some_o humane_a testimony_n even_o to_o lay_v our_o foundation_n upon_o the_o sand_n where_o all_o will_v fall_v at_o the_o next_o assault_n it_o be_v strange_a to_o consider_v how_o we_o all_o abhor_v that_o piece_n of_o popery_n as_o most_o injurious_a to_o god_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n which_o resolve_v our_o faith_n into_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o that_o we_o do_v for_o the_o generality_n of_o professor_n content_v ourselves_o with_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o faith_n only_o with_o this_o difference_n the_o papist_n believe_v scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o their_o church_n say_v so_o exercit_fw-la and_o we_o because_o our_o church_n or_o our_o leader_n say_v so_o yea_o and_o many_o miinister_n never_o yet_o give_v their_o people_n better_a ground_n but_o tell_v they_o which_o be_v true_a that_o it_o be_v damnable_a to_o deny_v it_o but_o help_v they_o not_o to_o the_o necessary_a antecedent_n of_o faith_n if_o any_o think_v that_o these_o word_n tend_v to_o the_o shake_n of_o man_n faith_n i_o answer_v first_o only_o of_o that_o which_o will_v fall_v of_o itself_o second_o and_o that_o it_o may_v in_o time_n be_v build_v again_o more_o strong_o three_o or_o at_o least_o that_o the_o sound_n may_v be_v sure_a settle_v christ_n it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o many_o a_o thousand_o do_v profess_v christianity_n and_o zealous_o hate_v the_o enemy_n thereof_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n to_o the_o same_o end_n and_o from_o the_o same_o inward_a corrupt_a principle_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v hate_n and_o kill_v christ_n it_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o country_n where_o every_o man_n be_v reproach_v that_o believe_v otherwise_o they_o be_v bear_v and_o bring_v up_o in_o this_o belief_n and_o it_o have_v increase_v in_o they_o upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n have_v they_o be_v bear_v and_o breed_v in_o the_o religion_n of_o mahomet_n they_o will_v have_v beeen_n as_o zealous_a for_o he_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o he_o and_o a_o mahometan_a be_v more_o that_o he_o live_v where_o better_a law_n and_o religion_n dwell_v then_o that_o he_o have_v more_o knowledge_n or_o soundness_n of_o apprehension_n yet_o will_v i_o not_o drive_v into_o causeless_a doubt_n the_o soul_n of_o any_o true_a believer_n or_o make_v they_o believe_v their_o faith_n be_v unsound_a because_o it_o be_v not_o so_o strong_a as_o some_o other_o therefore_o i_o add_v some_o may_v perhaps_o have_v ground_n for_o their_o belief_n though_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o express_v it_o by_o argumentation_n and_o may_v have_v argument_n in_o their_o heart_n to_o persuade_v themselves_o though_o they_o have_v none_o in_o their_o mouth_n to_o persuade_v another_o yea_o and_o those_o argument_n in_o themselves_o may_v be_v solid_a and_o convince_a some_o may_v be_v strengthen_v by_o some_o one_o sound_a argument_n and_o yet_o be_v ignorant_a of_o all_o the_o rest_n without_o overthrow_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o faith_n some_o also_o may_v have_v weak_a apprehension_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o 4.5_o scripture_n than_o other_o and_z as_o weak_a ground_n for_o their_o faith_n so_o a_o less_o degree_n of_o assent_n and_o yet_o that_o assent_n may_v be_v sincere_a and_o save_a so_o it_o have_v these_o two_o qualification_n first_o if_o the_o argument_n which_o we_o have_v for_o believe_v the_o scripture_n be_v in_o themselves_o more_o sufficient_a to_o convince_v of_o its_o truth_n than_o any_o argument_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o scripture_n can_v be_v to_o persuade_v a_o man_n of_o the_o contrary_a and_o do_v according_o discover_v to_o we_o a_o high_a degree_n at_o least_o of_o probability_n second_o and_o if_o be_v thus_o far_o convince_v it_o prevail_v with_o we_o to_o choose_v this_o as_o the_o only_a way_n of_o life_n and_o to_o adventure_v our_o soul_n upon_o this_o way_n deny_v all_o other_o and_o adhere_v though_o to_o the_o loss_n of_o estate_n and_o life_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n thus_o weak_o apprehend_v this_o i_o think_v god_n will_v accept_v as_o a_o true_a belief_n but_o though_o such_o a_o faith_n may_v serve_v to_o salvation_n yet_o when_o the_o christian_a shall_v use_v it_o for_o his_o consolation_n he_o will_v find_v it_o much_o fail_v he_o even_o as_o leg_n or_o arm_n of_o the_o weak_a or_o lame_a which_o when_o a_o man_n shall_v use_v they_o do_v fail_v he_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o weakness_n or_o lameness_n so_o much_o doubt_v as_o there_o remain_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n or_o so_o much_o weakness_n as_o there_o be_v in_o our_o believe_v or_o so_o much_o darkness_n or_o uncertainty_n as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o evidence_n which_o persuade_v we_o to_o believe_v so_o much_o will_v be_v want_v to_o our_o love_n desire_n labour_n adventure_n and_o especial_o to_o our_o joy_n therefore_o i_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o speak_v a_o little_a and_o but_o a_o little_a to_o fortify_v the_o believer_n against_o temptation_n and_o to_o confirm_v his_o faith_n in_o the_o certain_a truth_n of_o that_o scripture_n which_o contain_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o rest._n chap._n iii_o sect_n i._o 1._o and_o here_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o first_o distinguish_v betwixt_o 1._o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o scripture_n or_o the_o doctrine_n which_o it_o contain_v 2._o and_o the_o word_n or_o writing_n contain_v or_o express_v this_o doctrine_n the_o one_o be_v as_o the_o blood_n the_o other_o as_o the_o vein_n in_o which_o it_o run_v second_o we_o must_v distinguish_v betwixt_o 1._o the_o substantial_a and_o fundamental_a part_n of_o scriptureâ—_n doctrine_n without_o which_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n and_o 2._o the_o circumstantial_a and_o less_o necessary_a part_n as_o genealogy_n succession_n chronology_n etc._n etc._n three_o of_o the_o substantial_a fundamental_a part_n 1._o some_o may_v be_v know_v and_o prove_v even_o without_o scripture_n as_o be_v write_v in_o nature_n itself_o 2._o some_o can_v be_v know_v only_o by_o the_o assent_n of_o faith_n to_o divine_a revelation_n four_o of_o this_o last_o sort_n 1._o some_o thing_n be_v above_o reason_n as_o it_o be_v without_o divine_a revelation_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o probability_n existence_n and_o futurity_n 2._o other_o may_v be_v know_v by_o mere_a reason_n without_o divine_a testimony_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o possibility_n and_o probability_n but_o not_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o existence_n or_o futurity_n five_o again_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n must_v be_v distinguish_v from_o matter_n of_o fact_n six_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v either_o 1._o such_o as_o god_n produce_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n or_o 2._o extrordinary_a and_o miraculous_a seven_o history_n and_o phophesie_n must_v be_v distinguish_v eight_o we_o must_v distinguish_v also_o the_o book_n and_o writing_n themselves_o 1._o between_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o those_o part_n which_o express_v the_o chief_a content_n and_o 2._o particular_a word_n and_o phrase_n not_o express_v any_o substantial_o nine_o also_o it_o be_v one_o question_n 1._o whether_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a number_n of_o book_n which_o be_v canonical_a or_o of_o divine_a authority_n and_o 2._o another_o question_n what_o number_n there_o be_v of_o these_o and_o which_o particular_a book_n they_o be_v ten_o the_o direct_a express_a sense_n must_v be_v distinguish_v from_o that_o which_o be_v only_o employ_v or_o consequential_a eleven_o we_o must_v distinguish_v revelation_n unwriten_v from_o that_o which_o be_v write_v twelve_o and_o last_o we_o must_v distinguish_v that_o scripture_n which_o be_v speak_v or_o write_v by_o god_n immediate_o from_o that_o which_o be_v speak_v or_o write_v immediate_o by_o man_n and_o but_o mediate_o by_o god_n and_o of_o this_o last_o sort_n 1._o some_o of_o the_o instrument_n or_o penman_n be_v know_v 2._o some_z not_o know_v of_o those_o know_a 1._o some_o that_o speak_v much_o in_o scripture_n be_v bad_a man_n 3._o other_o be_v godly_a and_o of_o these_o some_o be_v 1._o more_o eminent_a and_o extraordinary_a as_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n 2._o other_o be_v person_n more_o inferior_a and_o ordinary_a again_o as_o we_o must_v distinguish_v of_o scripture_n and_o divine_a testimony_n so_o must_v we_o also_o distinguish_v the_o apprehension_n or_o faith_n by_o which_o we_o do_v receive_v it_o 1._o there_o be_v a_o divine_a faith_n when_o we_o take_v the_o testimony_n to_o be_v god_n own_o and_o so_o believe_v the_o thing_n testify_v as_o upon_o god_n word_n second_o there_o be_v a_o human_a faith_n when_o we_o believe_v it_o mere_o upon_o the_o credit_n of_o man_n 2._o faith_n be_v either_o first_o implicit_a when_o we_o believe_v the_o thing_n be_v true_a though_o we_o understand_v not_o what_o it_o be_v or_o second_o explicit_a when_o we_o believe_v and_o understand_v
call_v christian_n so_o name_v from_o he_o do_v remain_v thus_o far_o josephus_n a_o jew_n by_o nation_n and_o religion_n who_o write_v this_o about_o eighty_o six_o year_n after_o christ_n and_o fourteen_o year_n before_o the_o death_n of_o st._n john_n himself_o be_v bear_v about_o five_o or_o six_o year_n after_o christ._n 20._o consider_v also_o how_o that_o every_o age_n have_v afford_v multitude_n of_o tryphon_n witness_n who_o before_o be_v most_o bitter_a and_o violent_a enemy_n and_o divers_a of_o these_o man_n of_o note_n for_o learning_n and_o place_n in_o the_o world_n how_o mad_a be_v saul_n against_o the_o truth_n sure_o it_o can_v be_v no_o favour_n to_o the_o cause_n nor_o overmuch_o credulity_n that_o cause_v such_o man_n to_o witness_v to_o the_o death_n the_o truth_n of_o that_o for_o which_o they_o have_v persecute_v other_o to_o the_o death_n but_o a_o little_a before_o nor_o can_v childish_a fable_n or_o common_a fly_a tale_n have_v so_o mighty_o wrought_v with_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o understanding_n for_o some_o such_o be_v christian_n in_o all_o age_n 21._o nay_o observe_v but_o the_o confession_n of_o these_o adversary_n when_o they_o come_v to_o believe_v how_o general_o and_o ingenuous_o they_o acknowledge_v their_o former_a ignorance_n and_o prejudice_n to_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o unbelief_n 22._o consider_v also_o how_o unable_a all_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v to_o abolish_v these_o sacred_a record_n they_o can_v burn_v the_o witness_n by_o thousand_o but_o yet_o they_o can_v never_o either_o hinder_v their_o succession_n or_o extinguish_v these_o testimony_n 23._o nay_o the_o most_o eminent_a adversary_n have_v have_v the_o most_o eminent_a ruin_n as_o antiochus_n herod_n julian_n with_o multitude_n more_o this_o stone_n have_v fall_v upon_o they_o have_v grind_v they_o to_o powder_n 24_o it_o be_v not_o difficult_a here_o to_o collect_v from_o unquestioned_a author_n a_o constant_a succession_n of_o wonder_n at_o least_o to_o have_v in_o several_a age_n accompany_v the_o attestation_n of_o this_o truth_n and_o notable_a judgement_n that_o have_v befall_v the_o persecutor_n of_o it_o and_o though_o the_o papist_n by_o their_o fiction_n and_o fabulous_a legend_n have_v do_v more_o wrong_a to_o the_o christian_a cause_n than_o ever_o they_o be_v able_a to_o repair_v yet_o unquestionable_a history_n do_v afford_v we_o very_o many_o example_n and_o even_o many_o of_o those_o action_n which_o they_o have_v deform_v with_o their_o fabulous_a addition_n may_v yet_o for_o the_o substance_n have_v much_o truth_n and_o god_n may_v even_o in_o time_n of_o popery_n work_v some_o of_o these_o wonder_n though_o not_o to_o confirm_v their_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v popish_a yet_o to_o confirm_v it_o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o as_o he_o have_v then_o his_o church_n and_o then_o his_o scripture_n so_o have_v he_o then_o his_o special_a providence_n to_o confirm_v his_o church_n in_o their_o belief_n and_o to_o silence_v the_o several_a enemy_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o therefore_o i_o advise_v those_o who_o in_o their_o inconsiderate_a zeal_n be_v apt_a to_o reject_v all_o these_o history_n of_o providence_n mere_o because_o they_o be_v write_v by_o papist_n or_o because_o some_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n be_v a_o little_a leaven_a with_o some_o popish_a error_n that_o they_o will_v first_o view_v they_o and_o consider_v of_o their_o probability_n of_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n that_o so_o they_o may_v pick_v out_o the_o truth_n and_o not_o reject_v all_o together_o in_o the_o lump_n lest_o otherwise_o in_o their_o zeal_n against_o popery_n they_o shall_v injure_v christianity_n and_o now_o i_o leave_v any_o man_n to_o judge_n whether_o we_o have_v not_o have_v a_o infallible_a way_n of_o receive_v these_o record_n from_o the_o first_o witness_n not_o that_o every_o of_o the_o particular_n before_o mention_v be_v necessary_a to_o the_o prove_v or_o certain_a receive_v the_o authentic_a record_n without_o depravation_n for_o you_o may_v perceive_v that_o almost_o any_o two_o or_o three_o of_o they_o may_v suffice_v and_o that_o divers_a of_o they_o be_v from_o abundance_n for_o full_a confirmation_n 4._o sect_n iv_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o this_o first_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o miracle_n which_o prove_v the_o doctrine_n and_o write_n to_o be_v of_o god_n answer_v but_o i_o must_v satisfy_v the_o scruple_n of_o some_o before_o i_o proceed_v first_o some_o will_v question_v whether_o this_o be_v not_o 1._o to_o resolve_v our_o faith_n into_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n 2._o and_o so_o to_o make_v it_o a_o humane_a faith_n and_o so_o 3._o to_o jump_v in_o this_o with_o the_o papist_n answ._n who_o believe_v the_o scripture_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o argue_v circular_o in_o this_o as_o they_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o i_o make_v in_o this_o argument_n the_o last_o resolution_n of_o my_o faith_n into_o the_o ibidem_fw-la miracle_n wrought_v to_o confirm_v the_o doctrine_n if_o you_o ask_v why_o i_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v of_o god_n i_o answer_v because_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o many_o undeniable_a miracle_n if_o you_o ask_v why_o i_o believe_v those_o miracle_n to_o be_v from_o god_n i_o answer_v because_o no_o create_a power_n can_v work_v a_o miracle_n so_o that_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n be_v not_o the_o reason_n of_o my_o believe_v but_o only_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v bring_v down_o to_o my_o knowledge_n again_o our_o faith_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v resolve_v into_o that_o which_o we_o give_v in_o answer_n to_o your_o last_o interrogation_n except_o your_o question_n be_v only_o still_o of_o the_o proper_a ground_n of_o faith_n but_o if_o you_o change_v your_o question_n from_o what_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o my_o faith_n to_o what_o be_v the_o 1._o mean_n of_o convey_v down_o the_o history_n to_o i_o then_o my_o faith_n be_v not_o resolve_v into_o this_o mean_n yet_o this_o mean_n or_o some_o other_o equivalent_a i_o acknowledge_v so_o necessary_a that_o without_o it_o i_o have_v never_o be_v like_o to_o have_v believe_v 2._o this_o show_v you_o also_o that_o i_o argue_v not_o in_o the_o popish_a circle_n nor_o take_v my_o faith_n on_o their_o common_a ground_n for_o first_o when_o you_o ask_v they_o how_o know_v you_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v infallible_a they_o prove_v it_o again_o by_o scripture_n and_o there_o be_v their_o circle_n but_o as_o i_o trust_v not_o on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n only_o as_o they_o do_v no_o nor_o proper_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o church_n no_o nor_o only_o to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n but_o also_o to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o enemy_n themselves_o so_o do_v i_o prove_v the_o validity_n of_o the_o testimony_n i_o bring_v from_o nature_n and_o well_o know_v principle_n in_o reason_n and_o not_o from_o scripture_n itself_o as_o you_o may_v see_v before_o 3._o there_o be_v a_o humane_a testimony_n which_o be_v also_o divine_a and_o so_o a_o humane_a faith_n which_o be_v also_o divine_a few_o of_o god_n extraordinary_a revelation_n have_v be_v immediate_a the_o c._n best_a schoolman_n think_v none_o of_o all_o but_o either_o by_o angel_n or_o by_o jesus_n himself_o who_o be_v man_n as_o well_o as_o god_n you_o will_v acknowledge_v if_o god_n reveal_v it_o to_o a_o angel_n and_o the_o angel_n to_o moses_n and_o moses_n to_o israel_n this_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n to_o israel_n for_o that_o be_v call_v a_o divine_a revelation_n which_o we_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n do_v any_o way_n reveal_v now_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v why_o that_o which_o god_n do_v natural_o and_o certain_o reveal_v to_o all_o man_n may_v not_o as_o proper_o be_v call_v a_o divine_a revelation_n as_o that_o which_o he_o reveal_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o a_o few_o be_v not_o this_o truth_n from_o god_n that_o the_o sense_n apprehension_n of_o their_o object_n right_o state_v be_v certain_a as_o well_o as_o this_o jesus_n christ_n be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n etc._n etc._n though_o a_o saint_n or_o angel_n be_v a_o fit_a messenger_n to_o reveal_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o any_o man_n may_v be_v a_o messenger_n to_o reveal_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o flesh_n a_o ungodly_a man_n if_o he_o have_v better_a eye_n and_o ear_n may_v be_v a_o better_a messenger_n or_o witness_n of_o that_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o he_o see_v and_o hear_v than_o a_o godly_a man_n that_o be_v blind_a or_o deaf_a especial_o in_o case_n wherein_o that_o ungodly_a man_n have_v no_o provocation_n to_o speak_v false_o and_o most_o of_o all_o if_o his_o testimony_n be_v against_o himself_o i_o take_v that_o revelation_n whereby_o i_o know_v
doctrinal_n as_o justin_n martyr_n irenaeus_n origen_n against_o celsus_n tertullia_n apolog._n etc._n etc._n as_o also_o philo_n josephus_n eusebius_n and_o other_o for_o history_n i_o think_v it_o be_v preposterous_a to_o see_v man_n study_v so_o long_a the_o meaning_n of_o god_n word_n before_o they_o know_v whether_o it_o be_v god_n word_n or_o not_o as_o the_o italian_n melancthon_n mention_v that_o will_v prove_v christ_n be_v in_o the_o bread_n before_o they_o believe_v well_o that_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n it_o be_v no_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o the_o right_a course_n to_o be_v assure_v of_o its_o truth_n i_o confess_v myself_o much_o offend_v at_o some_o man_n doctrine_n who_o cry_v down_o reason_n and_o tradition_n here_o as_o if_o they_o be_v enemy_n to_o god_n and_o his_o word_n and_o cry_v up_o nothing_o but_o scripture_n and_o the_o spirit_n just_o like_o the_o antinomian_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n 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be_v by_o scripture_n which_o without_o tradition_n no_o man_n will_v ever_o see_v or_o hear_v of_o where_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v there_o mere_a tradition_n may_v save_v and_o be_v a_o revelation_n sufficient_a to_o salvation_n and_o not_o anabaptistical_n though_o traditional_a unwritten_a doctrine_n to_o make_v up_o the_o defect_n of_o scripture_n i_o abhor_v and_o i_o shall_v ask_v the_o dissenter_n first_o whether_o man_n be_v not_o save_v before_o moses_n without_o scripture_n and_o as_o doctor_n usher_n well_o observe_v one_o reason_n why_o they_o may_v then_o be_v without_o it_o be_v the_o facility_n and_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n for_o methuselah_n live_v many_o hundred_o year_n with_o adam_n and_o sem_fw-mi live_v long_a with_o methuselah_n and_o isaac_n live_v fifty_o year_n with_o sem_fw-mi so_o that_o three_o man_n see_v all_o from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n till_o isaac_n fifty_o year_n second_o and_o be_v not_o many_o save_v by_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n many_o year_n before_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v and_o jew_n before_o while_o the_o old_a be_v almost_o lose_v three_o what_o if_o some_o ethiopian_n armenian_n or_o papist_n shall_v by_o mere_a tradition_n believe_v in_o christ_n and_o who_o dare_v say_v that_o they_o may_v not_o shall_v they_o not_o be_v save_v he_o that_o say_v no_o contradict_v christ_n who_o say_v that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v which_o way_n soover_n he_o come_v by_o it_o will_v you_o hear_v irenaeus_n in_o this_o who_o live_v before_o popery_n be_v bear_v lib._n 3._o cap._n 4._o quid_fw-la enim_fw-la &_o siquib_n de_fw-fr aliqua_fw-la modica_fw-la quaestione_fw-la disceptatio_fw-la esset_fw-la nun_n oporteret_fw-la in_o antiquissimas_fw-la recurrere_fw-la ecclesias_fw-la mark_v he_o say_v not_o ad_fw-la romanam_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la vel_fw-la ad_fw-la unam_fw-la principem_fw-la in_fw-la quibus_fw-la apostoli_fw-la conversati_fw-la sunt_fw-la &_o ab_fw-la eye_v de_fw-la praesenti_fw-la quaestione_fw-la sumere_fw-la quod_fw-la certum_fw-la &_o re_fw-la liquidum_fw-la est_fw-la quid_fw-la autem_fw-la si_fw-la neque_fw-la apostoli_fw-la quidem_fw-la scripturas_fw-la reliquissent_fw-la nobis_fw-la nun_n oportebat_fw-la ordinem_fw-la sequi_fw-la traditionis_fw-la quam_fw-la tradiderunt_fw-la iis_fw-la quibus_fw-la committebant_fw-la ecclesias_fw-la cui_fw-la ordinationi_fw-la assentiunt_fw-la multae_fw-la gentes_fw-la barbarorum_fw-la eorum_fw-la qui_fw-la in_o christum_fw-la credunt_fw-la sine_fw-la charactere_fw-la vel_fw-la atramento_fw-la scriptam_fw-la habentes_fw-la per_fw-la spiritum_fw-la in_o cordibus_fw-la suis_fw-la salutem_fw-la &_o veterem_fw-la traditionem_fw-la diligenter_n custodientes_fw-la etc._n etc._n hanc_fw-la fidem_fw-la qui_fw-la sine_fw-la literis_fw-la crediderunt_fw-la quantum_fw-la ad_fw-la sermonem_fw-la nostrum_fw-la barbari_fw-la sunt_fw-la quantum_fw-la autem_fw-la ad_fw-la sententiam_fw-la &_o consuetudinem_fw-la &_o conversationem_fw-la propter_fw-la fidem_fw-la perquam_fw-la sapientissimi_fw-la sunt_fw-la &_o placent_fw-la deo_fw-la etc._n etc._n sic_fw-la per_fw-la illam_fw-la
their_o sorrow_n and_o that_o which_o shake_v the_o whole_a building_n be_v the_o weakness_n of_o their_o faith_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n though_o perhaps_o the_o other_o be_v more_o perceive_v and_o this_o take_a notice_n of_o by_o few_o there_o may_v be_v great_a weakness_n and_o unsoundness_n of_o belief_n where_o yet_o no_o doubt_n be_v perceive_v to_o stir_v therefore_o though_o we_o can_v persuade_v people_n to_o believe_v never_o so_o confident_o that_o scripture_n be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o teach_v they_o no_o more_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v believe_v this_o then_o any_o other_o book_n to_o be_v that_o word_n as_o it_o will_v prove_v in_o they_o no_o right_a way_n of_o believe_v so_o be_v it_o in_o we_o no_o right_a way_n of_o teach_v 8._o there_o be_v many_o a_o one_o who_o feel_v his_o faith_n shake_v here_o who_o never_o discover_v it_o to_o doubt_v of_o our_o evidence_n be_v take_v for_o no_o great_a disgrace_n and_o therefore_o man_n more_o free_o profess_v such_o doubt_n nay_o and_o some_o perhaps_o who_o be_v not_o much_o trouble_v with_o they_o because_o they_o will_v be_v think_v to_o be_v humble_a christian_n but_o to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n be_v a_o reproachful_a blalphemy_n and_o therefore_o all_o that_o be_v guilty_a here_o speak_v not_o their_o doubt_n 9_o be_v not_o the_o great_a battery_n by_o all_o sort_n of_o enemy_n especial_o make_v against_o this_o foundation_n the_o first_o place_n that_o the_o praelatos_fw-la papist_n assault_n you_o in_o be_v here_o how_o know_v you_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o seeker_n who_o be_v the_o jesuit_n by_o blow_n though_o they_o yet_o know_v not_o their_o own_o father_n will_v accost_v you_o with_o the_o like_a question_n how_o know_v you_o that_o your_o scripture_n and_o your_o ministry_n be_v of_o god_n the_o familist_n and_o libertine_n do_v spit_v their_o venom_n here_o and_o some_o christian_n by_o 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have_v no_o imperfection_n if_o i_o do_v as_o very_o believe_v the_o glory_n to_o come_v as_o i_o do_v believe_v that_o the_o sun_n will_v rise_v again_o when_o it_o be_v set_v o_o how_o will_v it_o raise_v my_o desire_n and_o my_o joy_n what_o haste_n shall_v i_o make_v how_o serious_a shall_v i_o be_v how_o shall_v i_o trample_v on_o these_o earthly_a vanity_n and_o even_o forget_v the_o thing_n below_o how_o restless_a shall_v i_o be_v till_o i_o be_v assure_v of_o this_o rest_n and_o then_o how_o restless_a till_o i_o do_v possess_v it_o how_o shall_v i_o delight_v in_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n and_o my_o heart_n leap_v at_o the_o tiding_n of_o its_o approach_n how_o graseri_fw-la glad_a shall_v i_o be_v of_o the_o body_n decay_n to_o feel_v my_o prison_n moulder_v to_o dust_n sure_o this_o will_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o a_o perfect_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o our_o eternal_a rest._n which_o though_o it_o can_v be_v here_o expect_v yet_o shall_v we_o use_v the_o most_o strengthen_v mean_n and_o press_v on_o till_o we_o have_v attain_v sect_n ii_o 2._o thus_o much_o i_o have_v purposely_o speak_v as_o to_o stir_v up_o christian_n to_o look_v to_o their_o faith_n so_o especialiy_v to_o provoke_v some_o choice_n servant_n of_o christ_n among_o the_o multitude_n of_o book_n that_o be_v write_v to_o bestow_v their_o labour_n on_o this_o most_o needful_a subject_n and_o all_o minister_n to_o preach_v it_o more_o frequent_o and_o clear_o to_o their_o people_n some_o think_v it_o be_v faith_n honour_n to_o be_v as_o credulous_a as_o may_v be_v and_o the_o weak_a be_v the_o rational_a ground_n the_o strong_a be_v the_o faith_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v believe_v and_o not_o dispute_v indeed_o when_o it_o be_v once_o know_v to_o be_v a_o divine_a testimony_n than_o the_o most_o credulous_a soul_n be_v the_o best_a but_o when_o the_o doubt_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n or_o no_o a_o man_n may_v easy_o be_v over-credulous_a else_o why_o be_v we_o bid_v believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v they_o whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o and_o how_o shall_v the_o false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n be_v know_v who_o will_v deceive_v be_v it_o possible_a the_o very_a elect_n to_o be_v give_v up_o of_o god_n to_o believe_v a_o lie_n be_v one_o of_o the_o sore_a of_o god_n judgement_n some_o think_v august_n the_o only_a way_n to_o deal_v with_o such_o temptation_n to_o blasphemy_n be_v to_o cast_v they_o away_o and_o not_o to_o dispute_v they_o and_o i_o think_v the_o direction_n be_v very_o good_a so_o it_o be_v use_v with_o some_o distinction_n and_o caution_n the_o rule_n hold_v good_a against_o real_a blasphemy_n know_v to_o be_v such_o but_o if_o the_o person_n know_v it_o not_o how_o shall_v he_o make_v use_n of_o this_o rule_n against_o it_o further_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o he_o who_o know_v it_o to_o be_v blasphemy_n have_v argument_n whereby_o to_o prove_v it_o such_o else_o how_o do_v he_o know_v it_o therefore_o here_o lie_v the_o sin_n when_o a_o man_n be_v by_o sufficient_a evidence_n convince_v or_o at_o least_o have_v evidence_n sufficient_a for_o conviction_n that_o it_o be_v a_o divine_a testimony_n and_o yet_o be_v still_o cherish_v doubt_n or_o harken_v to_o temptation_n which_o may_v feed_v those_o doubt_n when_o a_o man_n like_a balaam_n will_v take_v no_o answer_n but_o he_o who_o will_v therefore_o cast_v away_o all_o doubt_n before_o he_o have_v argument_n sufficient_a against_o they_o or_o can_v ever_o prove_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n he_o do_v indeed_o cast_v aside_o the_o temptation_n but_o not_o overcome_v it_o and_o may_v expect_v it_o shall_v short_o return_v again_o it_o be_v a_o methodical_a cure_n which_o prevent_v a_o relapse_n such_o a_o neglecter_n of_o temptation_n may_v be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o may_v as_o well_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n but_o however_o it_o be_v not_o right_a to_o he_o because_o not_o right_o believe_v i'faith_o always_o imply_v a_o testimony_n and_o the_o knowledge_n usual_o of_o the_o matter_n and_o author_n of_o that_o testimony_n divine_a faith_n have_v ever_o a_o divine_a 〈…〉_o testimony_n and_o suppose_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o matter_n when_o the_o faith_n be_v particular_a but_o always_o of_o the_o author_n of_o that_o testimony_n a_o implicit_a faith_n in_o god_n that_o be_v a_o believe_a that_o all_o be_v true_a which_o he_o testify_v though_o we_o see_v no_o reason_n for_o it_o from_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o matter_n this_o be_v necessary_a to_o every_o true_a believer_n but_o to_o believe_v implicit_o that_o the_o testimony_n be_v divine_a or_o that_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v god_n but_o to_o resolve_v our_o faith_n into_o
officer_n and_o order_n of_o church_n be_v to_o we_o as_o law_n still_o bind_v with_o those_o limitation_n as_o positives_n only_o which_o give_v way_n to_o great_a 43._o the_o ground_n of_o this_o position_n be_v because_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n to_o send_v man_n to_o a_o work_n and_o promise_v to_o be_v with_o they_o and_o yet_o to_o forsake_v they_o and_o suffer_v they_o to_o err_v in_o the_o build_n of_o that_o house_n which_o must_v endure_v till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n 44._o yet_o if_o any_o of_o these_o commissioner_n do_v err_v in_o their_o own_o particular_a conversation_n or_o in_o matter_n without_o the_o extent_n of_o their_o commission_n 12.13_o this_o may_v consist_v with_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n god_n have_v not_o promise_v they_o infallibility_n and_o perfection_n the_o disgrace_n be_v their_o own_o but_o if_o they_o shall_v miscarry_v in_o that_o wherein_o they_o be_v send_v to_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o other_o the_o church_n will_v then_o have_v a_o imperfect_a rule_n and_o the_o dishonour_n will_v redound_v to_o god_n 45._o yet_o i_o find_v not_o that_o ever_o god_n authorize_v any_o mere_a man_n to_o be_v a_o lawgiver_n to_o the_o church_n in_o substantial_o but_o only_o to_o deliver_v the_o law_n which_o he_o have_v give_v to_o interpret_v they_o and_o to_o determine_v circumstantial_n not_o by_o he_o determine_v 46._o where_o god_n ow_v man_n doctrine_n and_o example_n by_o miracle_n they_o be_v to_o be_v take_v as_o infallible_o divine_a much_o more_o when_o commission_n promise_v and_o miracle_n do_v concur_v which_o confirm_v the_o apostle_n example_n for_o currant_n 47._o so_o that_o if_o any_o of_o the_o â—ings_n or_o prophet_n have_v give_v law_n and_o form_v the_o church_n as_o moses_n they_o have_v not_o be_v bind_v because_o without_o the_o say_a commission_n or_o if_o any_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v by_o word_n or_o action_n arrogate_v a_o apostolical_a privilege_n 48._o there_o be_v no_o verity_n about_o god_n or_o the_o chief_a happiness_n of_o man_n write_v in_o nature_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v write_v in_o scripture_n 49._o so_o that_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v in_o these_o several_a respect_n be_v the_o object_n both_o of_o knowledge_n and_o of_o faith_n 50._o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o perfect_a a_o transcript_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o reason_n be_v much_o more_o to_o be_v credit_v in_o its_o supernatural_a revelation_n 51._o the_o probability_n of_o most_o thing_n and_o the_o possibility_n of_o all_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n may_v well_o be_v discern_v by_o reason_n itself_o which_o make_v their_o existence_n or_o futurity_n the_o more_o easy_a to_o be_v believe_v 52._o yet_o before_o this_o existence_n or_o futurity_n of_o any_o thing_n beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o reason_n can_v be_v sound_o believe_v the_o testimony_n must_v be_v know_v to_o be_v true_o divine_a 53._o yet_o a_o belief_n of_o scripture_n doctrine_n as_o probable_a do_v usual_o go_v before_o a_o belief_n of_o certainty_n and_o be_v a_o good_a preparative_n thereto_o 54._o the_o direct_a express_a sense_n must_v be_v believe_v direct_o and_o absolute_o as_o infallible_a and_o the_o consequence_n where_o they_o may_v be_v clear_o and_o certain_o raise_v but_o where_o there_o be_v danger_n of_o err_v in_o raise_v consequence_n the_o assent_n can_v be_v but_o weak_a and_o conditional_a 55._o a_o consequence_n raise_v from_o scripture_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o immediate_a sense_n can_v be_v call_v any_o part_n of_o scripture_n 56._o where_o one_o of_o the_o premise_n be_v in_o nature_n and_o the_o other_o only_o in_o scripture_n there_o the_o conclusion_n be_v mix_v partly_o know_v and_o partly_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o those_o premise_n be_v know_v but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n be_v as_o i_o say_v apprehend_v by_o a_o mix_a act._n such_o be_v a_o christian_n conclude_v himself_o to_o be_v justify_v and_o sanctify_v etc._n etc._n 57_o where_o through_o weakness_n we_o be_v unable_a to_o discern_v the_o consequence_n there_o be_v enough_o in_o the_o express_a direct_a sense_n for_o salvation_n 58._o where_o the_o sense_n be_v not_o unstood_v there_o the_o belief_n can_v be_v but_o implicit_a 59_o where_o the_o sense_n be_v partly_o understand_v but_o with_o some_o doubt_v the_o belief_n can_v be_v but_o conditional_o explicit_a that_o be_v we_o believe_v it_o if_o it_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n 60._o fundamental_o must_v be_v believe_v explicit_o and_o absolute_o chap._n four_o the_o first_o argument_n to_o prove_v scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n sect_n four_o 1._o have_v thus_o show_v you_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o how_o far_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o what_o be_v the_o excellency_n necessity_n and_o authority_n of_o they_o 3.16_o i_o shall_v now_o add_v three_o or_o four_o argument_n to_o help_v your_o faith_n which_o i_o hope_v will_v not_o only_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v divine_a testimony_n to_o the_o substance_n of_o doctrine_n though_o that_o be_v a_o useful_a work_n against_o our_o unbelief_n but_o also_o that_o they_o be_v the_o very_a write_v law_n of_o god_n and_o a_o perfect_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o duty_n my_o argument_n shall_v be_v but_o few_o because_o i_o handle_v it_o but_o on_o the_o by_o and_o those_o such_o as_o i_o find_v little_a of_o in_o other_o writing_n lest_o i_o shall_v waste_v time_n in_o do_v what_o be_v do_v to_o my_o hand_n 1._o those_o writing_n and_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o many_o &_o real_a 443._o miracle_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o god_n and_o consequent_o of_o undoubted_a truth_n but_o the_o book_n and_o doctrine_n of_o canonical_a scripture_n be_v so_o confirm_v therefore_o etc._n etc._n against_o the_o major_a proposition_n nothing_o of_o any_o moment_n can_v be_v say_v for_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n apparent_a enough_o to_o nature_n that_o none_o but_o god_n can_v work_v real_a miracle_n or_o at_o lest_o none_o but_o those_o who_o he_o do_v especial_o enable_v thereto_o and_o it_o be_v as_o manifest_v that_o the_o righteous_a and_o faithful_a god_n will_v not_o give_v this_o power_n for_o a_o seal_n to_o any_o falsehood_n or_o deceit_n the_o usual_a objection_n be_v these_o first_o antichrist_n shall_v come_v with_o lie_v wonder_n answ._n they_o be_v no_o true_a 20._o miracle_n as_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o thess._n 2.9_o lie_v in_o seal_v to_o a_o lie_a doctrine_n so_o also_o in_o be_v but_o seem_v and_o counterfeit_a miracle_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v to_o those_o of_o pharaoh_n magician_n and_o all_o other_o sorcerer_n and_o witch_n and_o those_o that_o may_v be_v wrought_v by_o satan_n himself_o they_o may_v be_v wonder_n but_o not_o miracle_n object_n 2._o god_n may_v enable_v false_a prophet_n to_o work_v miracle_n to_o try_v the_o world_n without_o any_o derogation_n to_o his_o faithfulness_n answ._n no_o for_o divine_a power_n be_v proper_o the_o attendant_n of_o divine_a revelation_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v annex_v to_o diabolical_a delusion_n it_o will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a excuse_n to_o the_o world_n for_o their_o believe_v those_o delusion_n and_o if_o miracle_n shall_v not_o be_v a_o sufficient_a seal_n to_o prove_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o witness_n to_o be_v divine_a then_o be_v there_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n sufficient_a and_o so_o our_o faith_n will_v be_v quite_o overthrow_v object_n but_o however_o miracle_n will_v no_o more_o prove_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n than_o they_o will_v prove_v moses_n elias_n or_o elisha_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o they_o wrought_v miracle_n as_o well_o as_o christ._n answ._n miracle_n be_v god_n seal_v not_o to_o extol_v the_o person_n that_o be_v instrumental_a nor_o for_o his_o glory_n but_o to_o extol_v god_n and_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n god_n do_v not_o entrust_v any_o creature_n with_o this_o seal_n so_o absolute_o as_o that_o they_o may_v use_v it_o when_o and_o in_o what_o case_n they_o please_v if_o moses_n or_o elias_n have_v affirm_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n they_o can_v never_o have_v confirm_v that_o affirmation_n with_o a_o miracle_n for_o god_n will_v not_o have_v seal_v to_o a_o lie_n christ_n power_n of_o work_a miracle_n do_v not_o immediate_o prove_v he_o to_o be_v the_o christ._n but_o it_o immediate_o prove_v his_o testimony_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o that_o testimony_n speak_v his_o nature_n and_o office_n so_o that_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n in_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v not_o to_o aâ—â—est_v to_o their_o own_o greatness_n but_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n concern_v christ._n
whatsoever_o any_o man_n affirm_v to_o i_o and_o work_v a_o real_a miracle_n to_o confirm_v it_o i_o must_v needs_o take_v myself_o bind_v 〈◊〉_d believe_v he_o object_n but_o what_o if_o some_o one_o shall_v work_v miracle_n to_o confirm_v a_o doctrine_n contrary_n to_o scripture_n will_v you_o believe_v it_o do_v not_o paul_n say_v if_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n teach_v any_o other_o gospel_n let_v he_o be_v accurse_v answ._n i_o be_o sure_a god_n will_v never_o give_v any_o false_a teacher_n the_o power_n of_o confirm_v his_o doctrine_n by_o miracle_n else_o god_n shall_v subscribe_v his_o name_n to_o contradiction_n the_o appearance_n of_o a_o angel_n be_v no_o miracle_n though_o a_o wonder_n second_o but_o the_o main_a assault_n i_o know_v will_v be_v make_v against_o the_o minor_a proposition_n of_o the_o argument_n and_o so_o the_o question_n will_v be_v de_fw-fr facto_fw-la whether_o ever_o such_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v or_o no_o i_o shall_v grant_v that_o we_o must_v not_o here_o argue_v circular_o to_o prove_v the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v of_o god_n by_o the_o miracle_n and_o then_o the_o miracle_n to_o have_v be_v wrought_v by_o the_o divine_a testimony_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o so_o round_o but_o yet_o to_o use_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o history_n of_o scripture_n as_o a_o humane_a testimony_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v no_o circular_a argue_v sect_n ii_o 2._o towards_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o minor_a therefore_o i_o shall_v first_o lay_v these_o ground_n position_n that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o certainty_n in_o some_o humane_a testimony_n that_o may_v exclude_v all_o doubt_n or_o cause_n of_o doubt_v or_o there_o be_v some_o testimony_n immediate_o humane_a which_o yet_o may_v true_o be_v say_v to_o be_v divine_a position_n that_o such_o testimony_n we_o have_v of_o the_o 3._o miracle_n mention_v in_o scripture_n if_o these_o two_o be_v clear_v the_o minor_a will_v stand_v firm_a and_o the_o main_a work_n here_o will_v be_v do_v first_o i_o will_v therefore_o show_v you_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o certainty_n in_o some_o humane_a testimony_n both_o experience_n and_o reason_n will_v confirm_v this_o first_o i_o will_v desire_v any_o rational_a man_n to_o tell_v i_o whether_o he_o that_o never_o be_v at_o london_n at_o paris_n or_o at_o rome_n may_v not_o be_v certain_a by_o a_o humane_a faith_n that_o there_o be_v such_o city_n for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o think_v it_o as_o certain_a to_o i_o nay_o more_o certain_a than_o that_o which_o i_o see_v and_o i_o shall_v soon_o question_v my_o own_o sight_n alone_o than_o the_o eye_n and_o credit_n of_o so_o many_o thousand_o in_o such_o a_o case_n and_o i_o think_v the_o sceptic_n argument_n against_o the_o certainty_n of_o sense_n to_o be_v as_o strong_a as_o any_o that_o can_v be_v bring_v against_o the_o certainty_n of_o such_o a_o testimony_n be_v it_o not_o somewhat_o more_o than_o probable_a think_v you_o to_o the_o multitude_n that_o never_o see_v either_o parliament_n or_o king_n that_o yet_o there_o be_v such_o a_o assembly_n and_o such_o a_o person_n may_v we_o not_o be_v full_o certain_a that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o king_n james_n as_o queen_n elizabeth_z as_o queen_n marry_o etc._n etc._n here_o in_o england_n yea_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o william_n the_o conqueror_n may_v we_o not_o be_v certain_a also_o that_o he_o conquer_v england_n with_o many_o other_o of_o his_o action_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o julius_n caesar_n of_o alexander_n the_o great_a etc._n etc._n sure_o those_o that_o charge_v all_o humane_a testimony_n with_o uncertainty_n do_v hold_v their_o land_n then_o upon_o a_o uncertain_a tenure_n second_o it_o may_v be_v prove_v also_o by_o reason_n for_o if_o 1._o the_o first_o testifier_n may_v infallible_o know_v it_o and_o 2._o also_o by_o a_o infallible_a mean_n transmit_v it_o to_o posterity_n and_o 3._o have_v no_o intent_n to_o deceive_v than_o their_o testimony_n may_v be_v a_o infallible_a testimony_n but_o all_o these_o three_o may_v be_v easy_o prove_v i_o have_v think_v to_o have_v lay_v down_o here_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o a_o certain_a humane_a testimony_n may_v be_v discern_v from_o a_o uncertain_a but_o you_o may_v easy_o gather_v they_o from_o what_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o these_o three_o position_n for_o the_o first_o i_o suppose_v none_o will_v question_v whether_o the_o first_o testifier_n may_v infallible_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o testify_v if_o they_o shall_v let_v they_o consider_v first_o if_o it_o be_v not_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n much_o less_o abstruse_a and_o difficult_a point_n but_o only_a matter_n of_o fact_n then_o it_o be_v beyond_o doubt_n it_o may_v be_v certain_o know_v second_o if_o it_o be_v those_o also_o who_o do_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o handle_v who_o do_v testify_v it_o three_o if_o their_o sense_n be_v sound_a and_o perfect_a within_o reach_n of_o the_o object_n and_o have_v no_o deceive_v medium_n four_o which_o may_v be_v discern_v 1._o if_o the_o witness_n be_v a_o multitude_n for_o than_o it_o may_v be_v know_v they_o be_v not_o blind_a or_o deaf_a except_o they_o have_v be_v cull_v out_o of_o some_o hospital_n especial_o when_o all_o present_a do_v both_o see_v and_o hear_v they_o 2._o when_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v open_o in_o the_o daylight_n 3._o when_o it_o be_v do_v frequent_o and_o near_o at_o hand_n for_o then_o there_o will_v be_v full_a opportunity_n to_o discover_v any_o deceit_n so_o that_o in_o these_o case_n it_o be_v doubtless_o sense_n be_v infallible_a and_o consequent_o those_o that_o see_v and_o hear_v be_v most_o certain_a witness_n 2._o next_o let_v we_o see_v whether_o we_o may_v be_v certain_a that_o any_o testimony_n be_v sincere_a without_o a_o purpose_n to_o deceive_v we_o and_o i_o take_v that_o for_o undoubted_a in_o the_o follow_a case_n 1._o where_o the_o party_n be_v of_o ingenuity_n and_o honesty_n 2._o and_o it_o be_v apparent_a he_o drive_v on_o no_o design_n of_o his_o own_o nor_o can_v expect_v any_o advantage_n in_o the_o world_n 3._o nay_o of_o his_o testimony_n will_v certain_o undo_v he_o in_o the_o world_n and_o prove_v the_o overthrow_n of_o his_o ease_n honour_n estate_n and_o life_n 5._o and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o multitude_n that_o do_v thus_o testify_v how_o can_v they_o do_v it_o with_o a_o intent_n to_o deceive_v 6._o and_o if_o their_o several_a testimony_n do_v agree_v 7._o and_o if_o the_o very_a enemy_n deny_v not_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n but_o only_o refer_v it_o to_o other_o cause_n then_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o deceit_n as_o i_o shall_v further_o anon_o evince_v when_o i_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o question_n three_o we_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v infallible_a mean_n of_o transmit_v such_o testimony_n down_o to_o posterity_n without_o deprave_v any_o thing_n substantial_a and_o then_o it_o well_o remain_v a_o undoubted_a truth_n that_o there_o be_v a_o full_a certainty_n in_o some_o humane_a testimony_n and_o that_o to_o posterity_n at_o a_o remote_a distance_n now_o this_o tradition_n be_v infallible_a in_o these_o case_n 1._o if_o it_o be_v as_o beforesaid_a in_o matter_n of_o fact_n only_o which_o the_o mean_a understanding_n be_v capable_a of_o apprehend_v 2._o if_o it_o be_v also_o about_o the_o substance_n of_o action_n and_o not_o every_o small_a circumstance_n 3._o and_o also_o if_o those_o action_n be_v famous_a in_o their_o time_n and_o of_o great_a note_n and_o wonder_n in_o the_o world_n and_o such_o as_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o public_a and_o eminent_a alteration_n 4._o if_o it_o be_v deliver_v down_o in_o writing_n and_o not_o only_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n where_o the_o change_n of_o speech_n may_v alter_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o matter_n 5._o if_o the_o record_n be_v public_a where_o the_o very_a enemy_n may_v see_v they_o yea_o publish_v of_o purpose_n by_o herald_n and_o ambassador_n that_o the_o world_n may_v take_v notice_n of_o they_o 6._o if_o they_o be_v man_n of_o great_a honesty_n in_o all_o age_n who_o have_v both_o keep_v and_o divulge_v these_o record_n 7_o and_o if_o there_o have_v be_v also_o a_o multitude_n of_o these_o 8._o and_o this_o multitude_n of_o several_a country_n where_o they_o can_v never_o so_o much_o as_o meet_v to_o agree_v upon_o any_o deceive_a counsel_n much_o less_o all_o accord_n in_o such_o a_o design_n and_o lest_o of_o all_o be_v able_a to_o manage_v it_o with_o secrecy_n 9_o if_o also_o the_o after_o preserver_n and_o divulger_n of_o these_o record_n can_v have_v no_o more_o self-advancing_a end_n than_o the_o first_o testifier_n 10._o nay_o if_o their_o divulge_v and_o attest_v these_o record_n do_v utter_o ruinate_v in_o the_o
that_o such_o a_o latin_a or_o greek_a word_n have_v such_o a_o signification_n when_o will_v he_o learn_v or_o how_o will_v he_o know_v nay_o how_o do_v the_o most_o learned_a linguist_n know_v the_o signification_n of_o word_n in_o any_o language_n and_o so_o in_o the_o hebrew_n and_o greek_a scripture_n but_o only_o upon_o the_o credit_n of_o their_o teacher_n and_o author_n and_o yet_o certain_a enough_o too_o in_o the_o main_a tradition_n be_v not_o so_o useless_a to_o the_o world_n or_o the_o church_n as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o though_o the_o papist_n do_v sinful_o plead_v it_o against_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n yet_o scripture_n sufficiency_n or_o perfection_n be_v only_o in_o svo_fw-la genere_fw-la in_o its_o own_o kind_a and_o not_o in_o omni_fw-la genere_fw-la not_o sufficient_a for_o every_o purpose_n scripture_n be_v a_o sufficient_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n but_o not_o a_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o convey_v itself_o to_o all_o generation_n and_o person_n if_o humane_a testimony_n have_v not_o be_v necessary_a why_o shall_v christ_n have_v man_n to_o be_v witness_n in_o the_o beginning_n and_o also_o still_o instrument_n of_o persuade_v other_o and_o attest_v the_o verity_n of_o these_o sacred_a record_n to_o those_o that_o can_v otherwise_o come_v to_o know_v they_o and_o doubtless_o this_o be_v a_o chief_a obey_v use_n of_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o great_a end_n of_o god_n in_o the_o state_v and_o continue_v that_o function_n that_o what_o man_n be_v uncapable_a of_o believe_v explicit_o with_o a_o faith_n proper_o divine_a that_o they_o may_v receive_v implicit_o and_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o their_o teacher_n with_o a_o humane_a faith_n every_o man_n shall_v labour_v indeed_o to_o see_v with_o his_o own_o eye_n post_fw-la and_o to_o know_v all_o that_o god_n have_v reveal_v and_o to_o be_v wise_a eâ—en_n his_o teacher_n but_o every_o man_n can_v bestow_v that_o time_n and_o pain_n in_o the_o study_n of_o language_n and_o science_n without_o which_o that_o knowledge_n be_v not_o now_o attain_v we_o may_v rather_o wish_v than_o hope_n 4.15_o that_o all_o the_o lord_n people_n be_v prophet_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v long_o in_o a_o very_a doleful_a plight_n betwixt_o these_o two_o extreme_n take_v all_o thing_n upon_o trust_n from_o our_o teacher_n and_o take_v nothing_o upon_o trust_n and_o yet_o those_o very_a man_n who_o so_o disclaim_v take_v upon_o trust_n do_v themselves_o take_v as_o much_o upon_o trust_n as_o other_o why_o else_o be_v minister_n call_v the_o eye_n and_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o body_n steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n and_o of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n overseer_n ruler_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o such_o as_o must_v give_v the_o child_n their_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n father_n of_o their_o people_n etc._n etc._n sure_o the_o clear_o know_a truth_n and_o duty_n must_v be_v receive_v from_o any_o one_o though_o but_o a_o child_n and_o know_v error_n and_o iniquity_n must_v be_v receive_v from_o none_o though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n what_o then_o be_v that_o we_o be_v so_o often_o require_v to_o obey_v our_o teach_v ruler_n in_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o in_o the_o receive_n of_o new_a institute_v ceremony_n from_o they_o which_o they_o call_v thing_n indifferent_a but_o as_o in_o all_o profession_n the_o scholar_n must_v take_v his_o master_n word_n in_o learning_n till_o he_o can_v grow_v up_o to_o know_v the_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o evidence_n and_o as_o man_n will_v take_v the_o word_n of_o any_o 6._o aâ—tificers_n in_o the_o matter_n that_o concern_v their_o own_o trade_n and_o as_o every_o wise_a patient_n will_v trust_v the_o judgement_n of_o his_o physician_n except_o he_o know_v as_o much_o himself_o and_o the_o client_n will_v take_v the_o word_n of_o his_o lawyer_n so_o also_o christ_n have_v order_v that_o the_o more_o strong_a and_o know_a shall_v be_v teacher_n in_o his_o school_n and_o the_o young_a and_o ignorant_a shall_v believe_v they_o and_o obey_v they_o till_o they_o can_v reach_v to_o understand_v the_o thing_n themselves_o so_o that_o the_o matter_n which_o we_o must_v receive_v upon_o trust_n from_o our_o teacher_n be_v those_o which_o we_o can_v reach_v to_o know_v ourselves_o and_o therefore_o must_v either_o take_v they_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o other_o or_o not_o receive_v they_o at_o all_o so_o that_o if_o these_o ruler_n and_o steward_n do_v require_v we_o to_o believe_v when_o we_o know_v not_o ourselves_o whether_o it_o be_v truth_n or_o not_o or_o if_o they_o require_v we_o to_o obey_v when_o we_o know_v not_o ourselves_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n command_v by_o god_n or_o not_o here_o it_o be_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o obey_v they_o for_o though_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o god_n have_v reveal_v such_o a_o point_n or_o command_v such_o a_o action_n yet_o that_o he_o have_v command_v we_o to_o obey_v they_o that_o rule_n over_o we_o who_o preach_v to_o we_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o we_o certain_o know_v heb._n 13.7_o yet_o i_o think_v not_o we_o be_v so_o strict_o tie_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o weak_a minister_n of_o our_o own_o as_o to_o take_v his_o word_n before_o another_o that_n be_v more_o judicious_a in_o a_o neighbour_n congregation_n nor_o do_v i_o think_v if_o we_o see_v but_o a_o appearance_n of_o his_o err_a that_o we_o shall_v careless_o go_v on_o in_o believe_v and_o obey_v he_o without_o a_o diligent_a search_n after_o the_o truth_n even_o a_o liklyhood_n of_o his_o mistake_n must_v quicken_v we_o to_o further_a enquiry_n and_o may_v during_o that_o enquiry_n suspend_v our_o belief_n and_o obedience_n for_o where_o we_o be_v able_a to_o reach_v to_o know_v probability_n in_o divine_a thing_n we_o may_v with_o diligence_n light_o reach_v to_o that_o degree_n of_o certainty_n which_o our_o teacher_n themselves_o have_v attain_v or_o at_o least_o to_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o doctrine_n but_o still_o remember_v what_o i_o say_v before_o that_o fundamental_o must_v be_v believe_v with_o a_o faith_n explicit_a absolute_a and_o divine_a and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v you_o the_o flat_a necessity_n of_o take_v much_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n and_o that_o some_o of_o these_o humane_a testimony_n be_v so_o certain_a that_o they_o may_v well_o be_v call_v divine_a i_o conclude_v all_o with_o this_o intimation_n you_o may_v see_v by_o this_o of_o what_o singular_a use_n be_v the_o monument_n of_o antiquity_n and_o the_o knowledge_n thereof_o for_o the_o breed_n and_o strengthen_v of_o the_o christian_a faith_n especial_o the_o history_n of_o those_o time_n authority_n i_o will_v not_o persuade_v you_o to_o bestow_v much_o time_n in_o the_o read_n of_o the_o father_n in_o reference_n to_o their_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n god_n word_n be_v a_o sufficient_a rule_n and_o latter_a time_n have_v afford_v far_o better_a expositor_n but_o in_o reference_n to_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o confirm_v the_o miracle_n mention_v in_o scripture_n and_o relate_v the_o wonderful_a providence_n since_o i_o will_v they_o be_v read_v a_o hundred_o time_n more_o not_o only_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o church_n but_o even_o the_o history_n of_o the_o enemy_n and_o all_o other_o antiquity_n little_o do_v most_o consider_v how_o useful_a these_o be_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n chap._n v._o the_o second_o argument_n sect_n i._o 2._o 1._o i_o come_v now_o to_o my_o second_o argument_n to_o prove_v scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v this_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v neither_o the_o invention_n of_o devil_n scripture_n nor_o of_o man_n than_o it_o can_v be_v from_o none_o but_o god_n but_o that_o it_o be_v neither_o of_o devil_n nor_o mere_o of_o man_n i_o shall_v now_o prove_v for_o i_o suppose_v none_o will_v question_v the_o major_a proposition_n first_o not_o from_o devil_n for_o first_o they_o can_v work_v miracle_n to_o confirm_v they_o second_o it_o will_v not_o stand_v with_o god_n sovereignty_n over_o they_o or_o with_o his_o goodness_n wisdom_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o govern_v the_o world_n to_o suffer_v satan_n to_o make_v law_n and_o confirm_v they_o with_o wonder_n and_o obtrude_v they_o upon_o the_o world_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o all_o this_o without_o his_o disclaim_v they_o or_o give_v the_o world_n any_o notice_n of_o the_o forgery_n three_o will_v satan_n speak_v so_o much_o for_o god_n so_o seek_v his_o glory_n as_o the_o scripture_n do_v will_v he_o so_o vilify_v and_o reproach_v himself_o and_o make_v know_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o hatefull_a and_o most_o miserable_a of_o all_o creature_n will_v he_o so_o full_o discover_v his_o own_o wile_n his_o temptation_n his_o method_n of_o deceive_v and_o