declaration_n of_o he_o in_o his_o nature_n be_v and_o subsistence_n with_o the_o necessary_a property_n and_o act_n thereof_o his_o will_n with_o all_o his_o voluntary_a act_n or_o work_n wherein_o we_o may_v be_v or_o be_v concern_v so_o as_o that_o we_o may_v know_v he_o aright_o and_o entertain_v true_a notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o he_o according_a to_o the_o utmost_a capacity_n of_o our_o finite_a limit_a understanding_n neither_o do_v we_o urge_v his_o authority_n in_o this_o case_n but_o here_o and_o elsewhere_o resort_v unto_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o reason_n compare_v with_o the_o event_n or_o matter_n of_o fact_n what_o horrible_a darkness_n ignorance_n and_o blindness_n be_v upon_o the_o whole_a world_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n what_o confusion_n and_o debasement_n of_o our_o nature_n ensue_v thereon_o whilst_o god_n suffer_v all_o nation_n to_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o way_n and_o wink_v at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o ignorance_n the_o apostle_n declare_v at_o large_a rom._n 1._o from_o the_o 19_o verse_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n the_o sum_n be_v that_o the_o only_a true_a god_n be_v become_v unknown_a to_o they_o as_o the_o wise_a of_o they_o acknowledge_v act_v 17._o 21._o and_o as_o our_o apostle_n prove_v against_o they_o the_o devil_n that_o murderer_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o enemy_n of_o mankind_n have_v under_o various_a pretence_n substitute_v himself_o in_o his_o room_n and_o be_v become_v the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n as_o he_o be_v call_v 2_o cor._n 4._o 4._o and_o have_v appropriate_v all_o the_o religious_a devotion_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n unto_o himself_o for_o the_o thing_n which_o the_o gentile_n sacrifice_v they_o sacrifice_v unto_o devil_n and_o not_o unto_o god_n as_o our_o apostle_n affirm_v 1_o cor._n 10._o 20._o and_o as_o may_v easy_o be_v evince_v and_o i_o have_v abundant_o manifest_v it_o cap._n elsewhere_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o some_o few_o speculative_a man_n among_o the_o heathen_n do_v seek_v after_o god_n in_o that_o horrid_a darkness_n wherewith_o they_o be_v encompass_v and_o labour_v to_o reduce_v their_o conception_n and_o notion_n of_o his_o be_v unto_o what_o reason_n can_v apprehend_v of_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o what_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n can_v suggest_v unto_o they_o but_o as_o they_o can_v never_o come_v unto_o any_o certainty_n or_o consistency_n of_o notion_n in_o their_o own_o mind_n proceed_v but_o a_o little_a beyond_o conjecture_n as_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o they_o who_o seek_v after_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o dark_a much_o less_o with_o one_o another_o to_o propose_v any_o thing_n unto_o the_o world_n for_o the_o use_n of_o mankind_n in_o these_o thing_n by_o common_a consent_n so_o they_o can_v none_o of_o they_o either_o ever_o free_a themselves_o from_o the_o gross_a practical_a idolatry_n in_o worship_v the_o devil_n the_o head_n of_o their_o apostasy_n from_o god_n nor_o in_o the_o least_o influence_n the_o mind_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n with_o any_o due_a apprehension_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n this_o be_v the_o subject_a and_o substance_n of_o the_o apostle_n disputation_n against_o they_o rom._n 1._o in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n what_o misery_n and_o confusion_n the_o world_n live_v in_o for_o many_o age_n what_o a_o endless_a labyrinth_n of_o foolish_a slavish_a superstition_n and_o idolatry_n it_o have_v cast_v itself_o into_o i_o have_v in_o another_o idololatriae_fw-la discourse_n particular_o declare_v with_o respect_n hereunto_o the_o scripture_n be_v well_o call_v by_o the_o apostle_n peter_n a_o light_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n 2_o pet._n 11._o 9_o it_o give_v unto_o all_o man_n at_o once_o a_o perfect_a clear_a steady_a uniform_a declaration_n of_o god_n his_o be_v subsistence_n property_n authority_n rule_n and_o act_n which_o evidence_v itself_o unto_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o all_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v not_o absolute_o blind_v by_o the_o power_n of_o prejudices_fw-la and_o lust_n confirm_v they_o in_o a_o enmity_n unto_o and_o hatred_n of_o god_n himself_o there_o be_v indeed_o no_o more_o require_v to_o free_a mankind_n from_o this_o horrible_a darkness_n and_o enormous_a conception_n about_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o idol_n but_o a_o sedate_n unprejudiced_a consideration_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o these_o thing_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o may_v say_v therefore_o to_o all_o the_o world_n with_o our_o prophet_n when_o they_o say_v unto_o you_o seek_v unto_o they_o who_o have_v familiar_a spirit_n and_o unto_o wizard_n that_o peep_v and_o mutter_v shall_v not_o a_o people_n seek_v unto_o their_o god_n for_o the_o live_n to_o the_o dead_a to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o isa._n 8._o 19_o 20._o and_o this_o also_o plain_o manifest_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v of_o a_o divine_a original_a for_o if_o this_o declaration_n of_o god_n this_o revelation_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o will_n be_v incomparable_o the_o great_a and_o most_o excellent_a benefit_n that_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o world_n more_o needful_a for_o and_o useful_a unto_o mankind_n than_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n as_o to_o the_o proper_a end_n of_o their_o life_n and_o being_n and_o if_o none_o of_o the_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o world_n neither_o several_o nor_o joint_o can_v attain_v unto_o themselves_o or_o make_v know_v unto_o other_o this_o knowledge_n of_o god_n so_o that_o we_o may_v say_v with_o our_o apostle_n that_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o world_n by_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 21._o and_o whereas_o those_o who_o attempt_v any_o such_o thing_n yet_o wax_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n and_o conjecture_n so_o that_o no_o one_o person_n in_o the_o world_n dare_v own_o the_o regulation_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o understanding_n by_o their_o notion_n and_o conception_n absolute_o although_o they_o have_v all_o advantage_n of_o wisdom_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o reason_n above_o those_o at_o the_o least_o the_o most_o of_o they_o who_o write_v and_o publish_v the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o can_v with_o any_o pretence_n of_o reason_n be_v question_v whether_o they_o be_v not_o give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n as_o they_o pretend_v and_o plead_v there_o be_v that_o do_v in_o they_o which_o all_o the_o world_n can_v not_o do_v and_o without_o the_o do_v whereof_o all_o the_o world_n must_v have_v be_v eternal_o miserable_a and_o who_o can_v do_v this_o but_o god_n if_o any_o one_o shall_v judge_v that_o that_o ignorance_n of_o god_n which_o be_v among_o the_o heathen_n of_o old_a or_o be_v among_o the_o indian_n at_o this_o day_n be_v not_o so_o miserable_a a_o matter_n as_o we_o make_v it_o or_o that_o there_o be_v any_o way_n to_o free_v they_o from_o it_o but_o by_o a_o emanation_n of_o light_n from_o the_o scripture_n he_o dwell_v out_o of_o my_o present_a way_n upon_o the_o confine_n of_o atheism_n so_o that_o i_o shall_v not_o divert_v unto_o any_o converse_n with_o he_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o whatever_o notion_n of_o truth_n concern_v god_n and_o his_o essence_n there_o may_v be_v find_v in_o those_o philosopher_n who_o live_v after_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n or_o be_v at_o this_o day_n to_o be_v find_v among_o the_o mahometan_n or_o other_o false_a worshipper_n in_o the_o world_n above_o those_o of_o the_o more_o ancient_a pagan_n they_o all_o derive_v from_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v thence_o by_o various_a mean_n traduce_v 2._o the_o second_o end_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v to_o direct_v mankind_n in_o their_o proper_a course_n of_o live_v unto_o god_n and_o attain_v that_o rest_n and_o blessedness_n whereof_o they_o be_v capable_a and_o which_o they_o can_v but_o desire_v these_o thing_n be_v necessary_a to_o our_o nature_n so_o that_o without_o they_o it_o be_v better_a not_o to_o be_v for_o it_o be_v better_a to_o have_v no_o be_v in_o the_o world_n than_o while_o we_o have_v it_o always_o to_o wander_v and_o never_o to_o act_v towards_o its_o proper_a end_n see_v all_o that_o be_v real_o good_a unto_o we_o consist_v in_o our_o tendency_n thereunto_o and_o our_o attainment_n of_o it_o now_o as_o these_o thing_n be_v never_o state_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o community_n of_o mankind_n but_o that_o they_o live_v in_o perpetual_a confusion_n so_o the_o inquiry_n of_o the_o philosopher_n about_o the_o chief_a end_n of_o man_n the_o nature_n of_o felicity_n or_o blessedness_n the_o way_n of_o attain_v it_o be_v nothing_o but_o
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
and_o which_o he_o can_v but_o design_n when_o the_o scripture_n be_v propose_v unto_o he_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n attest_v by_o the_o argument_n insist_v on_o there_o will_v appear_v unto_o he_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o it_o or_o in_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o such_o a_o evidence_n of_o the_o majesty_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n as_o will_v prevail_v with_o he_o to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o this_o persuasion_n be_v such_o that_o the_o mind_n be_v establish_v in_o its_o assent_n unto_o the_o truth_n so_o as_o to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o all_o that_o be_v require_v of_o we_o and_o whereas_o our_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v in_o order_n only_o to_o the_o right_a performance_n of_o our_o duty_n or_o all_o that_o obedience_n which_o god_n expect_v from_o we_o our_o mind_n be_v guide_v by_o the_o precept_n and_o direction_n and_o due_o influence_v by_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o it_o thereunto_o there_o be_v no_o other_o faith_n require_v of_o we_o but_o what_o be_v sufficient_a to_o oblige_v we_o unto_o that_o obedience_n this_o be_v so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v apprehend_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o be_v by_o some_o learned_a man_n propose_v and_o adhere_v unto_o it_o shall_v be_v brief_o examine_v and_o i_o say_v here_o as_o on_o other_o occasion_n that_o i_o shall_v rejoice_v to_o see_v more_o of_o such_o a_o faith_n in_o the_o world_n as_o will_v effectual_o oblige_v man_n unto_o obedience_n out_o of_o a_o conviction_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o doctrine_n &_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o word_n though_o learned_a man_n shall_v never_o agree_v about_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o faith_n such_o notion_n of_o truth_n when_o most_o diligent_o inquire_v into_o be_v but_o as_o sacrifice_v compare_v with_o obedience_n but_o the_o truth_n itself_o be_v also_o to_o be_v inquire_v after_o diligent_o this_o opinion_n therefore_o either_o suppose_v what_o we_o shall_v immediate_o declare_v namely_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o internal_a effectual_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o illumination_n of_o our_o mind_n so_o enable_v we_o to_o believe_v with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a or_o it_o do_v not_o if_o it_o do_v it_o will_v be_v find_v as_o i_o suppose_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o to_o be_v co-incident_a with_o what_o we_o shall_v afterward_o assert_v and_o prove_v to_o be_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o believe_v however_o as_o it_o be_v usual_o propose_v i_o can_v absolute_o comply_v with_o it_o for_o these_o two_o reason_n among_o other_o 1._o it_o belong_v unto_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n of_o what_o sort_n soever_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v build_v on_o and_o resolve_v into_o testimony_n this_o be_v that_o which_o distinguish_v it_o from_o any_o other_o conception_n knowledge_n or_o assent_v of_o our_o mind_n on_o other_o reason_n and_o cause_n and_o if_o this_o testimony_n be_v divine_a so_o be_v that_o faith_n whereby_o we_o give_v assent_v unto_o it_o on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o object_n but_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o be_v believe_v have_v not_o in_o they_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o testimony_n but_o be_v the_o material_a not_o formal_a object_n of_o faith_n which_o must_v always_o differ_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o these_o truth_n or_o doctrine_n do_v so_o evidence_n themselves_o to_o be_v from_o god_n as_o that_o in_o and_o by_o they_o we_o have_v the_o witness_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n himself_o propose_v unto_o we_o to_o resolve_v our_o faith_n into_o i_o will_v not_o further_o contend_v about_o it_o but_o only_o say_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o so_o his_o veracity_n do_v manifest_v themselves_o primary_o in_o the_o revelation_n itself_o before_o they_o do_v so_o in_o the_o thing_n reveal_v which_o be_v that_o we_o plead_v for_o 2._o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o doctrine_n or_o thing_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n respect_v not_o so_o much_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o in_o speculation_n as_o their_o goodness_n and_o suitableness_n unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n as_o to_o their_o present_a condition_n and_o eternal_a end_n now_o thing_n under_o that_o consideration_n respect_v not_o so_o much_o faith_n as_o spiritual_a sense_n and_o experience_n neither_o can_v any_o man_n have_v a_o due_a apprehension_n of_o such_o a_o goodness_n suitable_a unto_o our_o constitution_n and_o condition_n with_o absolute_a usefulness_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o on_o a_o supposition_n of_o that_o antecedent_n assent_v of_o the_o mind_n unto_o they_o which_o be_v believe_v which_o therefore_o can_v be_v the_o reason_n why_o we_o do_v believe_v but_o if_o this_o opinion_n proceed_v not_o upon_o the_o aforesaid_a supposition_n immediate_o to_o be_v prove_v but_o require_v no_o more_o unto_o our_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o assent_n thereon_o but_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o reason_n or_o the_o natural_a faculty_n of_o our_o mind_n about_o they_o when_o propose_v unto_o we_o than_o i_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v most_o remote_a from_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o among_o many_o other_o reason_n for_o these_o that_o ensue_v 1._o on_o this_o supposition_n the_o whole_a work_n of_o believe_v will_v be_v a_o work_n of_o reason_n be_v it_o so_o say_v some_o nor_o be_v it_o meet_v it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o conceive_v but_o if_o so_o than_o the_o object_n of_o it_o must_v be_v thing_n so_o evident_a in_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o nature_n as_o that_o the_o mind_n be_v as_o it_o be_v compel_v by_o that_o evidence_n unto_o a_o assent_n and_o can_v do_v otherwise_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o light_n and_o evidence_n in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o with_o respect_n unto_o our_o reason_n in_o the_o right_a use_n and_o exercise_v of_o it_o then_o 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unto_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o revelation_n thereon_o before_o reason_n can_v be_v so_o much_o as_o satisfy_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o such_o doctrine_n such_o be_v those_o concern_v the_o holy_a trinity_n or_o the_o subsistence_n of_o one_o singular_a essence_n in_o three_o distinct_a person_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o sundry_a other_o that_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a subject_n of_o divine_a revelation_n there_o be_v a_o heavenly_a glory_n in_o some_o of_o these_o thing_n which_o as_o reason_n can_v never_o thorough_o apprehend_v because_o it_o be_v finite_a and_o limit_v so_o as_o it_o be_v in_o we_o by_o nature_n it_o can_v neither_o receive_v they_o nor_o delight_n in_o they_o as_o doctrinal_o propose_v unto_o we_o with_o all_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n before_o mention_v flesh_n and_o blood_n reveal_v not_o these_o thisg_n unto_o our_o mind_n but_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n nor_o do_v any_o man_n know_v these_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o he_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v give_v nor_o do_v any_o learn_v these_o thing_n aright_o but_o those_o that_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n 3._o take_v our_o reason_n single_o without_o the_o consideration_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o illumination_n and_o it_o be_v not_o only_o weak_a and_o limit_v but_o deprave_v and_o corrupt_v and_o the_o carnal_a mind_n can_v subject_v itself_o unto_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o any_o supernatural_a revelation_n whatever_o wherefore_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v pure_o and_o absolute_o so_o be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v a_o convince_a evidence_n in_o themselves_o of_o their_o divine_a truth_n excellency_n and_o goodness_n unto_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n as_o unrenewed_a by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o that_o they_o be_v foolishness_n and_o most_o undesirable_a
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
shall_v be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n john_n 6._o 45._o that_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a excellency_n in_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v deny_v by_o any_o who_o on_o any_o ground_n or_o motive_n whatever_o do_v own_o its_o divine_a original_a for_o all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n do_v set_v forth_o his_o praise_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o thing_n shall_v proceed_v immediate_o from_o he_o but_o that_o there_o will_v be_v express_a character_n of_o divine_a excellency_n upon_o it_o and_o as_o to_o the_o communication_n of_o these_o character_n of_o himself_o he_o have_v magnify_v his_o word_n above_o all_o his_o name_n but_o these_o we_o can_v discern_v be_v they_o in_o themselves_o never_o so_o illustrious_a without_o the_o effectual_a communication_n of_o the_o light_n mention_v unto_o our_o mind_n that_o be_v without_o divine_a supernatural_a illumination_n herein_o he_o who_o command_v light_a to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n shine_v into_o our_o heart_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o he_o irradiate_v the_o mind_n with_o a_o spiritual_a light_n whereby_o it_o be_v enable_v to_o discern_v the_o glory_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n this_o they_o can_v do_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o eye_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v into_o they_o v_o 6._o those_o who_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o their_o natural_a darkness_n and_o blindness_n especial_o where_o there_o be_v in_o they_o also_o superad_v prejudices_fw-la begotten_a and_o increase_v by_o the_o craft_n of_o satan_n as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o whole_a world_n of_o unbeliever_n can_v see_v nor_o discern_v that_o divine_a excellency_n in_o the_o scripture_n without_o a_o apprehension_n whereof_o no_o man_n can_v believe_v it_o a_o right_a to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n such_o person_n may_v assent_v unto_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o its_o divine_a original_a upon_o external_a argument_n and_o rational_a motive_n but_o believe_v it_o with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a on_o those_o argument_n and_o motive_n only_o they_o can_v there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o hinder_v or_o disenable_a man_n from_o believe_v with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a when_o any_o divine_a revelation_n be_v objective_o propose_v unto_o they_o first_o the_o natural_a blindness_n and_o darkness_n of_o their_o mind_n which_o be_v come_v upon_o all_o by_o the_o fall_n and_o the_o depravation_n of_o our_o nature_n that_o ensue_v thereon_o second_o the_o prejudices_fw-la that_o through_o the_o craft_n of_o satan_n the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n their_o mind_n be_v possess_v with_o by_o tradition_n education_n and_o converse_v in_o the_o world_n this_o last_o obstruction_n or_o hindrance_n may_v be_v so_o far_o remove_v by_o external_a argument_n and_o motive_n of_o credibility_n as_o that_o man_n may_v upon_o they_o attain_v unto_o a_o moral_a persuasion_n concern_v the_o divine_a original_a of_o the_o scripture_n but_o these_o argument_n can_v remove_v or_o take_v away_o the_o native_a blindness_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v remove_v by_o their_o renovation_n and_o divine_a illumination_n alone_o wherefore_o none_o i_o think_v will_v positive_o affirm_v that_o we_o can_v believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n which_o god_n require_v without_o a_o supernatural_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o our_o mind_n in_o the_o illumination_n of_o they_o so_o david_n pray_v that_o god_n will_v open_v his_o eye_n that_o he_o may_v behold_v wondrous_a thing_n out_o of_o the_o law_n psal._n 119._o 10._o that_o he_o will_v make_v he_o understand_v the_o way_n of_o his_o precept_n v_o 27._o that_o he_o will_v give_v he_o understanding_n and_o he_o shall_v keep_v the_o law_n v_o 34._o so_o the_o lord_n christ_n also_o open_v the_o understanding_n of_o his_o disciple_n that_o they_o may_v understand_v the_o scripture_n luk._n 24._o 45._o as_o he_o have_v affirm_v before_o that_o it_o be_v give_v unto_o some_o to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o not_o unto_o other_o mat._n 11._o 25._o chap._n 13._o 11._o and_o neither_o be_v these_o thing_n speak_v in_o vain_a nor_o be_v the_o grace_n intend_v in_o they_o needless_a the_o communication_n of_o this_o light_n unto_o we_o the_o scripture_n call_v reveal_v and_o revelation_n mat._n 11._o 25._o thou_o have_v hide_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a and_o have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o babe_n that_o be_v give_v they_o to_o understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n when_o they_o be_v preach_v unto_o they_o and_o no_o man_n know_v the_o father_n but_o he_o to_o who_o the_o son_n reveal_v he_o v_o 27._o so_o the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o the_o ephesian_n that_o god_n will_v give_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o understanding_n be_v enlighten_v they_o may_v know_v etc._n etc._n chap._n 1._o v._n 17_o 18_o 19_o it_o be_v true_a these_o ephesian_n be_v already_o believer_n or_o consider_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o such_o but_o if_o he_o judge_v it_o necessary_a to_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n to_o enlighten_v the_o eye_n of_o their_o understanding_n with_o respect_n unto_o further_a degree_n of_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n or_o as_o he_o speak_v in_o another_o place_n that_o they_o may_v come_v unto_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o understanding_n to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n col._n 2._o 2._o then_o it_o be_v much_o more_o necessary_a to_o make_v they_o believer_n who_o before_o be_v not_o so_o but_o utter_a stranger_n unto_o the_o faith_n but_o as_o a_o pretence_n hereof_o have_v be_v abuse_v as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o so_o the_o plead_n of_o it_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v mistake_v for_o some_o be_v ready_a to_o apprehend_v that_o this_o retreat_n unto_o a_o spirit_n of_o revelation_n be_v but_o a_o pretence_n to_o discard_v all_o rational_a argument_n and_o to_o introduce_v enthusiasm_n into_o their_o room_n now_o although_o the_o charge_n be_v grievous_a yet_o because_o it_o be_v groundless_a we_o must_v not_o forego_v what_o the_o scripture_n plain_o affirm_v and_o instruct_v we_o in_o thereby_o to_o avoid_v it_o scripture_n testimony_n may_v be_v expound_v according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n but_o deny_v or_o despise_v seem_v they_o never_o so_o contrary_a unto_o our_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n they_o must_v not_o be_v some_o i_o confess_v seem_v to_o disregard_n both_o the_o objective_n work_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o this_o matter_n whereof_o we_o shall_v treat_v afterward_o and_o his_o subjective_n work_v also_o in_o our_o mind_n that_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o sense_n and_o reason_n but_o we_o must_v grant_v that_o a_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n to_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n be_v needful_a to_o enable_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n or_o forgo_v the_o gospel_n and_o our_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o pray_v continual_o for_o that_o spirit_n if_o we_o intend_v to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o faith_n thereof_o but_o yet_o we_o plead_v not_o for_o external_a immediate_a revelation_n such_o as_o be_v grant_v unto_o the_o prophet_n apostle_n and_o other_o penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o revelation_n we_o intend_v differ_v from_o they_o both_o in_o its_o especial_a subject_n and_o formal_a reason_n or_o nature_n that_o be_v in_o the_o whole_a kind_n for_o 1._o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o divine_a prophetical_a revelation_n by_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o immediate_a divine_a inspiration_n be_v thing_n not_o make_v know_v before_o thing_n they_o be_v hide_v in_o god_n or_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o will_n and_o reveal_v unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n by_o the_o spirit_n ephes._n 2._o 5_o 9_o 10._o whether_o they_o be_v doctrine_n or_o thing_n they_o be_v at_o least_o as_o unto_o their_o present_a circumstance_n make_v know_v from_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n by_o their_o revelation_n but_o the_o matter_n and_o subject_n of_o the_o revelation_n we_o treat_v of_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v already_o reveal_v it_o be_v a_o internal_a revelation_n of_o that_o which_o be_v outward_o and_o antecedent_n unto_o it_o beyond_o the_o bound_n thereof_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v extend_v and_o if_o any_o pretend_v unto_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o thing_n not_o before_o reveal_v we_o have_v no_o concernment_n in_o
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
nempe_fw-la in_fw-la qua_fw-la securius_fw-la constantiusque_fw-la mens_fw-la qui_fw-la scat_fw-la quam_fw-la in_o ullis_fw-la rationibus_fw-la talis_fw-la denique_fw-la sensus_fw-la qui_fw-la nisi_fw-la ex_fw-la caelesti_fw-la revelatione_fw-la nequeat_fw-la non_fw-la aliud_fw-la loquor_fw-la quam_fw-la quod_fw-la apud_fw-la se_fw-la experitur_fw-la fidelium_fw-la unusquisque_fw-la nisi_fw-la quod_fw-la long_o infra_fw-la justam_fw-la rei_fw-la explicationem_fw-la verba_fw-la subsidunt_fw-la calv._n instit._n lib._n 2._o cap._n 7_o 8_o 9_o and_o we_o may_v here_o brief_o call_v over_o what_o we_o have_v attain_v or_o pass_v through_o for_o 1._o we_o have_v show_v in_o general_a both_o what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o divine_a illumination_n with_o their_o mutual_a respect_n unto_o one_o another_o 2._o what_o be_v the_o principal_a external_a argument_n or_o motive_n of_o credibility_n whereby_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v prove_v to_o bâ—_n of_o a_o divine_a original_a 3._o what_o kind_n of_o persuasion_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o they_o or_o what_o be_v the_o assent_n which_o we_o give_v unto_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n on_o their_o account_n 4._o what_o objective_a evidence_n there_o be_v unto_o reason_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o induce_v the_o mind_n to_o assent_v unto_o they_o 5._o what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o that_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 and_o how_o it_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 6._o what_o be_v that_o internal_a testimony_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n what_o be_v the_o force_n and_o use_v thereof_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o our_o work_n do_v yet_o remain_v that_o which_o we_o have_v thus_o far_o make_v way_n for_o and_o which_o be_v now_o our_o only_a remain_a enquiry_n be_v what_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o objective_a evidence_n which_o we_o have_v concern_v the_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o whereinto_o it_o be_v resolve_v that_o be_v we_o come_v to_o inquire_v and_o to_o give_v a_o direct_a answer_n unto_o that_o question_n why_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n what_o it_o be_v that_o our_o faith_n rest_v upon_o herein_o and_o what_o it_o be_v that_o make_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o man_n to_o believe_v it_o so_o to_o be_v unto_o who_o it_o be_v propose_v and_o the_o reason_n why_o i_o shall_v be_v the_o brief_a herein_o be_v because_o i_o have_v long_o since_o in_o another_o discourse_n clear_v this_o argument_n and_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o again_o call_v over_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v deliver_v therein_o because_o what_o have_v be_v unto_o this_o day_n gainsay_v unto_o it_o or_o except_v against_o it_o have_v be_v of_o little_a weight_n or_o consideration_n unto_o this_o great_a enquiry_n therefore_o i_o say_v we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o divine_a faith_n for_o its_o own_o sake_n only_o or_o our_o faith_n be_v resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n only_o as_o reveal_v himself_o unto_o we_o therein_o and_o thereby_o and_o this_o authority_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n do_v infallible_o manifest_v or_o evince_v themselves_o unto_o our_o faith_n or_o our_o mind_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o by_o the_o revelation_n itself_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o no_o otherwise_o or_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v and_o why_o we_o do_v so_o why_o we_o believe_v at_o all_o in_o general_n and_o why_o we_o believe_v any_o thing_n in_o particular_a and_o this_o we_o call_v the_o formal_a object_n or_o reason_n of_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o be_v not_o god_n himself_o absolute_o consider_v for_o so_o he_o be_v only_o the_o material_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n he_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v heb._n 11._o 6._o nor_o be_v it_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n absolute_o for_o that_o we_o believe_v as_o we_o do_v other_o essential_a property_n of_o his_o nature_n but_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n reveal_v himself_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n unto_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n this_o be_v the_o sole_a reason_n why_o we_o believe_v any_o thing_n with_o divine_a faith_n it_o be_v or_o may_v be_v inquire_v wherefore_o we_o do_v believe_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o that_o god_n be_v one_o in_o nature_n subsist_v in_o three_o person_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v because_o god_n himself_o the_o first_o truth_n who_o can_v lie_v have_v reveal_v and_o declare_v these_o thing_n so_o to_o be_v and_o he_o who_o be_v our_o all_o require_v we_o so_o to_o believe_v if_o it_o be_v ask_v how_o wherein_o or_o whereby_o god_n have_v reveal_v and_o declare_v these_o thing_n so_o to_o be_v or_o what_o be_v that_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v hereof_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v the_o scripture_n and_o that_o only_o and_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v how_o i_o know_v this_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o answer_v 1._o i_o do_v not_o know_v it_o demonstrative_o upon_o rational_a scientifical_a principle_n because_o such_o a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o such_o a_o demonstration_n 1._o cor._n 2._o 9_o 2._o i_o do_v not_o assent_v unto_o it_o or_o think_v it_o to_o be_v so_o upon_o argument_n and_o motive_n high_o probable_a or_o moral_o uncontrollable_a only_o as_o i_o be_o assure_o persuade_v of_o many_o other_o thing_n whereof_o i_o can_v have_v no_o certain_a demonstration_n 1_o thes._n 2._o 15._o but_o i_o believe_v it_o so_o to_o be_v with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a rest_v on_o and_o resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n himself_o evidence_v themselves_o unto_o my_o mind_n my_o soul_n and_o conscience_n by_o this_o revelation_n itself_o and_o not_o otherwise_o here_o we_o rest_v and_o deny_v that_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n formal_o for_o any_o other_o reason_n but_o itself_o which_o assure_v we_o of_o its_o divine_a authority_n and_o if_o we_o rest_v not_o here_o we_o must_v run_v on_o the_o rock_n of_o a_o moral_a certainty_n only_o which_o shake_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o divine_a faith_n or_o fall_v into_o the_o gulf_n and_o labyrinth_n of_o a_o endless_a circle_n in_o prove_v two_o thing_n mutual_o by_o one_o another_o as_o the_o church_n by_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o church_n in_o a_o everlasting_a rotation_n unless_o we_o intend_v so_o to_o wander_v we_o must_v come_v to_o something_o wherein_o we_o may_v rest_v for_o its_o own_o sake_n and_o that_o not_o with_o a_o strong_a and_o firm_a opinion_n but_o with_o divine_a faith_n and_o nothing_o can_v rational_o pretend_v unto_o this_o privilege_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n manifest_v itself_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o those_o who_o will_v not_o allow_v it_o hereunto_o do_v some_o of_o they_o wise_o deny_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o object_n of_o divine_a faith_n direct_o but_o only_o of_o a_o moral_a persuasion_n from_o eternal_a argument_n and_o consideration_n and_o i_o do_v believe_v that_o they_o will_v grant_v that_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o to_o be_v believe_v it_o must_v be_v for_o its_o own_o sake_n for_o those_o who_o will_v have_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n propose_v it_o unto_o we_o and_o witness_v so_o to_o be_v though_o they_o make_v a_o fair_a appearance_n of_o a_o ready_a and_o easy_a way_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n yet_o when_o thing_n come_v to_o be_v sift_v and_o try_v they_o do_v so_o confound_v all_o sort_n of_o thing_n that_o they_o know_v not_o where_o to_o stand_v or_o abide_v but_o it_o be_v not_o now_o my_o business_n to_o examine_v their_o pretence_n i_o have_v do_v it_o elsewhere_o i_o shall_v therefore_o prove_v and_o establish_v the_o assertion_n lay_v down_o after_o i_o have_v make_v way_n to_o it_o by_o one_o or_o two_o previous_a observation_n 1._o we_o suppose_v herein_o all_o the_o motive_n of_o credibity_n before_o mention_v that_o be_v all_o the_o argument_n ab_fw-la extra_fw-la which_o vehement_o persuade_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o wherewith_o it_o may_v be_v protect_v against_o objection_n and_o temptation_n to_o the_o contrary_n they_o have_v all_o of_o they_o their_o use_n and_o may_v in_o their_o proper_a place_n be_v
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
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
satan_n and_o the_o prevalent_a power_n and_o rage_n of_o mankind_n have_v combine_v and_o be_v set_v at_o work_n to_o the_o ruin_n and_o utter_v suppression_n of_o this_o book_n proceed_v sometime_o so_o far_o as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o appear_v way_n for_o its_o escape_n yet_o through_o the_o watchful_a care_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n sometime_o put_v itself_o forth_o in_o miraculous_a instance_n it_o have_v be_v preserve_v unto_o this_o day_n and_o shall_v be_v so_o to_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o event_n of_o that_o which_o be_v speak_v by_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 5._o 18._o do_v invincible_o prove_v the_o divine_a approbation_n of_o this_o book_n as_o that_o do_v its_o divine_a original_a till_o heaven_n and_o earth_n pass_v away_o one_o jot_n or_o one_o tittle_n shall_v in_o no_o wise_a pass_n from_o the_o law_n god_n perpetual_a care_n over_o the_o scripture_n for_o so_o many_o age_n that_o not_o a_o letter_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v utter_o lose_v nothing_o that_o have_v the_o least_o tendency_n towards_o its_o end_n shall_v perish_v be_v evidence_n sufficient_a of_o his_o regard_n unto_o it_o especial_o will_v it_o be_v so_o if_o we_o shall_v consider_v with_o what_o remarkable_a judgement_n and_o severe_a reflection_n of_o vengeance_n on_o its_o opposer_n this_o care_n have_v be_v manage_v instance_n whereof_o may_v be_v easy_o multiply_v and_o if_o any_o will_v not_o ascribe_v this_o preservation_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o bible_n not_o only_o in_o their_o be_v but_o in_o their_o purity_n and_o integrity_n free_a from_o the_o least_o just_a suspicion_n of_o corruption_n or_o the_o intermixture_n of_o any_o thing_n humane_a or_o heterogeneous_a unto_o the_o care_n of_o god_n it_o be_v incumbent_n on_o he_o to_o assign_v some_o other_o cause_n proportionate_a to_o such_o a_o effect_n whilst_o it_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o endeavour_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o hell_n to_o have_v it_o corrupt_v and_o destroy_v for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v but_o judge_v that_o he_o that_o see_v not_o a_o hand_n of_o divine_a providence_n stretch_v out_o in_o the_o preservation_n of_o this_o book_n and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o it_o its_o word_n and_o syllable_n for_o thousand_o of_o year_n through_o all_o the_o overthrow_n and_o deluge_n of_o calamity_n that_o have_v befall_v the_o world_n with_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o it_o have_v be_v preserve_v and_o the_o interest_n in_o some_o age_n of_o all_o those_o in_o who_o power_n it_o be_v to_o have_v it_o corrupt_v as_o it_o be_v of_o the_o apostate_n church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o christian_n with_o the_o open_a opposition_n that_o have_v be_v make_v unto_o it_o do_v not_o believe_v there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o divine_a providence_n at_o all_o it_o be_v first_o write_v in_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o the_o babylonian_a empire_n with_o which_o it_o afterward_o contemporize_v about_o 900_o year_n by_o this_o monarchy_n that_o people_n which_o alone_o have_v these_o oracle_n of_o god_n commit_v unto_o they_o be_v oppress_v destroy_v and_o carry_v into_o captivity_n but_o this_o book_n be_v then_o preserve_v among_o they_o whilst_o they_o be_v absolute_o under_o the_o power_n of_o their_o enemy_n although_o it_o condemn_v they_o and_o all_o their_o god_n and_o religious_a worship_n wherewith_o we_o know_v how_o horrible_o mankind_n be_v enrage_v satan_n have_v enthrone_v himself_o as_o the_o object_n of_o their_o worship_n and_o the_o author_n of_o all_o way_n of_o divine_a veneration_n among_o they_o these_o they_o adhere_v unto_o as_o their_o principal_a interest_n as_o all_o people_n do_v unto_o that_o they_o esteem_v their_o religion_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o judge_v condemn_v oppose_v he_o or_o they_o but_o this_o book_n only_o which_o be_v now_o absolute_o in_o their_o power_n if_o that_o by_o any_o mean_n can_v have_v be_v destroy_v then_o when_o it_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n but_o of_o a_o few_o and_o those_o for_o the_o most_o part_n flagitious_a in_o their_o life_n hate_v the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o and_o whole_o under_o the_o power_n of_o their_o adversary_n the_o interest_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n in_o idolatry_n have_v be_v secure_v but_o through_o the_o mere_a provision_n of_o divine_a care_n it_o outlive_v that_o monarchy_n and_o see_v the_o ruin_n of_o its_o great_a adversary_n so_o it_o do_v also_o during_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o persian_a monarchy_n which_o succeed_v whilst_o the_o people_n be_v still_o under_o the_o power_n of_o idolater_n against_o who_o this_o be_v the_o only_a testimony_n in_o the_o world_n by_o some_o branch_n of_o the_o grecian_a monarchy_n a_o most_o fierce_a and_o diligent_a attempt_n be_v make_v to_o have_v utter_o destroy_v it_o but_o still_o it_o be_v snatch_v by_o divine_a power_n out_o of_o the_o furnace_n not_o one_o hair_n of_o it_o be_v singe_v or_o the_o least_o detriment_n bring_v unto_o its_o perfection_n the_o roman_n destroy_v both_o the_o people_n and_o place_n design_v until_o then_o for_o its_o preservation_n carry_v the_o ancient_a copy_n of_o the_o law_n in_o triumph_n to_o rome_n on_o the_o conquest_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o whilst_o all_o absolute_a power_n and_o dominion_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n where_o this_o book_n be_v know_v or_o hear_v of_o be_v in_o their_o hand_n they_o exercise_v a_o rage_n against_o it_o for_o sundry_a age_n with_o the_o same_o success_n that_o former_a enemy_n have_v from_o the_o very_a first_o all_o the_o endeavour_n of_o mankind_n that_o profess_v a_o open_a enmity_n against_o it_o have_v be_v utter_o frustrate_a and_o whereas_o also_o those_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v outward_o commit_v as_o the_o jew_n first_o and_o the_o antichristian_a church_n of_o apostatise_v christian_n afterward_o not_o only_o fall_v into_o opinion_n and_o practice_n absolute_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o but_o also_o build_v all_o their_o present_a and_o future_a interest_n on_o those_o opinion_n and_o practice_n yet_o none_o of_o they_o dare_v ever_o attempt_v the_o corrupt_a of_o one_o line_n in_o it_o but_o be_v force_v to_o attempt_v their_o own_o security_n by_o a_o pretence_n of_o additional_a tradition_n and_o keep_v the_o book_n itself_o as_o much_o as_o they_o dare_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n and_o knowledge_n of_o all_o not_o engage_v in_o the_o same_o interest_n with_o themselves_o whence_o can_v all_o this_o proceed_v but_o from_o the_o watchful_a care_n and_o power_n of_o divine_a providence_n and_o it_o be_v brutish_a folly_n not_o to_o believe_v that_o what_o god_n do_v so_o protect_v do_v original_o proceed_v from_o himself_o see_v it_o plead_v and_o pretend_v so_o to_o do_v for_o every_o wise_a man_n will_v take_v more_o care_n of_o a_o stranger_n than_o a_o bastard_n false_o impose_v on_o he_o unto_o his_o dishonour_n 3._o the_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o have_v a_o impress_n on_o it_o of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o authority_n and_o hereof_o there_o be_v two_o part_n first_o to_o reveal_v god_n unto_o man_n and_o second_o to_o direct_v man_n to_o come_v unto_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n that_o these_o be_v the_o only_a two_o great_a concern_v of_o our_o nature_n of_o any_o rational_a be_v be_v easy_a to_o prove_v but_o that_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o those_o with_o who_o i_o treat_v now_o never_o do_v any_o book_n or_o write_v in_o the_o world_n any_o single_a or_o joint_a endeavour_n of_o mankind_n or_o invisible_a spirit_n in_o the_o way_n of_o authority_n give_v out_o a_o law_n rule_n guide_n and_o light_n for_o all_o mankind_n universal_o in_o both_o these_o namely_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o ourselves_o but_o this_o book_n only_o and_o if_o any_o other_o it_o may_v be_v like_o the_o alcoran_n do_v pretend_v in_o the_o least_o thereunto_o it_o quick_o discover_v its_o own_o folly_n and_o expose_v itself_o to_o the_o contempt_n of_o all_o wise_a and_o considerate_a man_n the_o only_a question_n be_v how_o it_o have_v discharge_v itself_o in_o this_o design_n for_o if_o it_o have_v complete_o and_o perfect_o accomplish_v it_o it_o be_v not_o only_o evident_a that_o it_o must_v be_v from_o god_n but_o also_o that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a benefit_n and_o kindness_n that_o divine_a benignity_n and_o goodness_n ever_o grant_v unto_o mankind_n for_o without_o it_o all_o man_n universal_o must_v necessary_o wander_v in_o a_o endless_a maze_n of_o uncertainty_n without_o ever_o attain_v light_n rest_v or_o blessedness_n here_o or_o hereafter_o wherefore_o 1._o as_o it_o take_v on_o itself_o to_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o deliver_v nothing_o command_v nothing_o but_o what_o become_v his_o infinite_a holiness_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n so_o it_o make_v that_o
so_o many_o uncertain_a and_o fierce_a digladiation_n wherein_o not_o any_o one_o truth_n be_v assert_v nor_o any_o one_o duty_n prescribe_v that_o be_v not_o spoil_v and_o vitiate_a by_o its_o circumstance_n and_o end_n beside_o they_o never_o rise_v up_o so_o much_o as_o to_o a_o surmise_n of_o or_o about_o the_o most_o important_a matter_n of_o religion_n without_o which_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a by_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v ever_o attain_v the_o end_n for_o which_o we_o be_v make_v nor_o the_o blessedness_n whereof_o we_o be_v capable_a no_o account_n can_v they_o ever_o give_v of_o our_o apostasy_n from_o god_n of_o the_o depravation_n of_o our_o nature_n of_o the_o cause_n or_o necessary_a cure_n of_o it_o in_o this_o lose_a and_o wander_a condition_n of_o mankind_n the_o scripture_n present_v itself_o as_o a_o light_n rule_n and_o guide_n unto_o all_o to_o direct_v they_o in_o their_o whole_a course_n unto_o their_o end_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o unto_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o this_o it_o do_v with_o that_o clearness_n and_o evidence_n as_o to_o dispel_v all_o the_o darkness_n and_o put_v a_o end_n unto_o all_o the_o confusion_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o the_o sun_n with_o rise_v do_v the_o shade_n of_o the_o night_n unless_o they_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o it_o love_a darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a for_o all_o the_o confusion_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o extricate_v themselves_o from_o whence_o they_o find_v out_o and_o immix_v themselves_o in_o endless_a question_n to_o no_o purpose_n arise_v from_o their_o ignorance_n of_o what_o we_o be_v original_o of_o what_o we_o now_o be_v and_o how_o we_o come_v so_o to_o be_v by_o what_o way_n or_o mean_n we_o may_v be_v deliver_v or_o relieve_v what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o life_n or_o what_o be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o live_n to_o god_n as_o our_o chief_a end_n and_o wherein_o the_o blessedness_n of_o our_o nature_n do_v consist_v all_o the_o world_n be_v never_o able_a to_o give_v a_o answer_n tolerable_o satisfactory_a unto_o any_o one_o of_o these_o inquiry_n &_o yet_o unless_o they_o be_v all_o infallible_o determine_v we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o the_o least_o rest_n or_o happiness_n above_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v but_o now_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o clear_o declare_v and_o state_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o it_o come_v with_o a_o evidence_n like_o a_o light_n from_o heaven_n on_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o unprejudiced_a person_n what_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o nature_n in_o its_o first_o creation_n and_o constitution_n with_o the_o blessedness_n and_o advantage_n of_o that_o condition_n how_o we_o fall_v from_o it_o and_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n what_o be_v the_o nature_n and_o what_o the_o consequent_n and_o effect_n of_o our_o present_a depravation_n and_o apostasy_n from_o god_n how_o help_n and_o relief_n be_v provide_v for_o we_o herein_o by_o infinite_a wisdom_n grace_n and_o bounty_n what_o that_o help_n be_v how_o we_o may_v be_v interest_v in_o it_o and_o make_v partaker_n of_o it_o what_o be_v that_o system_fw-la of_o duty_n or_o course_n of_o obedience_n unto_o god_n which_o be_v require_v of_o we_o and_o wherein_o our_o eternal_a felicity_n do_v consist_v be_v all_o of_o they_o so_o plain_o and_o clear_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o in_o general_a to_o leave_v mankind_n no_o ground_n for_o doubt_n enquiry_n or_o conjecture_n set_v aside_o inveterate_a prejudices_fw-la from_o tradition_n education_n false_a notion_n into_o the_o mould_n whereof_o the_o mind_n be_v cast_v the_o love_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o conduct_n of_o lust_n which_o thing_n have_v a_o inconceivable_a power_n over_o the_o mind_n soul_n and_o affection_n of_o man_n and_o the_o light_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o these_o thing_n be_v like_o that_o of_o the_o sun_n at_o noonday_n which_o shut_v up_o the_o way_n unto_o all_o further_a enquiry_n and_o efficacious_o necessitate_v unto_o a_o acquiescency_n in_o it_o and_o in_o particular_a in_o that_o direction_n which_o it_o give_v unto_o the_o live_v of_o man_n in_o order_n unto_o that_o obedience_n which_o they_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o that_o reward_v which_o they_o expect_v from_o he_o there_o be_v no_o instance_n conceivable_a of_o any_o thing_n conduce_v thereunto_o which_o be_v not_o prescribe_v therein_o nor_o of_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a unto_o it_o that_o fall_v not_o under_o its_o prohibition_n those_o therefore_o who_o desire_n or_o interest_n it_o be_v that_o the_o bound_n and_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n shall_v be_v unfixed_a and_o confound_v who_o be_v afraid_a to_o know_v what_o they_o be_v what_o they_o be_v or_o what_o they_o shall_v come_v unto_o who_o care_n to_o know_v neither_o god_n nor_o themselves_o their_o duty_n nor_o their_o reward_n may_v despise_v this_o book_n and_o deny_v its_o divine_a original_a other_o will_v retain_v a_o sacred_a veneration_n of_o it_o as_o of_o the_o offspring_n of_o god_n 4._o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n may_v in_o like_a manner_n be_v plead_v unto_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o i_o shall_v also_o insist_v upon_o it_o partly_o to_o manifest_v wherein_o its_o true_a nature_n and_o efficacy_n do_v consist_v and_o partly_o to_o evince_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o old_a pretence_n that_o even_o we_o also_o who_o be_v depart_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v receive_v the_o scripture_n upon_o the_o authority_n thereof_o whence_o it_o be_v further_o pretend_v that_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n and_o reason_n we_o ought_v to_o receive_v whatever_o else_o it_o propose_v unto_o we_o 1._o the_o church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 15._o which_o be_v the_o only_a text_n plead_v with_o any_o sobriety_n to_o give_v countenance_n unto_o the_o assertion_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n with_o respect_n unto_o we_o to_o depend_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o weakness_n of_o a_o plea_n to_o that_o purpose_n from_o hence_o have_v be_v so_o full_o manifest_v by_o many_o already_o that_o it_o need_v no_o more_o to_o be_v insist_v on_o in_o short_a it_o can_v be_v so_o the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n that_o the_o truth_n shall_v be_v as_o it_o be_v build_v and_o rest_n upon_o it_o as_o its_o foundation_n for_o this_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o same_o apostle_n who_o teach_v we_o that_o the_o church_n itself_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n eph._n 2._o 20._o the_o church_n can_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o truth_n the_o ground_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n or_o kind_n wherefore_o the_o church_n be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n in_o that_o it_o hold_v up_o and_o declare_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o thing_n contain_v therein_o so_o to_o be_v 2._o in_o receive_v any_o thing_n from_o a_o church_n we_o may_v consider_v the_o authority_n of_o it_o or_o its_o ministry_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o matter_n we_o intend_v no_o more_o but_o the_o weight_n and_o importance_n that_o be_v in_o its_o testimony_n as_o testimony_n do_v vary_v according_a to_o the_o worth_n gravity_n honesty_n honour_n and_o reputation_n of_o they_o by_o who_o they_o be_v give_v for_o to_o suppose_v a_o authority_n proper_o so_o call_v in_o any_o church_n or_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o world_n whereon_o our_o reception_n of_o the_o scripture_n shall_v depend_v as_o that_o which_o give_v its_o authority_n towards_o we_o and_o a_o sufficient_a warranty_n to_o our_o faith_n be_v a_o nice_a imagination_n for_o the_o authority_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n stand_v not_o in_o need_n nor_o be_v capable_a of_o any_o such_o attestation_n from_o man_n all_o they_o will_v admit_v of_o from_o the_o child_n of_o man_n be_v that_o they_o do_v humble_o submit_v unto_o they_o and_o testify_v their_o so_o do_v with_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v that_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n whereby_o it_o propose_v and_o declare_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o as_o it_o have_v occasion_n to_o all_o the_o world_n and_o this_o ministry_n also_o may_v be_v consider_v either_o formal_o as_o it_o be_v appoint_v of_o god_n unto_o this_o end_n and_o bless_v by_o he_o or_o material_o only_o as_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v though_o the_o ground_n whereon_o it_o be_v do_v and_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o be_v not_o divine_o approve_v we_o whole_o deny_v that_o we_o receive_v the_o scripture_n or_o ever_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
to_o consider_v what_o be_v their_o condition_n or_o what_o it_o be_v like_a to_o be_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o they_o talk_v of_o these_o thing_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o these_o day_n without_o any_o impression_n on_o their_o mind_n and_o affection_n or_o influence_n on_o the_o practical_a understanding_n but_o our_o enquiry_n be_v after_o what_o be_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n for_o the_o conviction_n of_o rational_a and_o unprejudiced_a person_n and_o the_o defeat_n of_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_a which_o these_o and_o the_o like_a argument_n do_v every_o way_n answer_v some_o think_v fit_a here_o to_o stay_v that_o be_v in_o these_o or_o the_o like_a external_a argument_n or_o rational_a motive_n of_o faith_n such_o as_o render_v the_o scripture_n so_o credible_a as_o that_o it_o be_v a_o unreasonable_a thing_n not_o to_o assent_v unto_o they_o that_o certainty_n which_o may_v be_v attain_v on_o these_o argument_n and_o motive_n be_v as_o they_o say_v the_o high_a which_o our_o mind_n be_v capable_a of_o with_o respect_n unto_o this_o object_n and_o therefore_o include_v all_o the_o assent_n which_o be_v require_v of_o we_o unto_o this_o proposition_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o all_o the_o faith_n whereby_o we_o believe_v they_o so_o to_o be_v when_o i_o speak_v of_o these_o argument_n i_o intend_v not_o they_o alone_o which_o i_o have_v insist_v on_o but_o all_o other_o also_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n some_o whereof_o have_v be_v urge_v and_o improve_v by_o other_o with_o great_a diligence_n for_o in_o the_o variety_n of_o such_o argument_n as_o offer_v themselves_o in_o this_o cause_n every_o one_o choose_v out_o what_o seem_v to_o he_o most_o cogent_a &_o some_o amass_o all_o that_o they_o can_v think_v on_o now_o these_o argument_n with_o the_o evidence_n tender_v in_o they_o be_v such_o as_o nothing_o but_o perverse_a prejudice_n can_v detain_v man_n from_o give_v a_o firm_a assent_n unto_o and_o no_o more_o be_v require_v of_o we_o but_o that_o according_a to_o the_o motive_n that_o be_v propose_v unto_o we_o and_o the_o argument_n use_v to_o that_o purpose_n we_o come_v unto_o a_o judgement_n and_o persuasion_n call_v a_o moral_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o endeavour_v to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o god_n according_o and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o there_o be_v more_o than_o it_o be_v fear_v there_o be_v who_o be_v real_o so_o affect_v with_o these_o argument_n and_o motive_n for_o the_o truth_n be_v tradition_n and_o education_n practical_o bear_v the_o whole_a sway_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o yet_o when_o all_o this_o be_v do_v it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o all_o this_o be_v but_o a_o mere_a natural_a work_n whereunto_o no_o more_o be_v require_v but_o the_o natural_a exercise_n and_o act_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o understanding_n that_o the_o argument_n and_o motive_n use_v though_o strong_a be_v humane_a and_o fallible_a and_o therefore_o the_o conclusion_n we_o make_v from_o they_o be_v so_o also_o and_o wherein_o we_o may_v be_v deceive_v that_o a_o assent_n ground_v and_o resolve_v into_o such_o rational_a argument_n only_o be_v not_o faith_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o brief_a that_o it_o be_v require_v that_o we_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 which_o can_v be_v deceive_v two_o thing_n be_v reply_v hereunto_o 1._o that_o where_o the_o thing_n believe_v be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a so_o be_v the_o faith_n whereby_o we_o believe_v they_o or_o give_v our_o assent_n unto_o they_o let_v the_o motive_n and_o argument_n whereon_o we_o give_v our_o assent_n be_v of_o what_o kind_n they_o will_v so_o that_o the_o assent_n be_v true_a and_o real_a and_o the_o thing_n believe_v be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a the_o faith_n whereby_o we_o believe_v they_o be_v so_o also_o but_o this_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o 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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
complete_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n already_o make_v but_o new_a revelation_n it_o have_v neither_o need_n nor_o use_v of_o and_o to_o suppose_v they_o or_o a_o necessity_n of_o they_o not_o only_o overthrow_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o also_o leave_v we_o uncertain_a whether_o we_o know_v all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n unto_o salvation_n or_o our_o whole_a duty_n or_o when_o we_o may_v do_v so_o for_o it_o will_v be_v our_o duty_n to_o live_v all_o our_o day_n in_o expectation_n of_o new_a revelation_n wherewith_o neither_o peace_n assurance_n nor_o consolation_n be_v consistent_a 2._o those_o who_o be_v to_o believe_v will_v not_o be_v able_a on_o this_o supposition_n to_o secure_v themselves_o from_o delusion_n and_o from_o be_v impose_v on_o by_o the_o deceit_n of_o satan_n for_o this_o new_a revelation_n be_v to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o scripture_n or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v to_o be_v try_v and_o examine_v by_o the_o scripture_n then_o do_v it_o acknowledge_v a_o superior_a rule_n judgement_n and_o testimony_n and_o so_o can_v be_v that_o which_o our_o faith_n be_v ultimate_o resolve_v into_o if_o it_o be_v exempt_v from_o that_o rule_n of_o try_v the_o spirit_n than_o 1._o it_o must_v produce_v the_o grant_n of_o this_o exemption_n see_v the_o rule_n be_v extend_v general_o unto_o all_o thing_n and_o doctrine_n that_o relate_v unto_o faith_n or_o obedience_n 2._o it_o must_v declare_v what_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o evidence_n of_o its_o own_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o self-credibility_a and_o how_o it_o may_v be_v infallible_o or_o assure_o distinguish_v from_o all_o delusion_n which_o can_v never_o be_v do_v and_o if_o any_o tolerable_a countenance_n can_v be_v give_v unto_o these_o thing_n yet_o we_o shall_v show_v immediate_o that_o no_o such_o private_a testimony_n though_o real_a can_v be_v the_o formal_a object_n of_o faith_n or_o reason_n of_o believe_v 3._o it_o have_v so_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n that_o general_o all_o who_o have_v give_v up_o themselves_o in_o any_o thing_n concern_v faith_n or_o obedience_n unto_o the_o pretend_a conduct_n of_o immediate_a revelation_n although_o they_o have_v plead_v a_o respect_n unto_o the_o scripture_n also_o have_v be_v seduce_v into_o opinion_n and_o practice_n direct_o repugnant_a unto_o it_o and_o this_o with_o all_o person_n of_o sobriety_n be_v sufficient_a to_o discard_v this_o pretence_n but_o this_o internal_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v by_o other_o explain_v quite_o in_o another_o way_n for_o they_o say_v that_o beside_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n before_o insist_v on_o whereby_o he_o take_v away_o our_o natural_a blindness_n and_o enlighten_v our_o mind_n enable_v we_o to_o discern_v the_o divine_a excellency_n that_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v another_o internal_a efficiency_n of_o he_o whereby_o we_o be_v move_v persuade_v and_o enable_v to_o believe_v hereby_o we_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n so_o as_o that_o find_v the_o glory_n and_o majesty_n of_o god_n in_o the_o word_n our_o heart_n do_v by_o a_o ineffable_a power_n assent_v unto_o the_o truth_n without_o any_o hesitation_n and_o this_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n carry_v its_o own_o evidence_n in_o itself_o produce_v a_o assurance_n above_o all_o humane_a judgement_n and_o such_o as_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o no_o further_a argument_n or_o testimony_n this_o faith_n rest_v on_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o and_o this_o some_o learned_a man_n seem_v to_o embrace_v because_o they_o suppose_v that_o the_o objective_a evidence_n which_o be_v give_v in_o the_o scripture_n itself_o be_v only_o moral_a or_o such_o as_o can_v give_v only_o a_o moral_a assurance_n whereas_o therefore_o faith_n ought_v to_o be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a so_o must_v that_o be_v whereinto_o it_o be_v resolve_v yea_o it_o be_v so_o alone_o from_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o it_o and_o they_o can_v apprehend_v nothing_o in_o this_o work_n that_o be_v immediate_o divine_a but_o only_o this_o internal_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n wherein_o god_n himself_o speak_v unto_o our_o heart_n but_o yet_o neither_o as_o it_o be_v so_o explain_v can_v we_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v the_o formal_a object_n of_o faith_n nor_o that_o wherein_o it_o do_v acquiesce_v for_o 1._o it_o have_v not_o the_o proper_a nature_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n a_o divine_a work_n it_o may_v be_v but_o a_o divine_a testimony_n it_o be_v not_o but_o it_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v build_v on_o a_o external_a testimony_n however_o therefore_o our_o mind_n may_v be_v establish_v and_o enable_v to_o believe_v firm_o and_o steadfast_o by_o a_o ineffable_a internal_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n whereof_o also_o we_o may_v have_v a_o certain_a experience_n yet_o neither_o that_o work_v nor_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o can_v be_v the_o reason_n why_o we_o do_v believe_v nor_o whereby_o we_o be_v move_v to_o believe_v but_o only_o that_o whereby_o we_o do_v believe_v 2._o that_o which_o be_v the_o formal_a object_n of_o faith_n or_o reason_n whereon_o we_o believe_v be_v the_o same_o and_o common_a unto_o all_o that_o do_v believe_v for_o our_o enquiry_n be_v not_o how_o or_o by_o what_o mean_v this_o or_o that_o man_n come_v to_o believe_v but_o why_o any_o one_o or_o every_o one_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v unto_o who_o the_o scripture_n be_v propose_v the_o object_n propose_v unto_o all_o to_o be_v believe_v be_v the_o same_o and_o the_o faith_n require_v of_o all_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n be_v the_o same_o or_o of_o the_o same_o kind_a and_o nature_n and_o therefore_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o believe_v must_v be_v the_o same_o also_o but_o on_o this_o supposition_n there_o must_v be_v as_o many_o distinct_a reason_n of_o believe_v as_o there_o be_v believer_n 3._o on_o this_o supposition_n it_o can_v be_v the_o duty_n of_o any_o one_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o have_v not_o receive_v this_o internal_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o where_o the_o true_a formal_a reason_n of_o believe_v be_v not_o propose_v unto_o we_o there_o it_o be_v not_o our_o duty_n to_o believe_v wherefore_o although_o the_o scripture_n be_v propose_v as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o be_v it_o not_o our_o duty_n to_o believe_v it_o so_o to_o be_v until_o we_o have_v this_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n in_o case_n that_o be_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o believe_v but_o not_o to_o press_v any_o further_a how_o it_o be_v possible_a man_n may_v be_v deceive_v and_o delude_v in_o their_o apprehension_n of_o such_o a_o internal_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o scripture_n which_o if_o it_o be_v it_o lose_v its_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o self-credibility_a or_o if_o it_o be_v it_o cast_v we_o into_o a_o circle_n which_o the_o papist_n charge_v we_o withal_o it_o can_v be_v admit_v as_o the_o formal_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n because_o it_o will_v divert_v we_o from_o that_o which_o be_v public_a proper_a every_o way_n certain_a and_o infallible_a however_o that_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o may_v be_v call_v a_o internal_a real_a testimony_n be_v to_o be_v grant_v as_o that_o which_o belong_v unto_o the_o stability_n and_o assurance_n of_o faith_n for_o if_o he_o do_v no_o otherwise_o work_v in_o we_o or_o upon_o we_o but_o by_o the_o communication_n of_o spiritual_a light_n unto_o our_o mind_n enable_v we_o to_o discern_v the_o evidence_n that_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o its_o own_o divine_a original_a we_o shall_v often_o be_v shake_v in_o our_o assent_n and_o move_v from_o our_o stability_n for_o whereas_o our_o spiritual_a darkness_n be_v remove_v but_o in_o part_n and_o at_o best_a whilst_o we_o be_v here_o we_o see_v thing_n but_o dark_o as_o in_o a_o glass_n all_o thing_n believe_v have_v some_o sort_n of_o inevidence_n or_o obscurity_n attend_v they_o and_o whereas_o temptation_n will_v frequent_o shake_v and_o disturb_v the_o due_a respect_n of_o the_o faculty_n unto_o the_o object_n or_o interpose_v mist_n and_o cloud_n between_o they_o we_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n in_o believe_v unless_o our_o mind_n be_v further_o establish_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n he_o do_v therefore_o three_o way_n assist_v we_o in_o believe_v and_o ascertain_v our_o mind_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v so_o as_o that_o we_o may_v hold_v fast_o the_o begin_n of_o our_o confidence_n firm_a and_o steadfast_a unto_o the_o end_n for_o 1._o he_o give_v unto_o believer_n a_o spiritual_a sense_n of_o the_o power_n and_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v whereby_o their_o faith_n be_v great_o establish_v and_o although_o
the_o divine_a witness_n whereunto_o our_o faith_n be_v ultimate_o resolve_v do_v not_o consist_v herein_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o great_a corroborate_n testimony_n whereof_o we_o be_v capable_a this_o be_v that_o which_o bring_v we_o unto_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o understanding_n col._n 2._o 2._o as_o also_o 1_o thes._n 1._o 5._o and_o on_o the_o account_n of_o this_o spiritual_a experience_n be_v our_o perception_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n so_o often_o express_v by_o act_n of_o sense_n as_o taste_v see_v feel_a and_o the_o like_a mean_n of_o assurance_n in_o thing_n natural_a and_o when_o believer_n have_v attain_v hereunto_o they_o do_v find_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n goodness_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n so_o present_a unto_o they_o as_o that_o they_o need_v neither_o argument_n nor_o motive_n nor_o any_o thing_n else_o to_o persuade_v they_o unto_o or_o confirm_v they_o in_o believe_v and_o whereas_o this_o spiritual_a experience_n which_o believer_n obtain_v through_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v such_o as_o can_v rational_o be_v contend_v about_o see_v those_o who_o have_v receive_v it_o can_v full_o express_v it_o and_o those_o who_o have_v not_o can_v understand_v it_o nor_o the_o efficacy_n which_o it_o have_v to_o secure_v and_o establish_v the_o mind_n it_o be_v leave_v to_o be_v determine_v on_o by_o they_o alone_o who_o have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v good_a and_o evil._n and_o this_o belong_v unto_o the_o internal_a subjective_n testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 2._o he_o assist_v help_n and_o relieve_v we_o against_o temptation_n to_o the_o contrary_a so_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v prevalent_a our_o first_o prime_a assent_n unto_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o its_o proper_a ground_n and_o reason_n will_v not_o secure_v we_o against_o future_a objection_n and_o temptation_n unto_o the_o contrary_a from_o all_o manner_n of_o cause_n and_o occasion_n david_n faith_n be_v so_o assault_v by_o they_o as_o that_o he_o say_v in_o his_o haste_n that_o all_o man_n be_v liar_n and_o abraham_n himself_o after_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n that_o in_o his_o seed_n all_o nation_n shall_v be_v bless_v be_v reduce_v unto_o that_o anxious_a enquiry_n lord_n god_n what_o will_v thou_o give_v i_o see_v i_o go_v childless_a gen_n 15._o 2._o and_o peter_n be_v so_o winnow_v by_o satan_n that_o although_o his_o faith_n fail_v not_o yet_o he_o great_o fail_v and_o faint_v in_o its_o exercise_n and_o we_o all_o know_v what_o fear_v from_o within_o what_o fight_n from_o without_o we_o be_v expose_v unto_o in_o this_o matter_n and_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v all_o those_o atheistical_a objection_n against_o the_o scripture_n which_o these_o day_n abound_v withal_o which_o the_o devil_n use_v as_o fiery_a dart_n to_o inflame_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o to_o destroy_v their_o faith_n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v that_o work_n which_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n be_v principal_o engage_v in_o at_o this_o day_n have_v lop_v off_o many_o branch_n they_o now_o lay_v their_o axe_n to_o the_o root_n of_o faith_n and_o thence_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o christian_a religion_n there_o be_v no_o great_a controversy_n than_o whether_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o not_o against_o all_o these_o temptation_n do_v the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v in_o such_o a_o continual_a supply_n of_o spiritual_a strength_n and_o assistance_n unto_o believer_n as_o that_o they_o shall_v at_o no_o time_n prevail_v nor_o their_o faith_n total_o fail_v in_o such_o case_n the_o lord_n christ_n intercede_v for_o we_o that_o our_o faith_n fail_v not_o and_o god_n grace_n be_v sufficient_a against_o the_o buffet_n of_o these_o temptation_n and_o herein_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n intercession_n with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o its_o efficacy_n be_v communicate_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n what_o be_v those_o internal_a aid_n whereby_o he_o establish_v and_o assure_v our_o mind_n against_o the_o force_n and_o prevalency_n of_o objection_n and_o temptation_n against_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n how_o they_o be_v communicate_v unto_o we_o and_o receive_v by_o we_o this_o be_v no_o place_n to_o declare_v in_o particular_a it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o any_o to_o pretend_v unto_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n by_o who_o they_o be_v deny_v and_o these_o also_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o internal_a real_a testimony_n whereby_o faith_n be_v establish_v and_o because_o it_o be_v somewhat_o strange_a that_o after_o a_o long_a quiet_a possession_n of_o the_o profess_a faith_n and_o assent_v of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n thereunto_o there_o shall_v now_o arise_v among_o we_o such_o a_o open_a opposition_n unto_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o we_o find_v there_o be_v by_o experience_n it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o in_o our_o passage_n to_o name_v the_o principal_a cause_n or_o occasion_n thereof_o for_o if_o we_o shall_v bring_v they_o all_o into_o one_o reckon_a as_o just_o we_o may_v who_o either_o open_o oppose_v it_o and_o reject_v it_o or_o who_o use_v it_o or_o neglect_v it_o at_o their_o pleasure_n or_o who_o set_v up_o other_o guide_n in_o competition_n with_o it_o or_o above_o it_o or_o otherwise_o declare_v that_o they_o have_v no_o sense_n of_o the_o immediate_a authority_n of_o god_n therein_o we_o shall_v find_v they_o to_o be_v like_o the_o moor_n or_o slave_n in_o some_o country_n or_o plantation_n they_o be_v so_o great_a in_o number_n and_o force_v above_o their_o ruler_n and_o other_o inhabitant_n that_o it_o be_v only_a want_n of_o communication_n with_o confidence_n and_o some_o distinct_a interest_n that_o keep_v they_o from_o cast_v off_o their_o yoke_n and_o restraint_n i_o shall_v name_v three_o cause_n only_o of_o this_o surprise_v and_o perilous_a event_n 1._o a_o long_a continue_a outward_a profession_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n without_o a_o inward_a experience_n of_o its_o power_n betray_v man_n at_o length_n to_o question_v the_o truth_n itself_o at_o least_o not_o to_o regard_v it_o as_o divine_a the_o own_v of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n bespeak_v a_o divine_a majesty_n authority_n and_o power_n to_o be_v present_a in_o it_o and_o with_o it_o wherefore_o after_o man_n who_o have_v for_o a_o long_a time_n so_o profess_v do_v find_v that_o they_o never_o have_v any_o real_a experience_n of_o such_o a_o divine_a presence_n in_o it_o by_o any_o effect_n upon_o their_o own_o mind_n they_o grow_v insensible_o regardless_o of_o it_o or_o to_o allow_v it_o a_o very_a common_a place_n in_o their_o thought_n when_o they_o have_v wear_v off_o the_o impression_n that_o be_v on_o their_o mind_n from_o tradition_n education_n and_o custom_n they_o do_v for_o the_o future_a rather_o not_o oppose_v it_o than_o in_o any_o way_n believe_v it_o and_o when_o once_o a_o reverence_n unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n on_o the_o account_n of_o its_o authority_n be_v lose_v a_o assent_n unto_o it_o on_o the_o account_n of_o truth_n will_v not_o long_o abide_v and_o all_o such_o person_n under_o a_o concurrence_n of_o temptation_n and_o outward_a occasion_n will_v either_o reject_v it_o or_o prefer_v other_o gnide_n before_o it_o 2._o the_o power_n of_o lust_n rise_v up_o unto_o a_o resolution_n of_o live_v in_o those_o sin_n whereunto_o the_o scripture_n do_v unavoidable_o annex_v eternal_a ruin_n have_v prevail_v with_o many_o to_o cast_v off_o its_o authority_n for_o whilst_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o live_v in_o a_o outrage_n of_o sin_n to_o allow_v a_o divine_a truth_n and_o power_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o cast_v themselves_o under_o a_o present_a torment_n as_o well_o as_o to_o ascertain_v their_o future_a misery_n for_o no_o other_o can_v be_v his_o condition_n who_o be_v perpetual_o sensible_a that_o god_n always_o condemn_v he_o in_o all_o that_o he_o do_v and_o will_v assure_o take_v vengeance_n of_o he_o which_o be_v the_o constant_a language_n of_o the_o scripture_n concern_v such_o person_n wherefore_o although_o they_o will_v not_o immediate_o fall_v into_o a_o open_a atheistical_a opposition_n unto_o it_o as_o that_o which_o it_o may_v be_v be_v not_o consistent_a with_o their_o interest_n and_o reputation_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o devil_n do_v on_o jesus_n christ_n as_o that_o which_o come_v to_o torment_v they_o before_o their_o time_n they_o keep_v it_o at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o their_o thought_n and_o mind_n until_o they_o have_v habituate_v themselves_o unto_o a_o contempt_n of_o it_o there_o be_v therefore_o a_o utter_a impossibility_n of_o give_v any_o pretence_n of_o reconciliation_n between_o the_o own_v of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n
to_o evidence_n itself_o to_o be_v so_o be_v exceed_o prejudicial_a unto_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n see_v the_o everlasting_a welfare_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v incomparable_o more_o concern_v therein_o than_o in_o the_o other_o way_n mention_v and_o what_o reason_n can_v be_v assign_v why_o he_o shall_v implant_v a_o less_o evidence_n of_o his_o divine_a authority_n on_o this_o than_o on_o they_o see_v he_o design_v far_o great_a and_o more_o glorious_a end_n in_o this_o than_o in_o they_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v say_v the_o reason_n be_v because_o this_o kind_n of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o receive_v such_o evidence_n it_o must_v be_v either_o because_o there_o can_v be_v evident_a character_n of_o divine_a authority_n goodness_n wisdom_n power_n implant_v on_o it_o or_o mix_v with_o it_o or_o because_o a_o efficacy_n to_o manifest_v they_o can_v be_v communicate_v unto_o it_o that_o both_o these_o be_v otherwise_o shall_v be_v demonstrate_v in_o the_o last_o part_n of_o this_o discourse_n which_o i_o shall_v now_o enter_v upon_o it_o have_v be_v already_o declare_v that_o it_o be_v the_o authority_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n reveal_v themselves_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o by_o it_o that_o be_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o supernatural_a assent_n unto_o it_o as_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o remain_v only_o that_o we_o inquire_v in_o the_o second_o place_n into_o the_o way_n and_o means_n whereby_o they_o evidence_n themselves_o unto_o we_o and_o the_o scripture_n thereby_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o as_o that_o we_o may_v undoubted_o and_o infallible_o believe_v it_o so_o to_o be_v now_o because_o faith_n as_o we_o have_v show_v be_v a_o assent_n upon_o testimony_n and_o consequent_o divine_a faith_n be_v a_o assent_n upon_o divine_a testimony_n there_o must_v be_v some_o testimony_n or_o witness_n in_o this_o case_n whereon_o faith_n do_v rest_n and_o this_o we_o say_v be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o author_n of_o the_o scripture_n give_v unto_o they_o in_o they_o and_o by_o they_o and_o this_o work_n or_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o two_o head_n which_o may_v be_v distinct_o insist_v on_o 1._o the_o impression_n or_o character_n which_o be_v subjective_o leave_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o upon_o it_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n its_o author_n of_o all_o the_o divine_a excellency_n or_o property_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v the_o first_o mean_v evidence_v that_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o our_o faith_n rest_v upon_o or_o they_o do_v give_v the_o first_o evidence_n of_o its_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n whereon_o we_o do_v believe_v it_o the_o way_n whereby_o we_o learn_v the_o eternal_a power_n and_o deity_n of_o god_n from_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n be_v no_o otherwise_o but_o by_o those_o mark_n token_n and_o impression_n of_o his_o divine_a power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n that_o be_v upon_o they_o for_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o subsistence_n greatness_n order_n and_o use_v reason_n do_v necessary_o conclude_v a_o infinite_a subsist_v be_v of_o who_o power_n and_o wisdom_n these_o thing_n be_v the_o manifest_a effect_n these_o be_v clear_o see_v and_o understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v we_o need_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o god_n make_v the_o world_n but_o itself_o it_o carry_v in_o it_o and_o upon_o it_o the_o infallible_a token_n of_o its_o original_a see_v to_o this_o purpose_n the_o bless_a meditation_n of_o the_o psalmist_n psal._n 104._o throughout_o now_o there_o be_v great_a and_o more_o evident_a impression_n of_o divine_a excellency_n leave_v on_o the_o write_a word_n from_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o the_o author_n of_o it_o than_o any_o that_o be_v communicate_v unto_o the_o work_v of_o god_n of_o what_o sort_n soever_o hence_o david_n compare_v the_o work_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o to_o their_o instructive_a efficacy_n in_o declare_v god_n and_o his_o glory_n although_o he_o ascribe_v much_o unto_o the_o work_v of_o creation_n yet_o do_v he_o prefer_v the_o word_n incomparable_o before_o they_o psal._n 19_o 1_o 2_o 3_o 7_o 8_o 9_o and_o psal._n 146._o ver_n 8_o 9_o etc._n etc._n and_o 19_o 20._o and_o these_o do_v manifest_a the_o word_n unto_o our_o faith_n to_o be_v his_o more_o clear_o than_o the_o other_o do_v the_o work_v to_o be_v his_o unto_o our_o reason_n as_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o know_v that_o it_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o or_o the_o contrary_n assert_v namely_o that_o god_n as_o the_o immediate_a author_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v leave_v in_o the_o very_a word_n itself_o evident_a token_n and_o impression_n of_o his_o wisdom_n prescience_n omniscience_n power_n goodness_n holiness_n truth_n and_o other_o divine_a infinite_a excellency_n sufficient_o evidence_v unto_o the_o enlighten_v mind_n of_o believer_n some_o i_o confess_v speak_v suspicious_o herein_o but_o until_o they_o will_v direct_o deny_v it_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v further_o to_o confirm_v it_o than_o i_o have_v do_v long_o since_o in_o another_o treatise_n and_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o be_v consider_v whether_o moral_o speak_v it_o be_v possible_a that_o god_n shall_v immediate_o by_o himself_o from_o the_o eternal_a counsel_n of_o he_o will_v reveal_v himself_o his_o mind_n the_o thought_n and_o purpose_n of_o his_o heart_n which_o have_v be_v hide_v in_o himself_o from_o eternity_n on_o purpose_n that_o we_o shall_v believe_v they_o and_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o he_o according_a to_o the_o declaration_n of_o himself_o so_o make_v and_o yet_o not_o give_v with_o it_o or_o leave_v upon_o it_o any_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d any_o infallible_a token_n evidence_v he_o to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o that_o revelation_n man_n who_o be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o their_o christianity_n will_v not_o be_v so_o to_o profess_v and_o seal_v that_o profession_n with_o their_o blood_n and_o to_o rest_v their_o eternal_a concernment_n on_o that_o security_n herein_o which_o they_o have_v attain_v namely_o that_o there_o be_v that_o manifestation_n make_v of_o the_o glorious_a property_n of_o god_n in_o and_o by_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n which_o incomparable_o excel_v in_o evidence_n all_o that_o their_o reason_n receive_v concern_v his_o power_n from_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n this_o be_v that_o whereon_o we_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 if_o we_o believe_v it_o so_o at_o all_o there_o be_v in_o itself_o that_o evidence_n of_o its_o divine_a original_a from_o the_o character_n of_o divine_a excellency_n leave_v upon_o it_o by_o its_o author_n the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o faith_n quiet_o rest_v in_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o and_o this_o evidence_n be_v manifest_a unto_o the_o mean_a and_o most_o unlearned_a no_o less_o than_o unto_o the_o wise_a philosopher_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o rational_a argument_n and_o external_n motive_n be_v the_o sole_a ground_n of_o receive_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o can_v not_o be_v but_o that_o learned_a man_n and_o philosopher_n will_v have_v always_o be_v the_o forward_a and_o most_o ready_a to_o admit_v it_o and_o most_o firm_o to_o adhere_v unto_o it_o and_o its_o profession_n for_o whereas_o all_o such_o argument_n do_v prevail_v on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n according_a as_o they_o be_v able_a aright_o to_o discern_v their_o force_n and_o judge_v of_o they_o learned_a philosopher_n will_v have_v have_v the_o advantage_n incomparable_o above_o other_o and_o so_o some_o have_v of_o late_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v the_o wise_a rational_a and_o learned_a man_n who_o at_o first_o most_o ready_o receive_v the_o gospel_n a_o assertion_n which_o nothing_o but_o gross_a ignorance_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o and_o all_o the_o write_n concern_v the_o original_a of_o christianity_n whether_o of_o christian_n or_o heathen_n can_v give_v the_o least_o countenance_n unto_o see_v 1_o cor._n 1._o 23_o 26._o from_o hence_o be_v the_o scripture_n so_o often_o compare_v unto_o light_n call_v light_n a_o light_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n which_o will_v evidence_n itself_o unto_o all_o who_o be_v not_o blind_a or_o do_v wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n or_o have_v their_o eye_n blind_v by_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o which_o consideration_n i_o have_v handle_v at_o large_a elsewhere_o 2._o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n evidence_v the_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o he_o put_v forth_o in_o it_o and_o by_o it_o over_o the_o
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