also_o of_o divers_a kind_n according_a as_o the_o testimony_n be_v which_o it_o arise_v from_o and_o rest_v on_o as_o be_v 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the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o we_o understand_v save_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n therein_o both_o which_o belong_v unto_o our_o illumination_n that_o which_o i_o shall_v first_o inquire_v into_o be_v the_o way_n how_o and_o the_o ground_n whereon_o we_o come_v 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 for_o that_o this_o be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n namely_o that_o we_o shall_v believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a i_o suppose_v will_v not_o be_v deny_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v afterward_o prove_v and_o what_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n herein_o will_v be_v our_o first_o enquiry_n second_o whereas_o we_o see_v by_o experience_n that_o all_o who_o have_v or_o enjoy_v the_o scripture_n do_v not_o yet_o understand_v it_o or_o come_v to_o a_o useful_a save_a knowledge_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o 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it_o may_v be_v will_v be_v ready_a to_o apprehend_v that_o we_o confound_v the_o efficient_a cause_n and_o formal_a reason_n of_o faith_n or_o believe_v render_v all_o rational_a argument_n and_o external_a testimony_n useless_a but_o indeed_o there_o neither_o be_v nor_o shall_v be_v any_o occasion_n administer_v unto_o these_o fear_n or_o imagination_n for_o we_o shall_v plead_v nothing_o in_o this_o matter_n but_o what_o be_v consonant_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o ancient_n and_o present_a church_n of_o god_n as_o shall_v be_v full_o evidence_v in_o our_o progress_n i_o know_v some_o have_v find_v out_o other_o way_n whereby_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o they_o suppose_v may_v be_v sufficient_o satisfy_v in_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o i_o have_v taste_v of_o their_o new_a wine_n and_o desire_v it_o not_o because_o i_o know_v the_o old_a to_o be_v better_o though_o what_o they_o plead_v be_v of_o use_n in_o its_o proper_a place_n my_o design_n require_v that_o i_o shall_v confine_v my_o discourse_n unto_o as_o narrow_a bound_n as_o possible_a and_o i_o shall_v so_o do_v show_v 1._o what_o it_o be_v in_o general_a infallible_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o what_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o so_o do_v or_o what_o it_o be_v to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o we_o be_v require_v to_o believe_v it_o so_o to_o be_v in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v external_a argument_n of_o the_o divine_a original_a of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v effectual_a motive_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o give_v a_o unfeigned_a assent_n thereunto_o 3._o that_o yet_o moreover_o god_n require_v of_o we_o that_o we_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v his_o word_n with_o faith_n divine_a supernatural_a and_o infallible_a 4._o evidence_n the_o ground_n and_o reason_n whereon_o we_o do_v so_o believe_v and_o aught_o so_o to_o do_v unto_o these_o head_n most_o of_o what_o ensue_v in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o discourse_n may_v be_v reduce_v it_o be_v meet_v that_o we_o shall_v clear_v the_o foundation_n whereon_o we_o build_v and_o the_o principle_n whereon_o we_o do_v proceed_v that_o what_o we_o design_v to_o prove_v may_v be_v the_o better_o understand_v by_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n who_o edification_n we_o intend_v for_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o equal_a concernment_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o unlearned_a wherefore_o some_o thing_n must_v be_v insist_v on_o which_o be_v general_o know_v and_o grant_v and_o our_o first_o enquiry_n be_v what_o it_o be_v to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a according_a as_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v and_o in_o our_o believe_v or_o our_o faith_n two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v 1._o what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o do_v believe_v and_o 2._o wherefore_o we_o do_v so_o believe_v it_o the_o first_o be_v the_o material_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n namely_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v believe_v the_o latter_a the_o formal_a object_n of_o it_o or_o the_o cause_n and_o reason_n why_o we_o do_v believe_v they_o and_o these_o thing_n be_v distinct_a the_o material_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v the_o thing_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n declare_v unto_o we_o in_o proposition_n of_o truth_n for_o thing_n must_v be_v so_o propose_v unto_o we_o or_o we_o can_v believe_v they_o that_o god_n be_v one_o in_o three_o person_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o like_a proposition_n of_o truth_n be_v the_o material_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o do_v believe_v and_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o do_v believe_v they_o be_v because_o they_o be_v propose_v in_o the_o scripture_n thus_o the_o apostle_n express_v the_o whole_a of_o what_o we_o intend_v 1_o cor._n 15._o 3_o 4._o i_o deliver_v unto_o you_o first_o of_o all_o that_o which_o i_o also_o receive_v how_o that_o christ_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o he_o be_v bury_v and_o that_o he_o rise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n christ_n death_n and_o burial_n and_o resurrection_n be_v the_o thing_n propose_v unto_o we_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o so_o the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o believe_v they_o be_v because_o they_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o scripture_n see_v act_n 8._o 28_o 29_o 30._o sometime_o indeed_o this_o expression_n of_o believe_v the_o scripture_n by_o a_o metonymy_n denote_v both_o the_o formal_a and_o material_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o scripture_n themselves_o as_o such_o and_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o they_o so_o john_n 2._o 22._o they_o believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o word_n that_o jesus_n say_v or_o the_o thing_n deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o further_o declare_v by_o christ_n which_o before_o they_o understand_v not_o and_o they_o do_v so_o believe_v what_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o scripture_n because_o it_o be_v so_o declare_v in_o they_o both_o be_v intend_v in_o the_o same_o expression_n they_o believe_v the_o scripture_n under_o various_a consideration_n so_o act_v 26._o 27._o the_o material_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n therefore_o be_v the_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n by_o who_o enumeration_n we_o answer_v unto_o that_o question_n what_o we_o believe_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v act_v 26._o 22_o 23._o but_o if_o moreover_o we_o be_v ask_v a_o reason_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o hope_n or_o why_o we_o believe_v the_o thing_n we_o do_v profess_v as_o god_n to_o be_v one_o in_o three_o person_n jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n we_o do_v not_o answer_v because_o so_o it_o be_v for_o this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o believe_v which_o be_v senseless_a but_o we_o must_v give_v some_o other_o answer_n unto_o that_o enquiry_n whether_o it_o be_v make_v by_o other_o or_o ourselves_o the_o proper_a answer_n unto_o this_o question_n contain_v the_o formal_a reason_n and_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o which_o it_o rest_v upon_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o look_v after_o 2._o we_o do_v not_o in_o this_o enquiry_n intend_v any_o kind_n of_o persuasion_n or_o faith_n but_o that_o which_o be_v divine_a and_o infallible_a both_o which_o it_o be_v from_o its_o formal_a reason_n or_o objective_a cause_n man_n may_v be_v able_a to_o give_v some_o kind_n of_o reason_n why_o they_o believe_v what_o they_o profess_v so_o to_o do_v that_o will_v not_o suffice_v or_o abide_v the_o trial_n in_o this_o case_n although_o they_o themselves_o may_v rest_v in_o
posse_fw-la affirmat_fw-la absque_fw-la illumi_fw-la natione_fw-la et_fw-la inspiratione_n spiritus_fw-la sancti_fw-la qui_fw-la that_fw-mi omnibus_fw-la suavitatem_fw-la consentiendo_fw-la et_fw-la credendo_fw-la veritati_fw-la haeretico_fw-la fallitur_fw-la spiritu_fw-la it_o be_v still_o grant_v that_o the_o argument_n intend_v that_o be_v all_o of_o they_o which_o be_v true_a indeed_o and_o will_v endure_v a_o strict_a examination_n for_o some_o be_v frequent_o make_v use_n of_o in_o this_o cause_n which_o will_v not_o endure_v a_o trial_n be_v of_o good_a use_n in_o their_o place_n and_o unto_o their_o proper_a end_n that_o be_v to_o beget_v such_o a_o assent_n unto_o the_o truth_n as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o effect_v for_o although_o this_o be_v not_o that_o which_o be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n but_o inferior_a to_o it_o yet_o the_o mind_n be_v prepare_v and_o dispose_v by_o they_o unto_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o its_o proper_a evidence_n 3._o our_o assent_n can_v be_v of_o no_o other_o nature_n than_o the_o argument_n and_o motive_n whereon_o it_o be_v build_v or_o by_o which_o it_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o as_o in_o degree_n it_o can_v exceed_v their_o evidence_n now_o these_o argument_n be_v all_o humane_a and_o fallible_a exalt_v they_o unto_o the_o great_a esteem_n possible_a yet_o because_o they_o be_v not_o demonstration_n nor_o do_v necessary_o beget_v a_o certain_a knowledge_n in_o we_o which_o indeed_o if_o they_o do_v there_o be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o faith_n or_o our_o obedience_n therein_o they_o produce_v a_o opinion_n only_o though_o in_o the_o high_a kind_n of_o probability_n and_o firm_a against_o objection_n for_o we_o will_v allow_v the_o utmost_a assurance_n that_o can_v be_v claim_v upon_o they_o but_o this_o be_v exclusive_a of_o all_o divine_a faith_n as_o to_o any_o article_n thing_n matter_n or_o object_n to_o be_v believe_v for_o instance_n a_o man_n profess_v that_o he_o believe_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n demand_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o do_v so_o and_o he_o will_v say_v because_o god_n who_o can_v lie_v have_v reveal_v and_o declare_v he_o so_o to_o be_v proceed_v yet_o further_o and_o ask_v he_o where_o or_o how_o god_n have_v reveal_v and_o declare_v this_o so_o to_o be_v and_o he_o will_v answer_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v his_o word_n inquire_v now_o further_o of_o he_o which_o be_v necessary_a wherefore_o he_o believe_v this_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o a_o immediate_a revelation_n give_v out_o from_o he_o for_o hereunto_o we_o must_v come_v and_o have_v somewhat_o that_o we_o may_v ultimate_o rest_v in_o exclude_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n all_o further_a inquiry_n or_o we_o can_v have_v neither_o certainty_n nor_o stability_n in_o our_o faith_n on_o this_o supposition_n his_o answer_n must_v be_v that_o he_o have_v many_o cogent_a argument_n that_o render_v it_o high_o propable_a so_o to_o be_v such_o as_o have_v prevail_v with_o he_o to_o judge_v it_o so_o to_o be_v and_o whereon_o he_o be_v full_o persuade_v as_o have_v the_o high_a assurance_n hereof_o that_o the_o matter_n will_v bear_v and_o so_o do_v firm_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n yea_o but_o it_o will_v be_v reply_v all_o these_o argument_n be_v in_o their_o kind_n or_o nature_n humane_a and_o therefore_o fallible_a such_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o may_v be_v false_a for_o every_o thing_n may_v be_v so_o that_o be_v not_o immediate_o from_o the_o first_o essential_a verity_n this_o assent_n therefore_o unto_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v humane_a fallible_a and_o such_o as_o wherein_o we_o may_v be_v deceive_v and_o our_o assent_n unto_o the_o thing_n reveal_v can_v be_v of_o no_o other_o kind_n than_o that_o we_o give_v unto_o the_o revelation_n itself_o for_o thereinto_o it_o be_v resolve_v and_o thereunto_o it_o must_v be_v reduce_v these_o water_n will_v rise_v no_o high_o than_o their_o fountain_n and_o thus_o at_o length_n we_o come_v to_o believe_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o a_o faith_n humane_a and_o fallible_a and_o which_o at_o last_o may_v deceive_v we_o which_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n and_o not_o as_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o word_n of_o god_n contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n 1_o thes._n 2._o 13._o wherefore_o 4._o if_o i_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o a_o humane_a faith_n only_o i_o do_v no_o otherwise_o believe_v whatever_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o which_o overthrow_v all_o faith_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o if_o i_o believe_v what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a i_o can_v but_o by_o the_o same_o faith_n believe_v the_o scripture_n itself_o which_o remove_v the_o moral_a certainty_n treat_v of_o out_o of_o our_o way_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v that_o we_o must_v believe_v the_o revelation_n and_o the_o thing_n reveal_v with_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o faith_n or_o we_o bring_v confusion_n on_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o believe_v no_o man_n live_a can_v distinguish_v in_o his_o experience_n between_o that_o faith_n wherewith_o he_o lieve_v the_o scripture_n and_o that_o wherewith_o he_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o or_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o such_o distinction_n or_o difference_n intimate_v in_o the_o scripture_n itself_o but_o all_o our_o believe_v be_v absolute_o resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n reveal_v nor_o can_v it_o be_v rational_o apprehend_v that_o our_o assent_n unto_o the_o thing_n reveal_v shall_v be_v of_o a_o kind_n and_o nature_n superior_a unto_o that_o which_o we_o yield_v unto_o the_o revelation_n itself_o for_o let_v the_o argument_n which_o it_o be_v resolve_v into_o be_v never_o so_o evident_a and_o cogent_a let_v the_o assent_v itself_o be_v as_o firm_a and_o certain_a as_o can_v be_v imagine_v yet_o be_v it_o humane_a still_o and_o natural_a and_o therein_o be_v inferior_a unto_o that_o which_o be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a and_o yet_o on_o this_o supposition_n that_o which_o be_v of_o a_o superior_a kind_n and_o nature_n be_v whole_o resolve_v into_o that_o which_o be_v of_o a_o inferior_a and_o must_v be_v take_v itself_o on_o all_o occasion_n thereunto_o for_o relief_n and_o confirmation_n for_o the_o faith_n whereby_o we_o believe_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v on_o all_o occasion_n absolute_o melt_v down_o into_o that_o whereby_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v my_o present_a especial_a design_n and_o therefore_o i_o have_v insist_v long_o enough_o upon_o they_o i_o be_o not_o inquire_v what_o ground_n man_n may_v have_v to_o build_v a_o opinion_n or_o any_o kind_n of_o humane_a persuasion_n upon_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o the_o word_n of_o god_n no_o nor_o yet_o how_o we_o may_v prove_v or_o maintain_v they_o so_o to_o be_v unto_o gainsayer_n but_o what_o be_v require_v hereunto_o that_o we_o may_v believe_v they_o to_o be_v so_o with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a and_o what_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n therein_o but_o it_o may_v be_v further_o say_v that_o these_o external_a argument_n and_o motive_n be_v not_o of_o themselves_o and_o consider_v separately_z from_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o testify_v unto_o the_o sole_a ground_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o believe_v for_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o a_o thousand_o argument_n of_o a_o like_a cogency_n with_o they_o be_v offer_v to_o confirm_v any_o truth_n or_o doctrine_n if_o it_o have_v not_o a_o divine_a worth_n and_o excellency_n in_o itself_o they_o can_v give_v the_o mind_n no_o assurance_n of_o it_o wherefore_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n itself_o or_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o they_o testify_v unto_o that_o animate_v they_o and_o give_v they_o their_o efficacy_n for_o there_o be_v such_o a_o majesty_n holiness_n and_o excellency_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o moreover_o such_o a_o suitableness_n in_o they_o unto_o unprejudiced_a reason_n and_o such_o a_o answerableness_n unto_o all_o the_o rational_a desire_n and_o expectation_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o evidence_n their_o procedure_n from_o the_o fountain_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n it_o can_v but_o be_v conceive_v impossible_a that_o such_o excellent_a heavenly_a mystery_n of_o such_o use_n and_o benefit_n unto_o all_o mankind_n shall_v be_v the_o product_n of_o any_o create_a industry_n let_v but_o a_o man_n know_v himself_o his_o state_n and_o condition_n in_o any_o measure_n with_o a_o desire_n of_o that_o blessedness_n which_o his_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o
their_o pretence_n 2._o they_o differ_v likewise_o in_o their_o nature_n or_o kind_a for_o immediate_a divine_a prophetical_a revelation_n consist_v in_o a_o immediate_a inspiration_n or_o afflatus_fw-la or_o in_o vision_n and_o voice_n from_o heaven_n with_o a_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n transient_o affect_v their_o mind_n guide_v their_o tongue_n and_o hand_n to_o who_o they_o be_v grant_v whereby_o they_o receive_v and_o represent_v divine_a impression_n as_o a_o instrument_n of_o music_n do_v the_o skill_n of_o the_o hand_n whereby_o it_o be_v move_v the_o nature_n of_o which_o revelation_n i_o have_v more_o full_o discourse_v elsewhere_o but_o this_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n consist_v in_o his_o effectual_a operation_n free_v our_o mind_n from_o darkness_n ignorance_n and_o prejudice_n enable_v they_o to_o discern_v spiritual_a thing_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n and_o such_o a_o spirit_n of_o revelation_n be_v necessary_a unto_o they_o who_o will_v believe_v aright_o the_o scripture_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a contain_v therein_o and_o if_o man_n who_o through_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n and_o prejudices_fw-la be_v in_o the_o dark_a or_o at_o a_o loss_n as_o to_o the_o great_a and_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o all_o religion_n namely_o the_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n will_v absolute_o lean_v unto_o their_o own_o understanding_n and_o have_v the_o whole_a difference_n determine_v by_o the_o natural_a power_n and_o faculty_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n without_o seek_v after_o divine_a aid_n and_o assistance_n or_o earnest_a prayer_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n to_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o their_o understanding_n they_o must_v be_v content_a to_o abide_v in_o their_o uncertainty_n or_o to_o come_v off_o from_o they_o without_o any_o advantage_n to_o their_o soul_n not_o that_o i_o will_v deny_v unto_o man_n or_o take_v they_o off_o from_o the_o use_n of_o their_o reason_n in_o this_o matter_n for_o what_o be_v their_o reason_n give_v unto_o they_o for_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o use_v it_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o the_o great_a importance_n unto_o they_o only_o i_o must_v crave_v leave_n to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o itself_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n without_o the_o immediate_a aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n if_o any_o one_o upon_o these_o principle_n shall_v now_o ask_v we_o wherefore_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o do_v not_o answer_v it_o be_v because_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v enlighten_v our_o mind_n wrought_v faith_n in_o we_o and_o enable_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o without_o this_o we_o say_v indeed_o do_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n so_o work_v in_o we_o and_o upon_o we_o we_o neither_o shall_v nor_o can_v believe_v with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a if_o god_n have_v not_o open_v the_o heart_n of_o lydia_n she_o will_v not_o have_v attend_v unto_o the_o thing_n preach_v by_o paul_n so_o as_o to_o have_v receive_v they_o and_o without_o it_o the_o light_n oftentimes_o shine_v into_o darkness_n but_o the_o darkness_n comprehend_v it_o not_o but_o this_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v the_o formal_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v of_o god_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o neither_o do_v we_o nor_o can_v we_o rational_o answer_v by_o it_o unto_o this_o question_n why_o we_o do_v believe_v this_o reason_n must_v be_v something_o external_a and_o evident_o propose_v unto_o we_o for_o whatever_o ability_n of_o spiritual_a assent_n there_o be_v in_o the_o understanding_n which_o be_v thus_o wrought_v in_o it_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n yet_o the_o understanding_n can_v assent_v unto_o any_o thing_n with_o any_o kind_a of_o assent_n natural_a or_o supernatural_a but_o what_o be_v outward_o propose_v unto_o it_o as_o true_a and_o that_o with_o sufficient_a evidence_n that_o it_o be_v so_o that_o therefore_o which_o propose_v any_o thing_n unto_o we_o as_o true_a with_o evidence_n of_o that_o truth_n be_v the_o formal_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o do_v believe_v and_o what_o be_v so_o propose_v must_v be_v true_a and_o must_v be_v evidence_v to_o be_v true_a or_o we_o can_v believe_v it_o and_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o evidence_n such_o be_v our_o faith_n humane_a if_o that_o be_v humane_a and_o divine_a if_o that_o be_v so_o now_o nothing_o of_o this_o be_v do_v by_o that_o save_a light_n which_o be_v infuse_v into_o our_o mind_n and_o be_v therefore_o not_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o believe_v what_o we_o do_v so_o whereas_o therefore_o some_o who_o seem_v to_o conceive_v that_o the_o only_a general_a ground_n of_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v consist_v in_o rational_a argument_n and_o motive_n of_o credibility_n do_v grant_v that_o private_a person_n may_v have_v their_o assurance_n hereof_o from_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n though_o it_o be_v not_o pleadable_a to_o other_o they_o grant_v what_o be_v not_o that_o i_o know_v of_o desire_v by_o any_o and_o which_o in_o itself_o be_v not_o true_a for_o this_o work_n consist_v sole_o in_o enable_v the_o mind_n unto_o that_o kind_a of_o assent_n which_o be_v faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a on_o supposition_n of_o a_o external_a formal_a reason_n of_o it_o due_o propose_v be_v not_o the_o reason_n why_o any_o do_v believe_v nor_o the_o ground_n whereunto_o their_o faith_n be_v resolve_v it_o remain_v only_o that_o we_o inquire_v whether_o our_o faith_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v not_o resolve_v into_o a_o immediate_a internal_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n assure_v we_o of_o the_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n distinct_a from_o the_o work_n of_o spiritual_a illumination_n before_o describe_v for_o it_o be_v the_o common_a opinion_n of_o protestant_a divine_n that_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o ground_n whereon_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o in_o what_o sense_n it_o be_v so_o shall_v be_v immediate_o declare_v but_o hereon_o be_v they_o general_o charge_v by_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o other_o that_o they_o resolve_v all_o the_o ground_n and_o assurance_n of_o faith_n into_o their_o own_o particular_a spirit_n or_o the_o spirit_n of_o every_o one_o that_o will_v pretend_v thereunto_o and_o this_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o sufficient_a warranty_n to_o reproach_v they_o with_o give_v countenance_n unto_o enthusiasm_n and_o expose_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o endless_a delusion_n wherefore_o this_o matter_n must_v be_v a_o little_a further_o inquire_v into_o and_o by_o a_o internal_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n a_o extraordinary_a afflatus_fw-la or_o new_a immediate_a revelation_n may_v be_v intend_v man_n may_v suppose_v they_o have_v or_o aught_o to_o have_v a_o internal_a particular_a testimony_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n whereby_o and_o whereby_o alone_o they_o may_v be_v infallible_o assure_v that_o so_o it_o be_v and_o this_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o revelation_n make_v unto_o the_o prophet_n and_o penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o it_o be_v neither_o a_o external_a proposition_n of_o truth_n nor_o a_o internal_a ability_n to_o assent_v unto_o such_o a_o proposition_n and_o beside_o these_o there_o be_v no_o divine_a operation_n in_o this_o kind_n but_o a_o immediate_a prophetical_a inspiration_n or_o revelation_n wherefore_o as_o such_o a_o revelation_n or_o immediate_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o only_a reason_n why_o we_o do_v believe_v so_o it_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o our_o faith_n rest_v on_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v common_o impute_v unto_o those_o who_o deny_v either_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n or_o any_o other_o external_a argument_n or_o motive_n of_o credibility_n to_o be_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o faith_n howbeit_o there_o be_v no_o one_o of_o they_o that_o i_o know_v of_o who_o ever_o assert_v any_o such_o thing_n and_o i_o do_v therefore_o deny_v that_o our_o faith_n be_v resolve_v into_o any_o such_o private_a testimony_n immediate_a revelation_n or_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o for_o the_o ensue_a reason_n 1._o since_o the_o finish_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o church_n be_v not_o under_o that_o conduct_n as_o to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o such_o new_a extraordinary_a revelation_n it_o do_v indeed_o live_v upon_o the_o internal_a gracious_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n enable_v we_o to_o understand_v believe_v and_o obey_v the_o perfect_a
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
exercise_n but_o a_o mere_a delusion_n so_o if_o any_o pretend_v unto_o revelation_n by_o faith_n which_o be_v contradictory_n unto_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o natural_a light_n or_o reason_n in_o its_o proper_a exercise_n about_o its_o proper_a object_n it_o be_v a_o delusion_n on_o this_o ground_n the_o roman_a doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n be_v just_o reject_v for_o it_o propose_v that_o as_o a_o revelation_n by_o faith_n which_o be_v express_o contradictory_n unto_o our_o sense_n and_o reason_n in_o their_o proper_a exercise_n about_o their_o proper_a object_n and_o a_o supposition_n of_o the_o possibility_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n will_v make_v the_o way_n whereby_o god_n reveal_v and_o make_v know_v himself_o to_o cross_v and_o enterfere_v one_o with_o another_o which_o will_v leave_v we_o no_o certainty_n in_o any_o thing_n divine_a or_o humane_a but_o yet_o as_o these_o mean_n of_o divine_a revelation_n do_v harmonise_v and_o perfect_o agree_v one_o with_o the_o other_o so_o they_o be_v not_o objective_o equal_a or_o equal_o extensive_a nor_o be_v they_o coordinate_a but_o subordinate_a unto_o one_o another_o wherefore_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n discernible_a by_o reason_n in_o its_o exercise_n which_o do_v not_o appear_v unto_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o natural_a light_n so_o the_o sober_a philosopher_n of_o old_a attain_v unto_o many_o true_a and_o great_a conception_n of_o god_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o nature_n above_o what_o they_o arrive_v unto_o who_o either_o do_v not_o or_o can_v not_o cultivate_v and_o improve_v the_o principle_n of_o natural_a light_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o they_o do_v it_o be_v therefore_o folly_n to_o pretend_v that_o thing_n so_o make_v know_v of_o god_n be_v not_o infallible_o true_a and_o certain_a because_o they_o be_v not_o obvious_a unto_o the_o first_o conception_n of_o natural_a light_n without_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o reason_n provide_v they_o be_v not_o contradictory_n thereunto_o and_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n reveal_v unto_o faith_n that_o be_v above_o and_o beyond_o the_o comprehension_n of_o reason_n in_o the_o best_a and_o utmost_a of_o its_o most_o proper_a exercise_n such_o be_v all_o the_o principal_a mystery_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o it_o be_v the_o height_n of_o folly_n to_o reject_v they_o as_o some_o do_v because_o they_o be_v not_o discernible_a and_o comprehensible_a by_o reason_n see_v they_o be_v not_o contradictory_n thereunto_o wherefore_o these_o way_n of_o god_n revelation_n of_o himself_o be_v not_o equal_o extensive_a or_o commensurate_n but_o be_v so_o subordinate_a one_o unto_o another_o that_o what_o be_v want_v unto_o the_o one_o be_v supply_v by_o the_o other_o unto_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o entire_a end_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v the_o same_o in_o they_o all_o the_o revelation_n which_o god_n make_v of_o himself_o in_o the_o first_o way_n by_o the_o inbred_a principle_n of_o natural_a light_n do_v sufficient_o and_o infallible_o evidence_n itself_o to_o be_v from_o he_o it_o do_v it_o in_o unto_z and_o by_o those_o principle_n themselves_o this_o revelation_n of_o god_n be_v infallible_a the_o assent_n unto_o it_o be_v infallible_a which_o the_o infallible_a evidence_n it_o give_v of_o itself_o make_v to_o be_v so_o we_o dispute_v not_o now_o what_o a_o few_o atheistical_a sceptic_n pretend_v unto_o who_o folly_n have_v be_v sufficient_o detect_v by_o other_o all_o the_o sobriety_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n consent_v in_o this_o that_o the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o and_o by_o the_o inbred_a principle_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o conscience_n do_v sufficient_o uncontrollable_o and_o infallible_o manifest_v itself_o to_o be_v from_o he_o and_o that_o the_o mind_n neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v possible_o impose_v on_o in_o its_o apprehension_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o if_o the_o first_o dictate_v of_o reason_n concern_v god_n do_v not_o evidence_n themselves_o to_o be_v from_o god_n they_o be_v neither_o of_o any_o use_n nor_o force_n for_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v confirm_v by_o external_a argument_n and_o what_o be_v write_v about_o they_o be_v to_o show_v their_o force_n and_o evidence_n not_o to_o give_v they_o any_o wherefore_o this_o first_o way_n of_o god_n revelation_n of_o himself_o unto_o we_o be_v infallible_a and_o infallible_o evidence_v itself_o in_o our_o mind_n according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o our_o nature_n 2._o the_o revelation_n that_o god_n make_v of_o himself_o by_o the_o work_v of_o creation_n and_o providence_n unto_o our_o reason_n in_o exercise_n or_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n as_o discursive_a conclude_v rational_o one_o thing_n from_o another_o do_v sufficient_o yea_o infallible_o evidence_n and_o demonstrate_v itself_o to_o be_v from_o he_o so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v be_v deceive_v therein_o it_o do_v not_o do_v so_o unto_o the_o inbred_a principle_n of_o natural_a light_n unless_o they_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o rational_a exercise_n about_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o revelation_n make_v that_o be_v we_o must_v rational_o consider_v the_o work_n of_o god_n both_o of_o creation_n and_o providence_n or_o we_o can_v learn_v by_o they_o what_o god_n intend_v to_o reveal_v of_o himself_o and_o in_o our_o do_v so_o we_o can_v be_v deceive_v for_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n rom._n 1._o 20._o they_o be_v clear_o see_v and_o therefore_o may_v be_v perfect_o understand_v as_o to_o what_o they_o teach_v of_o god_n without_o any_o possibility_n of_o mistake_n and_o wherever_o man_n do_v not_o receive_v the_o revelation_n intend_v in_o the_o way_n intend_v that_o be_v do_v not_o certain_o conclude_v that_o what_o god_n teach_v by_o his_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n namely_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n with_o the_o essential_a property_n thereof_o infinite_a wisdom_n goodness_n righteousness_n and_o the_o like_a be_v certain_o and_o infallible_o so_o believe_v it_o according_o it_o be_v not_o from_o any_o defect_n in_o the_o revelation_n or_o its_o self-evidencing_a efficacy_n but_o only_o from_o the_o deprave_a vicious_a habit_n of_o their_o mind_n their_o enmity_n against_o god_n and_o dislike_n of_o he_o and_o so_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o they_o who_o reject_v or_o improve_v not_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n do_v it_o because_o they_o do_v not_o like_a to_o retain_v god_n in_o their_o knowledge_n rom._n 1._o 28._o for_o which_o cause_n god_n do_v so_o severe_o revenge_v their_o natural_a unbelief_n as_o be_v there_o express_v see_v isa._n 46._o 8._o chap_n 44._o 15_o 19_o 20._o that_o which_o i_o principal_o insist_v on_o from_o hence_o be_v that_o the_o revelation_n which_o god_n make_v of_o himself_o by_o the_o work_v of_o creation_n and_o providence_n do_v not_o evidence_n itself_o unto_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o natural_a light_n so_o as_o that_o a_o assent_n shall_v be_v give_v thereunto_o without_o the_o actual_a exercise_n of_o reason_n or_o the_o discursive_a faculty_n of_o our_o mind_n about_o they_o but_o thereunto_o it_o do_v infallible_o evidence_n itself_o so_o may_v the_o scripture_n have_v and_o have_v a_o self_n evidence_v efficacy_n though_o this_o appear_v not_o unto_o the_o light_n of_o first_o natural_a principle_n no_o nor_o to_o bare_a reason_n in_o its_o exercise_n for_o 3._o unto_o our_o faith_n god_n reveal_v himself_o by_o the_o scripture_n or_o his_o word_n which_o he_o have_v magnify_v above_o all_o his_o name_n psal._n 138._o 2._o that_o be_v implant_v on_o it_o more_o character_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o property_n than_o on_o any_o other_o way_n whereby_o he_o reveal_v or_o make_v himself_o know_v unto_o we_o and_o this_o revelation_n of_o god_n by_o his_o word_n we_o confess_v be_v not_o sufficient_a nor_o suit_v to_o evidence_n itself_o unto_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o our_o understanding_n so_o that_o by_o bare_a proposal_n of_o it_o to_o be_v from_o god_n we_o shall_v by_o virtue_n of_o they_o immediate_o assent_v unto_o it_o as_o man_n assent_v unto_o self-evident_a natural_a principle_n as_o that_o the_o part_n be_v lesser_a than_o the_o whole_a or_o the_o like_a nor_o do_v it_o evidence_n itself_o unto_o our_o reason_n in_o its_o mere_a natural_a exercise_n as_o that_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o we_o can_v demonstrative_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v from_o god_n and_o that_o what_o be_v declare_v therein_o be_v certain_o and_o infallible_o true_a it_o have_v indeed_o such_o external_a evidence_n accompany_v it_o as_o make_v a_o great_a impression_n on_o reason_n itself_o but_o the_o power_n of_o our_o soul_n whereunto_o it_o be_v propose_v
mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n with_o its_o operation_n of_o divine_a effect_n thereon_o this_o the_o apostle_n express_o affirm_v to_o be_v the_o reason_n and_o cause_n of_o faith_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 24_o 25._o if_o all_o prophesy_n and_o there_o come_v in_o one_o that_o believe_v not_o or_o one_o unlearned_a he_o be_v convince_v of_o all_o he_o be_v judge_v of_o all_o and_o thus_o be_v the_o secret_n of_o his_o heart_n make_v manifest_a and_o so_o fall_v down_o on_o his_o face_n he_o will_v worship_v god_n and_o report_n that_o god_n be_v in_o you_o of_o a_o truth_n the_o acknowledgement_n and_o confession_n of_o god_n to_o be_v in_o they_o or_o among_o they_o be_v a_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o word_n administer_v by_o they_o such_o person_n assent_v unto_o its_o divine_a authority_n or_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o on_o what_o evidence_n or_o ground_n of_o credibility_n they_o do_v so_o be_v express_o declare_v it_o be_v not_o upon_o the_o force_n of_o any_o external_a argument_n produce_v and_o plead_v unto_o that_o purpose_n it_o be_v not_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o this_o or_o that_o or_o any_o church_n whatever_o nor_o be_v it_o upon_o a_o conviction_n of_o any_o miracle_n which_o they_o see_v wrought_v in_o its_o confirmation_n yea_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o confession_n declare_v be_v oppose_v unto_o the_o efficacy_n and_o use_v of_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o tongue_n v_o 23_o 24._o wherefore_o the_o only_a evidence_n whereon_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n and_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v of_o god_n be_v that_o divine_a power_n and_o efficacy_n whereof_o they_o find_v and_o feel_v the_o experience_n in_o themselves_o he_o be_v convince_v of_o all_o judge_v of_o all_o and_o thus_o be_v the_o secret_n of_o his_o heart_n make_v manifest_a whereon_o he_o fall_v down_o before_o it_o with_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o its_o divine_a authority_n find_v the_o word_n to_o come_v upon_o his_o conscience_n with_o a_o irresistible_a power_n of_o conviction_n and_o judgement_n thereon_o he_o be_v convince_v of_o all_o judge_v of_o all_o he_o can_v but_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o divine_a efficacy_n in_o it_o or_o accompany_v of_o it_o especial_o his_o mind_n be_v influence_v by_o this_o that_o the_o secret_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v make_v manifest_a by_o it_o for_o all_o man_n must_v acknowledge_v this_o to_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o divine_a power_n see_v god_n alone_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o who_o search_v know_v and_o judge_v the_o heart_n and_o if_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n because_o he_o tell_v she_o all_o thing_n that_o ever_o she_o do_v john_n 4._o 29._o there_o be_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o word_n to_o be_v from_o god_n which_o make_v manifest_a even_o the_o secret_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o although_o i_o do_v conceive_v that_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n heb._n 4._o 12._o the_o live_n and_o eternal_a word_n be_v principal_o intend_v yet_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n there_o ascribe_v to_o he_o be_v that_o which_o he_o put_v forth_o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o that_o word_n also_o in_o its_o place_n and_o use_v pierce_v to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o joint_n and_o marrew_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n or_o pass_v a_o critical_a judgement_n on_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n or_o make_v manifest_v the_o secret_n of_o man_n heart_n as_o it_o be_v here_o express_v hereby_o then_o do_v the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o evidence_n the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o word_n namely_o by_o that_o divine_a power_n which_o it_o have_v upon_o our_o soul_n and_o conscience_n that_o we_o do_v assure_o acquiesce_v in_o it_o to_o be_v from_o god_n so_o the_o thessalonian_n be_v commend_v that_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o effectual_o work_v in_o they_o that_o believe_v 1_o thess._n 2._o 15._o it_o distinguish_v itself_o from_o the_o word_n of_o man_n and_o evidence_n itself_o to_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o its_o effectual_a operation_n in_o they_o that_o believe_v and_o he_o who_o have_v this_o testimony_n in_o himself_o have_v a_o high_a and_o more_o firm_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n than_o what_o can_v be_v attain_v by_o the_o force_n of_o external_a argument_n or_o the_o credit_n of_o humane_a testimony_n wherefore_o i_o say_v in_o general_a that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n give_v testimony_n unto_o and_o evince_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o word_n by_o its_o powerful_a operation_n and_o divine_a effect_n on_o the_o soul_n of_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v so_o that_o although_o it_o be_v weakness_n and_o foolishness_n unto_o other_o yet_o as_o be_v christ_n himself_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v call_v it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o i_o must_v say_v that_o although_o a_o man_n be_v furnish_v with_o external_a argument_n of_o all_o sort_n concern_v the_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n although_o he_o esteem_v his_o motive_n of_o credibility_n to_o be_v effectual_o persuasive_a and_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o or_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n to_o confirm_v his_o persuasion_n yet_o if_o he_o have_v no_o experience_n in_o himself_o of_o its_o divine_a power_n authority_n and_o efficacy_n he_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v believe_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a but_o he_o that_o have_v this_o experience_n have_v that_o testimony_n in_o himself_o which_o will_v never_o fail_v this_o will_v be_v the_o more_o manifest_a if_o we_o consider_v some_o few_o of_o those_o many_o instance_n wherein_o it_o exert_v its_o power_n or_o the_o effect_n which_o be_v produce_v thereby_o the_o principal_a divine_a effect_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v in_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o sinner_n unto_o god_n the_o greatness_n and_o glory_n of_o this_o work_n we_o have_v elsewhere_o declare_v at_o large_a and_o all_o those_o who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o it_o as_o it_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o have_v any_o experience_n of_o it_o in_o their_o own_o heart_n do_v constant_o give_v it_o as_o a_o instance_n of_o the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n it_o may_v be_v they_o speak_v not_o improper_o who_o prefer_v the_o work_n of_o the_o new_a creation_n before_o the_o work_n of_o the_o old_a for_o the_o express_a evidence_n of_o almighty_a power_n contain_v in_o it_o as_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n do_v now_o of_o this_o great_a and_o glorious_a effect_v the_o word_n be_v the_o only_a instrumental_a cause_n whereby_o the_o divine_a power_n operate_v and_o be_v expressive_a of_o itself_o for_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o bear_v of_o god_n not_o of_o corruptible_a seed_n but_o of_o incorruptible_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o abide_v for_o ever_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 21._o for_o of_o his_o own_o will_n do_v god_n beget_v we_o with_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n jam._n 1._o 18._o the_o word_n be_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n in_o we_o that_o whereby_o our_o whole_a nature_n our_o soul_n and_o all_o their_o faculty_n be_v change_v and_o renew_v into_o the_o image_n and_o likeness_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o same_o word_n be_v this_o new_a nature_n keep_v and_o preserve_v 1_o pet._n 2._o 2._o and_o the_o whole_a soul_n carry_v on_o unto_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n it_o be_v unto_o believer_n a_o engraft_a word_n which_o be_v able_a to_o save_v their_o soul_n james_n 1._o 21._o the_o word_n of_o god_n grace_n which_o be_v able_a to_o build_v we_o up_o and_o give_v we_o a_o inheritance_n among_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v act_v 20._o 32._o and_o that_o because_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n unto_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v rom._n 1._o 16._o all_o the_o power_n which_o god_n put_v forth_o and_o exert_n in_o the_o communication_n of_o that_o grace_n and_o mercy_n unto_o believer_n whereby_o they_o be_v gradual_o carry_v on_o and_o prepare_v unto_o salvation_n he_o do_v it_o by_o the_o word_n therein_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n be_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o word_n evidence_v by_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o efficacy_n give_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o work_n which_o be_v effect_v by_o it_o in_o the_o regeneration_n conversion_n and_o sanctification_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n do_v evidence_n it_o infallible_o unto_o their_o conscience_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o word_n
the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o no_o less_o firmness_n certainty_n and_o assurance_n of_o mind_n than_o do_v the_o wise_a and_o most_o learned_a of_o they_o yea_o ofttimes_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o former_a sort_n herein_o be_v of_o the_o best_a growth_n and_o firm_a consistency_n against_o opposition_n and_o temptation_n now_o no_o assent_n of_o the_o mind_n can_v be_v accompany_v with_o any_o more_o assurance_n than_o the_o evidence_n who_o effect_n it_o be_v and_o which_o it_o be_v resolve_v into_o will_v afford_v nor_o do_v any_o evidence_n of_o truth_n beget_v a_o assent_n unto_o it_o in_o the_o mind_n but_o as_o it_o be_v apprehend_v and_o understand_v wherefore_o the_o evidence_n of_o this_o truth_n wherein_o soever_o it_o consist_v must_v be_v that_o which_o be_v perceive_v apprehend_v and_o understand_v by_o the_o mean_a and_o most_o unlearned_a sort_n of_o true_a believer_n for_o as_o be_v say_v they_o do_v no_o less_o firm_o assent_v and_o adhere_v unto_o it_o than_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o learned_a of_o they_o it_o can_v therefore_o consist_v in_o such_o subtle_a and_o learned_a argument_n who_o sense_n they_o can_v understand_v or_o comprehend_v but_o the_o thing_n we_o have_v plead_v be_v of_o another_o nature_n for_o those_o character_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n goodness_n holiness_n grace_n and_o sovereign_a authority_n which_o be_v implant_v on_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v as_o legible_a unto_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o mean_a as_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a believer_n and_o they_o also_o be_v no_o less_o capable_a of_o a_o experimental_a understanding_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o all_o its_o spiritual_a operation_n than_o those_o who_o be_v more_o wise_a and_o skilful_a in_o discern_v the_o force_n of_o external_n argument_n and_o motive_n of_o credibility_n it_o must_v therefore_o of_o necessity_n be_v grant_v that_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o faith_n consist_v in_o those_o thing_n whereof_o the_o evidence_n be_v equal_o obvious_a unto_o all_o sort_n of_o believer_n 2._o whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o assent_n of_o faith_n whereby_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v usual_o affirm_v to_o be_v accompany_v with_o more_o assurance_n than_o any_o assent_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o science_n upon_o the_o most_o demonstrative_a principle_n they_o who_o affirm_v this_o do_v not_o consider_v faith_n as_o it_o be_v in_o this_o or_o that_o individual_a person_n or_o in_o all_o that_o do_v sincere_o believe_v but_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o essence_n and_o what_o it_o be_v meet_v and_o able_a to_o produce_v and_o the_o schoolman_n do_v distinguish_v between_o a_o certainty_n or_o assurance_n of_o evidence_n and_o a_o assurance_n of_o adherence_n in_o the_o latter_a they_o say_v the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n do_v exceed_v that_o of_o science_n but_o it_o be_v less_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o former_a but_o it_o be_v not_o easy_o to_o be_v conceive_v how_o the_o certainty_n of_o adherence_n shall_v exceed_v the_o certainty_n of_o evidence_n with_o respect_n unto_o any_o object_n whatsoever_o that_o which_o seem_v to_o render_v a_o difference_n in_o this_o case_n be_v that_o the_o evidence_n which_o we_o have_v in_o thing_n scientifical_a be_v speculative_a and_o affect_v the_o mind_n only_o but_o the_o evidence_n which_o we_o have_v by_o faith_n effectual_o work_v on_o the_o will_n also_o because_o of_o the_o goodness_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v believe_v and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o whole_a soul_n do_v more_o firm_o adhere_v unto_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n upon_o that_o evidence_n which_o it_o have_v of_o they_o than_o unto_o other_o thing_n whereof_o it_o have_v clear_a evidence_n wherein_o the_o will_n and_o the_o affection_n be_v little_a or_o not_o at_o all_o concern_v and_o bonaventure_n give_v a_o reason_n of_o no_o small_a weight_n why_o faith_n be_v more_o certain_a than_o science_n not_o with_o the_o certainty_n of_o speculation_n but_o of_o adherence_n quoniam_fw-la fideles_fw-la christiani_n nec_fw-la argumentis_fw-la nec_fw-la tormentis_fw-la nec_fw-la blandimentis_fw-la adduci_fw-la possunt_fw-la vel_fw-la inclinari_fw-la ut_fw-la veritatem_fw-la quam_fw-la credunt_fw-la vel_fw-la ore_fw-la tenus_fw-la negent_fw-la quod_fw-la nemo_fw-la peritus_fw-la alicujus_fw-la scientiae_fw-la faceret_fw-la si_fw-la acerrimis_fw-la tormentis_fw-la cogeretur_fw-la scientiam_fw-la svam_fw-la de_fw-la conclusione_n aliqua_fw-la geometrica_fw-la vel_fw-la arithmetica_fw-la retractare_fw-la stultus_fw-la enim_fw-la &_o ridiculus_fw-la esset_fw-la geometra_fw-la qui_fw-la pro_fw-la sua_fw-la scientia_fw-la in_o controversiis_fw-la geometricis_fw-la mortem_fw-la anderet_fw-la subire_fw-la nisi_fw-la in_o quantum_fw-la dictat_fw-la fides_n non_fw-la esse_fw-la mentiendum_fw-la and_o whatever_o may_v be_v say_v of_o this_o distinction_n i_o think_v it_o can_v modest_o be_v deny_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a assurance_n in_o faith_n than_o any_o be_v in_o scientifical_a conclusion_n until_o as_o many_o good_a and_o wise_a man_n will_v part_v with_o all_o their_o worldly_a concernment_n and_o their_o life_n by_o the_o most_o exquisite_a torture_n in_o the_o confirmation_n of_o any_o truth_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v mere_o on_o the_o ground_n of_o reason_n act_v in_o humane_a science_n as_o have_v so_o do_v on_o the_o certainty_n which_o they_o have_v by_o faith_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n for_o in_o bear_v testimony_n hereunto_o have_v innumerable_a multitude_n of_o the_o best_a the_o holy_a and_o the_o wise_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n cheerful_o and_o joyful_o sacrifice_v all_o their_o temporal_a and_o adventure_v all_o their_o eternal_a concernment_n for_o they_o do_v it_o under_o a_o full_a satisfaction_n that_o in_o part_v with_o all_o temporary_a thing_n they_o shall_v be_v eternal_o bless_v or_o eternal_o miserable_a according_a as_o their_o persuasion_n in_o faith_n prove_v true_a or_o false_a wherefore_o unto_o the_o firmitude_n and_o constancy_n which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n three_o thing_n do_v concur_v 1._o that_o this_o ability_n of_o assent_n upon_o testimony_n be_v the_o high_a and_o most_o noble_a power_n or_o faculty_n of_o our_o rational_a soul_n and_o therefore_o where_o it_o have_v the_o high_a evidence_n whereof_o it_o be_v capable_a which_o it_o have_v in_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n it_o give_v we_o the_o high_a certainty_n or_o assurance_n whereof_o in_o this_o world_n we_o be_v capable_a 2._o unto_o the_o assent_n of_o divine_a faith_n there_o be_v require_v a_o especial_a internal_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o render_v it_o of_o another_o nature_n than_o any_o mere_a natural_a act_n and_o operation_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o assurance_n of_o it_o may_v not_o proper_o be_v say_v to_o exceed_v the_o assurance_n of_o science_n in_o degree_n it_o be_v only_o because_o it_o be_v of_o a_o more_o excellent_a kind_n and_o so_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o comparison_n unto_o it_o as_o to_o degree_n 3._o that_o the_o revelation_n which_o god_n make_v of_o himself_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n by_o his_o word_n be_v more_o excellent_a and_o accompany_v with_o great_a evidence_n of_o his_o infinite_o glorious_a property_n wherein_o alone_o the_o mind_n can_v find_v absolute_a rest_n and_o satisfaction_n which_o be_v its_o assurance_n than_o any_o other_o discovery_n of_o truth_n of_o what_o sort_n soever_o be_v capable_a of_o neither_o be_v the_o assurance_n of_o the_o mind_n absolute_o perfect_a in_o any_o thing_n beneath_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n wherefore_o the_o soul_n by_o faith_n make_v the_o near_a approach_n whereof_o in_o this_o life_n it_o be_v capable_a unto_o the_o eternal_a spring_n of_o be_v truth_n and_o goodness_n it_o have_v the_o high_a rest_n satisfaction_n and_o assurance_n therein_o that_o in_o this_o life_n it_o can_v attain_v unto_o 3._o it_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o those_o that_o will_v deny_v either_o of_o those_o two_o thing_n or_o will_v so_o separate_v between_o they_o as_o to_o exclude_v the_o necessity_n of_o either_o unto_o the_o duty_n of_o believe_v namely_o the_o internal_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n enable_v they_o to_o believe_v and_o the_o external_a work_n of_o the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n give_v evidence_n in_o and_o by_o the_o scripture_n unto_o its_o own_o divine_a original_a do_v endeavour_n to_o expel_v all_o true_a divine_a faith_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o substitute_v a_o probable_a persuasion_n in_o the_o room_n thereof_o for_o a_o close_a unto_o this_o discourse_n which_o have_v now_o be_v draw_v forth_o unto_o a_o great_a length_n than_o be_v at_o first_o intend_v i_o shall_v consider_v some_o objection_n that_o be_v usual_o plead_v in_o opposition_n unto_o the_o truth_n assert_v and_o vindicate_v it_o be_v therefore_o object_v in_o the_o first_o
place_n that_o the_o plea_n hitherto_o insist_v on_o can_v be_v manage_v without_o great_a disadvantage_n to_o christian_a religion_n for_o if_o we_o take_v away_o the_o rational_a ground_n on_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v true_a and_o divine_a and_o the_o whole_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v lay_v on_o thing_n not_o only_o deride_v by_o man_n of_o atheistical_a spirit_n but_o in_o themselves_o such_o as_o can_v be_v discern_v by_o any_o but_o such_o as_o do_v believe_v on_o what_o ground_n can_v we_o proceed_v to_o convince_v a_o unbeliever_n answer_v 1_o by_o the_o way_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o prove_v and_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v true_a and_o divine_a another_o to_o prove_v and_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n or_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o alone_o be_v propose_v unto_o consideration_n a_o doctrine_n true_a and_o divine_a may_v be_v write_v in_o and_o propose_v unto_o we_o by_o write_n that_o be_v not_o divine_o and_o infallible_o inspire_v and_o so_o may_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v but_o not_o without_o the_o unspeakable_a disadvantage_n of_o the_o church_n and_o there_o be_v sundry_a argument_n which_o forcible_o and_o effectual_o prove_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o have_v be_v true_a and_o divine_a which_o be_v not_o of_o any_o efficacy_n to_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n though_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n whatever_o do_v prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v equal_o prove_v the_o divine_a truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n 2._o there_o be_v two_o way_n of_o convince_a unbeliever_n the_o one_o insist_v on_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o follower_n the_o other_o by_o some_o learned_a man_n since_o their_o day_n the_o way_n principal_o insist_v on_o by_o the_o apostle_n be_v by_o preach_v the_o word_n itself_o unto_o they_o in_o the_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o the_o power_n whereof_o manifest_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o it_o they_o be_v convince_v and_o fall_v down_o acknowledge_v god_n to_o be_v in_o it_o of_o a_o truth_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 4_o 5._o ch_z 14._o 25_o 26._o it_o be_v likely_a that_o in_o this_o their_o proposal_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o doctrine_n and_o truth_n contain_v in_o it_o unto_o unbeliever_n that_o those_o of_o atheistical_a spirit_n will_v both_o deride_v they_o and_o it_o and_o so_o indeed_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v many_o esteem_v themselves_o to_o be_v babbler_n and_o their_o doctrine_n to_o be_v errant_a folly_n but_o yet_o they_o desist_v not_o from_o pursue_v their_o work_n in_o the_o same_o way_n whereunto_o god_n give_v success_n the_o other_o way_n be_v to_o prove_v unto_o unbeliever_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a and_o divine_a by_o rational_a argument_n wherein_o some_o learned_a person_n have_v labour_v especial_o in_o these_o last_o age_n to_o very_o good_a purpose_n and_o certain_o their_o labour_n be_v great_o to_o be_v commend_v whilst_o they_o attend_v unto_o these_o rule_n 1._o that_o they_o produce_v no_o argument_n but_o such_o as_o be_v cogent_a and_o not_o liable_a unto_o just_a exception_n for_o if_o to_o manifest_v their_o own_o skill_n or_o learning_n they_o plead_v such_o reason_n as_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o answer_n and_o solution_n they_o exceed_o prejudice_v the_o truth_n by_o subject_v it_o unto_o dubious_a disputation_n whereas_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v clear_a firm_a and_o sacred_a 2._o that_o they_o do_v not_o pretend_v their_o rational_a ground_n and_o argument_n to_o be_v the_o sole_a foundation_n that_o faith_n have_v to_o rest_v upon_o or_o which_o it_o be_v resolve_v into_o for_o this_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o set_v up_o a_o opinion_n instead_o of_o faith_n supernatural_a and_o divine_a accept_v but_o of_o these_o two_o limitation_n and_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o rational_a ground_n and_o argument_n intend_v may_v be_v rational_o plead_v and_o aught_o so_o to_o be_v unto_o the_o conviction_n of_o gainsayer_n for_o no_o man_n do_v so_o plead_v the_o self-evidencing_a power_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o to_o deny_v that_o the_o use_v of_o other_o external_a motive_n and_o argument_n be_v necessary_a to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o atheist_n as_o also_o unto_o the_o further_a establishment_n of_o they_o who_o do_v believe_v these_o thing_n be_v subordinate_a and_o no_o way_n inconsistent_a the_o truth_n be_v if_o we_o will_v attend_v unto_o our_o own_o and_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n the_o way_n whereby_o we_o come_v to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n ordinary_o be_v this_o and_o no_o other_o god_n have_v first_o give_v his_o word_n as_o the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n have_v appoint_v the_o ministry_n of_o man_n at_o first_o extraordinary_a afterward_o ordinary_a to_o propose_v unto_o we_o the_o doctrine_n truth_n precept_n promise_n and_o threaten_n contain_v therein_o together_o with_o this_o proposition_n of_o they_o they_o be_v appoint_v to_o declare_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o from_o themselves_o nor_o of_o their_o own_o invention_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o and_o this_o be_v do_v various_o unto_o some_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o this_o ministry_n thus_o come_v or_o be_v thus_o propose_v preach_v or_o declare_v whilst_o they_o be_v in_o a_o condition_n not_o only_o utter_o unacquainted_a with_o the_o mystery_n of_o it_o but_o fill_v with_o contrary_a apprehension_n and_o consequent_o prejudices_fw-la against_o it_o thus_o it_o come_v of_o old_a unto_o the_o pagan_a world_n and_o must_v do_v so_o unto_o such_o person_n and_o nation_n as_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o same_o state_n with_o they_o unto_o these_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o produce_v the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o will_v evidence_n itself_o unto_o they_o so_o to_o be_v for_o this_o have_v be_v to_o despise_v the_o wisdom_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o their_o own_o ministry_n but_o they_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o unto_o they_o ground_v themselves_o on_o the_o divine_a revelation_n contain_v therein_o and_o this_o proposition_n of_o the_o truth_n or_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o leave_v of_o god_n to_o work_v itself_o into_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n by_o the_o suitableness_n of_o it_o thereunto_o but_o be_v his_o own_o institution_n for_o their_o illumination_n and_o conversion_n he_o accompany_v it_o with_o divine_a power_n and_o make_v it_o effectual_a unto_o the_o end_v design_v rom._n 1._o 16._o and_o the_o event_n hereof_o among_o mankind_n be_v that_o by_o some_o this_o new_a doctrine_n be_v deride_v and_o scorn_v by_o other_o who_o heart_n god_n open_v to_o attend_v unto_o it_o it_o be_v embrace_v and_o submit_v unto_o among_o those_o who_o after_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v bear_v as_o they_o say_v within_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o church_n the_o same_o doctrine_n be_v various_o instill_v into_o person_n according_a unto_o the_o several_a duty_n and_o concern_v of_o other_o to_o instruct_v they_o principal_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v ordain_v of_o god_n unto_o that_o end_n whereon_o the_o church_n be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n those_o of_o both_o sort_n unto_o who_o the_o doctrine_n mention_v be_v preach_v or_o propose_v be_v direct_v unto_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o sacred_a repository_n thereof_o for_o they_o be_v tell_v that_o these_o thing_n come_v by_o revelation_n from_o god_n and_o that_o revelation_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o bible_n which_o be_v his_o word_n upon_o this_o proposal_n with_o enquiry_n into_o it_o and_o consideration_n of_o it_o god_n cooperate_a by_o his_o spirit_n there_o be_v that_o evidence_n of_o its_o divine_a original_a communicate_v unto_o their_o mind_n through_o its_o power_n and_o efficacy_n with_o the_o character_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o holiness_n implant_v on_o it_o which_o they_o be_v now_o enable_v to_o discern_v that_o they_o believe_v it_o and_o rest_n in_o it_o as_o the_o immediate_a word_n of_o god_n thus_o be_v it_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o sychar_n with_o respect_n unto_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n john_n 4._o 42._o this_o be_v the_o way_n whereby_o man_n ordinary_o be_v bring_v to_o believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n rom._n 10._o 14_o 15._o and_o that_o neither_o by_o external_a argument_n or_o motive_n which_o no_o one_o soul_n be_v ever_o convert_v unto_o god_n by_o nor_o by_o any_o mere_a naked_a proposal_n and_o offer_n of_o the_o book_n unto_o they_o
scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v mere_o human_a how_o firm_a soever_o the_o persuasion_n in_o it_o may_v be_v but_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o that_o whereby_o we_o believe_v the_o thing_n themselves_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n 7._o we_o can_v thus_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o any_o divine_a truth_n therein_o contain_v without_o the_o effectual_a illumination_n of_o our_o mind_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o exclude_v the_o consideration_n of_o his_o work_n herein_o be_v to_o cast_v the_o whole_a enquiry_n out_o of_o the_o limit_n of_o christian_a religion_n 8._o yet_o be_v not_o this_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o illumination_n of_o our_o mind_n whereby_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o believe_v in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n with_o faith_n supernatural_a and_o divine_a the_o ground_n and_o reason_n why_o we_o do_v believe_v or_o the_o evidence_n whereon_o we_o do_v so_o nor_o be_v our_o faith_n resolve_v thereinto_o 9_o whereas_o also_o there_o be_v sundry_a other_o act_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o and_o upon_o our_o mind_n establish_v this_o faith_n against_o temptation_n unto_o the_o contrary_a and_o further_o ascertain_v we_o of_o the_o divine_a original_a of_o the_o scripture_n or_o testify_v it_o unto_o we_o yet_o be_v they_o none_o of_o they_o several_o nor_o all_o of_o they_o joint_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o faith_n nor_o the_o ground_n which_o we_o believe_v upon_o yet_o be_v they_o such_o as_o that_o as_o without_o the_o first_o work_n of_o divine_a illumination_n we_o can_v believe_v at_o all_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n so_o without_o his_o other_o consequent_a operation_n we_o can_v believe_v steadfast_o against_o temptation_n and_o opposition_n wherefore_o 10._o those_o only_a can_v believe_v the_o scripture_n aright_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n who_o mind_n be_v enlighten_v and_o who_o be_v enable_v to_o believe_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 11._o those_o who_o believe_v not_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n for_o they_o be_v either_o such_o as_o oppose_v and_o gainsay_v the_o word_n as_o a_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n or_o such_o as_o be_v willing_a without_o prejudice_n to_o attend_v unto_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o the_o former_a sort_n may_v be_v resist_v oppose_a and_o rebuke_v by_o external_a argument_n and_o such_o moral_a consideration_n as_o vehement_o persuade_v the_o divine_a original_a of_o the_o scripture_n and_o from_o the_o same_o principle_n may_v their_o mouth_n be_v stop_v as_o to_o their_o cavil_n and_o exception_n against_o it_o the_o other_o sort_v be_v to_o be_v lead_v on_o unto_o believe_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n itself_o which_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n unto_o that_o purpose_n but_o 12._o neither_o sort_n do_v ever_o come_v true_o to_o believe_v either_o mere_o induce_v thereunto_o by_o force_n of_o moral_a argument_n only_o or_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o church_n by_o who_o ministry_n the_o scripture_n be_v propose_v unto_o they_o to_o be_v believe_v wherefore_o 13._o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a whereby_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o duty_n and_o as_o it_o be_v require_v of_o we_o be_v the_o authority_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n alone_o evidence_v themselves_o unto_o our_o mind_n and_o conscience_n in_o and_o by_o the_o scripture_n itself_o and_o herein_o consist_v that_o divine_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o testimony_n give_v our_o assent_n unto_o the_o scripture_n the_o general_a nature_n of_o faith_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o divine_a testimony_n give_v it_o the_o especial_a nature_n of_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a 14._o this_o divine_a testimony_n give_v unto_o the_o divine_a original_a of_o the_o scripture_n in_o and_o by_o itself_o whereinto_o our_o faith_n be_v ultimate_o resolve_v be_v evidence_v and_o make_v know_v as_o by_o the_o character_n of_o the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o be_v in_o it_o and_o upon_o it_o so_o by_o the_o authority_n power_n and_o efficacy_n over_o and_o upon_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o the_o satisfactory_a excellency_n of_o the_o truth_n contain_v therein_o wherewith_o it_o be_v accompany_v 15._o wherefore_o although_o there_o be_v many_o cogent_a external_a argument_n whereby_o a_o moral_a steadfast_a perwasion_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v attain_v and_o it_o be_v the_o principal_a duty_n of_o the_o true_a church_n in_o all_o age_n to_o give_v testimony_n thereunto_o which_o it_o have_v do_v successive_o at_o all_o all_o time_n since_o first_o it_o be_v entrust_v with_o it_o and_o so_o although_o there_o be_v many_o other_o mean_v whereby_o we_o be_v induce_v persuade_v and_o enable_v to_o believe_v it_o yet_o be_v it_o for_o its_o own_o sake_n only_o efficacious_o manifest_v itself_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o upon_o the_o divine_a testimony_n that_o be_v give_v in_o it_o and_o by_o it_o thereunto_o that_o we_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v so_o with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a corel_n those_o who_o either_o deny_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o internal_a subjective_n work_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n enable_v we_o to_o believe_v or_o the_o objective_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n give_v unto_o the_o scripture_n in_o and_o by_o itself_o or_o do_v deny_v their_o joint_a concurrence_n in_o and_o unto_o our_o believe_v do_v deny_v all_o faith_n proper_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o be_v declare_v and_o plead_v for_o in_o the_o precede_a treatise_n to_o prevent_v the_o obloquy_n of_o some_o and_o confirm_v the_o judgement_n of_o other_o i_o shall_v add_v the_o suffrage_n of_o ancient_n and_o modern_a writer_n give_v unto_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o and_o whereon_o all_o other_o thing_n assert_v in_o it_o do_v depend_v clemens_n alexandrinus_n discourse_v at_o large_a unto_o this_o purpose_n stromat_n 7._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o have_v the_o lord_n himself_o for_o the_o principle_n or_o beginning_n of_o doctrine_n who_o by_o the_o prophet_n the_o gospel_n and_o bless_a apostle_n in_o various_a manner_n and_o by_o divers_a degree_n go_v before_o we_o or_o lead_v we_o unto_o knowledge_n this_n be_v that_o which_o we_o lie_v down_o as_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o faith_n namely_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o lord_n himself_o instruct_v we_o by_o the_o scripture_n so_o he_o add_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o if_o any_o one_o suppose_v that_o he_o need_v any_o oâ—her_a principle_n the_o principle_n will_v not_o be_v keep_v that_o be_v if_o we_o need_v any_o other_o principle_n whereinto_o to_o resolve_v our_o faith_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v no_o more_o a_o principle_n unto_o we_o but_o he_o who_o be_v faithful_a from_o himself_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o his_o sovereign_n write_v and_o voice_n which_o as_o it_o appear_v be_v administer_v by_o the_o lord_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o man_n and_o certain_o we_o use_v it_o as_o a_o rule_n of_o judge_v for_o the_o invention_n of_o thing_n but_o whatever_o be_v judge_v be_v not_o credible_a or_o to_o be_v believe_v until_o it_o be_v judge_v and_o that_o be_v no_o principle_n which_o stand_v in_o need_n to_o be_v judge_v the_o intention_n of_o his_o word_n be_v that_o god_n who_o alone_o be_v to_o believe_v for_o himself_o have_v give_v we_o his_o word_n as_o the_o rule_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o judge_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o this_o word_n be_v so_o to_o be_v believe_v as_o not_o to_o be_v subject_a unto_o any_o other_o judgement_n because_o if_o it_o be_v so_o it_o can_v be_v either_o a_o principle_n or_o a_o rule_n and_o so_o he_o proceed_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d wherefore_o it_o be_v meet_v that_o embrace_v by_o faith_n the_o most_o sufficient_a indemonstrable_a principle_n and_o take_v the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o principle_n from_o the_o principle_n itself_o we_o be_v instruct_v by_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n himself_o unto_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o few_o word_n he_o declare_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o we_o have_v plead_v for_o no_o more_o do_v we_o maintain_v in_o this_o cause_n but_o what_o clemens_n do_v here_o assert_v namely_o that_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n for_o itself_o as_o that_o which_o need_v no_o antecedent_n or_o external_a demonstration_n but_o all_o the_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o its_o divine_a original_a be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o itself_o alone_o which_o yet_o
property_n be_v to_o level_v the_o ground_n and_o to_o remove_v the_o rubbish_n of_o objection_n out_o of_o the_o way_n that_o we_o may_v build_v the_o safe_a on_o the_o sure_a foundation_n i_o shall_v mention_v some_o of_o those_o which_o i_o esteem_v just_o pleadable_a in_o this_o cause_n and_o 1._o the_o antiquity_n of_o these_o write_n and_o of_o the_o divine_a revelation_n contain_v in_o they_o be_v plead_v in_o evidence_n of_o their_o divine_a original_a and_o it_o may_v be_v so_o deserve_o for_o where_o it_o be_v absolute_a it_o be_v unquestionable_a that_o which_o be_v most_o ancient_a in_o any_o kind_n be_v most_o true_a god_n himself_o make_v use_v of_o this_o plea_n against_o idol_n isa._n 43._o 10_o 11_o 12._o you_o be_v my_o witness_n say_v the_o lord_n i_o even_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n and_o beside_o i_o there_o be_v no_o saviour_n i_o have_v declare_v and_o have_v save_v and_o i_o have_v show_v when_o there_o be_v no_o strange_a god_n among_o you_o therefore_o you_o be_v my_o witness_n say_v the_o lord_n that_o i_o be_o god_n that_o which_o he_o assert_n be_v that_o he_o alone_o be_v god_n and_o no_o other_o this_o he_o call_v the_o people_n to_o testify_v by_o this_o argument_n that_o he_o be_v among_o they_o as_o god_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n before_o any_o strange_a god_n be_v know_v or_o name_v and_o so_o it_o be_v just_o plead_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o this_o revelation_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v in_o the_o world_n long_o before_o any_o other_o thing_n or_o write_v pretend_v to_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o same_o end_n whatever_o therefore_o ensue_v with_o the_o like_a design_n must_v either_o be_v set_v up_o in_o competition_n with_o it_o or_o opposition_n unto_o it_o above_o which_o it_o have_v its_o advantage_n mere_o from_o its_o antiquity_n whereas_o therefore_o this_o write_n in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v ancient_a than_o any_o other_o that_o be_v extant_a in_o the_o world_n or_o indeed_o that_o ever_o be_v so_o and_o may_v be_v prove_v so_o to_o be_v it_o be_v beyond_o all_o reasonable_a apprehension_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v of_o humane_a original_a for_o we_o know_v how_o low_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a all_o humane_a invention_n be_v at_o the_o first_o how_o rude_a and_o unpolished_a in_o every_o kind_n until_o time_n observation_n follow_v addition_n and_o diminution_n have_v shape_v form_v and_o improve_v they_o but_o this_o write_n come_v forth_o in_o the_o world_n absolute_o the_o first_o in_o its_o kind_n direct_v we_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o ourselves_o be_v at_o first_o and_o at_o once_o so_o absolute_o complete_a and_o perfect_a that_o no_o art_n industry_n or_o wisdom_n of_o man_n can_v ever_o yet_o find_v any_o just_a defect_n in_o it_o or_o be_v able_a to_o add_v any_o thing_n unto_o it_o whereby_o it_o may_v be_v better_v or_o improve_v neither_o from_o the_o beginning_n will_v it_o ever_o admit_v of_o any_o addition_n unto_o it_o but_o what_o come_v from_o the_o same_o fountain_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o inspirarion_n clear_v itself_o in_o all_o age_n from_o all_o addition_n and_o superfetation_n of_o man_n whatever_o this_o at_o least_o put_v a_o singular_a character_n upon_o this_o book_n and_o represent_v it_o with_o that_o reverend_a awe_n and_o majesty_n that_o it_o be_v the_o high_a petulancy_n not_o to_o pay_v it_o a_o sacred_a respect_n this_o argument_n be_v pursue_v by_o many_o at_o large_a as_o that_o which_o afford_v great_a variety_n of_o historical_a and_o chronological_a observation_n and_o it_o have_v be_v so_o scan_v and_o improve_v that_o nothing_o but_o the_o give_v of_o it_o a_o new_a dress_n remain_v for_o present_a or_o future_a diligence_n but_o the_o real_a force_n of_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o people_n by_z and_o among_o who_o this_o revelation_n first_o commence_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o time_n wherein_o it_o do_v so_o when_o some_o nation_n have_v so_o improve_v and_o cultivate_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o great_o to_o excel_v other_o in_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n they_o general_o look_v upon_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o ignorant_a and_o barbarous_a and_o the_o more_o wise_a any_o of_o they_o conceive_v themselves_o the_o more_o they_o despise_v they_o and_o indeed_o they_o be_v utter_a stranger_n unto_o all_o those_o art_n and_o science_n whereby_o the_o faculty_n of_o man_n mind_n be_v natural_o enlighten_v and_o enlarge_v nor_o do_v they_o pretend_v unto_o any_o wisdom_n whereby_o to_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o other_o nation_n but_o only_o what_o they_o receive_v by_o divine_a revelation_n this_o alone_a god_n himself_o have_v teach_v they_o to_o look_v upon_o &_o esteem_v as_o their_o only_a wisdom_n before_o all_o the_o world_n deut._n 4._o 6_o 7_o 8._o now_o we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o first_o attempt_v of_o other_o nation_n in_o express_v their_o conception_n concern_v thing_n divine_a the_o duty_n and_o happiness_n of_o man._n the_o egyptian_n and_o grecian_n be_v those_o who_o vie_v for_o reputation_n in_o the_o improvement_n of_o this_o wisdom_n but_o it_o be_v know_v and_o confess_v that_o the_o utmost_a production_n of_o their_o endeavour_n be_v thing_n foolish_a irrational_a and_o absurd_a contrary_a to_o the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n lead_v mankind_n into_o a_o maze_n of_o folly_n and_o wickedness_n but_o we_o may_v consider_v what_o they_o attain_v unto_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n by_o their_o utmost_a improvement_n of_o science_n wisdom_n mutual_a intelligence_n experience_n communication_n laborious_a study_n and_o observation_n when_o they_o have_v add_v and_o subduct_v to_o and_o from_o the_o invention_n of_o all_o former_a age_n from_o time_n immemorial_n when_o they_o have_v use_v and_o improve_v the_o reason_n wisdom_n invention_n and_o conjecture_n of_o all_o that_o go_v before_o they_o in_o the_o study_n of_o this_o wisdom_n and_o have_v discard_v whatever_o they_o have_v find_v by_o experience_n unsuit_v to_o natural_a light_n and_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n yet_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o apostle_n pass_v a_o just_a censure_n on_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o attainment_n namely_o that_o they_o wax_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n and_o the_o world_n in_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n whence_o then_o be_v it_o that_o in_o one_o nation_n esteem_v barbarous_a and_o real_o so_o with_o respect_n unto_o that_o wisdom_n those_o art_n and_o science_n which_o ennoble_v other_o nation_n from_o that_o antiquity_n wherein_o it_o be_v not_o pretend_v that_o reason_n and_o wisdom_n have_v receive_v any_o considerable_a improvement_n without_o converse_n communication_n learning_n or_o experience_n there_o shall_v at_o once_o proceed_v such_o a_o law_n doctrine_n and_o instruction_n concern_v god_n and_o man_n so_o stable_n certain_a uniform_a as_o shall_v not_o only_o incomparable_o excel_v all_o product_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n unto_o that_o purpose_n however_o advantage_v by_o time_n and_o experience_n but_o also_o abide_v invariable_a throughout_o all_o generation_n so_o as_o that_o whatever_o have_v be_v advance_v in_o opposition_n unto_o it_o or_o but_o differ_v from_o it_o have_v quick_o sink_v under_o the_o weight_n of_o its_o own_o unreasonableness_n and_o folly_n this_o one_o consideration_n unless_o man_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v contentious_a give_v sufficient_a satisfaction_n that_o this_o book_n can_v have_v no_o other_o original_a but_o what_o it_o plead_v for_o itself_o namely_o a_o immediate_a emanation_n from_o god_n 2._o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o god_n in_o all_o age_n have_v have_v a_o great_a regard_n unto_o it_o and_o act_v his_o power_n and_o care_n in_o its_o preservation_n be_v not_o the_o bible_n what_o it_o pretend_v to_o be_v there_o have_v be_v nothing_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o more_o become_v divine_a providence_n then_o long_o since_o to_o have_v blot_v it_o out_o of_o the_o world_n for_o to_o suffer_v a_o book_n to_o be_v in_o the_o world_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o time_n false_o pretend_v his_o name_n and_o authority_n seduce_v so_o great_a a_o portion_n of_o mankind_n into_o a_o pernicious_a and_o ruinous_a apostasy_n from_o he_o as_o it_o must_v do_v and_o do_v if_o it_o be_v not_o of_o a_o divine_a original_a and_o expose_v unconceivable_a multitude_n of_o the_o best_a wise_a and_o sober_a among_o they_o unto_o all_o sort_n of_o bloody_a misery_n which_o they_o have_v undergo_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o it_o seem_v not_o consonant_a unto_o that_o infinite_a goodness_n wisdom_n and_o care_v wherewith_o this_o world_n be_v govern_v from_o above_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a whereas_o the_o malicious_a craft_n of_o
always_o esteem_v no_o less_o traitor_n to_o christianity_n who_o give_v up_o their_o bibles_n to_o persecutor_n than_o those_o who_o deny_v jesus_n christ._n 3._o the_o manner_n wherein_o this_o testimony_n be_v give_v add_v to_o the_o importance_n of_o it_o for_o 1._o many_o of_o they_o especial_o in_o some_o season_n give_v it_o in_o and_o with_o sundry_a miraculous_a operation_n this_o our_o apostle_n plead_v as_o a_o corroboration_n of_o the_o witness_n give_v by_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o heb._n 2._o 4._o as_o the_o same_o be_v do_v by_o all_o the_o apostle_n together_o act._n 5._o 32._o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o these_o miracle_n be_v not_o wrought_v immediate_o to_o confirm_v this_o single_a truth_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n but_o the_o end_n of_o miracle_n be_v to_o be_v a_o immediate_a witness_n from_o heaven_n or_o god_n attestation_n to_o their_o person_n and_o ministry_n by_o who_o they_o be_v wrought_v his_o presence_n with_o they_o and_o approbation_n of_o their_o doctrine_n be_v public_o declare_v by_o they_o but_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n whereby_o god_n give_v immediate_a testimony_n unto_o the_o divine_a mission_n of_o their_o person_n and_o infallible_a truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n may_v either_o not_o have_v be_v write_v as_o most_o of_o they_o be_v not_o or_o they_o may_v have_v be_v write_v and_o their_o doctrine_n record_v in_o book_n not_o give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n beside_o as_o to_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n himself_o and_o most_o of_o those_o of_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v wrought_v among_o they_o by_o who_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v acknowledge_v as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o before_o the_o write_n of_o those_o of_o the_o new_a so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o immediate_a confirmation_n of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o neither_o have_v we_o any_o infallible_a testimony_n concern_v these_o miracle_n but_o the_o scripture_n itself_o wherein_o they_o be_v record_v whence_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v infallible_o true_a before_o we_o can_v believe_v on_o ground_n infallible_a the_o miracle_n therein_o record_v to_o be_v so_o wherefore_o i_o grant_v that_o the_o whole_a force_n of_o this_o consideration_n lie_v in_o this_o alone_a that_o those_o who_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v a_o attestation_n give_v unto_o their_o ministry_n by_o these_o miraculous_a operation_n concern_v which_o we_o have_v good_a collateral_a security_n also_o 2._o many_o of_o they_o confirm_v their_o testimony_n with_o their_o suffering_n be_v not_o only_a witness_n but_o martyr_n in_o the_o peculiar_a church_n notion_n of_o that_o word_n ground_v on_o the_o scripture_n act._n 22._o 20._o rev._n 2._o 13._o chap._n 17._o 7._o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o any_o worldly_a advantage_n by_o the_o profession_n they_o make_v and_o the_o testimony_n they_o give_v as_o that_o in_o the_o confirmation_n of_o they_o they_o willing_o and_o cheerful_o undergo_v whatever_o be_v evil_a dreadful_a or_o destructive_a to_o humane_a nature_n in_o all_o its_o temporary_a concern_v it_o be_v therefore_o unquestionable_a that_o they_o have_v the_o high_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o these_o thing_n which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o management_n of_o this_o argument_n be_v the_o principal_a design_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o whole_a 11_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n for_o have_v declare_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n in_o general_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v the_o subsistence_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v ver_fw-la 1._o that_o be_v such_o a_o assent_n unto_o and_o confidence_n of_o invisible_a thing_n thing_n capable_a of_o no_o demonstration_n from_o sense_n or_o reason_n as_o respect_n divine_a revelation_n only_o whereinto_o alone_o it_o be_v resolve_v for_o our_o encouragement_n thereunto_o and_o establishment_n therein_o he_o produce_v a_o long_a catalogue_n of_o those_o who_o do_v suffer_v and_o obtain_v great_a thing_n thereby_o that_o which_o he_o principal_o insist_o upon_o be_v the_o hardship_n misery_n cruelty_n torture_n and_o several_a sort_n of_o death_n which_o they_o undergo_v especial_o from_o ver_fw-la 35._o to_o the_o end_n these_o he_o call_v a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n wherewith_o we_o be_v compass_v about_o chap._n 12._o 1._o give_v testimony_n unto_o what_o we_o do_v believe_v that_o be_v divine_a revelation_n and_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n the_o promise_n therein_o contain_v unto_o our_o encouragement_n in_o the_o same_o duty_n as_o he_o there_o declare_v and_o certain_o what_o be_v thus_o testify_v unto_o by_o so_o many_o great_a wise_a and_o holy_a person_n and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o manner_n have_v as_o great_a a_o outward_a evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n as_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o world_n 3._o they_o give_v not_o their_o testimony_n casual_o or_o on_o some_o extraordinary_a occasion_n only_o or_o by_o some_o one_o solemn_a act_n or_o in_o some_o one_o certain_a way_n as_o other_o testimony_n be_v give_v nor_o can_v be_v give_v otherwise_o but_o they_o give_v their_o testimony_n in_o this_o cause_n in_o their_o whole_a course_n in_o all_o that_o they_o think_v speak_v or_o do_v in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o whole_a disposal_n of_o their_o way_n life_n and_o action_n as_o every_o true_a believer_n continue_v to_o do_v at_o this_o day_n for_o a_o man_n when_o he_o be_v occasional_o call_v out_o to_o give_v a_o verbal_a testimony_n unto_o the_o divine_a original_n of_o the_o scripture_n order_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o conversation_n his_o hope_n design_n aim_n and_o end_n without_o any_o eminent_a respect_n or_o regard_n unto_o it_o his_o testimony_n be_v of_o no_o value_n nor_o can_v have_v any_o influence_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o sober_a and_o considerate_a man_n but_o when_o man_n do_v manifest_a and_o evince_n that_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n have_v a_o sovereign_n divine_a authority_n over_o their_o soul_n and_o conscience_n absolute_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n then_o be_v their_o witness_n cogent_a and_o efficacious_a there_o be_v to_o i_o a_o thousand_o time_n more_o force_n and_o weight_n in_o the_o testimony_n to_o this_o purpose_n of_o some_o holy_a person_n who_o universal_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n with_o respect_n unto_o this_o world_n and_o their_o future_a eternal_a condition_n in_o all_o their_o thought_n word_n action_n and_o way_n do_v real_o experiment_n in_o themselves_o and_o express_v to_o other_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o this_o word_n of_o god_n in_o their_o soul_n and_o conscience_n live_v do_v suffer_v and_o die_v in_o peace_n assurance_n of_o mind_n and_o consolation_n thereon_o then_o in_o the_o verbal_a declaration_n of_o the_o most_o splendid_a numerous_a church_n in_o the_o world_n who_o evidence_n not_o such_o a_o inward_a sense_n of_o its_o power_n and_o efficacy_n there_o be_v therefore_o that_o force_n in_o the_o real_a testimony_n which_o have_v be_v give_v in_o all_o age_n by_o all_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n not_o one_o except_v unto_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v high_o arrogant_a for_o any_o one_o to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o without_o evident_a conviction_n of_o its_o imposture_n which_o no_o person_n of_o any_o tolerable_a sobriety_n do_v ever_o yet_o pretend_v unto_o i_o shall_v add_v in_o the_o last_o place_n the_o consideration_n of_o that_o success_n which_o the_o doctrine_n derive_v sole_o from_o the_o scripture_n and_o resolve_v thereinto_o have_v have_v in_o the_o world_n upon_o the_o mind_n and_o life_n of_o man_n especial_o upon_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o two_o thing_n offer_v themselves_o hereon_o immediate_o unto_o our_o consideration_n first_o the_o person_n by_o who_o this_o doctrine_n be_v successful_o carry_v on_o in_o the_o world_n and_o second_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o propagation_n of_o it_o both_o which_o the_o scripture_n take_v notice_n of_o in_o particular_a as_o evidence_n of_o that_o divine_a power_n which_o the_o word_n be_v real_o accompany_v withal_o for_o the_o person_n unto_o who_o this_o work_n be_v commit_v i_o mean_v the_o apostle_n and_o first_o evangelist_n be_v as_o to_o their_o outward_a condition_n in_o the_o world_n poor_a low_a and_o every_o way_n despise_v and_o as_o unto_o the_o endowment_n of_o their_o mind_n destitute_a of_o all_o those_o ability_n and_o advantage_n which_o may_v give_v they_o either_o reputation_n or_o
unto_o it_o as_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o prove_v at_o large_a we_o shall_v therefore_o proceed_v there_o be_v two_o thing_n considerable_a with_o respect_n unto_o our_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n or_o according_a to_o our_o duty_n the_o first_o respect_v the_o subject_a or_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n how_o it_o be_v enable_v thereunto_o the_o other_o the_o object_n to_o be_v believe_v with_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o we_o do_v believe_v the_o scripture_n with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a the_o first_o of_o these_o must_v of_o necessity_n fall_v under_o our_o consideration_n herein_o as_o that_o without_o which_o what_o ever_o reason_n evidence_n or_o motive_n be_v propose_v unto_o we_o we_o shall_v never_o believe_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n for_o whereas_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n or_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o man_n be_v by_o nature_n deprave_v corrupt_a carnal_a and_o enmity_n against_o god_n they_o can_v of_o themselves_o or_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o innate_a ability_n of_o their_o own_o understand_v or_o assent_v unto_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n which_o we_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v and_o confirm_v before_o wherefore_o that_o assent_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o mere_a external_a argument_n consist_v in_o the_o rational_a conclusion_n and_o judgement_n which_o we_o make_v upon_o their_o truth_n and_o evidence_n be_v not_o that_o faith_n wherewith_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n wherefore_o that_o we_o may_v believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n according_a to_o our_o duty_n as_o god_n require_v it_o of_o we_o in_o a_o useful_a profitable_a and_o save_a manner_n above_z and_o beyond_o that_o natural_a humane_a faith_n and_o assent_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o argument_n and_o motive_n of_o credibility_n before_o insist_v on_o with_o all_o other_o of_o the_o like_a kind_n there_o be_v and_o must_v be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n faith_n supernatural_a and_o divine_a whereby_o we_o be_v enable_v so_o to_o do_v or_o rather_o whereby_o we_o do_v so_o this_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v distinct_a from_o so_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v antecedent_n unto_o all_o divine_a objective_n evidence_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o the_o formal_a reason_n move_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o wherefore_o without_o it_o whatever_o argument_n or_o motive_n be_v propose_v unto_o we_o we_o can_v believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o duty_n require_v of_o we_o some_o it_o may_v be_v will_v suppose_v these_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o impertinent_a unto_o our_o present_a purpose_n for_o while_o we_o be_v inquire_v on_o what_o ground_n we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o seem_v to_o fly_v to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o our_o own_o mind_n which_o be_v irrational_a but_o we_o must_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o because_o some_o do_v not_o understand_v or_o will_v not_o due_o consider_v what_o be_v propose_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v return_v unto_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n not_o with_o peculiar_a respect_n unto_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v but_o unto_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o that_o faith_n wherewith_o they_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n but_o the_o power_n whereby_o we_o be_v enable_v so_o to_o do_v which_o at_o present_a we_o inquire_v after_o 1._o that_o the_o faith_n whereby_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n can_v be_v deny_v only_o on_o two_o principle_n or_o supposition_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v not_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a whereby_o we_o believe_v they_o so_o to_o be_v but_o only_o we_o have_v other_o moral_a assurance_n thereof_o 2._o that_o this_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a be_v of_o ourselves_o and_o be_v not_o wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o first_o of_o these_o have_v be_v already_o disprove_v and_o shall_v be_v further_o evict_v afterward_o and_o it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v very_o few_o who_o be_v of_o that_o judgement_n for_o general_o whatever_o man_n suppose_v the_o prime_a object_n principal_a motive_n and_o formal_a reason_n of_o that_o faith_n to_o be_v yet_o that_o it_o be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a they_o all_o acknowledge_v and_o as_o to_o the_o second_o what_o be_v so_o it_o be_v of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o to_o say_v it_o be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a be_v to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o of_o ourselves_o but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o grace_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n wrought_v in_o we_o by_o his_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a power_n and_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o will_v resolve_v our_o faith_n in_o this_o matter_n objective_o into_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o church_n yet_o subjective_o acknowledge_v the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n ingenerate_v faith_n in_o we_o and_o that_o work_v to_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o believe_v the_o scripture_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n externae_fw-la omnes_fw-la &_o humanae_fw-la persuasiones_fw-la non_fw-la sunt_fw-la satis_fw-la ad_fw-la credendum_fw-la quantumcunque_fw-la ab_fw-la hominibus_fw-la competenter_fw-la ea_fw-la quae_fw-la sunt_fw-la fidei_fw-la proponantur_fw-la sed_fw-la necessaria_fw-la est_fw-la insuper_fw-la causa_fw-la interior_a hoc_fw-la est_fw-la divinum_fw-la quoddam_fw-la lumen_fw-la incitans_fw-la ad_fw-la credendum_fw-la &_o oculi_fw-la quidam_fw-la interni_fw-la dei_fw-la beneficio_fw-la ad_fw-la videndum_fw-la dati_fw-la say_v canus_n loc._n theol._n lib._n 2._o cap._n 8._o nor_o be_v there_o any_o of_o the_o divine_n of_o that_o church_n which_o dissent_n herein_o we_o do_v not_o therefore_o assert_v any_o such_o divine_a formal_a reoson_n of_o believe_v as_o that_o the_o mind_n shall_v not_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o supernatural_a assistance_n enable_v it_o to_o assent_v thereunto_o nay_o we_o affirm_v that_o without_o this_o there_o be_v in_o no_o man_n any_o true_a faith_n at_o all_o let_v the_o argument_n and_o motive_n whereon_o he_o believe_v be_v as_o forcible_a and_o pregnant_a with_o evidence_n as_o can_v be_v imagine_v it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n as_o in_o thing_n natural_a neither_o the_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n nor_o any_o persuasive_a argument_n unto_o man_n to_o look_v up_o unto_o it_o will_v enable_v they_o to_o discern_v it_o unless_o they_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o due_a visive_a faculty_n and_o this_o the_o scripture_n be_v express_v in_o beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o contradiction_n neither_o be_v it_o that_o i_o know_v of_o by_o any_o as_o yet_o in_o express_a term_n deny_v for_o indeed_o that_o all_o which_o be_v proper_o call_v faith_n with_o respect_n unto_o divine_a revelation_n and_o be_v accept_v with_o god_n as_o such_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o we_o or_o be_v bestow_v on_o we_o by_o he_o can_v be_v question_v by_o any_o who_o own_o the_o gospel_n i_o have_v also_o prove_v it_o elsewhere_o so_o full_o and_o large_o as_o that_o i_o shall_v give_v it_o at_o present_v no_o other_o confirmation_n but_o what_o will_v necessary_o fall_v in_o with_o the_o description_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o faith_n whereby_o we_o do_v believe_v and_o the_o way_n or_o manner_n of_o its_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n unto_o this_o purpose_n consist_v in_o the_o save_a illumination_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o be_v a_o supernatural_a light_n whereby_o the_o mind_n be_v renew_v see_v rom._n 12._o 1._o ephes._n 1._o 18_o 19_o chap._n 3._o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o it_o be_v call_v a_o heart_n to_o understand_v eye_n to_o see_v ear_n to_o hear_v deut._n 29._o 4._o the_o open_n of_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o vunderstanding_n ephes._n 1._o 18._o the_o give_v of_o a_o understanding_n 1_o john_n 5._o 20._o hereby_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o discern_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v in_o itself_o as_o well_o as_o assent_v unto_o the_o truth_n contain_v in_o it_o and_o without_o it_o we_o can_v do_v so_o for_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o neither_o can_v be_v know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v 1_o cor._n 2._o 14._o and_o unto_o this_o end_n it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o prophet_n that_o we_o
and_o a_o resolution_n to_o live_v in_o a_o excess_n of_o know_a sin_n multitude_n suffer_v their_o mind_n to_o be_v bribe_v by_o their_o corrupt_a affection_n to_o a_o relinquishment_n of_o any_o regard_n unto_o it_o 3._o the_o scandalous_a quarrel_n and_o disputation_n of_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n against_o the_o scripture_n and_o its_o authority_n have_v contribute_v much_o unto_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o many_o their_o great_a design_n be_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o secure_v the_o power_n authority_n and_o infallibility_n of_o their_o church_n of_o these_o they_o say_v continual_o as_o the_o apostle_n in_o another_o case_n of_o the_o mariner_n unless_o these_o stay_n in_o the_o ship_n we_o can_v be_v save_v without_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o these_o thing_n they_o will_v have_v it_o that_o man_n can_v neither_o at_o present_a believe_v nor_o be_v save_v hereafter_o to_o secure_v this_o interest_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n must_v be_v by_o all_o mean_v question_v and_o impair_v a_o divine_a authority_n in_o itself_o they_o will_v allow_v it_o but_o with_o respect_n unto_o we_o it_o have_v none_o but_o what_o it_o obtain_v by_o the_o suffrage_n and_o testimony_n of_o their_o church_n but_o whereas_o authority_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o consist_v essential_o in_o the_o relation_n and_o respect_n which_o it_o have_v unto_o other_o or_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v subject_a unto_o it_o to_o say_v that_o it_o have_v a_o authority_n in_o itself_o but_o none_o towards_o we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o deny_v that_o it_o have_v any_o authority_n at_o all_o but_o also_o to_o reproach_v it_o with_o a_o empty_a name_n they_o deal_v with_o it_o as_o the_o soldier_n do_v with_o christ_n they_o put_v a_o crown_n on_o his_o head_n and_o clothe_v he_o with_o a_o purple_a robe_n and_o bow_v the_o knee_n before_o he_o mock_v he_o say_v hail_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o ascribe_v unto_o it_o the_o crown_n and_o robe_n of_o divine_a authority_n in_o itself_o but_o not_o towards_o any_o one_o person_n in_o the_o world_n so_o if_o they_o please_v god_n shall_v be_v god_n and_o his_o word_n be_v of_o some_o credit_n among_o man_n herein_o they_o seek_v continual_o to_o entangle_v those_o of_o the_o weak_a sort_n by_o urge_v they_o vehement_o with_o this_o question_n how_o do_v you_o know_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o have_v in_o continual_a readiness_n a_o number_n of_o sophistical_a artifices_fw-la to_o weaken_v all_o evidence_n that_o shall_v be_v plead_v in_o its_o behalf_n nor_o be_v that_o all_o but_o on_o all_o occasion_n they_o insinuate_v such_o objection_n against_o it_o from_o its_o obscurity_n imperfection_n want_v of_o order_n difficulty_n and_o seem_a contradiction_n in_o it_o as_o be_v suit_v to_o take_v off_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o a_o firm_a assent_n unto_o it_o or_o reliance_n on_o it_o as_o if_o a_o company_n of_o man_n shall_v conspire_v by_o crafty_a multiply_v insinuation_n divulge_v on_o all_o advantage_n to_o weaken_v the_o reputation_n of_o a_o chaste_a and_o sober_a matron_n although_o they_o can_v deprive_v she_o of_o her_o virtue_n yet_o unless_o the_o world_n be_v wise_a than_o for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o appear_v to_o be_v they_o will_v insensible_o take_v off_o from_o her_o due_a esteem_n and_o this_o be_v as_o bold_a a_o attempt_n as_o can_v well_o be_v make_v in_o any_o case_n for_o the_o first_o tendency_n of_o these_o course_n be_v to_o make_v man_n atheist_n after_o which_o success_n it_o be_v leave_v at_o uncertain_a hazard_n whether_o they_o will_v be_v papist_n or_o no._n wherefore_o as_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a nor_o more_o dishonourable_a reflection_n make_v on_o christian_a religion_n than_o that_o it_o have_v no_o other_o evidence_n or_o testimony_n of_o its_o truth_n but_o the_o authority_n and_o witness_n of_o those_o by_o who_o it_o be_v at_o present_a profess_a and_o who_o have_v notable_a worldly_a advantage_n thereby_o so_o the_o mind_n of_o multitude_n be_v secret_o influence_v by_o the_o poison_n of_o these_o dispute_n to_o think_v it_o no_o way_n necessary_a to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o at_o least_o be_v shake_v off_o from_o the_o ground_n whereon_o they_o have_v profess_v it_o so_o to_o be_v and_o the_o like_a dis-service_n be_v do_v unto_o faith_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o such_o as_o advance_v a_o light_n within_o or_o immediate_a inspiration_n into_o competition_n with_o it_o or_o the_o room_n of_o it_o for_o as_o such_o imagination_n take_v place_n and_o prevail_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n so_o their_o respect_n unto_o the_o scripture_n and_o all_o sense_n of_o its_o divine_a authority_n do_v decay_v as_o experience_n do_v open_o manifest_a it_o be_v i_o say_v from_o a_o unusual_a concurrence_n of_o these_o and_o the_o like_a cause_n and_o occasion_n that_o there_o be_v at_o present_a among_o we_o such_o a_o decay_n in_o relinquishment_n of_o and_o opposition_n unto_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o may_v be_v former_a age_n can_v not_o parallel_v but_o against_o all_o these_o objection_n and_o temptation_n the_o mind_n of_o true_a believer_n be_v secure_v by_o supply_n of_o spiritual_a light_n wisdom_n and_o grace_n from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n there_o be_v several_a other_o especial_a gracious_a act_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o believer_n which_o belong_v also_o unto_o this_o internal_a real_a testimony_n whereby_o their_o faith_n be_v establish_v such_o be_v his_o anoint_v and_o seal_v of_o they_o his_o witness_v with_o they_o and_o his_o be_v a_o earnest_a in_o they_o all_o which_o must_v be_v elsewhere_o speak_v unto_o hereby_o be_v our_o faith_n every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o increase_v and_o establish_v wherefore_o although_o no_o internal_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n can_v be_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o that_o which_o it_o be_v resolve_v into_o yet_o be_v it_o such_o as_o without_o it_o we_o can_v never_o sincere_o believe_v as_o we_o ought_v nor_o be_v establish_v in_o believe_v against_o temptation_n and_o objection_n and_o with_o respect_n unto_o this_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o be_v that_o divine_n at_o the_o first_o reformation_n do_v general_o resolve_v our_o faith_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n into_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o this_o they_o do_v not_o do_v exclusive_o unto_o the_o proper_a use_n of_o external_a argument_n and_o motive_n of_o credibility_n who_o store_n indeed_o be_v great_a and_o who_o fountain_n be_v inexhaustible_a for_o they_o arise_v from_o all_o the_o indubitable_a notion_n that_o we_o have_v of_o god_n or_o ourselves_o in_o reference_n unto_o our_o present_a duty_n or_o future_a happiness_n much_o less_o do_v they_o exclude_v that_o evidence_n thereof_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v unto_o it_o in_o and_o by_o itself_o their_o judgement_n be_v well_o express_v in_o the_o excellent_a word_n of_o one_o of_o they_o maneat_fw-la ergo_fw-la say_v he_o hoc_fw-la fixum_fw-la quos_fw-la spiritus_fw-la intus_fw-la docuit_fw-la solidè_fw-la acquiescere_fw-la in_o scripturâ_fw-la &_o hanc_fw-la quidem_fw-la esse_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d neque_fw-la demonstrationi_fw-la &_o rationibus_fw-la subjici_fw-la eam_fw-la fas_fw-la esse_fw-la quam_fw-la tamen_fw-la meretur_fw-la apud_fw-la nos_fw-la certitudinem_fw-la spiritus_fw-la testimonio_fw-la consequi_fw-la eisi_fw-la enim_fw-la reverentiam_fw-la sua_fw-la sibi_fw-la ultro_fw-la majestate_fw-la conciliat_fw-la tunc_fw-la tamen_fw-la demum_fw-la serio_fw-la nos_fw-la afficit_fw-la quum_fw-la per_fw-la spiritum_fw-la obsignata_fw-la est_fw-la cordibus_fw-la nostris_fw-la istius_fw-la ergo_fw-la veritate_fw-la illuminati_fw-la jam_fw-la non_fw-la aut_fw-la nostro_fw-la aut_fw-la aliorum_fw-la judicio_fw-la credimus_fw-la a_o deo_fw-la esse_fw-la scripturam_fw-la sed_fw-la supra_fw-la humanum_fw-la judicium_fw-la certo_fw-la certius_fw-la constituimus_fw-la non_fw-la secus_fw-la ac_fw-la si_fw-la ipsius_fw-la dei_fw-la numen_fw-la illic_fw-la intueremur_fw-la hominum_fw-la ministerio_fw-la ab_fw-la ipsissimo_fw-la dei_fw-la ore_fw-la ad_fw-la nos_fw-la fluxisse_fw-la non_fw-la argumenta_fw-la non_fw-la very_fw-la similitudines_fw-la quaerimus_fw-la quibus_fw-la judicium_fw-la nostrum_fw-la incumbat_fw-la sed_fw-la ut_fw-la rei_fw-la extra_fw-la estimandi_fw-la aleam_fw-la positae_fw-la judicium_fw-la ingeniumque_fw-la nostrum_fw-la subjicimus_fw-la non_fw-la qualiter_fw-la superstitionibus_fw-la solent_fw-la miseri_fw-la homines_fw-la captivam_fw-la mentem_fw-la addicere_fw-la sed_fw-la quia_fw-la non_fw-la dubiam_fw-la vim_o numinis_fw-la illic_fw-la sentimus_fw-la vigere_fw-la &_o spirare_fw-la quam_fw-la ad_fw-la parendum_fw-la scientes_fw-la ac_fw-la volentes_fw-la vividius_fw-la tamen_fw-la &_o efficacius_fw-la quam_fw-la pro_fw-la humana_fw-la aut_fw-la voluntate_fw-la aut_fw-la scientia_fw-la trahimur_fw-la &_o accendimur_fw-la talis_fw-la ergo_fw-la est_fw-la persuasio_fw-la quae_fw-la rationes_fw-la non_fw-la requirat_fw-la talis_fw-la notitia_fw-la cui_fw-la optima_fw-la ratio_fw-la cosnstet_fw-la
insist_v on_o especial_o ought_v they_o to_o be_v plead_v when_o the_o scripture_n be_v attack_v by_o a_o atheism_n arise_v from_o the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o those_o lust_n and_o sin_n which_o be_v severe_o condemn_v therein_o and_o threaten_v with_o the_o utmost_a vengeance_n with_o other_o they_o may_v be_v consider_v as_o previous_a inducement_n unto_o believe_v or_o concomitant_a mean_n of_o strengthen_v faith_n in_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v in_o the_o first_o way_n i_o confess_v to_o the_o best_a of_o my_o observation_n of_o thing_n past_a and_o present_a their_o use_n be_v not_o great_a nor_o ever_o have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o assure_o the_o most_o that_o do_v sincere_o believe_v the_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v it_o without_o any_o great_a consideration_n of_o they_o or_o be_v much_o influence_v by_o they_o and_o there_o be_v many_o who_o as_o austin_n speak_v be_v save_v simplicitate_fw-la credendi_fw-la and_o not_o subtilitate_fw-la disputandi_fw-la that_o be_v not_o able_a to_o inquire_v much_o into_o they_o nor_o yet_o to_o apprehend_v much_o of_o their_o force_n and_o efficacy_n when_o they_o be_v propose_v unto_o they_o most_o person_n therefore_o be_v effectual_o convert_v to_o god_n and_o have_v save_v faith_n whereby_o they_o believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o virtual_o all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o before_o they_o have_v ever_o once_o consider_v they_o and_o god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v think_v that_o none_o believe_v the_o scripture_n aright_o but_o those_o who_o be_v able_a to_o apprehend_v and_o manage_v the_o subtle_a argument_n of_o learned_a man_n produce_v in_o their_o confirmation_n yea_o we_o affirm_v on_o the_o contrary_a that_o those_o who_o believe_v they_o on_o no_o other_o ground_n have_v indeed_o no_o true_a divine_a faith_n at_o all_o hence_o they_o be_v not_o of_o old_a insist_v on_o for_o the_o ingenerate_v of_o faith_n in_o they_o to_o who_o the_o word_n be_v preach_v nor_o ordinary_o be_v so_o to_o this_o day_n by_o any_o who_o understand_v what_o be_v their_o work_n and_o duty_n but_o in_o the_o second_o way_n wherever_o there_o be_v occasion_n from_o objection_n opposition_n or_o temptation_n they_o may_v be_v plead_v to_o good_a use_n and_o purpose_n and_o they_o may_v do_v well_o to_o be_v furnish_v with_o they_o who_o be_v unavoidable_o expose_v unto_o trial_n of_o that_o nature_n for_o as_o for_o that_o course_n which_o some_o take_v in_o all_o place_n and_o at_o all_o time_n to_o be_v dispute_v about_o the_o scripture_n and_o their_o authority_n it_o be_v a_o practice_n give_v countenance_n unto_o atheism_n and_o be_v to_o be_v abhor_v of_o all_o that_o fear_n god_n and_o the_o consequent_n of_o it_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_a 2._o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n hold_v it_o up_o and_o declare_v it_o be_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n previous_o necessary_a unto_o believe_v for_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o itself_o alone_o but_o not_o by_o itself_o alone_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v the_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o declaration_n and_o make_v know_v the_o testimony_n which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n give_v in_o the_o scripture_n unto_o its_o divine_a original_a and_o this_o be_v the_o ordinary_a way_n whereby_o man_n be_v bring_v to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o church_n in_o its_o ministry_n own_v witness_v and_o avow_v it_o so_o to_o be_v instruct_v all_o sort_n of_o person_n out_o of_o it_o there_o be_v together_o with_o a_o sense_n and_o apprehension_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o the_o thing_n teach_v and_o reveal_v in_o it_o faith_n in_o itself_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n ingenerate_v in_o they_o 3._o we_o do_v also_o here_o suppose_v the_o internal_a effectual_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n beget_v faith_n in_o we_o as_o be_v before_o declare_v without_o which_o we_o can_v believe_v neither_o the_o scripture_n nor_o any_o thing_n else_o with_o faith_n divine_a not_o for_o want_v of_o evidence_n in_o they_o but_o of_o faith_n in_o ourselves_o these_o thing_n be_v suppose_v we_o do_v affirm_v that_o it_o be_v the_o authority_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n as_o manifest_v themselves_o in_o the_o supernatural_a revelation_n make_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o our_o faith_n arise_v from_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o and_o herein_o consist_v that_o testimony_n which_o the_o spirit_n give_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v so_o for_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o bear_v witness_v because_o the_o spirit_n be_v truth_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o immediate_a author_n of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n do_v therein_o and_o thereby_o give_v testimony_n unto_o the_o divine_a truth_n and_o original_a of_o it_o by_o the_o character_n of_o divine_a authority_n and_o veracity_n impress_v on_o it_o and_o evidence_v themselves_o in_o its_o power_n and_o efficacy_n and_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o what_o we_o assert_v respect_n the_o revelation_n itself_o the_o scripture_n the_o write_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o not_o mere_o the_o thing_n write_v or_o contain_v in_o it_o the_o argument_n produce_v by_o some_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n reach_v not_o the_o cause_n in_o hand_n for_o our_o enquiry_n be_v not_o about_o believe_v the_o truth_n reveal_v but_o about_o believe_v the_o revelation_n itself_o the_o scripture_n itself_o to_o be_v divine_a and_o this_o we_o do_v only_o because_o of_o the_o authority_n and_o veracity_n of_o the_o revealer_n that_o be_v of_o god_n himself_o manifest_v themselves_o therein_o to_o manifest_v this_o full_o i_o shall_v do_v these_o thing_n 1._o prove_v that_o our_o faith_n be_v so_o resolve_v into_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o not_o into_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o its_o own_o sake_n and_o not_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o thing_n else_o either_o external_a argument_n or_o authoritative_a testimony_n of_o man_n whatever_o 2._o show_v how_o or_o by_o what_o mean_v the_o scripture_n do_v evidence_n its_o own_o divine_a original_a or_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v so_o evidence_v in_o it_o and_o by_o it_o as_o that_o we_o need_v no_o other_o formal_a cause_n or_o reason_n of_o our_o faith_n whatever_o motive_n or_o mean_n of_o believe_v we_o may_v make_v use_n of_o and_o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o 1._o that_o be_v the_o formal_a reason_n whereon_o we_o do_v believe_v which_o the_o scripture_n propose_v as_o the_o only_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v so_o do_v why_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o do_v so_o and_o whereunto_o it_o require_v our_o assent_n now_o this_o be_v to_o itself_o as_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o because_o it_o be_v so_o or_o it_o propose_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o itself_o and_o that_o alone_a which_o we_o be_v to_o acquiesce_v in_o and_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o that_o alone_a which_o our_o faith_n be_v to_o rest_v on_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o it_o do_v not_o require_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o any_o church_n or_o on_o any_o other_o argument_n that_o it_o give_v we_o to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v from_o god_n but_o speak_v unto_o we_o immediate_o in_o his_o name_n and_o thereon_o require_v faith_n and_o obedience_n some_o it_o may_v be_v will_v ask_v whether_o this_o prove_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o it_o say_v so_o of_o itself_o when_o any_o other_o write_v may_v say_v the_o same_o but_o we_o be_v not_o now_o give_v argument_n to_o prove_v unto_o other_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o only_o prove_v and_o show_v what_o our_o own_o faith_n rest_v on_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o or_o at_o least_o ought_v so_o to_o be_v how_o it_o evidence_v itself_o unto_o our_o faith_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v afterward_o declare_v it_o be_v sufficient_a unto_o our_o present_a purpose_n that_o god_n require_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o it_o be_v his_o word_n or_o a_o divine_a revelation_n from_o he_o and_o if_o so_o his_o authority_n and_o truth_n be_v the_o formal_a reason_n why_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n or_o any_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o to_o this_o purpose_n do_v testimony_n abound_v in_o particular_a beside_o that_o general_a attestation_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o it_o in_o that_o sole_a preface_n of_o divine_a revelation_n thus_o say_v the_o
be_v mistake_v but_o only_o its_o own_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n make_v our_o duty_n necessary_a and_o secure_v our_o faith_n infallible_o and_o those_o testimony_n be_v with_o i_o of_o more_o weight_n a_o thousand_o time_n than_o the_o plausible_a reason_n of_o any_o to_o the_o contrary_n with_o some_o indeed_o it_o be_v grow_v a_o matter_n of_o contempt_n to_o quote_v or_o cite_v the_o scripture_n in_o our_o write_n such_o reverence_n have_v they_o for_o the_o ancient_a father_n some_o of_o who_o write_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o perpetual_a contexture_n of_o scripture_n but_o for_o such_o who_o pretend_v to_o despise_v those_o testimony_n in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v because_o either_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v what_o they_o be_v produce_v to_o confirm_v or_o can_v answer_v the_o proof_n that_o be_v in_o they_o for_o it_o be_v not_o unlikely_a but_o that_o some_o person_n well_o conceit_v of_o their_o own_o understanding_n in_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v most_o ignorant_a will_v pride_n and_o please_v themselves_o in_o the_o ridiculousness_n of_o prove_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o testimony_n take_v out_o of_o it_o but_o as_o be_v say_v we_o must_v not_o forgo_v the_o truth_n because_o either_o they_o will_v not_o or_o can_v understand_v what_o we_o discourse_v about_o 2._o our_o assertion_n be_v confirm_v by_o the_o uniform_a practice_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o propose_v these_o divine_a revelation_n which_o they_o receive_v by_o immediate_a inspiration_n from_o god_n for_o that_o which_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n unto_o who_o they_o first_o declare_v those_o divine_a revelation_n be_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o faith_n now_o they_o be_v record_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o write_n of_o it_o be_v by_o god_n appointment_n it_o come_v into_o the_o room_n and_o supply_v the_o place_n of_o their_o oral_a ministry_n on_o what_o ground_n soever_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v and_o believe_v divine_a revelation_n when_o make_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n on_o the_o same_o be_v we_o oblige_v to_o receive_v and_o believe_v they_o now_o they_o be_v make_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n the_o write_v be_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o appoint_v as_o the_o mean_n and_o cause_n of_o our_o faith_n it_o be_v true_a god_n be_v please_v sometime_o to_o bear_v witness_n unto_o their_o personal_a ministry_n by_o miracle_n or_o sign_n and_o wonder_n as_o heb._n 2._o 4._o god_n bear_v they_o witness_n but_o this_o be_v only_o at_o some_o season_n and_o with_o some_o of_o they_o that_o which_o they_o universal_o insist_v on_o whether_o they_o wrought_v any_o miracle_n or_o no_o be_v that_o the_o word_n which_o they_o preach_v declare_v write_v be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o man_n come_v not_o by_o any_o private_a suggestion_n or_o from_o any_o invention_n of_o their_o own_o but_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 1_o thes._n 2._o 13._o and_o declare_v by_o they_o as_o they_o be_v act_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 21._o under_o the_o old_a testament_n although_o the_o prophet_n sometime_o refer_v person_n unto_o the_o word_n already_o write_v as_o that_o which_o their_o faith_n be_v to_o acquiesce_v in_o isa._n 8._o 20_o mal._n 4._o 4._o set_v out_o its_o power_n and_o excellency_n for_o all_o the_o end_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n psal._n 19_o 7_o 8_o 9_o psal._n 119._o and_o not_o to_o any_o thing_n else_o nor_o to_o any_o other_o motive_n or_o argument_n to_o beget_v and_o require_v faith_n but_o it_o be_v own_o authority_n only_o yet_o as_o to_o their_o own_o especial_a message_n and_o revelation_n they_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o they_o require_v in_o this_o alone_a thus_o say_v the_o lord_n the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o infallible_a preacher_n and_o writer_n thereof_o do_v in_o the_o first_o place_n propose_v the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o be_v receive_v for_o their_o own_o sake_n or_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o divine_a original_a see_v john_n 45._o 46_o 47._o luk._n 16._o 29_o 31._o mat._n 21._o 42._o act_n 18._o 24_o 25_o 28._o act_n 24._o 14._o chap._n 26._o 22._o 2_o pet._n 1._o 21._o hence_o be_v they_o call_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n rom._n 3._o 2._o and_o oracle_n always_o require_v a_o assent_n for_o their_o own_o sake_n and_o other_o evidence_n they_o plead_v none_o and_o for_o the_o revelation_n which_o they_o superad_v they_o plead_v that_o they_o have_v they_o immediate_o from_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ_n gal._n 1._o 1._o and_o this_o be_v accompany_v with_o such_o a_o infallible_a assurance_n in_o they_o that_o receive_v it_o as_o to_o be_v prefer_v above_o a_o supposition_n of_o the_o high_a miracle_n to_o confirm_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_a gal._n 1._o 8._o for_o if_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v have_v preach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n than_o what_o they_o reveal_v and_o propose_v in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n they_o be_v to_o esteem_v he_o accurse_v for_o this_o cause_n they_o still_o insist_v on_o their_o apostolical_a authority_n and_o mission_n which_o include_v infallible_a inspiration_n and_o direction_n as_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o they_o unto_o who_o they_o preach_v and_o write_v and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o be_v not_o themselves_o divine_o inspire_v or_o wherein_o those_o that_o be_v so_o do_v not_o act_v by_o immediate_a inspiration_n they_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v by_o its_o consonancy_n unto_o the_o scripture_n already_o write_v refer_v the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n unto_o they_o for_o their_o ultimate_a satisfaction_n act_v 18._o 28._o chap._n 28._o 33._o 3._o it_o be_v before_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v require_v as_o subservient_fw-fr unto_o believe_v as_o a_o mean_n of_o it_o or_o the_o resolution_n of_o our_o faith_n into_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n the_o ministerial_a proposal_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o truth_n contain_v in_o they_o with_o the_o command_n of_o god_n for_o obedience_n unto_o they_o rom._n 16._o 25._o 26._o this_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n either_o extraordinary_a or_o ordinary_a god_n have_v appoint_v unto_o this_o end_n and_o ordinary_o it_o be_v indispensible_a thereunto_o rom._n 10._o 14_o 15._o how_o shall_v they_o believe_v in_o he_o of_o who_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o hear_v without_o a_o preacher_n and_o how_o shall_v they_o preach_v unless_o they_o be_v send_v without_o this_o ordinary_o we_o can_v believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o to_o be_v from_o he_o though_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o for_o it_o i_o do_v grant_v that_o in_o extraordinary_a case_n outward_a providence_n may_v supply_v the_o room_n of_o this_o ministerial_a proposal_n for_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o unto_o our_o duty_n by_o what_o mean_v the_o scripture_n be_v bring_v unto_o we_o but_o upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o this_o ministerial_a proposal_n of_o the_o word_n which_o ordinary_o include_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o testimony_n and_o declaration_n of_o the_o truth_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v whether_o those_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v propose_v be_v oblige_v without_o further_a external_a evidence_n to_o receive_v it_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o rest_v their_o faith_n in_o it_o and_o submit_v their_o conscience_n unto_o it_o the_o rule_n seem_v plain_a that_o they_o be_v oblige_v so_o to_o do_v mark_v 16._o 16._o we_o may_v consider_v this_o under_o the_o distinct_a way_n of_o its_o proposal_n extraordinary_a and_o ordinary_a upon_o the_o preach_a of_o any_o of_o the_o prophet_n by_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o on_o their_o declaration_n of_o any_o new_a revelation_n they_o have_v from_o god_n by_o preach_v or_o write_v suppose_v isaiah_n or_o jeremiah_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v whether_o or_o no_o all_o person_n be_v bind_v to_o receive_v their_o doctrine_n as_o from_o god_n to_o believe_v and_o submit_v unto_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o the_o revelation_n make_v by_o he_o without_o any_o external_a motive_n or_o argument_n or_o the_o testimony_n or_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n witness_v thereunto_o if_o they_o be_v not_o then_o be_v they_o all_o excuse_v as_o guiltless_a who_o refuse_v to_o believe_v the_o message_n they_o declare_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o in_o despise_v the_o warning_n and_o instruction_n which_o they_o give_v they_o for_o external_a motive_n they_o use_v not_o and_o the_o present_a church_n most_o
be_v that_o whereby_o we_o can_v give_v a_o assent_n unto_o the_o truth_n upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o proposer_n whereof_o we_o have_v no_o other_o evidence_n and_o this_o be_v the_o principal_a and_o most_o noble_a faculty_n and_o power_n of_o our_o nature_n there_o be_v a_o instinct_n in_o brute_n creature_n that_o have_v some_o resemblance_n unto_o our_o inbred_a natural_a principle_n and_o they_o will_v act_v that_o instinct_n improve_v by_o experience_n into_o a_o great_a likeness_n of_o reason_n in_o its_o exercise_n although_o it_o be_v not_o so_o but_o as_o unto_o the_o power_n or_o faculty_n of_o give_v a_o assent_n unto_o thing_n on_o witness_n or_o testimony_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o irrational_a creature_n that_o have_v the_o least_o shadow_n of_o it_o or_o likeness_n unto_o it_o and_o if_o our_o soul_n do_v want_v but_o this_o one_o faculty_n of_o assent_v unto_o truth_n upon_o testimony_n all_o that_o remain_v will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o conduct_v we_o through_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o natural_a life_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o most_o noble_a faculty_n of_o our_o mind_n be_v that_o whereunto_o the_o high_a way_n of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v propose_v 4._o that_o our_o mind_n in_o this_o especial_a case_n to_o make_v our_o assent_n to_o be_v according_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o such_o as_o be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n be_v to_o be_v prepare_v and_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o have_v declare_v and_o prove_v before_o on_o this_o supposition_n the_o revelation_n which_o god_n make_v of_o himself_o by_o his_o word_n do_v no_o less_o evidence_n itself_o unto_o our_o mind_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v from_o he_o or_o give_v no_o less_o infallible_a evidence_n as_o a_o ground_n and_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v believe_v it_o to_o be_v from_o he_o than_o his_o revelation_n of_o himself_o by_o the_o work_v of_o creation_n and_o providence_n do_v manifest_v itself_o unto_o our_o mind_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v from_o he_o nor_o with_o less_o assurance_n that_o what_o we_o assent_n unto_o in_o and_o by_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n and_o when_o god_n reveal_v himself_o that_o be_v his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v the_o work_n of_o creation_n the_o heaven_n declare_v his_o glory_n and_o the_o firmament_n show_v his_o handiwork_n the_o reason_n of_o man_n stir_v up_o and_o bring_v into_o exercise_n thereby_o do_v infallible_o conclude_v upon_o the_o evidence_n that_o be_v in_o that_o revelation_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o he_o eternal_o powerful_a and_o wise_a without_o any_o further_a argument_n to_o prove_v the_o revelation_n to_o be_v true_a so_o when_o god_n by_o his_o word_n reveal_v himself_o unto_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n thereby_o exciting_a and_o bring_v forth_o faith_n into_o exercise_n or_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o assent_v unto_o truth_n upon_o testimony_n that_o revelation_n do_v no_o less_o infallible_o evidence_n itself_o to_o be_v divine_a or_o from_o god_n without_o any_o external_a argument_n to_o prove_v it_o so_o to_o be_v if_o i_o shall_v say_v unto_o a_o man_n that_o the_o sun_n be_v rise_v and_o shine_v on_o the_o earth_n if_o he_o question_v or_o deny_v it_o and_o ask_v how_o i_o will_v prove_v it_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o say_v that_o it_o manifest_v itself_o in_o and_o by_o its_o own_o light_n and_o if_o he_o add_v that_o this_o be_v no_o proof_n to_o he_o for_o he_o do_v not_o discern_v it_o suppose_v that_o to_o be_v so_o it_o be_v a_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o be_v blind_a and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o so_o that_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o argue_v with_o he_o who_o contradict_v his_o own_o sense_n for_o he_o leave_v no_o rule_n whereby_o what_o be_v speak_v may_v be_v try_v or_o judge_v on_o and_o if_o i_o tell_v a_o man_n that_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 or_o that_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v and_o he_o shall_v demand_v how_o i_o prove_v it_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o say_v that_o these_o thing_n in_o and_o by_o themselves_o do_v manifest_a unto_o the_o reason_n of_o every_o man_n in_o its_o due_a and_o proper_a exercise_n that_o there_o be_v a_o eternal_a infinite_o wise_a and_o powerful_a be_v by_o who_o they_o be_v cause_v produce_v and_o make_v so_o as_o that_o whosoever_o know_v how_o to_o use_v and_o exercise_v his_o reasonable_a faculty_n in_o the_o consideration_n of_o they_o their_o original_a order_n nature_n and_o use_v must_v necessary_o conclude_v that_o so_o it_o be_v if_o he_o shall_v say_v that_o it_o do_v not_o so_o appear_v unto_o he_o that_o the_o be_v of_o god_n be_v so_o reveal_v by_o they_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reply_n in_o case_n he_o be_v so_o indeed_o to_o say_v he_o be_v phrenetick_a and_o have_v not_o the_o use_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o so_o that_o he_o argue_v in_o express_a contradiction_n unto_o his_o own_o reason_n as_o may_v be_v demonstrate_v this_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n grant_v quid_fw-la potest_fw-la say_v cicero_n esse_fw-la tam_fw-la apertum_fw-la tamque_fw-la perspicuum_fw-la cum_fw-la coelum_fw-la suspeximus_fw-la coelestiaque_fw-la contemplati_fw-la sumus_fw-la quam_fw-la esse_fw-la aliquod_fw-la numen_fw-la praestantissimae_fw-la mentis_fw-la quo_fw-la haec_fw-la reguntur_fw-la quod_fw-la qui_fw-la dubitat_fw-la haud_fw-la sane_fw-la intelligo_fw-la cur_n non_fw-la idem_fw-la sol_fw-la sit_fw-la a_o nullus_fw-la sit_fw-la dubitare_fw-la possit_fw-la de_fw-fr natura_fw-la deor._n lib._n 2._o and_o if_o i_o declare_v unto_o any_o one_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o that_o it_o do_v evidence_n and_o manifest_v itself_o so_o to_o be_v if_o he_o shall_v say_v that_o he_o have_v the_o use_n and_o exercise_n of_o his_o sense_n and_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o other_o and_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v unto_o he_o so_o to_o be_v it_o be_v as_o unto_o the_o present_a enquiry_n a_o sufficient_a reply_n for_o the_o security_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n though_o other_o mean_n may_v be_v use_v for_o his_o conviction_n to_o say_v that_o all_o man_n have_v not_o faith_n by_o which_o alone_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v discoverable_a in_o the_o light_n whereof_o alone_o we_o can_v read_v those_o character_n of_o its_o divine_a extract_n which_o be_v impress_v on_o it_o and_o communicate_v unto_o it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o see_v it_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o believe_v it_o so_o to_o be_v it_o must_v be_v either_o because_o our_o faith_n be_v not_o fit_v suit_v nor_o able_a to_o receive_v such_o a_o evidence_n suppose_v god_n will_v give_v it_o unto_o the_o revelation_n of_o himself_o by_o his_o word_n as_o he_o have_v do_v unto_o those_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o work_n of_o providence_n or_o because_o god_n will_v not_o or_o can_v not_o give_v such_o a_o evidence_n unto_o his_o word_n as_o may_v manifest_v itself_o so_o to_o be_v and_o neither_o of_o these_o can_v be_v affirm_v without_o a_o high_a reflection_n on_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o our_o faith_n be_v capable_a of_o give_v such_o a_o assent_n be_v evident_a from_o hence_o because_o god_n work_v it_o in_o we_o and_o bestow_v it_o upon_o we_o for_o this_o very_a end_n and_o god_n require_v of_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v infallible_o believe_v what_o he_o propose_v unto_o we_o at_o least_o when_o we_o have_v infallible_a evidence_n that_o it_o be_v from_o he_o and_o as_o he_o appoint_v faith_n unto_o this_o end_n and_o approve_v of_o its_o exercise_n so_o he_o do_v both_o judge_n and_o condemn_v they_o who_o fail_v therein_o 2_o chron._n 20._o 20._o isa._n 7._o 9_o mark_v 16._o 16._o yea_o our_o faith_n be_v capable_a of_o give_v a_o assent_n though_o of_o another_o kind_n more_o firm_a and_o accompany_v with_o more_o assurance_n than_o any_o be_v give_v by_o reason_n in_o the_o best_a of_o its_o conclusion_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o power_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o give_v assent_n upon_o testimony_n which_o be_v its_o most_o noble_a faculty_n be_v elevate_v and_o strengthen_v by_o the_o divine_a supernatural_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n before_o describe_v to_o say_v that_o god_n either_o can_v not_o or_o will_v not_o give_v such_o a_o power_n unto_o the_o revelation_n of_o himself_o by_o his_o word_n as_o
the_o help_n of_o other_o mean_n 4._o on_o these_o supposition_n i_o fear_v not_o to_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v on_o every_o individual_a book_n of_o the_o scripture_n particular_o those_o name_v those_o divine_a character_n and_o criteria_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o difference_n they_o from_o all_o other_o write_n whatever_n and_o to_o testify_v their_o divine_a authority_n unto_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o believer_n i_o say_v of_o believer_n for_o we_o inquire_v not_o on_o what_o ground_n unbeliever_n or_o those_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v do_v believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o yet_o direct_o on_o what_o outward_a motive_n such_o person_n may_v be_v induce_v so_o to_o do_v but_o our_o sole_a enquiry_n at_o present_a be_v what_o the_o faith_n of_o they_o who_o do_v believe_v be_v resolve_v into_o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o say_v that_o when_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n of_o the_o first_o give_v out_o of_o divine_a revelation_n as_o be_v of_o the_o scripture_n come_v and_o preach_v unto_o the_o jew_n that_o those_o mere_a word_n i_o be_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n or_o the_o like_a have_v all_o this_o evidence_n in_o they_o or_o with_o they_o for_o nothing_o he_o say_v of_o that_o kind_n may_v be_v separate_v from_o its_o circumstance_n but_o suppose_v the_o testimony_n give_v in_o the_o scripture_n before_o hand_n to_o his_o person_n work_n time_n and_o manner_n of_o come_v with_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n with_o he_o in_o the_o declaration_n that_o he_o make_v of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n the_o jew_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v what_o he_o teach_v and_o himself_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o do_v many_o of_o they_o upon_o his_o preach_a only_o john_n 4._o 42._o and_o in_o like_a manner_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o john_n baptist_n and_o to_o submit_v unto_o his_o institution_n although_o he_o wrought_v no_o miracle_n and_o those_o who_o do_v not_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n for_o their_o good_a and_o perish_v in_o their_o unbelief_n but_o although_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n wrought_v no_o miracle_n to_o prove_v the_o scripture_n then_o extant_a to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n see_v he_o wrought_v they_o among_o such_o only_a as_o by_o who_o that_o be_v firm_o believe_v yet_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n see_v it_o necessary_a to_o confirm_v his_o personal_a ministry_n by_o they_o and_o without_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o divine_a truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n propose_v miracle_n themselves_o will_v be_v despise_v so_o they_o be_v by_o some_o who_o be_v afterward_o convert_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n act_v 2._o 13._o chap._n 3._o 7_o 8._o or_o they_o will_v produce_v only_o a_o false_a faith_n or_o a_o ravish_a assent_n upon_o a_o amazement_n that_o will_v not_o abide_v act_v 8._o 13_o 21._o appendix_n a_o summary_n representation_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o that_o faith_n wherewith_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o some_o attestation_n give_v unto_o the_o substance_n of_o what_o have_v be_v deliver_v concern_v it_o shall_v give_v a_o close_a to_o this_o discourse_n as_o to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o design_n the_o thing_n that_o follow_v be_v propose_v i._o unto_o the_o enquiry_n on_o what_o ground_n or_o for_o what_o reason_n we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n many_o thing_n be_v suppose_v as_o on_o all_o hand_n agree_v upon_o who_o demonstration_n or_o proof_n belong_v not_o unto_o our_o present_a work_n such_o be_v 1._o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o his_o self-subsistence_n with_o all_o the_o essential_a property_n of_o his_o nature_n 2._o our_o relation_n unto_o he_o and_o dependence_n on_o he_o as_o our_o creator_n benefactor_n preserver_n judge_n and_o rewarder_n both_o as_o unto_o thing_n temporal_a and_o eternal_a wherefore_o 3._o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whatever_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n whatever_o be_v manifest_a in_o or_o from_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n or_o providence_n and_o necessary_a act_n of_o conscience_n as_o to_o the_o be_v rule_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v suppose_v as_o acknowledge_v in_o this_o enquiry_n 4._o that_o beyond_o the_o conduct_n and_o guidance_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n that_o man_n may_v live_v unto_o god_n believe_v and_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o according_a to_o their_o duty_n in_o that_o obedience_n which_o he_o require_v of_o they_o so_o as_o to_o come_v unto_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o a_o supernatural_a revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n unto_o they_o especial_o in_o that_o condition_n wherein_o all_o mankind_n be_v since_o the_o entrance_n of_o sin_n be_v necessary_a 5._o that_o all_o those_o unto_o who_o god_n have_v grant_v divine_a revelation_n immediate_o from_o himself_o for_o their_o own_o use_n and_o that_o of_o all_o other_o man_n unto_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v communicate_v be_v infallible_o assure_v that_o they_o come_v from_o god_n and_o that_o their_o mind_n be_v no_o way_n impose_v on_o in_o they_o 6._o that_o all_o these_o divine_a revelation_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v any_o way_n necessary_a to_o guide_v and_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o that_o obedience_n which_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o he_o be_v now_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o those_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v common_o receive_v and_o own_a among_o all_o sort_n of_o christian_n these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v suppose_v unto_o our_o present_a enquiry_n and_o take_v for_o grant_v so_o as_o that_o the_o reader_n be_v not_o to_o look_v for_o any_o direct_a proof_n of_o they_o in_o the_o precede_a discourse_n but_o on_o these_o supposition_n it_o be_v allege_v and_o prove_v 1._o that_o all_o man_n unto_o who_o it_o be_v due_o propose_v as_o such_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v this_o scripture_n these_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o contain_v and_o exhibit_v a_o immediate_a divine_a supernatural_a revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n so_o far_o as_o be_v any_o way_n needful_a that_o they_o may_v live_v unto_o he_o and_o that_o nothing_o be_v contain_v in_o they_o but_o what_o be_v of_o the_o same_o divine_a original_a 2._o the_o obligation_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o thus_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n arise_v partly_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o partly_o from_o the_o especial_a command_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v that_o revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n without_o the_o knowledge_n whereof_o and_o assent_v whereunto_o we_o can_v live_v unto_o god_n as_o we_o ought_v nor_o come_v unto_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v believe_v it_o unto_o those_o end_n and_o god_n require_v it_o of_o we_o that_o so_o we_o shall_v do_v 3._o we_o can_v thus_o believe_v it_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n but_o upon_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n and_o prevalent_a testimony_n that_o so_o it_o be_v 4._o there_o be_v many_o cogent_a argument_n testimony_n and_o motive_n to_o persuade_v convince_v and_o satisfy_v unprejudiced_a person_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o every_o way_n sufficient_a to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o gainsayers_a proceed_v on_o such_o principle_n of_o reason_n as_o be_v own_a and_o approve_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n and_o argument_n of_o this_o nature_n may_v be_v take_v from_o almost_o all_o consideration_n of_o the_o property_n of_o god_n and_o his_o government_n of_o the_o world_n of_o our_o relation_n unto_o he_o of_o what_o belong_v unto_o our_o present_a peace_n and_o future_a happiness_n 5._o from_o the_o argument_n and_o testimony_n of_o this_o nature_n a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o mind_n defensible_a against_o all_o objection_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v be_v attain_v and_o that_o such_o as_o that_o those_o who_o live_v not_o in_o contradiction_n unto_o their_o own_o light_n and_o reason_n through_o the_o power_n of_o their_o lust_n can_v but_o judge_v it_o their_o wisdom_n duty_n and_o interest_n to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o his_o will_n as_o reveal_v therein_o 6._o but_o yet_o that_o persuasion_n of_o mind_n which_o may_v be_v thus_o attain_v and_o which_o rest_v whole_o upon_o these_o argument_n and_o testimony_n be_v not_o entire_o that_o faith_n wherewith_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v the_o
divine_a and_o supernatural_a as_o it_o be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n 2._o how_o or_o by_o what_o mean_v we_o may_v come_v to_o understand_v aright_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o revelation_n that_o be_v make_v unto_o we_o of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_v therein_o for_o by_o illumination_n in_o general_n as_o it_o denote_v a_o effect_n wrought_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n i_o understand_v that_o supernatural_a knowledge_n that_o any_o man_n have_v or_o may_v have_v of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n as_o reveal_v unto_o he_o by_o supernatural_a mean_n for_o the_o law_n of_o his_o faith_n life_n and_o obedience_n and_o this_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v comprise_v in_o the_o first_o of_o these_o inquiry_n be_v that_o who_o declaration_n we_o at_o present_a design_n reserve_v the_o latter_a unto_o a_o distinct_a discourse_n by_o itself_o also_o unto_o the_o former_a some_o thing_n may_v be_v premise_v first_o supernatural_a revelation_n be_v the_o only_a objective_n cause_n and_o mean_n of_o supernatural_a illumination_n these_o thing_n be_v commensurate_a there_o be_v a_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o supernatural_a thing_n and_o that_o both_o theoretical_a and_o practical_a rom._n 1._o 19_o chap._n 2._o 14_o 15._o and_o there_o may_v be_v a_o supernatural_a knowledge_n of_o natural_a thing_n 1_o king_n 4._o 31_o 32_o 33_o 34._o exod._n 31._o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o but_o unto_o this_o supernatural_a illumination_n it_o be_v require_v both_o that_o its_o object_n be_v thing_n only_o supernatural_o reveal_v or_o as_o supernatural_o reveal_v 1_o cor._n 2._o 9_o 10._o and_o that_o it_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o a_o supernatural_a efficiency_n or_o the_o immediate_a efficacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n ephes._n 1._o 17_o 18_o 19_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o this_o david_n pray_v for_o psal._n 119._o 18._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d reveal_v or_o uncover_v my_o eye_n bring_v light_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n into_o my_o mind_n that_o i_o may_v behold_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o open_a face_n or_o as_o in_o the_o syriack_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o a_o reveal_v or_o uncovered_a face_n the_o vail_n be_v take_v away_o 2_o cor._n 3._o 18._o wondrous_a thing_n out_o of_o thy_o law_n the_o light_n he_o pray_v for_o within_o do_v mere_o respect_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n without_o this_o the_o apostle_n full_o declare_v heb._n 1._o 1_o 2._o the_o various_a supernatural_a revelation_n that_o god_n have_v make_v of_o himself_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n from_o first_o to_o last_o be_v the_o sole_a and_o adequate_a object_n of_o supernatural_a illumination_n second_o this_o divine_a external_a revelation_n be_v original_o by_o various_a way_n which_o we_o have_v elsewhere_o declare_v give_v unto_o sundry_a person_n immediate_o partly_o for_o their_o own_o instruction_n and_o guidance_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o will_n and_o partly_o by_o their_o ministry_n to_o be_v communicate_v unto_o the_o church_n so_o be_v it_o grant_v unto_o enoch_n the_o seven_o from_o adam_n who_o thereon_o prophesy_v to_o the_o warning_n and_o instruction_n of_o other_o judas_n 14_o 15._o and_o to_o noah_n who_o become_v thereby_o a_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n 2_o pet._n 2._o 5._o and_o to_o abraham_n who_o thereon_o command_v his_o child_n and_o household_n to_o keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n gen._n 18._o 19_o and_o other_o instance_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n may_v be_v give_v gen._n 4._o 26._o chap._n 5._o 28._o and_o this_o course_n do_v god_n continue_v a_o long_a time_n even_o from_o the_o first_o promise_n to_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n before_o any_o revelation_n be_v commit_v to_o writing_n for_o the_o space_n of_o 2460_o year_n for_o so_o long_a a_o season_n do_v god_n enlighten_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o supernatural_a external_a immediate_a occasional_a revelation_n sundry_a thing_n may_v be_v observe_v of_o this_o divine_a dispensation_n as_o 1._o that_o it_o do_v sufficient_o evidence_n its_o self_n to_o be_v from_o god_n unto_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v grant_v and_o they_o also_o unto_o who_o these_o revelation_n be_v by_o they_o communicate_v for_o during_o this_o season_n satan_n use_v his_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o possess_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o his_o delusion_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o divine_a supernatural_a inspiration_n for_o hereunto_o belong_v the_o original_a of_o all_o his_o oracle_n and_o enthusisasme_n among_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n there_o be_v therefore_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o efficacy_n attend_v all_o divine_a revelation_n ascertain_v and_o infallable_o assure_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n of_o their_o be_v from_o god_n for_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v so_o man_n have_v never_o be_v able_a to_o secure_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v not_o impose_v on_o by_o the_o crafty_a deceit_n of_o satan_n especial_o in_o such_o revelation_n as_o seem_v to_o contain_v thing_n contrary_a to_o their_o reason_n as_o in_o the_o command_n give_v to_o abraham_n for_o the_o sacrifice_a his_o son_n gen._n 22._o 2._o wherefore_o these_o immediate_a revelation_n have_v not_o be_v a_o sufficient_a mean_n to_o secure_v the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o church_n if_o they_o have_v not_o carry_v along_o with_o they_o their_o own_o evidence_n that_o they_o be_v from_o god_n of_o what_o nature_n that_o evidence_n be_v we_o shall_v afterward_o inquire_v for_o the_o present_a i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n unto_o faith_n and_o not_o to_o sense_n as_o be_v that_o also_o which_o we_o have_v now_o by_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v not_o like_o that_o which_o the_o sun_n give_v of_o itself_o by_o its_o light_n which_o there_o need_v no_o exercise_n of_o reason_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o for_o sense_n be_v irresistible_o affect_v with_o it_o but_o it_o be_v like_o the_o evidence_n which_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n give_v of_o their_o be_v make_v and_o create_v of_o god_n and_o thereby_o of_o his_o be_v and_o power_n this_o they_o do_v undeniable_o and_o infallible_o psal._n 19_o 1_o 2._o rom._n 1._o 19_o 20_o 21._o yet_o be_v it_o require_v hereunto_o that_o man_n do_v use_v and_o exercise_v the_o best_a of_o their_o rational_a ability_n in_o the_o consideration_n and_o contemplation_n of_o they_o where_o this_o be_v neglect_v notwithstanding_o their_o open_a and_o visible_a evidence_n unto_o the_o contrary_a man_n degenerate_a into_o atheism_n god_n so_o give_v out_o these_o revelation_n of_o himself_o as_o to_o require_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o faith_n conscience_n obedience_n and_o reason_n of_o they_o unto_o who_o they_o be_v make_v and_o therein_o they_o give_v full_a assurance_n of_o their_o proceed_n from_o he_o so_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o his_o word_n differ_v from_o all_o other_o pretend_a revelation_n as_o the_o wheat_n do_v from_o the_o chaff_n jer._n 23._o 28._o but_o yet_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o try_v and_o sift_v the_o wheat_n from_o the_o chaff_n or_o we_o may_v not_o evident_o discern_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o 2._o the_o thing_n so_o reveal_v be_v sufficient_a to_o guide_v and_o direct_v all_o person_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o god_n in_o all_o that_o be_v require_v of_o they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o faith_n or_o obedience_n god_n from_o the_o beginning_n give_v out_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o sundry_a part_n and_o degree_n yet_o so_o that_o every_o age_n and_o season_n have_v light_a enough_o to_o guide_v they_o in_o the_o whole_a obedience_n require_v of_o they_o and_o unto_o their_o edification_n therein_o they_o have_v knowledge_n enough_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o offer_v sacrifice_n in_o faith_n as_o do_v abel_n to_o walk_v with_o god_n as_o do_v enoch_n and_o to_o teach_v their_o family_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o do_v abraham_n the_o world_n perish_v not_o for_o want_v of_o sufficient_a revelation_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n at_o any_o time_n indeed_o when_o we_o go_v to_o consider_v those_o divine_a instruction_n which_o be_v upon_o record_n that_o god_n grant_v unto_o they_o we_o be_v scarce_o able_a to_o discern_v how_o they_o be_v sufficient_o enlighten_v in_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o to_o believe_v and_o do_v but_o they_o be_v unto_o they_o as_o a_o light_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n set_a up_o but_o a_o candle_n in_o a_o dark_a room_n and_o it_o will_v sufficient_o enlighten_v it_o for_o man_n to_o attend_v their_o necessary_a occasion_n therein_o but_o when_o the_o sun_n be_v rise_v and_o shine_v in_o at_o all_o the_o window_n the_o light_n of_o the_o candle_n grow_v so_o dim_a and_o useless_a that_o it_o seem_v strange_a that_o any_o can_v
as_o a_o sufficient_a and_o perfect_a so_o the_o only_a treasury_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o what_o have_v be_v offer_v by_o any_o to_o weaken_v or_o impair_v its_o esteem_n by_o take_v off_o from_o its_o credibility_n perfection_n and_o sufficiency_n as_o unto_o all_o its_o own_o proper_a end_n have_v bring_v no_o advantage_n unto_o the_o church_n nor_o benefit_n unto_o the_o faith_n of_o believer_n but_o yet_o five_o in_o assert_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o only_a external_a mean_n of_o divine_a revelation_n i_o do_v it_o not_o exclusive_o unto_o those_o institution_n of_o god_n which_o be_v subordinate_a unto_o it_o and_o appoint_v as_o mean_n to_o make_v it_o effectual_a unto_o our_o soul_n as_o 1._o our_o own_o personal_a endeavour_n in_o read_v study_v and_o meditate_v on_o the_o scripture_n that_o we_o my_o come_v unto_o a_o right_a apprehension_n of_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o be_v require_v unto_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v know_v to_o all_o how_o frequent_o this_o duty_n be_v press_v upon_o we_o and_o what_o promise_n be_v annex_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o see_v deut._n 6._o 6_o 7._o chap._n 11._o 18_o 19_o josh._n 1._o 8._o psal._n 1._o 2._o psal._n 119._o col._n 3._o 16._o 2_o tim._n 3._o 15._o without_o this_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o expect_v illumination_n by_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v see_v multitude_n live_v and_o walk_v in_o extreme_a darkness_n when_o yet_o the_o word_n be_v everywhere_o nigh_o unto_o they_o bread_n which_o be_v the_o staff_n of_o life_n will_v yet_o nourish_v no_o man_n who_o do_v not_o provide_v it_o and_o feed_v upon_o it_o no_o more_o will_v manna_n unless_o it_o be_v gather_v and_o prepare_v our_o own_o nature_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o divine_a revelation_n consider_v and_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o application_n of_o the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o make_v this_o evident_a for_o god_n will_v instruct_v we_o in_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n as_o we_o be_v man_n in_o and_o by_o the_o rational_a faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n nor_o be_v a_o external_a revelation_n capable_a of_o make_v any_o other_o impression_n on_o we_o but_o what_o be_v so_o receive_v wherefore_o when_o i_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a external_a mean_n of_o our_o illumination_n i_o include_v therein_o all_o our_o own_o personal_a endeavour_n to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n therein_o which_o shall_v be_v afterward_o speak_v unto_o and_o those_o who_o under_o any_o pretence_n do_v keep_v drive_v or_o persuade_v man_n from_o read_v and_o meditate_v on_o the_o scripture_n do_v take_v a_o effectual_a course_n to_o keep_v they_o in_o and_o under_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n 2._o the_o mutual_a instruction_n of_o one_o another_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n be_v also_o require_v hereunto_o for_o we_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n to_o endeavour_v the_o good_a of_o other_o in_o various_a degree_n as_o our_o child_n our_o family_n our_o neighbour_n and_o all_o with_o who_o we_o have_v conversation_n and_o this_o be_v the_o principal_a good_a absolute_o consider_v that_o we_o can_v communicate_v unto_o other_o namely_o to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n this_o whole_a duty_n in_o all_o the_o degree_n of_o it_o be_v represent_v in_o that_o command_n thou_o shall_v teach_v my_o word_n diligent_o unto_o thy_o child_n and_o shall_v talk_v of_o they_o when_o thou_o sit_v in_o thy_o house_n and_o when_o thou_o walk_v by_o the_o way_n and_o when_o thou_o lie_v down_o and_o when_o thou_o rise_v up_o deut._n 6._o 7._o thus_o when_o our_o saviour_n find_v his_o disciple_n talk_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n by_o the_o way_n side_n he_o bear_v unto_o they_o the_o person_n of_o a_o private_a man_n instruct_v they_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n luk._n 24._o 26_o 27_o 32._o and_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v so_o great_a that_o the_o very_a mention_n of_o it_o or_o the_o least_o attempt_n to_o perform_v it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o scorn_n and_o reproach_n be_v one_o cause_n of_o the_o great_a ignorance_n &_o darkness_n which_o yet_o abound_v among_o we_o but_o the_o nakedness_n of_o this_o folly_n whereby_o man_n will_v be_v esteem_v christian_n in_o the_o open_a contempt_n of_o all_o duty_n of_o christianity_n will_v in_o due_a time_n be_v lay_v open_a 3._o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o church_n be_v that_o which_o be_v principal_o include_v in_o this_o assertion_n the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o illumination_n but_o it_o become_v so_o principal_o by_o the_o application_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n see_v mat._n 5._o 14_o 15._o 2_o cor._n 5._o 18_o 19_o 20._o eph._n 4._o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15._o 1_o tim._n 3._o 15._o the_o church_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o it_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n unto_o this_o end_n that_o his_o mind_n and_o will_v as_o reveal_v in_o the_o word_n may_v be_v make_v know_v to_o the_o child_n of_o man_n whereby_o they_o be_v enlighten_v and_o that_o church_n and_o ministry_n whereof_o this_o be_v not_o the_o first_o principal_a design_n and_o work_v be_v neither_o appoint_v of_o god_n nor_o approve_v by_o he_o man_n will_v one_o day_n find_v themselves_o deceive_v in_o trust_v to_o empty_a name_n it_o be_v duty_n alone_o that_o will_v be_v comfort_n and_o reward_n dan._n 12._o 3._o six_o that_o the_o scripture_n which_o thus_o contain_v the_o whole_a of_o divine_a revelation_n may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a external_a cause_n of_o illumination_n unto_o we_o two_o thing_n be_v require_v 1._o that_o we_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n that_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o a_o declaration_n of_o himself_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n immediate_o proceed_v from_o he_o or_o that_o it_o be_v of_o a_o pure_a divine_a original_a proceed_v neither_o from_o the_o folly_n or_o deceit_n nor_o from_o the_o skill_n or_o honesty_n of_o man_n so_o be_v it_o state_v 2_o pet._n 1._o 19_o 20_o 21._o heb._n 1._o 1._o 2_o tim._n 3._o 16._o isa._n 8._o 20._o it_o tender_v no_o light_n or_o instruction_n under_o any_o other_o notion_n but_o as_o it_o come_v immediate_o from_o god_n not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o the_o live_a god_n 1_o thes._n 2._o 13._o and_o what_o ever_o any_o one_o may_v learn_v from_o or_o by_o the_o scripture_n under_o any_o other_o consideration_n it_o belong_v not_o unto_o the_o illumination_n we_o inquire_v after_o nehem._n 8._o 8._o isa._n 28._o 9_o hos._n 14._o 9_o prov._n 1._o 6._o psal._n 119._o 34_o mat._n 15._o 16._o 2_o tim._n 2._o 7._o 1_o john_n 5._o 20._o 2._o that_o we_o understand_v the_o thing_n declare_v in_o it_o or_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n as_o reveal_v and_o express_v therein_o for_o if_o it_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o a_o seal_a book_n which_o we_o can_v read_v either_o because_o it_o be_v seal_v or_o because_o we_o be_v ignorant_a and_o can_v read_v whatever_o vision_n or_o mean_n of_o light_n it_o have_v in_o it_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o advantage_n thereby_o isa._n 29._o 11_o 12._o it_o be_v not_o the_o word_n themselves_o of_o the_o scripture_n only_o but_o our_o understand_v they_o that_o give_v we_o light_a psal._n 119._o 130._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o open_a the_o door_n the_o entrance_n of_o thy_o word_n give_v light_a it_o must_v be_v open_v or_o it_o will_v not_o enlighten_v so_o the_o disciple_n understand_v not_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n concern_v the_o lord_n christ_n they_o be_v not_o enlighten_v by_o they_o until_o he_o expound_v they_o unto_o they_o luk._n 24._o 27_o 45._o as_o we_o have_v the_o same_o instance_n in_o the_o eunuch_n and_o philip_n act_v 8._o 31_o 35_o 36._o to_o this_o very_a day_n the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o outward_a letter_n of_o they_o in_o such_o esteem_n and_o veneration_n that_o they_o even_o adore_v and_o worship_v they_o yet_o be_v they_o not_o enlighten_v by_o it_o and_o the_o same_o be_v fall_v out_o among_o many_o that_o be_v call_v christian_n or_o they_o can_v never_o embrace_v such_o foolish_a opinion_n and_o practice_v such_o idolatry_n in_o worship_n as_o some_o of_o they_o do_v who_o yet_o enjoy_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o my_o design_n which_o we_o have_v be_v thus_o far_o make_v way_n unto_o and_o it_o be_v to_o show_v that_o both_o these_o be_v from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n namely_o that_o we_o true_o believe_v