in_o such_o a_o succession_n establish_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o book_n ought_v ever_o to_o be_v admit_v without_o very_o positive_a proof_n especial_o when_o we_o have_v such_o apparent_a reason_n to_o believe_v the_o contrary_n by_o who_o be_v it_o i_o ask_v that_o the_o bible_n can_v be_v corrupt_v it_o must_v have_v be_v either_o by_o jew_n pagan_n or_o heretic_n it_o be_v plain_a the_o jew_n have_v not_o do_v it_o for_o we_o find_v multitude_n of_o text_n that_o give_v in_o a_o daily_a witness_n against_o they_o which_o doubtless_o have_v they_o attempt_v the_o bible_n in_o such_o a_o way_n they_o will_v never_o have_v suffer_v so_o to_o remain_v upon_o record_n against_o they_o no_o part_n of_o the_o pagan_a world_n can_v be_v reasonable_o think_v to_o have_v do_v it_o for_o the_o scripture_n contain_v such_o a_o eminent_a revelation_n of_o the_o one_o true_a god_n and_o his_o worship_n as_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o heathenish_a vanity_n and_o at_o once_o dispatch_v all_o false_a god_n out_o of_o the_o world_n nor_o have_v heretic_n do_v it_o for_o it_o be_v this_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n that_o upon_o all_o occasion_n mortal_o wound_v they_o the_o scripture_n have_v slay_v their_o thousand_o and_o their_o ten_o thousand_o in_o this_o kind_n it_o be_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o assert_v the_o orthodox_n truth_n of_o religion_n that_o have_v in_o all_o age_n keep_v up_o the_o christian_a verity_n and_o still_o bring_v all_o sort_n of_o heretic_n to_o a_o open_a shame_n it_o have_v be_v the_o wrest_v or_o pervert_v not_o the_o corrupt_v of_o scripture_n from_o whence_o all_o heresy_n have_v chief_o arisen_a and_o the_o native_a and_o genuine_a sense_n of_o the_o bible_n have_v still_o prove_v their_o ruin_n nor_o be_v there_o upon_o the_o whole_a of_o this_o matter_n any_o tolerable_a reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o as_o god_n be_v please_v by_o his_o special_a providence_n to_o secure_v the_o old_a testament_n which_o we_o be_v sure_o he_o do_v and_o preserve_v it_o entire_a till_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n so_o by_o the_o same_o providence_n he_o have_v secure_v the_o old_a and_o the_o new_a since_o and_o deliver_v they_o over_o to_o the_o church_n in_o these_o latter_a age_n without_o any_o considerable_a variation_n from_o what_o they_o be_v when_o they_o be_v first_o write_v and_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v due_o consider_v as_o a_o eminent_a help_n towards_o a_o rational_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o point_n that_o the_o very_a same_o objection_n which_o some_o man_n now_o please_v themselves_o with_o against_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o old_a testament_n be_v equal_o liable_a to_o in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n for_o after_o esdras_n time_n the_o old_a testament_n come_v into_o no_o infallible_a band_n till_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v convey_v by_o fallible_a mean_n through_o many_o age_n down_o to_o those_o time_n have_v the_o same_o possibility_n of_o alteration_n then_o that_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v now_o various_a lection_n also_o in_o the_o hebrew_n copy_n be_v then_o extant_a and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v then_o pure_a and_o entire_a nor_o do_v our_o saviour_n or_o the_o apostle_n mention_v the_o least_o defect_n that_o be_v then_o in_o they_o nor_o be_v there_o in_o those_o eminent_a time_n of_o reformation_n the_o least_o question_n or_o doubt_v ever_o raise_v upon_o any_o such_o account_n one_o grand_a objection_n be_v usual_o make_v upon_o the_o whole_a of_o this_o matter_n and_o it_o be_v thus_o frame_v all_o these_o argument_n bring_v either_o to_o prove_v the_o bible_n in_o general_n or_o to_o answer_v such_o particolar_n doubt_v as_o arise_v about_o it_o be_v build_v say_v some_o upon_o no_o better_a foundation_n than_o huâ—anâ—_n and_o in_o themselves_o fallible_a ground_n and_o if_o so_o we_o still_o embrace_v our_o religion_n but_o upon_o uncertain_a term_n can_v never_o from_o chance_n arrive_v at_o any_o positive_a and_o absolute_a assurance_n nor_o come_v to_o such_o a_o divine_a and_o infallible_a faith_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v in_o this_o case_n in_o answer_v to_o this_o objection_n this_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o although_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v at_o first_o pen_v by_o the_o infallible_a guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n yet_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o conveyance_n to_o future_a age_n have_v be_v by_o humane_a and_o in_o themselves_o fallible_a mean_n the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o which_o disposal_n of_o god_n though_o we_o can_v pretend_v full_o to_o reach_v yet_o we_o be_v thus_o far_o inform_v first_o the_o scripture_n can_v not_o have_v be_v by_o mean_n in_o themselves_o absolute_o infallible_a hand_v down_o to_o all_o place_n and_o age_n without_o the_o visible_a continuance_n and_o constant_a exertion_n of_o such_o a_o supernatural_a and_o extraordinary_a power_n as_o will_v have_v whole_o invert_v that_o course_n we_o find_v god_n most_o general_o take_v in_o his_o rule_n and_o dispose_v of_o the_o world_n second_o it_o will_v have_v prevent_v all_o that_o case_n and_o industry_n god_n intend_v to_o exercise_v his_o church_n withal_o to_o their_o great_a advantage_n in_o the_o exact_a preservation_n of_o these_o sacred_a record_n three_o there_o have_v be_v no_o room_n for_o a_o belief_n of_o not_o occasion_n for_o a_o dependence_n upon_o that_o wisdom_n and_o power_n god_n have_v express_v and_o wherein_o he_o have_v great_o honour_v himself_o in_o a_o overrule_a disposal_n of_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o such_o extraordinary_a end_n who_o have_v providential_o secure_v this_o book_n through_o all_o the_o several_a channel_n of_o humane_a conveyance_n this_o objection_n be_v much_o urge_v first_o by_o those_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o great_a uncertainty_n of_o our_o own_o profession_n and_o the_o stability_n of_o they_o and_o second_o by_o man_n of_o sceptical_a principle_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n either_o to_o fright_v or_o persuade_v we_o or_o both_o out_o of_o all_o religion_n by_o tell_v we_o there_o be_v no_o positive_a or_o absolute_a certainty_n in_o the_o ground_n of_o any_o how_o serviceable_a this_o objection_n though_o it_o have_v fill_v the_o world_n with_o great_a noise_n and_o clamour_n as_o it_o have_v be_v press_v both_o way_n will_v prove_v to_o either_o of_o these_o design_n and_o indeed_o with_o how_o great_a absurdity_n it_o be_v manage_v in_o order_n to_o both_o will_v be_v soon_o make_v to_o appear_v all_o belief_n of_o thing_n divine_a in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n i_o speak_v not_o of_o such_o divine_a illumination_n as_o god_n may_v particular_o vouchsafe_v to_o any_o â—ust_z of_o necessity_n be_v ultimate_o resolve_v into_o that_o we_o call_v rational_a and_o moral_a assurance_n for_o when_o we_o speak_v most_o proper_o of_o divine_a faith_n we_o mean_v such_o a_o faith_n as_o be_v build_v upon_o a_o divine_a testimony_n not_o denominate_v it_o from_o the_o object_n of_o it_o nor_o from_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o which_o be_v less_o proper_a but_o from_o the_o foundation_n and_o ground_n of_o it_o now_o divine_a faith_n in_o that_o best_a and_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o will_v be_v reduce_v into_o no_o more_o than_o a_o moral_a a_o ssurance_n at_o last_o for_o if_o i_o say_v my_o faith_n be_v divine_a because_o build_v upon_o a_o divine_a testimony_n it_o be_v in_o some_o sense_n true_a but_o if_o i_o be_o ask_v by_o what_o mean_v i_o come_v to_o know_v that_o testimony_n to_o be_v divine_a that_o question_n must_v needs_o bring_v i_o back_o to_o a_o moral_a assurance_n as_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o my_o previous_a belief_n about_o that_o divine_a testimony_n itself_o that_o it_o real_o be_v so_o whatsoever_o revelation_n god_n make_v of_o his_o mind_n to_o i_o i_o must_v needs_o without_o divine_a assistance_n receive_v it_o upon_o humane_a and_o in_o themselves_o fallible_a term_n and_o so_o judge_v of_o it_o as_o i_o judge_v of_o all_o other_o thing_n no_o man_n can_v receive_v my_o revelation_n from_o god_n with_o a_o faith_n a_o divine_a and_o infallible_a as_o the_o revelation_n be_v in_o itself_o unless_o there_o be_v a_o equal_a inspiration_n in_o both_o case_n and_o god_n make_v man_n as_o infallible_a in_o judge_v of_o revelation_n when_o propose_v as_o he_o make_v the_o instrument_n of_o it_o in_o the_o act_n of_o its_o conveyance_n the_o plain_a question_n in_o this_o case_n be_v how_o i_o come_v to_o receive_v all_o other_o thing_n into_o my_o belief_n that_o be_v object_n of_o belief_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v upon_o the_o ground_n of_o rational_a credibility_n and_o moral_a assurance_n and_o therefore_o upon_o the_o
to_o man_n of_o one_o persuasion_n whenever_o man_n in_o order_n to_o the_o sound_n of_o any_o science_n lay_v down_o position_n and_o principle_n upon_o which_o they_o proceed_v if_o such_o principle_n be_v beyond_o the_o first_o and_o common_a rudiment_n of_o every_o man_n reason_n though_o in_o themselves_o never_o so_o true_a yet_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o debate_v and_o admit_v questionable_a in_o all_o reason_n about_o that_o very_a science_n not_o to_o admit_v some_o universal_a maxim_n be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v mankind_n certain_a of_o nothing_o and_o to_o admit_v any_o particular_a man_n opinion_n as_o indisputable_a principle_n be_v the_o way_n to_o enslave_v the_o world_n to_o every_o party_n the_o scripture_n be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o christian_n but_o not_o of_o men._n the_o first_o of_o christian_a religion_n but_o not_o of_o all_o science_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o begin_v their_o proof_n against_o all_o antiscriptural_a opposition_n from_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o every_o man_n religion_n and_o reason_n and_o from_o thence_o induce_v a_o assent_n to_o their_o divine_a and_o sacred_a authority_n which_o we_o shall_v find_v god_n have_v make_v sufficient_o evident_a to_o a_o rational_a and_o impartial_a inquiry_n second_o the_o testimony_n give_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n though_o it_o be_v the_o most_o convince_a evidence_n that_o can_v be_v give_v to_o they_o and_o that_o way_n god_n be_v please_v to_o reserve_v to_o himself_o of_o give_v man_n a_o unquestionable_a satisfaction_n about_o that_o and_o all_o other_o divine_a thing_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v urge_v in_o proof_n of_o the_o scripture_n against_o its_o profess_a adversary_n and_o that_o upon_o two_o account_n first_o because_o the_o bless_a spirit_n itself_o be_v not_o a_o common_a demonstrable_a principle_n among_o mankind_n and_o so_o can_v be_v make_v use_n of_o against_o those_o that_o know_v no_o such_o testimony_n nor_o admit_v the_o be_v of_o any_o such_o principle_n nothing_o but_o what_o a_o man_n do_v assent_v to_o can_v with_o any_o good_a reason_n be_v urge_v upon_o he_o to_o prove_v what_o he_o do_v not_o assent_v to_o to_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v the_o scripture_n by_o any_o evidence_n arise_v from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n must_v needs_o be_v visible_o absurd_a because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n in_o be_v as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o by_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o so_o that_o what_o i_o be_o about_o to_o prove_v must_v first_o be_v admit_v before_o i_o can_v make_v good_a the_o existence_n of_o that_o medium_fw-la i_o take_v to_o prove_v it_o by_o second_o whatever_o evidence_n the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v to_o any_o man_n to_o assure_v he_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o proposition_n that_o evidence_n as_o such_o can_v never_o go_v beyond_o his_o own_o breast_n nor_o can_v i_o ever_o prove_v any_o thing_n by_o it_o as_o it_o be_v a_o divine_a and_o infallible_a evidence_n because_o such_o evidence_n be_v no_o way_n communicable_a to_o another_o but_o in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n nothing_o be_v visible_a to_o another_o in_o such_o case_n but_o the_o reason_n i_o can_v produce_v the_o divine_a illumination_n i_o have_v within_o myself_o to_o convince_v i_o that_o such_o reason_n be_v cogent_n and_o prevail_a can_v never_o be_v so_o demonstrate_v as_o to_o convince_v another_o that_o have_v no_o such_o illumination_n the_o illumination_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o be_v conceive_v of_o then_o that_o he_o be_v please_v to_o propose_v the_o right_a ground_n and_o reason_n upon_o which_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o to_o convince_v and_o satisfy_v the_o understanding_n that_o they_o be_v so_o and_o to_o bring_v man_n to_o acquiesce_v in_o conclusion_n by_o assertain_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o premise_n it_o be_v heterodox_n and_o false_a and_o one_o of_o the_o worst_a sort_n of_o enthusiasm_n to_o say_v that_o divine_a illumination_n be_v not_o always_o accompany_v with_o rational_a evidence_n and_o that_o any_o thing_n be_v the_o product_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o which_o no_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v it_o be_v most_o unsuitable_a to_o a_o reasonable_a be_v and_o most_o contrary_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n deal_v with_o man_n all_o the_o intercourse_n between_o god_n and_o man_n be_v maintain_v by_o the_o true_a exercise_n of_o our_o rational_a faculty_n and_o no_o otherwise_o whoever_o rest_v assure_v from_o a_o divine_a testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o come_v from_o god_n may_v deal_v with_o a_o antiscripturist_n by_o those_o ground_n and_o reason_n upon_o which_o such_o testimony_n be_v build_v but_o will_v vain_o and_o to_o no_o purpose_n urge_v that_o satisfaction_n he_o receive_v of_o the_o validity_n of_o such_o ground_n and_o reason_n from_o such_o a_o testimony_n when_o that_o testimony_n can_v be_v no_o further_o make_v evident_a then_o by_o such_o reason_n and_o argument_n as_o he_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v for_o it_o of_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o which_o every_o other_o man_n reason_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n must_v necessary_o be_v the_o judge_n to_o this_o present_a undertake_n there_o ought_v also_o to_o be_v this_o praeliminary_a consideration_n that_o as_o there_o be_v divers_a thing_n of_o divers_a nature_n true_a so_o there_o be_v various_a way_n of_o render_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o evident_a and_o medium_n of_o proof_n proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o each_o this_o be_v visible_a in_o aethick_n in_o physics_n in_o mathematics_n and_o in_o all_o other_o science_n when_o we_o discourse_n of_o the_o bible_n divers_a thing_n will_v come_v in_o question_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o by_o various_a medium_n of_o proof_n must_v be_v establish_v first_o in_o the_o general_n whether_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o such_o supernatural_a law_n as_o this_o send_v from_o heaven_n or_o no_o this_o be_v to_o be_v clear_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o such_o natural_a religion_n as_o every_o man_n be_v bear_v with_o second_o whether_o this_o book_n as_o it_o be_v now_o propose_v to_o we_o be_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o such_o as_o be_v likely_a to_o come_v from_o god_n and_o to_o be_v that_o law_n by_o which_o the_o supreme_a maker_n of_o all_o thing_n will_v rule_v and_o judge_v the_o world_n this_o must_v also_o be_v clear_v from_o that_o natural_a divinity_n that_o lodge_v in_o every_o man_n be_v own_o breast_n and_o those_o primary_n notion_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n which_o all_o unprejudiced_a reason_n assent_v to_o and_o which_o be_v antecedent_o suppose_v to_o all_o discourse_n of_o revelation_n and_o whatever_o be_v supernatural_a three_o whether_o this_o book_n be_v write_v by_o those_o person_n who_o name_n it_o bear_v and_o in_o those_o time_n wherein_o it_o avow_v itself_o to_o be_v write_v whether_o such_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v such_o prediction_n fulfil_v all_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v matter_n of_o fact_n must_v be_v prove_v to_o we_o by_o credible_a testimony_n and_o by_o such_o mean_n as_o can_v ascertain_v we_o about_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o a_o thing_n long_o since_o past_a he_o that_o demand_v to_o be_v satisfy_v about_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n long_o since_o past_a and_o yet_o deny_v to_o acquiesce_v in_o historical_a evidence_n be_v so_o absurd_a as_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o propose_v a_o doubt_n and_o resolve_v against_o all_o way_n of_o answer_n four_o whether_o this_o book_n as_o now_o we_o have_v it_o be_v the_o same_o it_o be_v when_o it_o be_v first_o write_v and_o have_v not_o be_v since_o corrupt_v or_o change_v the_o proof_n of_o this_o depend_v upon_o what_o may_v be_v rational_o urge_v to_o make_v it_o credible_a that_o this_o book_n shall_v still_o be_v secure_v by_o a_o divine_a care_n and_o to_o render_v the_o way_n and_o mean_v historical_o evident_a by_o which_o such_o a_o divine_a care_n in_o all_o time_n and_o age_n have_v be_v exert_v and_o so_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v in_o doubt_n about_o the_o bible_n there_o be_v proper_a inducement_n to_o our_o belief_n as_o will_v appear_v hereafter_o and_o such_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o a_o subject_n require_v and_o he_o that_o will_v not_o acquiesce_v in_o a_o belief_n of_o thing_n upon_o the_o evidence_n they_o be_v capable_a of_o though_o perhaps_o not_o so_o full_a and_o convince_a as_o some_o other_o thing_n will_v afford_v declare_v himself_o to_o be_v obstinate_o wilful_a and_o absurd_a nothing_o
whether_o the_o daemon_n that_o first_o cause_v they_o be_v not_o mortal_a and_o perishable_a or_o whether_o they_o remove_v not_o their_o place_n and_o change_v their_o abode_n and_o many_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n at_o last_o conclude_v with_o this_o excellent_a philosophy_n that_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o those_o oracle_n be_v that_o the_o earth_n in_o some_o place_n be_v endue_v with_o certain_a prophetic_a virtue_n which_o come_v by_o exhalation_n to_o be_v mingle_v with_o and_o insinuate_v into_o soul_n fit_v to_o receive_v those_o inspiration_n and_o so_o cause_n in_o they_o enthusiasm_n and_o prediction_n of_o future_a thing_n and_o at_o last_o that_o virtue_n in_o the_o subterranean_a cavern_n be_v spend_v and_o evaporate_n and_o so_o the_o oracular_a spirit_n cease_v what_o ground_n have_v the_o heathen_a for_o all_o that_o religion_n they_o take_v from_o their_o poet_n but_o their_o own_o word_n that_o they_o be_v inspire_v what_o other_o evidence_n have_v the_o roman_n at_o first_o for_o their_o religion_n but_o that_o numa_n pompilius_n tell_v they_o hâ—_n converse_v with_o a_o goddess_n and_o receive_v it_o from_o she_o what_o have_v the_o turk_n to_o this_o day_n to_o assure_v they_o that_o mahomet_n be_v a_o prophet_n 〈◊〉_d and_o converse_v with_o god_n and_o the_o anâ—â—_n 〈…〉_o beside_o his_o own_o bare_a â—ord_n he_o 〈…〉_o claim_v work_v of_o mâ—â—acles_n anâ—_n aâ—â—â—â—_n hâ—mself_n send_v from_o heâ—â—â—â—_n to_o conveâ—â—â—_n 〈…〉_o with_o his_o sword_n a_o reâ—â—â—â—tion_n from_o 〈…〉_o to_o be_v accompany_v and_o â—â—nnot_v 〈…〉_o to_o be_v otherwâ—â—eâ—_n with_o such_o plan_n and_o 〈◊〉_d evidence_n as_o be_v â—â—ed_v to_o all_o reasonable_a satisfaction_n though_o 〈◊〉_d prevail_v nâ—t_v to_o a_o universal_a conviction_n such_o as_o will_v abundant_o jusâ—â—fie_v it_o 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o strict_a scrutiny_n or_o all_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n however_o it_o be_v judge_v or_o by_o perverse_a and_o corrupt_a man_n the_o biâ—le_n be_v not_o only_o sâ—â—h_v for_o the_o matter_n out_o as_o that_o we_o make_v appeal_v to_o the_o most_o genuine_a issue_n of_o every_o â—â—ns_n reason_n whether_o the_o justice_n helmess_n and_o gâ—oâ—â—s_n of_o god_n be_v not_o very_o transparent_a in_o it_o but_o in_o its_o gradual_a conveyance_n to_o the_o world_n at_o â—â—veâ—â—al_a time_n and_o in_o distant_a age_n and_o place_n have_v be_v visible_o accompany_v with_o open_a and_o apparent_a evidence_n of_o god_n infinite_a and_o almighty_a power_n such_o and_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n visible_a as_o no_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o itself_o can_v make_v a_o pretence_n to_o and_o such_o as_o the_o fact_n of_o they_o its_o worst_a enemy_n not_o a_o celsus_n nor_o a_o julian_n do_v ever_o assume_v impudence_n enough_o to_o deny_v and_o indeed_o be_v eminent_o and_o singular_o justify_v to_o we_o as_o in_o particular_n shall_v be_v show_v hereafter_o by_o a_o concurrence_n of_o all_o those_o evidence_n from_o whence_o a_o rational_a satisfaction_n about_o a_o law_n supernatural_a and_o divine_a aught_o final_o to_o result_v five_o a_o revelation_n from_o god_n my_o reason_n will_v tell_v i_o must_v be_v without_o any_o visible_a defect_n it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o father_n that_o upon_o god_n which_o we_o ourselves_o upon_o good_a ground_n be_v able_a to_o charge_n with_o fail_v and_o imperfection_n whatever_o claim_v from_o he_o and_o speak_v to_o we_o in_o his_o name_n must_v have_v nothing_o in_o it_o unlike_o he_o or_o unworthy_a of_o he_o a_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n must_v be_v above_o any_o just_a and_o reasonable_a exception_n or_o it_o natural_o become_v its_o own_o executioner_n if_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o right_a reâ—son_n it_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n or_o of_o any_o falsehood_n in_o matter_n of_o fact_n it_o be_v but_o equal_a to_o reject_v it_o as_o a_o spurious_a and_o fictitious_a delusion_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v right_o say_v of_o st._n austin_n to_o st._n jerome_n si_fw-mi mendacium_fw-la aliquod_fw-la in_o scripture_n vel_fw-la levissimum_fw-la admittatur_fw-la scripturâ—â—_n authoritatem_fw-la omnem_fw-la moâ—_n labefactari_fw-la ac_fw-la convelli_fw-la if_o we_o admit_v the_o least_o falshhod_n in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n we_o ruin_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o whole_a all_o the_o counterfeit_n of_o revelation_n have_v upon_o this_o account_n visible_o betray_v themselves_o and_o reveal_v to_o we_o their_o own_o original_n no_o one_o but_o the_o bible_n can_v the_o world_n produce_v that_o will_v not_o some_o way_n or_o other_o disclose_v its_o own_o shame_n and_o that_o fall_v not_o under_o some_o nay_o many_a just_a and_o reasonable_a exception_n it_o be_v this_o book_n alone_o in_o which_o there_o be_v not_o a_o flaw_n to_o be_v find_v it_o be_v only_o this_o divine_a law_n that_o be_v perfect_a the_o bible_n consist_v of_o three_o part_n the_o doctrinal_a the_o historical_a and_o the_o prophetical_a let_v the_o most_o acute_a anti_n scripturist_n live_a produce_v any_o one_o doctrine_n out_o of_o the_o bible_n that_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o right_a reason_n seem_v corrupt_a and_o unsound_a let_v he_o show_v any_o one_o prophecy_n relate_v to_o thing_n past_a not_o due_o fulfil_v let_v he_o upon_o good_a and_o sufficient_a historical_a authority_n palpable_o disprove_v any_o one_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o we_o i_o yield_v he_o the_o cause_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v as_o in_o fact_n it_o never_o have_v be_v and_o we_o be_v well_o assure_v never_o can_v be_v if_o a_o book_n contain_v so_o much_o variety_n of_o history_n far_o beyond_o any_o other_o book_n extant_a for_o so_o many_o thousand_o of_o year_n it_o a_o book_n pronounce_v with_o that_o positive_a certainty_n about_o such_o a_o multitude_n of_o future_a event_n in_o so_o many_o several_a age_n and_o relate_v to_o so_o many_o several_a person_n and_o place_n contain_v in_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n of_o it_o direction_n and_o rule_n for_o the_o whoâ—â—_n business_n of_o â—ens_n duty_n â—o_o god_n and_o towards_o each_o other_o iâ—_n this_o book_n have_v not_o a_o â—â—â—un_n to_o be_v sound_a in_o it_o if_o it_o be_v proof_n against_o all_o exception_n if_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o truth_n in_o it_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n what_o more_o invincible_a evidence_n can_v there_o be_v give_v to_o its_o divinity_n who_o but_o god_n himself_o can_v have_v indict_v in_o hâ—a_n â—ock_n 〈◊〉_d who_o but_o a_o man_n wilful_a and_o absurd_a can_v withstand_v such_o a_o conviction_n it_o be_v the_o bâ—â—le_a and_o it_o be_v that_o book_n alone_o upon_o every_o page_n of_o which_o that_o image_n and_o superscription_n of_o god_n be_v engraven_v truâ—_n itself_o it_o be_v a_o â—oâ—â—_n 〈◊〉_d in_o its_o â—niverâ—â—â—_n triumph_n over_o all_o 〈◊〉_d where_o be_v 〈◊〉_d a_o book_n to_o be_v â—ound_v 〈◊〉_d of_o any_o considerable_a subject_n much_o 〈…〉_o a_o â—auâ—â—â—â—_n this_o â—â—â—t_a câ—â—â—â—â—_n 〈…〉_o â—â—â—â—tonâ—â—_n judgement_n of_o mankind_n 〈…〉_o worst_a enemy_n to_o find_v 〈…〉_o pâ—oâ—ucts_v be_v bring_v forth_o in_o 〈…〉_o fail_v and_o imperfect_a nâ—â—â—â—â—â—_n 〈…〉_o the_o wise_a or_o mâ—n_z 〈…〉_o bind_v of_o this_o we_o be_v experimental_o â—â—â—â—ed_v by_o all_o history_n philosophy_n and_o all_o 〈…〉_o this_o holy_a 〈…〉_o legitimate_a off_o spring_n of_o god_n and_o thâ—t_v which_o only_o contain_v his_o mind_n authoritative_o reveal_v and_o make_v know_v to_o the_o world_n so_o it_o have_v single_o appertinent_a to_o it_o all_o those_o requisite_n necessary_a to_o a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o without_o which_o no_o such_o thing_n can_v rational_o be_v suppose_v these_o thing_n be_v so_o he_o that_o reject_v the_o bible_n will_v find_v he_o be_v avoidable_o obâ—â—â—ed_v either_o to_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o revelation_n aâ—_n all_o and_o consequent_o to_o give_v some_o good_a answer_n to_o what_o have_v be_v urge_v for_o the_o reasonable_a supposal_n of_o it_o and_o some_o tolleâ—â—â—â—â—_n account_v hâ—w_o mankind_n when_o we_o consider_v god_n goodness_n and_o our_o own_o necessity_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v leave_v without_o it_o or_o else_o to_o proâ—â—â—ce_v somewhat_o that_o with_o more_o justâ—â—â—_n and_o better_a evidence_n can_v put_v in_o a_o claim_n to_o it_o be_v mâ—â—â—l_o more_o become_v the_o greatness_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o more_o suitable_a and_o use_v â—l_a to_o man_n the_o first_o i_o dare_v say_v will_v be_v find_v a_o task_n utter_o impracticable_a if_o unprejudiced_a reason_n may_v be_v judge_n and_o with_o what_o success_n the_o latter_a iâ—_n like_o 〈◊〉_d procee_v and_o how_o visible_o absurd_a it_o will_v renâ—eâ—_n its_o undertaker_n will_v soon_o be_v determine_v by_o every_o sober_a mind_n when_o it_o plain_o appâ—â—â—s_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o so_o many_o thing_n which_o my_o reason_n tell_v i_o must_v all_o necessary_o accompany_v a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o without_o which_o it_o
reach_v exercise_v the_o world_n with_o the_o great_a trial_n even_o trial_n from_o a_o appearance_n of_o his_o almighty_a power_n so_o long_o as_o he_o still_o afford_v a_o plain_o superior_a evidence_n to_o truth_n and_o so_o circumstantiate_n thing_n that_o there_o be_v abundant_a ground_n of_o distinction_n to_o make_v this_o appear_v be_v of_o chief_a concern_n in_o discourse_v of_o this_o matter_n how_o god_n miracle_n can_v be_v a_o infallible_a evidence_n if_o the_o devil_n and_o ill_a man_n be_v sometime_o enable_v for_o so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v for_o by_o no_o inherent_a power_n of_o their_o own_o can_v they_o do_v it_o to_o act_v also_o in_o a_o supernatural_a and_o miraculous_a way_n for_o if_o a_o miracle_n by_o whosoever_o wrought_v be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o any_o doctrine_n it_o be_v wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o it_o will_v then_o be_v say_v the_o testimony_n from_o miracle_n seem_v to_o to_o be_v much_o invalidated_n and_o mankind_n to_o be_v leave_v at_o great_a uncertainty_n about_o it_o that_o god_n when_o he_o be_v please_v to_o establish_v divine_a truth_n to_o the_o world_n by_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n do_v make_v that_o testimony_n unquestionable_a and_o clear_o distinguish_v the_o witness_n give_v by_o his_o miracle_n from_o any_o witness_n the_o devil_n or_o his_o instrument_n can_v give_v by_o any_o either_o seem_a or_o real_a operation_n of_o that_o kind_n will_v very_o evident_o appear_v these_o three_o way_n first_o from_o the_o order_n of_o his_o proceed_n second_o from_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o proceed_n and_o three_o from_o the_o maâ—ter_n about_o which_o he_o proceed_v first_o god_n make_v the_o miracle_n he_o work_v from_o heaven_n a_o infallible_a testimony_n by_o the_o order_n of_o his_o proceed_n he_o primary_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n before_o false_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n can_v have_v any_o such_o pretence_n by_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n settle_v and_o fix_v his_o own_o truth_n and_o make_v that_o so_o settle_a a_o rule_n to_o we_o to_o try_v all_o other_o doctrine_n by_o god_n have_v be_v ever_o beforehand_o with_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o instrument_n in_o this_o kind_n nor_o have_v they_o ever_o be_v suffer_v to_o attempt_v the_o world_n this_o way_n till_o truth_n be_v first_o so_o unquestionable_o settle_v that_o there_o be_v abundant_a ground_n to_o secure_a unbiased_a and_o unprejudiced_a man_n from_o any_o seduction_n be_v the_o temptation_n to_o it_o never_o so_o great_a this_o be_v the_o case_n at_o first_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n god_n by_o most_o eminent_a and_o undeniable_a miracle_n from_o heaven_n establish_v the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n publish_v by_o moses_n and_o thereby_o fix_v that_o as_o the_o great_a standard_n and_o rule_n of_o all_o religion_n before_o the_o devil_n have_v ever_o attempt_v to_o impose_v any_o systeme_n of_o his_o own_o upon_o the_o world_n in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o that_o be_v so_o settle_v aâ—ter-propâ—ecie_a be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o single_o by_o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n god_fw-we himself_o have_v direct_v the_o contrary_a but_o also_o by_o its_o conformity_n to_o that_o establish_a rule_n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o prophet_n arise_v though_o attend_v with_o a_o miraculous_a power_n and_o endeavour_v to_o introduce_v a_o doctrine_n destructive_a to_o whâ—t_n be_v so_o already_o establish_v and_o to_o withdraw_v they_o from_o the_o worship_n of_o that_o god_n to_o who_o by_o moses_n his_o law_n they_o be_v primary_o subject_v they_o be_v oblige_v not_o to_o hearken_v to_o he_o but_o to_o reject_v his_o doctrine_n as_o a_o vile_a and_o wicked_a temptation_n and_o it_o be_v of_o great_a remark_n and_o a_o eminent_a justification_n of_o god_n proceed_n in_o this_o kind_n that_o the_o most_o that_o ever_o the_o devil_n be_v suffer_v to_o do_v be_v at_o first_o in_o opposition_n to_o moses_n when_o he_o by_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n come_v to_o settle_v that_o divine_a law_n for_o never_o any_o false_a prophet_n after_o can_v reach_v to_o do_v what_o the_o magician_n than_o do_v and_o god_n in_o that_o very_a way_n plain_o and_o open_o to_o satisfy_v the_o world_n for_o ever_o after_o in_o this_o matter_n determine_v the_o cause_n against_o he_o and_o moses_n so_o far_o out_o go_v the_o magician_n in_o a_o miraculous_a way_n that_o they_o be_v force_v to_o this_o confession_n this_o be_v the_o singer_n of_o god_n by_o which_o expression_n seem_v not_o to_o be_v mean_v that_o this_o particular_a work_n of_o turn_v dust_n into_o louse_n in_o which_o the_o magician_n faâ—led_v be_v a_o effect_n of_o a_o power_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a and_o all_o that_o be_v do_v before_o both_o by_o moâ—es_n and_o we_o which_o be_v work_v every_o whit_n as_o great_a be_v do_v by_o a_o power_n meeâ—ly_o natural_a but_o this_o be_v the_o singer_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o stop_v we_o that_o now_o we_o have_v try_v to_o do_v the_o like_a we_o find_v we_o can_v that_o we_o shall_v â—e_v able_a to_o go_v no_o â—â—â—ther_n that_o our_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n shall_v fail_v we_o and_o be_v take_v from_o we_o and_o moses_n shall_v be_v still_o able_a to_o proceed_v so_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o gospel_n be_v first_o eminent_o establish_v by_o uncoâ—â—ollable_a miracle_n as_o the_o great_a standard_n and_o rule_n of_o all_o suture_a doctrine_n and_o acquaint_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o further_a revelation_n to_o be_v expect_v before_o the_o wonder_n and_o miracle_n of_o seducer_n be_v extant_a and_o when_o god_n have_v by_o a_o miraculous_a power_n once_o unquestionable_o establish_v his_o own_o truth_n all_o pretence_n to_o miracle_n be_v they_o feign_v or_o real_a they_o come_v too_o late_o truth_n be_v in_o possession_n and_o by_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v try_v and_o whatever_o be_v find_v opposite_a to_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_o to_o be_v reckon_v as_o a_o trial_n and_o a_o temptation_n only_o to_o prove_v we_o the_o broad_a seal_n of_o heaven_n be_v already_o solemn_o and_o open_o set_v and_o let_v the_o devil_n bring_v what_o show_v he_o can_v of_o the_o same_o impression_n they_o be_v still_o to_o be_v reject_v and_o whatever_o the_o devil_n have_v be_v at_o any_o time_n able_a to_o do_v of_o that_o kind_n have_v be_v but_o this_o second_o hand_n work_v and_o to_o seduce_v man_n from_o a_o truth_n beforehand_o unquestionable_o establish_v and_o to_o which_o there_o be_v reason_n sufficient_a whatever_o can_v be_v do_v to_o persuade_v to_o the_o contrary_a for_o all_o man_n to_o adhere_v and_o this_o make_v st._n austin_n when_o the_o donatist_n much_o urge_v upon_o he_o in_o their_o justification_n a_o power_n they_o have_v of_o work_a miracle_n to_o tell_v they_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o way_n full_o settle_v before_o and_o we_o have_v warning_n enough_o not_o to_o be_v seduce_v from_o the_o orthodox_n doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o any_o such_o pretension_n second_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n proceed_v in_o his_o work_n of_o miracle_n to_o ascertain_v the_o world_n do_v sufficient_o secure_v we_o against_o the_o danger_n of_o be_v seduce_v by_o impostor_n that_o way_n and_o any_o miracle_n they_o can_v produce_v if_o we_o consider_v first_o the_o grand_a occasion_n upon_o which_o god_n still_o work_v they_o of_o how_o vast_a concernment_n be_v the_o rear_n up_o of_o both_o testament_n and_o justify_v the_o descent_n of_o christ_n into_o humane_a nature_n second_o the_o number_n of_o they_o how_o far_o have_v divine_a miracle_n outgo_v all_o other_o in_o that_o kind_n three_o the_o eminency_n of_o they_o four_o the_o perspicuity_n of_o they_o to_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n five_o their_o performance_n without_o the_o least_o outward_a mean_n wherein_o there_o may_v possible_o lie_v a_o deceit_n six_o the_o long_a and_o last_a continuance_n of_o they_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n be_v divine_a miracle_n difference_v from_o all_o diabolical_a act_n that_o way_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v be_v fictitious_a and_o discoverable_a so_o to_o be_v and_o when_o real_a comparative_o but_o few_o and_o in_o no_o sort_n bear_v any_o proportion_n to_o any_o of_o these_o circumstance_n wherewith_o divine_a miracle_n have_v be_v open_o accompany_v and_o it_o be_v also_o to_o be_v note_v that_o very_o many_o of_o those_o miracle_n we_o be_v tell_v of_o among_o the_o heathen_n admit_v they_o true_a be_v not_o wrought_v to_o confirm_v or_o justify_v their_o religion_n but_o upon_o other_o occasion_n often_o for_o end_n conceal_v and_o wrap_v up_o in_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n which_o we_o know_v not_o of_o and_o sometime_o for_o other_o end_n then_o to_o establish_v their_o religion_n visible_a as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o vespasian_n who_o god_n have_v design_v
as_o his_o minister_n to_o execute_v so_o many_o dreadful_a judgement_n upon_o the_o jew_n and_o therefore_o will_v establish_v he_o by_o those_o extraordinary_a act_n in_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n which_o with_o great_a difficulty_n and_o against_o much_o probability_n to_o the_o contrary_n he_o obtain_v and_o as_o suetonâ—us_n say_v of_o he_o after_o he_o have_v obtain_v it_o want_v personal_a authority_n and_o majesty_n to_o manage_v such_o a_o dominion_n a_o clear_a instance_n concern_v this_o whole_a matter_n god_n give_v we_o at_o first_o in_o the_o magician_n opposition_n to_o moses_n wherein_o he_o give_v we_o to_o know_v that_o although_o divine_a truth_n may_v by_o miracle_n be_v oppose_v yet_o the_o superior_a luster_n of_o his_o own_o miracle_n shall_v be_v so_o visible_a to_o all_o as_o perfect_o to_o silence_n and_o vanquish_v the_o rest_n and_o both_o in_o number_n continuance_n and_o quality_n as_o then_o it_o be_v the_o difference_n shall_v be_v to_o every_o eye_n obvious_a and_o apparent_a three_o the_o matter_n for_o the_o establishment_n of_o which_o divine_a miracle_n be_v ever_o wrought_v afford_v we_o ground_n sufficient_a to_o distinguish_v in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v always_o a_o doctrine_n lead_v we_o to_o that_o god_n of_o who_o we_o have_v a_o notion_n imprint_v in_o our_o own_o nature_n reveal_v he_o further_o to_o we_o and_o instruct_v we_o in_o all_o those_o holy_a virtue_n and_o excellent_a way_n of_o live_v that_o most_o correspond_v to_o our_o natural_a light_n be_v most_o suitable_a to_o that_o natural_a divinity_n we_o be_v bear_v with_o and_o evident_o tend_v to_o make_v we_o most_o happy_a here_o and_o conduct_v we_o to_o the_o high_a reward_n hereafter_o whatever_o miracle_n we_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n see_v wrought_v to_o justify_v a_o contrary_a doctrine_n my_o own_o reason_n will_v reject_v as_o a_o temptation_n and_o assure_v i_o that_o in_o the_o one_o case_n a_o miracle_n be_v send_v from_o god_n to_o ascertain_v i_o and_o in_o the_o other_o the_o devil_n be_v only_o enable_v in_o the_o high_a manner_n to_o tempt_v and_o to_o try_v i_o and_o these_o three_o way_n in_o the_o case_n of_o miracle_n be_v we_o sufficient_o secure_v against_o all_o the_o attempt_n that_o can_v be_v at_o any_o time_n make_v to_o seduce_v we_o that_o way_n and_o may_v hereby_o rest_v abundant_o satisfy_v in_o the_o testimony_n of_o divine_a miracle_n give_v to_o divine_a truth_n by_o whatever_o way_n the_o devil_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o countenance_n and_o promote_v a_o contrary_a interest_n now_o that_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v attend_v with_o miracle_n in_o their_o conveyance_n be_v not_o as_o before_o be_v prove_v by_o any_o deny_v and_o that_o those_o miracle_n have_v the_o advantage_n of_o all_o the_o forego_n circumstance_n be_v likewise_o very_o evident_a the_o doctrine_n of_o moses_n be_v the_o first_o bâ—rn_n of_o all_o other_o be_v the_o religion_n that_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n god_n in_o the_o first_o place_n settle_v and_o consecrate_v that_o by_o a_o miraculous_a power_n before_o any_o other_o systeme_n of_o religion_n be_v extant_a and_o give_v it_o therein_o the_o precedency_n of_o all_o false_a prophet_n and_o impostor_n and_o whatsoever_o doctrine_n they_o shall_v by_o that_o mean_n oppose_v it_o withal_o and_o so_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o natural_a product_n of_o the_o old_a be_v by_o the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n at_o the_o first_o and_o those_o of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n after_o upon_o the_o validity_n of_o both_o which_o it_o be_v establish_v secure_v against_o all_o opposition_n that_o can_v that_o way_n be_v make_v against_o it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n second_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o god_n work_v those_o miracle_n by_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v justify_v to_o we_o to_o be_v his_o word_n have_v eminent_o distinguish_v they_o from_o all_o other_o operation_n of_o that_o kind_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n when_o the_o devil_n by_o the_o magician_n go_v further_a that_o way_n then_o ever_o he_o do_v after_o how_o far_o do_v the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n exceed_v his_o more_o miracle_n great_a miracle_n more_o continue_a miracle_n undeniable_a and_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n of_o god_n infinite_a and_o almighty_a power_n in_o a_o way_n far_o superior_a to_o what_o they_o can_v bring_v about_o under_o the_o gospel_n the_o miracle_n have_v be_v such_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o work_n as_o leave_v no_o room_n to_o doubt_v of_o god_n intention_n to_o secure_v we_o from_o heaven_n â—â—ereby_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o â—â—â—â—rine_n if_o we_o consider_v first_o the_o grand_a â—â—â—â—sion_n of_o they_o to_o fullfil_v the_o old_a testament_n and_o establish_v the_o new_a and_o this_o by_o private_a man_n respect_v the_o world_n without_o the_o least_o clothing_n of_o humane_a power_n or_o authority_n who_o can_v imagine_v less_o than_o that_o a_o commission_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n shall_v be_v seal_v from_o 〈◊〉_d heaven_n in_o extroardinary_a way_n to_o assure_v the_o world_n of_o their_o authority_n to_o do_v this_o second_o the_o admirable_a nature_n of_o those_o miracle_n raise_v dead_a person_n cure_v all_o sort_n of_o disease_n command_v wind_n and_o sea_n vanish_v in_o a_o moment_n out_o of_o the_o sight_n of_o multitude_n three_o their_o number_n be_v exceed_o many_o do_v in_o all_o place_n and_o upon_o all_o occasion_n where_o they_o come_v four_o their_o visibility_n open_o see_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o present_a by_o multitude_n five_o without_o the_o use_n of_o any_o secondary_a mean_n or_o the_o least_o show_n of_o diabolical_a enchantment_n and_o as_o one_o of_o the_o ancient_n say_v sine_fw-la â—lla_fw-la vi_fw-la carminum_fw-la sine_fw-la herbarum_fw-la aut_fw-la graminum_fw-la sâ—ccis_fw-la sine_fw-la ulla_fw-la aliqua_fw-la observatione_fw-la sollicita_fw-la sacrorum_fw-la libaminum_fw-la temporum_fw-la etc._n etc._n all_o most_o frequent_a in_o heathenish_a sorcery_n and_o enchantment_n six_o the_o long_a and_o last_a continuance_n of_o they_o not_o only_o during_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o one_o of_o they_o the_o apostle_n john_n live_v till_o trajan_n time_n which_o be_v above_o a_o hundred_o year_n from_o christ_n birth_n but_o also_o for_o very_o many_o year_n after_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n what_o miraracle_n do_v the_o world_n pretend_v to_o that_o can_v compare_v themselves_o with_o these_o miracle_n upon_o all_o or_o any_o of_o these_o account_n no_o man_n noâ—_n devil_n ever_o do_v such_o work_n nor_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o these_o be_v what_o lamentable_a and_o pitiful_a thing_n be_v those_o of_o apollonius_n tyanaeus_n esculapius_n or_o any_o other_o compare_v with_o these_o and_o what_o a_o shameful_a and_o indeed_o ridiculous_a partiality_n do_v appear_v in_o hierocles_n and_o porphiry_n who_o design_v thereby_o to_o incense_v the_o emperor_n against_o the_o christian_n who_o much_o justify_v themselves_o upon_o the_o power_n oâ—_n miracle_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o under_o persecution_n have_v endeavour_v to_o draw_v a_o parallel_n between_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o apollonius_n we_o find_v by_o eusebius_n that_o hierocles_n in_o a_o book_n that_o be_v since_o lose_v compare_v apollonius_n and_o christ_n the_o evangelist_n who_o write_v our_o saviour_n story_n and_o philostratus_n the_o writer_n of_o apollonius_n his_o life_n upon_o that_o account_n together_o and_o prefer_v apollonius_n and_o philostâ—atus_n before_o the_o other_o but_o with_o what_o a_o unreasonable_a partiality_n be_v eaâ—y_o to_o be_v see_v by_o any_o that_o wilâ—_n consult_v eusebius_n his_o answer_n to_o he_o one_o chieâ—_n miracle_n philostratus_n tell_v we_o off_o be_v that_o appollonius_n sit_v at_o meat_n be_v serve_v after_o wonderful_a manner_n with_o man_n of_o brass_n and_o another_o be_v that_o a_o elm_n three_fw-mi speak_v to_o he_o and_o salute_v he_o with_o many_o other_o such_o thing_n which_o to_o every_o common_a understanding_n appear_v at_o first_o sight_n very_o capable_a of_o deceit_n and_o delusion_n the_o sun_n be_v not_o in_o lustre_n more_o superior_a to_o the_o dim_a star_n than_o christ_n miracle_n be_v to_o all_o pretension_n of_o that_o kind_n nor_o be_v there_o ever_o any_o operation_n either_o of_o man_n or_o of_o angel_n visible_a in_o this_o world_n that_o with_o any_o colour_n of_o justice_n and_o truth_n can_v all_o circumstance_n consider_v be_v put_v in_o balance_n with_o those_o eminent_o miraculous_a act_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n three_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o the_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v to_o confirm_v and_o to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o those_o that_o deliver_v they_o to_o we_o be_v most_o evident_o from_o god_n most_o correspond_v to_o our_o natural_a obligation_n to_o he_o and_o
the_o great_a ruin_n to_o mankind_n delude_v they_o with_o false_a information_n about_o their_o chief_a concern_v shall_v be_v able_a to_o produce_v in_o their_o justification_n the_o most_o eminent_a miracle_n and_o all_o the_o great_a evidence_n that_o rational_o can_v be_v expect_v to_o ascertain_v the_o world_n in_o the_o publication_n of_o the_o high_a supernatural_a truth_n in_o a_o word_n who_o can_v believe_v a_o book_n so_o circumstance_v as_o we_o find_v the_o bible_n to_o be_v shall_v be_v compose_v by_o the_o worst_a instrument_n and_o with_o the_o worst_a of_o design_n no_o such_o thing_n can_v ever_o be_v credit_v while_o we_o suppose_v there_o be_v a_o god_n rule_v above_o and_o man_n live_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o reason_n below_o it_o be_v most_o absurd_a to_o suppose_v that_o any_o book_n false_o pretend_v to_o god_n name_n and_o authority_n design_v his_o dishonour_n and_o man_n destruction_n shall_v be_v capable_a of_o such_o a_o proof_n as_o have_v be_v bring_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o yet_o so_o must_v the_o table_n be_v turn_v the_o whole_a proof_n must_v so_o be_v invert_v of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v a_o contrary_a application_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v make_v if_o this_o book_n come_v not_o from_o god_n and_o be_v not_o in_o truth_n what_o itself_o open_o claim_v to_o be_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o this_o book_n we_o call_v the_o bible_n be_v thus_o upon_o the_o forementioned_a ground_n establish_v i_o come_v in_o the_o last_o place_n to_o a_o consideration_n of_o such_o doubt_n and_o objection_n as_o be_v usual_o make_v about_o it_o all_o the_o material_a difficulty_n that_o can_v be_v propose_v will_v be_v reduceable_a to_o these_o four_o question_n i._n first_o how_o can_v man_n come_v to_o be_v assure_v in_o those_o time_n wherein_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v first_o write_v that_o they_o be_v write_v by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n and_o upon_o sure_a ground_n distinguish_v they_o from_o all_o other_o write_n ii_o second_o how_o come_v we_o certain_o to_o know_v the_o true_a compass_n and_o extent_n of_o holy_a writ_n how_o can_v we_o know_v that_o we_o have_v now_o contain_v in_o our_o bible_n all_o that_o be_v write_v by_o a_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o intend_v as_o a_o stand_a rule_n to_o the_o church_n and_o no_o more_o that_o be_v how_o can_v we_o be_v now_o safe_o assure_v about_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v able_a upon_o good_a ground_n to_o say_v what_o be_v canonical_a and_o what_o be_v not_o iii_o three_o how_o can_v we_o that_o have_v not_o the_o original_n of_o the_o scripture_n not_o the_o autographa_n of_o those_o that_o write_v it_o but_o only_o the_o copy_n of_o they_o and_o most_o but_o the_o translation_n of_o those_o copy_n rest_v assure_v we_o have_v god_n mind_n as_o it_o be_v first_o deliver_v iu._n four_o how_o can_v we_o believe_v this_o book_n say_v some_o to_o be_v from_o god_n when_o we_o find_v contain_v in_o it_o divers_a contradiction_n several_a strange_a and_o incredible_a story_n and_o other_o thing_n great_o liable_a to_o exception_n in_o answer_v the_o first_o question_n this_o aught_o to_o be_v previous_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v advantage_n peculiar_a to_o the_o belief_n of_o those_o who_o first_o receive_v the_o bible_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o and_o live_v in_o those_o time_n wherein_o it_o be_v first_o deliver_v that_o we_o have_v not_o and_o we_o have_v likewise_o some_o advantage_n and_o those_o very_a considerable_a to_o our_o belief_n which_o they_o have_v not_o they_o converse_v with_o the_o penman_n themselves_o the_o name_n of_o many_o of_o who_o be_v to_o we_o whole_o unknown_a the_o holy_a ghost_n not_o judge_v it_o necessary_a to_o record_v they_o foresee_v the_o scripture_n will_v descend_v to_o we_o upon_o other_o sufficient_a evidence_n they_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o their_o personal_a integrity_n and_o the_o account_n they_o give_v of_o their_o divine_a commission_n be_v eye-witness_n of_o the_o miracle_n see_v the_o original_a write_n and_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n many_o know_v some_o of_o their_o hand_n these_o we_o have_v not_o but_o we_o see_v the_o progress_n and_o success_n of_o this_o book_n which_o they_o see_v not_o we_o see_v this_o book_n translate_v into_o all_o language_n whole_a nation_n convert_v by_o it_o the_o gospel_n spread_v all_o the_o world_n over_o and_o the_o fulfil_n of_o many_o prediction_n since_o which_o they_o can_v not_o then_o be_v witness_n of_o with_o many_o other_o great_a effect_n of_o it_o we_o see_v the_o whole_a conjoin_v and_o the_o excellent_a harmony_n of_o it_o and_o the_o relation_n each_o part_n have_v to_o complete_a the_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a be_v in_o divers_a respect_n upon_o different_a term_n of_o judge_v now_o upon_o the_o whole_a from_o what_o man_n be_v in_o judge_v at_o first_o upon_o any_o particular_a part_n but_o to_o come_v to_o a_o direct_a answer_n to_o this_o question_n there_o can_v be_v but_o two_o way_n to_o ascertain_v man_n in_o their_o reception_n of_o any_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n when_o it_o first_o become_v public_a first_o by_o some_o outward_a visible_a justification_n of_o the_o person_n employ_v in_o that_o service_n to_o assure_v we_o that_o they_o be_v send_v and_o commissionated_a from_o god_n or_o second_o from_o the_o matter_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o write_n themselves_o and_o herein_o a_o due_a consideration_n of_o those_o time_n and_o season_n in_o which_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v write_v and_o the_o then_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o order_n of_o write_v it_o will_v much_o inform_v we_o moses_n who_o lay_v the_o first_o and_o great_a foundation_n of_o the_o whole_a fabric_n in_o the_o five_o book_n that_o he_o write_v he_o have_v a_o justification_n personal_n beyond_o all_o question_n his_o commission_n and_o authority_n to_o do_v what_o he_o do_v be_v sufficient_o evident_a to_o all_o that_o converse_v with_o he_o there_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v expect_v to_o assure_v those_o that_o then_o live_v that_o god_n have_v employ_v he_o for_o god_n admit_v he_o open_o to_o a_o personal_a converse_n with_o himself_o we_o read_v in_o the_o nineteenth_o of_o exodus_fw-la that_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o moses_n loe_o i_o come_v to_o thou_o in_o a_o thick_a cloud_n that_o the_o people_n may_v bear_v when_o i_o speak_v with_o thou_o and_o believe_v thou_o for_o ever_o etc._n etc._n he_o impower_v he_o upon_o many_o occasion_n to_o work_v the_o great_a miracle_n that_o since_o the_o world_n have_v a_o be_v have_v ever_o be_v wrought_v and_o open_o to_o shame_n and_o outdo_v all_o his_o opposer_n and_o all_o pretender_n that_o way_n and_o whensoever_o there_o be_v a_o doubt_n make_v about_o this_o divine_a authority_n or_o any_o contest_v with_o he_o upon_o that_o account_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o korah_n and_o at_o other_o time_n god_n plain_o and_o open_o from_o heaven_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o the_o people_n decide_v the_o matter_n to_o assure_v they_o and_o all_o generation_n to_o come_v that_o moses_n be_v no_o impostor_n but_o act_v by_o a_o divine_a commission_n in_o what_o he_o then_o do_v and_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o first_o time_n that_o god_n reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n in_o a_o write_a way_n and_o publish_v those_o law_n which_o be_v to_o be_v a_o standard_n to_o all_o that_o succeed_v and_o the_o great_a cornerstone_n of_o all_o that_o revelation_n that_o he_o will_v at_o any_o time_n after_o make_v to_o mankind_n it_o be_v but_o necessary_a it_o shall_v be_v fix_v and_o establish_v upon_o certain_a and_o unquestionable_a ground_n so_o that_o such_o who_o live_v in_o moses_n his_o time_n can_v have_v no_o good_a reason_n at_o all_o to_o doubt_v in_o the_o least_o of_o his_o sincerity_n for_o all_o be_v do_v that_o can_v be_v do_v to_o put_v that_o matter_n out_o of_o question_n and_o god_n visible_o show_v himself_o as_o we_o find_v in_o the_o four_o and_o twenty_o of_o exodus_fw-la and_o his_o own_o glory_n among_o they_o for_o it_o be_v say_v they_o see_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n and_o there_o be_v under_o his_o foot_n as_o it_o be_v a_o pave_a work_n of_o a_o saphire-stone_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o body_n of_o heaven_n in_o its_o clearness_n nor_o can_v there_o be_v any_o doubt_n raise_v whether_o the_o law_n and_o precept_n of_o moses_n be_v right_o record_v and_o as_o he_o intend_v they_o shall_v for_o before_o his_o death_n he_o himself_o by_o god_n special_a command_n in_o a_o public_a assembly_n deliver_v over_o his_o five_o book_n to_o the_o levite_n to_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o side_n of_o the_o ark._n after_o moses_n his_o time_n
they_o foretell_v thing_n that_o come_v not_o to_o pass_v they_o be_v no_o way_n to_o credit_v they_o so_o we_o find_v it_o in_o the_o eighteen_o of_o deuteronomy_n when_o a_o prophet_n speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o the_o thing_n follow_v not_o nor_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o speak_v but_o the_o prophet_n have_v speak_v it_o presumptuous_o thou_o shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a of_o he_o the_o certain_a predict_v of_o future_a event_n be_v a_o unquestionable_a evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a commission_n and_o this_o way_n many_o of_o the_o prophet_n be_v justify_v in_o those_o age_n wherein_o they_o live_v as_o particular_o the_o prophet_n hosea_n who_o with_o the_o prophet_n amos_n be_v send_v to_o the_o ten_o tribe_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o isaiah_n and_o micah_n be_v to_o judah_n and_o in_o the_o six_o year_n of_o hezekiah_n to_o which_o time_n it_o appear_v hosea_n himself_o survive_v his_o prophecy_n long_o before_o against_o the_o ten_o tribe_n be_v actual_o fulfil_v and_o the_o destruction_n he_o prophesy_v of_o come_v actual_o and_o visible_o upon_o the_o ten_o tribe_n at_o that_o time_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o king_n of_o assyâ—â—a_n and_o other_o of_o they_o have_v the_o like_a justification_n though_o sometime_o it_o fall_v out_o to_o be_v late_a and_o the_o event_n of_o their_o prophecy_n can_v not_o be_v know_v till_o after-age_n nor_o do_v any_o one_o penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o any_o prophet_n of_o god_n ever_o mistake_v in_o a_o tittle_n in_o this_o kind_n for_o although_o sometime_o the_o judgement_n they_o prophetical_o threaten_v be_v not_o actual_o inflict_v at_o those_o time_n they_o be_v threaten_v so_o to_o be_v yet_o that_o can_v not_o be_v the_o least_o derogation_n from_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o prophecy_n because_o god_n still_o reserve_v a_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a power_n of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n to_o himself_o in_o such_o case_n and_o all_o such_o prophetical_a threaten_n be_v still_o denounce_v with_o a_o reserve_n in_o case_n of_o repentance_n and_o god_n himself_o to_o justify_v his_o own_o prophet_n do_v public_o declare_v thus_o much_o at_o what_o instant_a i_o shall_v speak_v concern_v a_o nation_n or_o concern_v a_o kingdom_n to_o plâ—ck_v up_o and_o to_o pull_v down_o and_o destroy_v it_o if_o that_o nation_n against_o who_o i_o have_v pronounce_v turn_v from_o the_o evil_a i_o will_v repent_v of_o the_o evil_a that_o i_o think_v to_o do_v unto_o they_o etc._n etc._n but_o the_o total_a and_o final_a decision_n of_o all_o question_n that_o can_v arise_v among_o the_o jew_n touch_v the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v in_o the_o time_n of_o ezra_n and_o that_o famous_a synagogue_n that_o after_o so_o long_a and_o sad_a a_o captivity_n assemble_v to_o reform_v what_o be_v amiss_o and_o to_o revive_v the_o glory_n of_o that_o decay_a church_n and_o state_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o restore_v and_o continue_v among_o those_o two_o tribe_n of_o judah_n and_o benjamin_n until_o the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v several_a of_o the_o last_o prophet_n be_v personal_o present_a they_o by_o a_o divine_a direction_n collect_v all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n together_o some_o of_o which_o as_o the_o prophecy_n of_o jeremiah_n and_o amos_n and_o other_o prophecy_n send_v from_o god_n and_o which_o come_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v whole_o reject_v by_o the_o corrupt_a roll_a part_n of_o the_o judaical_a church_n in_o those_o time_n wherein_o they_o be_v first_o utter_v make_v a_o perfect_a separation_n not_o only_o between_o the_o work_v of_o true_a prophet_n and_o false_a and_o such_o write_n as_o come_n by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o such_o as_o be_v only_o of_o humane_a extraction_n but_o between_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v of_o a_o perpetual_a continuance_n and_o a_o stand_a rule_n to_o the_o church_n and_o such_o as_o relate_v only_o to_o particular_a case_n and_o be_v not_o so_o they_o by_o god_n direction_n punctual_o settle_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n put_v a_o perfect_a period_n to_o all_o doubt_n in_o those_o time_n about_o this_o whole_a business_n and_o in_o that_o settlement_n of_o the_o scripture_n then_o make_v the_o jewish_a church_n full_o acquiesce_v and_o to_o it_o firm_o adhere_v till_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n from_o who_o divine_a authority_n we_o have_v aâ—_n re-establishment_n of_o all_o that_o be_v then_o do_v for_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o god_n be_v please_v to_o establish_v the_o first_o foundation_n of_o all_o write_a revelation_n in_o moses_n his_o time_n upon_o evidence_n from_o heaven_n beyond_o all_o compass_n of_o question_n so_o the_o complete_n and_o finish_v what_o god_n intend_v that_o way_n the_o lay_v the_o top-stone_n of_o that_o fabric_n which_o be_v do_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v accompany_v with_o such_o manifest_a effect_n of_o a_o divine_a and_o almighty_a power_n that_o no_o man_n that_o live_v in_o those_o time_n can_v make_v any_o reasonable_a doubt_n about_o it_o there_o be_v in_o this_o case_n the_o great_a miracle_n to_o confirm_v the_o most_o excellent_a doctrine_n and_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v upon_o sure_a ground_n in_o point_n of_o revelation_n the_o miracle_n be_v then_o apparent_a and_o visible_a and_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o doctrine_n appear_v these_o two_o way_n first_o that_o in_o itself_o simple_o consider_v it_o introduce_v a_o religion_n wherein_o all_o the_o great_a and_o desirable_a end_n both_o of_o god_n and_o man_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o unprejudiced_a reason_n be_v to_o the_o utmost_a attain_v and_o wherein_o all_o that_o the_o world_n have_v in_o that_o kind_n at_o any_o time_n before_o arrive_v at_o be_v far_o outdo_v and_o exceed_v and_o second_o in_o a_o relative_a way_n in_o that_o it_o evident_o appear_v and_o that_o in_o a_o very_a singular_a and_o extraordinary_a manner_n to_o be_v the_o great_a accomplishment_n of_o all_o that_o god_n have_v before_o promise_v and_o foretell_v the_o natural_a offspring_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o that_o which_o the_o scripture_n before_o write_v throughout_o travel_v withal_o indeed_o the_o genuine_a issue_n of_o all_o former_a revelation_n and_o so_o be_v incirele_v with_o all_o that_o divine_a justification_n that_o any_o former_a revelation_n have_v be_v at_o any_o time_n accompany_v with_o and_o in_o the_o distinct_a publication_n of_o all_o the_o particular_a part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n man_n have_v these_o two_o ground_n of_o satisfaction_n in_o those_o time_n first_o if_o we_o admit_v that_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n to_o come_v either_o from_o st._n paul_n or_o some_o other_o apostolical_a hand_n of_o the_o latter_a of_o which_o the_o epistle_n itself_o sufficient_o assure_v we_o and_o for_o the_o former_a there_o seem_v to_o be_v good_a evidence_n from_o some_o passage_n in_o st._n peter_n and_o no_o man_n can_v be_v so_o reasonable_o suppose_v to_o write_v a_o determination_n of_o that_o grand_a question_n then_o on_o foot_n about_o the_o abolition_n of_o the_o whole_a judaical_a policy_n as_o the_o great_a apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n i_o say_v if_o we_o admit_v this_o epistle_n to_o come_v from_o a_o apostolical_a hand_n every_o part_n of_o it_o be_v then_o write_v by_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n man_n not_o only_o perfect_o know_v in_o all_o the_o transaction_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o every_o one_o of_o they_o then_o know_v to_o be_v man_n of_o extraordinary_a endowment_n in_o office_n under_o he_o and_o with_o the_o high_a delegation_n of_o his_o own_o power_n entrust_v by_o he_o and_o as_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n end_v with_o the_o prophet_n so_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o new_a have_v its_o period_n in_o the_o apostle_n second_o all_o the_o several_a part_n at_o several_a time_n and_o by_o several_a hand_n write_v appear_v so_o to_o promote_v one_o and_o the_o same_o design_n be_v so_o much_o the_o same_o in_o doctrine_n do_v so_o harmonise_v in_o the_o same_o tendency_n and_o end_n and_o have_v such_o a_o relation_n each_o to_o other_o that_o whatever_o reason_n there_o be_v in_o the_o general_a to_o satisfy_v man_n in_o those_o time_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o religion_n by_o he_o establish_v and_o there_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o heaven_n in_o that_o case_n the_o same_o will_v go_v very_o far_o to_o resolve_v all_o such_o doubt_n as_o can_v be_v make_v about_o any_o particular_a part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n then_o write_v second_o how_o can_v we_o now_o come_v certain_o to_o know_v the_o true_a compass_n and_o extent_n of_o holy_a writ_n how_o can_v we_o know_v
we_o have_v now_o contain_v in_o our_o babble_n all_o that_o be_v write_v by_o a_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o intend_v as_o a_o rule_n to_o the_o church_n and_o no_o more_o that_o be_v how_o can_v we_o now_o be_v safe_o assure_v about_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v able_a upon_o good_a ground_n to_o say_v what_o be_v canonical_a and_o what_o be_v not_o it_o be_v too_o apparent_a a_o truth_n that_o nothing_o by_o the_o power_n of_o its_o own_o worth_a and_o excellency_n have_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o escape_v contempt_n and_o reproach_n from_o the_o unruly_a will_n and_o debauch_a mind_n of_o corrupt_a and_o unreasonable_a man_n the_o bible_n have_v meet_v with_o its_o share_n in_o this_o kind_n some_o upon_o fanatical_a pretence_n have_v despise_v and_o reject_v the_o whole_a other_o have_v mangle_v and_o sever_v it_o as_o themselves_o think_v good_a receive_v some_o part_n only_o as_o divine_a and_o reject_v the_o rest_n as_o they_o please_v of_o this_o iraeneus_n tertullian_n epiphanius_n st._n austin_n and_o many_o of_o the_o christian_a writer_n have_v give_v we_o a_o large_a account_n the_o manichee_n reject_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o come_v from_o a_o evil_a god_n the_o ptolemaite_v as_o epiphamus_n tell_v we_o reject_v all_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n the_o gnostic_n with_o some_o other_o heretic_n reject_v the_o whole_a book_n of_o psalm_n cerdon_n and_o after_o he_o martion_n reject_v all_o the_o gospel_n but_o that_o of_o st._n luke_n the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o divers_a other_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o we_o find_v by_o tertullian_n the_o valentimans_fw-la reject_v all_o the_o gospel_n but_o that_o of_o st._n john_n as_o we_o see_v in_o irenaeus_n other_o reject_v all_o that_o st._n john_n write_v the_o ebionite_n receive_v no_o gospel_n but_o that_o of_o st._n matthen_n and_o reject_v in_o gross_a all_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v not_o one_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o last_o that_o have_v escape_v the_o reprobation_n of_o some_o bad_a men._n but_o all_o such_o attempt_n be_v soon_o blow_v away_o expire_v in_o the_o birth_n bear_v about_o they_o their_o own_o shame_n and_o reproach_n make_v no_o considerable_a battery_n upon_o the_o truth_n in_o any_o age_n nor_o do_v they_o reach_v further_o than_o the_o vitiate_a mind_n and_o corrupt_a breast_n of_o such_o profligate_v heretic_n as_o be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o they_o in_o answer_v to_o this_o question_n how_o we_o come_v to_o be_v well_o assure_v about_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o that_o those_o book_n now_o receive_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o other_o protestant_a church_n as_o such_o be_v all_o canonical_a and_o no_o other_o two_o thing_n only_o will_v occur_v that_o be_v of_o any_o seem_a moment_n in_o the_o due_a consideration_n of_o which_o all_o will_v be_v say_v that_o be_v needful_a about_o this_o matter_n first_o how_o we_o come_v to_o reject_v out_o of_o our_o canon_n those_o book_n common_o call_v apocryphal_a which_o be_v write_v at_o least_o all_o but_o one_o of_o they_o during_o the_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o second_o upon_o what_o ground_n we_o now_o receive_v some_o particular_a part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o have_v sometime_o lie_v under_o question_n if_o we_o mistake_v in_o the_o first_o we_o have_v less_o in_o our_o bibles_n than_o we_o ought_v if_o in_o the_o latter_a we_o have_v much_o more_o than_o we_o shall_v about_o the_o first_o concern_v the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n there_o be_v among_o christian_n themselves_o a_o present_a disagreement_n but_o concern_v the_o other_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n be_v at_o this_o day_n of_o the_o same_o opinion_n for_o the_o first_o that_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n to_o reject_v those_o book_n common_o call_v the_o apocrypha_fw-la that_o they_o be_v not_o write_v by_o any_o divine_a inspiration_n nor_o send_v we_o from_o god_n as_o any_o part_n of_o those_o supreme_a law_n by_o which_o he_o intend_v to_o rule_v and_o judge_v the_o world_n and_o so_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v reckon_v within_o the_o canon_n will_v be_v make_v very_o evident_a to_o any_o reasonable_a judge_n upon_o these_o consideration_n follow_v first_o after_o the_o time_n of_o esdras_n and_o the_o erection_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n it_o be_v universal_o agree_v by_o all_o the_o most_o ancient_a jew_n and_o christian_n that_o the_o jew_n have_v no_o prophet_n among_o they_o nor_o do_v god_n raise_v up_o any_o man_n with_o a_o extraordinary_a spirit_n from_o the_o time_n of_o malachi_n who_o be_v agree_v to_o be_v the_o last_o prophet_n till_o john_n the_o baptist_n which_o be_v for_o the_o space_n of_o four_o hundred_o and_o odd_a year_n now_o it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a that_o these_o apocryphal_a book_n be_v all_o write_v after_o the_o time_n of_o malachi_n and_o so_o can_v be_v of_o no_o extraordinary_a mission_n and_o if_o any_o of_o they_o have_v be_v write_v before_o and_o have_v be_v extant_a in_o ezra_n time_n which_o they_o be_v not_o it_o have_v be_v a_o unanswerable_a reason_n for_o their_o rejection_n now_o because_o they_o be_v not_o receive_v then_o for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o none_o of_o these_o book_n now_o in_o question_n be_v by_o he_o incorporate_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o bible_n nor_o be_v within_o the_o canon_n at_o that_o time_n settle_v that_o the_o jew_n have_v no_o prophet_n by_o who_o all_o part_n of_o the_o old-testament_n be_v write_v for_o the_o church_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o old-testament_n be_v call_v prophecy_n nor_o any_o man_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a spirit_n among_o they_o after_o the_o captivity_n both_o jew_n and_o christian_n general_o agree_v josephus_n be_v express_v in_o it_o in_o his_o first_o book_n against_o appion_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o from_o the_o time_n of_o artaxerxes_n though_o certain_a book_n have_v be_v write_v yet_o they_o deserve_v not_o the_o same_o credit_n and_o belief_n that_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n do_v because_o there_o be_v no_o succession_n of_o propher_n among_o they_o saint_n austin_n in_o the_o 45th_o chapter_n of_o his_o 18_o book_n de_fw-fr civitate_fw-la dei_fw-la show_v at_o large_a that_o the_o jew_n have_v no_o prophecy_n after_o ezra_n time_n and_o the_o same_o eusebius_n affirm_v in_o his_o demonstrationes_fw-la evangelicae_fw-la post_fw-la zachartam_fw-la &_o malachiam_fw-la non_fw-la fuâ—sse_fw-la amplius_fw-la apud_fw-la judaeos_fw-la prophetam_fw-la et_fw-la a_fw-la reditu_fw-la ex_fw-la captivitate_fw-la ad_fw-la tempora_fw-la servatoris_fw-la nullum_fw-la babucrint_fw-la judaei_n sacrum_fw-la volumen_fw-la the_o jew_n have_v no_o prophet_n after_o zachary_n and_o malachi_n nor_o any_o sacred_a write_n after_o the_o captivity_n till_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o some_o of_o these_o very_a book_n tell_v we_o as_o much_o themselves_o for_o in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o the_o maccabee_n chap._n 9_o it_o be_v there_o say_v that_o there_o be_v then_o great_a tribulation_n in_o israel_n such_o as_o have_v not_o be_v since_o the_o day_n that_o there_o have_v be_v no_o prophet_n in_o israel_n relate_v to_o ezra_n time_n and_o indeed_o it_o appear_v very_o plain_a from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o that_o there_o be_v no_o divine_a write_n publish_v between_o the_o prophecy_n of_o malachi_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o evangelist_n take_v thing_n up_o just_a where_o he_o leave_v they_o and_o begin_v the_o gospel_n from_o the_o end_n of_o malachi_n prophecy_n for_o he_o end_v his_o prophecy_n at_o john_n the_o baptist_n under_o the_o type_n and_o title_n of_o elias_n and_o the_o evangelist_n begin_v the_o gospel_n with_o he_o for_o st._n mark_v express_o declare_v the_o end_n of_o that_o prophecy_n to_o be_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v a_o visible_a combination_n from_o thence_o from_o that_o period_n of_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n together_o second_o all_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v prophet_n to_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o their_o write_n and_o prophecy_n be_v direct_v chief_o to_o they_o and_o so_o they_o be_v all_o writ_n except_o some_o passage_n in_o daniel_n and_o ezra_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o chaldee_n dialect_n to_o which_o the_o jew_n have_v in_o their_o captivity_n be_v much_o accustom_v in_o their_o own_o native_a language_n the_o language_n of_o canaan_n which_o be_v the_o hebrew_n but_o these_o book_n be_v confess_o most_o of_o they_o first_o write_v in_o greek_a and_o can_v be_v of_o no_o use_n at_o all_o to_o the_o jew_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o
same_o term_n must_v i_o believe_v all_o thing_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a unless_o god_n give_v i_o new_a faculty_n or_o some_o way_n extraordinary_o assist_v i_o and_o make_v i_o somewhat_o more_o than_o i_o be_v nor_o do_v any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o himself_o divine_a and_o infallible_a as_o the_o apostle_n be_v and_o inspire_v infallible_o to_o know_v that_o he_o be_v so_o ever_o receive_v any_o revelation_n upon_o any_o high_a term_n then_o that_o we_o call_v moral_a assurance_n and_o humane_a credibility_n for_o first_o if_o i_o receive_v a_o revelation_n upon_o motive_n external_n and_o foreign_a to_o itself_o such_o motive_n be_v all_o grant_v to_o be_v in_o themselves_o of_o a_o humane_a and_o fallible_a nature_n if_o i_o receive_v it_o upon_o any_o motive_n internal_a any_o testimony_n result_v from_o such_o revelation_n itself_o to_o justify_v its_o own_o divinity_n to_o i_o yet_o i_o must_v of_o necessity_n without_o extraordinary_a inspiration_n judge_v of_o such_o internal_a testimony_n by_o moral_a consideration_n and_o from_o humane_a and_o rational_a argumentation_n with_o myself_o come_v at_o last_o to_o make_v a_o judgement_n about_o it_o those_o that_o live_v in_o the_o first_o time_n that_o see_v the_o miracle_n and_o hear_v the_o doctrine_n deliver_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v yet_o without_o inspiration_n but_o upon_o humane_a and_o fallible_a term_n of_o judge_v and_o believe_v because_o those_o medium_n by_o which_o they_o do_v judge_v and_o believe_v be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n so_o for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n in_o itself_o infallible_o certain_a but_o that_o any_o man_n may_v be_v mistake_v in_o the_o judgement_n he_o make_v of_o a_o miracle_n or_o in_o that_o faith_n whereby_o he_o embrace_v any_o doctrine_n as_o divine_a first_o this_o objection_n as_o it_o be_v urge_v by_o those_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n do_v not_o disturb_v we_o at_o all_o indeed_o return_v direct_o upon_o themselves_o nor_o do_v the_o remedy_n they_o provide_v any_o way_n cure_v that_o inconveniency_n which_o they_o suppose_v will_v otherwise_o accrue_v to_o religion_n by_o it_o they_o tell_v we_o god_n have_v place_v a_o unerring_a judgement_n a_o faculty_n of_o make_v a_o infallible_a determination_n in_o the_o church_n and_o from_o thence_o this_o objection_n be_v answer_v by_o that_o mean_v we_o be_v perfect_o at_o a_o end_n of_o all_o doubt_n about_o this_o matter_n for_o if_o the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o itself_o infallible_a tell_v we_o that_o this_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o as_o it_o be_v at_o first_o deliver_v we_o come_v upon_o that_o account_n to_o a_o divine_a and_o infallible_a faith_n as_o build_v upon_o a_o divine_a and_o infallible_a testimony_n and_o be_v infallible_o assure_v about_o it_o but_o this_o kind_n of_o reason_v bring_v we_o but_o just_o where_o we_o be_v and_o be_v indeed_o in_o itself_o but_o a_o very_a mean_a sort_n of_o trifle_a for_o it_o be_v to_o erect_v another_o infallibility_n to_o be_v assure_v of_o which_o there_o be_v ten_o time_n great_a difficulty_n then_o in_o the_o former_a case_n the_o scripture_n we_o say_v be_v in_o themselves_o divine_a and_o infallible_a as_o come_v from_o god_n the_o question_n be_v about_z out_z way_n of_o come_v to_o know_v this_o that_o they_o be_v so_o it_o be_v confess_v by_o we_o it_o must_v be_v without_o inspiration_n by_o mean_n in_o themselves_o humane_a and_o fallible_a and_o from_o thence_o result_v the_o strength_n of_o this_o objection_n that_o suppose_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v in_o themselves_o divine_a yet_o we_o come_v in_o a_o humane_a way_n to_o the_o knowledge_n that_o they_o be_v so_o and_o to_o solve_v all_o objection_n against_o they_o our_o belief_n of_o they_o be_v still_o resolve_v into_o no_o more_o than_o that_o we_o call_v a_o humane_a and_o rational_a credibility_n and_o do_v we_o not_o come_v to_o the_o very_a same_o point_n in_o the_o other_o case_n the_o church_n say_v they_o be_v divine_o inspire_v but_o how_o come_v i_o to_o know_v it_o to_o say_v by_o the_o scripture_n be_v in_o this_o case_n ridiculous_a if_o upon_o providential_a and_o probable_a motive_n as_o themselves_o do_v acknowledge_v we_o be_v thereby_o pitch_v upon_o a_o fallible_a bottom_n still_o be_v we_o not_o upon_o the_o same_o humane_a and_o fallible_a mean_n of_o judge_v it_o be_v not_o enough_o in_o this_o case_n to_o make_v the_o pope_n or_o any_o else_o infallible_a but_o before_o we_o can_v that_o way_n perfect_o enervate_a this_o objection_n we_o must_v make_v every_o man_n infallible_o to_o know_v that_o they_o be_v so_o infallible_a can_v any_o man_n more_o infallible_o judge_v of_o the_o church_n infallibility_n then_o of_o the_o bibles_n be_v there_o not_o as_o many_o nay_o more_o question_n that_o must_v necessary_o be_v determine_v by_o fallible_o and_o humane_o judge_v in_o the_o one_o case_n then_o in_o the_o other_o as_o first_o whether_o there_o actual_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o infallible_a church_n extant_a or_o no_o second_o if_o there_o be_v what_o church_n it_o be_v that_o be_v so_o and_o three_o whether_o that_o church_n be_v universal_o infallible_a or_o only_o in_o some_o thing_n and_o under_o what_o sort_n of_o constitution_n it_o must_v be_v when_o it_o so_o infallible_o act_n so_o that_o admit_v the_o church_n infallibility_n in_o itself_o yet_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v believe_v any_o thing_n upon_o its_o infallible_a determination_n with_o any_o other_o than_o a_o humane_a and_o fallible_a faith_n because_o it_o be_v upon_o humane_a and_o fallible_a motive_n upon_o which_o man_n primary_o and_o previous_o come_v to_o a_o assurance_n of_o such_o infallibility_n and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o faith_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o church_n infallible_a judgement_n it_o must_v unavoidable_o be_v ultimate_o resolve_v into_o such_o ground_n as_o be_v in_o themselves_o of_o a_o humane_a and_o fallible_a nature_n so_o that_o the_o roman_a infallibility_n as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o absurd_a and_o fictitious_a pretention_n so_o be_v it_o admit_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n at_o all_o for_o that_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v intend_v so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v urge_v in_o this_o matter_n second_o a_o rational_a belief_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o a_o rational_a satisfaction_n about_o it_o found_v in_o a_o moral_a assurance_n be_v all_o we_o can_v have_v and_o all_o that_o in_o this_o case_n we_o ought_v to_o expect_v i_o demand_v of_o all_o such_o objector_n by_o what_o mean_v they_o come_v to_o any_o assurance_n in_o any_o point_n of_o religion_n to_o one_o of_o these_o three_o thing_n they_o will_v be_v unavoidable_o force_v either_o to_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o certainty_n at_o all_o in_o religion_n and_o thereby_o to_o subvert_v all_o religion_n to_o pretend_v to_o extraordinary_a inspiration_n or_o else_o to_o acknowledge_v they_o come_v to_o it_o in_o a_o moral_a way_n and_o indeed_o the_o sound_n our_o belief_n of_o revelation_n upon_o moral_a and_o rational_a assurance_n be_v so_o far_o from_o subvert_v the_o certainty_n of_o our_o religion_n that_o the_o grand_a fundamental_o of_o all_o religion_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v original_o establish_v upon_o that_o bottom_n and_o can_v be_v upon_o no_o other_o for_o we_o come_v to_o a_o assurance_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o future_a state_n of_o man_n soul_n upon_o no_o other_o ground_n then_o moral_a and_o rational_a conclusion_n from_o whence_o there_o can_v possible_o result_v no_o more_o than_o a_o moral_a assurance_n whoever_o attempt_n a_o rational_a proof_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n be_v oblige_v to_o disclaim_v all_o pretence_n to_o infallibility_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o proof_n because_o infallibility_n be_v whole_o relative_a to_o god_n himself_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o can_v exist_v without_o the_o admission_n of_o such_o a_o be_v and_o therefore_o to_o talk_v of_o a_o infalible_a way_n of_o prove_v his_o be_v will_v be_v gross_o absurd_a for_o it_o be_v open_o to_o beg_v the_o question_n and_o take_v that_o for_o grant_v which_o we_o oblige_v ourselves_o to_o prove_v so_o that_o whoever_o upon_o rational_a term_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o moral_a assurance_n believe_v the_o bible_n to_o be_v send_v we_o from_o god_n believe_v it_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n upon_o which_o he_o must_v necessary_o believe_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o believe_v it_o upon_o the_o high_a term_n god_n either_o require_v or_o enable_v he_o without_o inspiration_n to_o believe_v it_o upon_o such_o as_o ought_v sufficient_o to_o fix_v he_o in_o his_o belief_n and_o upon_o such_o as_o if_o due_o pursue_v will_v certain_o produce_v all_o those_o excellent_a end_n god_n intend_v by_o this_o book_n this_o