eternity_n so_o than_o whatsoever_o befall_v we_o here_o we_o shall_v conclude_v it_o requisite_a to_o provide_v that_o we_o be_v not_o miserable_a hereafter_o and_o consequent_o that_o we_o make_v ourselves_o a_o friend_n of_o he_o that_o have_v the_o issue_n of_o death_n in_o his_o power_n and_o moderate_v and_o dispense_v the_o reward_n of_o eternity_n but_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o have_v he_o propitious_a to_o we_o but_o by_o obedience_n no_o reason_n to_o expect_v that_o he_o shall_v satisfy_v our_o longing_n or_o fulfil_v our_o will_n to_o all_o eternity_n unless_o we_o fulfil_v his_o will_n for_o our_o time_n of_o trial_n in_o this_o life_n and_o that_o be_v by_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n only_o attainable_a so_o that_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n will_v likewise_o enforce_v we_o to_o a_o necessity_n of_o religion_n thus_o far_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n will_v force_v we_o even_o the_o first_o and_o most_o common_a principle_n of_o intelligence_n such_o as_o be_v ground_n of_o clear_a evident_a and_o perfect_a demonstration_n so_o that_o it_o must_v be_v the_o fool_n alone_o as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v which_o can_v be_v a_o atheist_n so_o that_o they_o be_v without_o excuse_n whoever_o glorify_v he_o not_o as_o god_n thus_o far_o those_o poor_a remain_v of_o sight_n which_o yet_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o corrupt_a offspring_n of_o our_o degenerate_a parent_n will_v serve_v to_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o general_a necessity_n of_o religion_n but_o here_o indeed_o it_o jeave_v we_o destitute_a of_o the_o certain_a way_n of_o please_a god_n and_o consequent_o destitute_a of_o clear_a and_o solid_a ground_n of_o hope_n of_o attain_v to_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o here_o it_o be_v that_o the_o scoffer_n and_o irreligious_a man_n take_v occasion_n to_o reason_n themselves_o and_o other_o to_o destruction_n see_v that_o nature_n have_v here_o desert_v we_o and_o leave_v we_o no_o infallible_a rule_n of_o particular_a way_n of_o devotion_n they_o contend_v that_o there_o be_v none_o such_o and_o consequent_o that_o our_o religion_n be_v vain_a and_o uncertain_a uncertain_a in_o the_o issue_n because_o uncertain_a in_o the_o ground_n and_o principle_n and_o here_o now_o against_o they_o we_o pretend_v that_o wherein_o our_o natural_a light_n have_v fail_v we_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o supply_v we_o that_o god_n have_v not_o leave_v we_o without_o a_o certain_a rule_n and_o canon_n of_o religion_n not_o without_o a_o light_n shine_v to_o we_o in_o this_o dark_a place_n particular_o that_o he_o have_v give_v to_o we_o his_o holy_a word_n to_o be_v a_o light_n to_o our_o foot_n and_o a_o lantern_n to_o our_o path_n and_o that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v that_o word_n of_o god_n part_n iii_o concerning_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o our_o scripture_n sect._n i._n petition_n and_o caution_n premise_v to_o the_o question_n you_o will_v do_v i_o the_o favour_n to_o consider_v that_o our_o present_a controversy_n be_v against_o those_o that_o deny_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o that_o we_o can_v have_v the_o advantage_n of_o those_o argument_n which_o in_o every_o other_o controversy_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o most_o valid_a i_o mean_v argument_n draw_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o which_o be_v the_o best_a if_o not_o the_o only_a authentic_a rule_n of_o decision_n of_o such_o difference_n as_o do_v arise_v such_o as_o do_v indeed_o arise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n who_o all_o do_v agree_v in_o a_o profession_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v deliver_v in_o these_o holy_a book_n this_o i_o say_v they_o agree_v upon_o in_o these_o general_a term_n however_o with_o wonderful_a heat_n and_o distance_n they_o vary_v in_o their_o judgement_n whether_o or_o no_o some_o particular_n be_v of_o the_o recommendation_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v then_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o christian_n and_o the_o ultimate_a rule_n for_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o that_o be_v within_o but_o as_o for_o they_o that_o be_v without_o the_o church_n they_o ae_z likewise_o out_o of_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o this_o canon_n or_o judge_n and_o to_o give_v over_o their_o incredulity_n or_o rather_o infidelity_n as_o some_o of_o our_o divine_n have_v do_v with_o this_o ill-interpreted_a axiom_n for_o rejection_n that_o they_o deny_v our_o principle_n and_o so_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v dispute_v with_o or_o to_o refer_v they_o only_o to_o the_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o spirit_n work_v with_o the_o read_n and_o hear_v of_o they_o it_o may_v be_v to_o prove_v a_o scandal_n to_o they_o without_o and_o to_o such_o as_o be_v weak_a and_o waver_a within_o it_o be_v tacit_o to_o imply_v that_o we_o have_v no_o way_n to_o gain_v the_o question_n unless_o our_o of_o courtesy_n the_o adversary_n be_v please_v to_o yield_v it_o to_o we_o to_o resolve_v the_o motive_n of_o our_o catholic_a faith_n into_o private_a impulse_n and_o particular_a dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n argument_n of_o very_o great_a credit_n and_o reputation_n due_a to_o ourselves_o as_o particular_a favourite_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o such_o as_o be_v desert_v by_o the_o tenor_n and_o regiment_n of_o our_o life_n render_v we_o dishonourable_a to_o that_o holy_a spirit_n whereto_o we_o pretend_v while_o in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o man_n we_o do_v at_o least_o oblique_o entitle_v it_o to_o such_o action_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o it_o profess_v we_o hold_v our_o faith_n by_o private_a revelation_n and_o consequent_o have_v our_o understanding_n take_v up_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n at_o such_o time_n as_o our_o will_n be_v guilty_a of_o enormous_a sin_n a_o fancy_n that_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o diverse_a prodigy_n late_o break_v into_o the_o church_n as_o that_o either_o god_n see_v no_o sin_n in_o believer_n that_o murder_n adultery_n incest_n sacrilege_n any_o thing_n may_v be_v commit_v and_o that_o these_o be_v no_o sin_n in_o believer_n argue_v thus_o that_o they_o which_o have_v the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v free_a from_o sin_n such_o as_o do_v believe_v the_o gospel_n they_o have_v the_o holy_a spirit_n because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o motive_n sufficient_a beside_o a_o private_a illumination_n so_o than_o they_o can_v be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n but_o yet_o they_o may_v and_o do_v commit_v such_o thing_n as_o those_o we_o mention_v wherefore_o those_o be_v no_o sin_n thus_o do_v satan_n transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o act_v his_o tragedy_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n nay_o we_o say_v and_o do_v believe_v that_o the_o devil_n also_o believe_v and_o tremble_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v like_o a_o net_n which_o draw_v to_o shore_n fish_n of_o all_o sort_n some_o to_o be_v put_v into_o vessel_n and_o other_o to_o be_v throw_v away_o we_o say_v and_o do_v acknowledge_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o the_o internal_a light_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a to_o salvation_n and_o that_o in_o some_o it_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o generate_a faith_n in_o man_n but_o that_o the_o most_o of_o those_o believer_n who_o have_v the_o happiness_n to_o be_v train_v up_o from_o their_o infancy_n in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n by_o observe_v the_o esteem_n which_o in_o their_o church_n be_v have_v of_o those_o holy_a book_n they_o do_v betimes_o upon_o the_o reputation_n of_o their_o church_n receive_v they_o with_o a_o kind_n of_o veneration_n that_o upon_o this_o motive_n they_o receive_v the_o faith_n and_o that_o other_o do_v upon_o other_o inducement_n entertain_v it_o and_o once_o for_o all_o we_o say_v that_o beside_o the_o secret_a and_o free_a illumination_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n these_o want_v not_o argument_n to_o enforce_v the_o reason_n of_o unbvassed_a man_n to_o entertain_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o all_o such_o as_o without_o the_o engagement_n of_o perverse_a affection_n shall_v admit_v those_o argument_n in_o their_o apprehension_n must_v necessary_o be_v of_o that_o belief_n before_o i_o betake_v myself_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o assertion_n i_o must_v premise_v that_o by_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i_o mean_v such_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v be_v account_v canonical_a and_o that_o i_o intend_v not_o here_o to_o take_v up_o the_o controversy_n which_o be_v betwixt_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o we_o concerning_o the_o book_n which_o be_v apocryphal_a the_o drift_n of_o my_o discourse_n be_v against_o those_o who_o believe_v
undertake_v that_o whosoever_o believe_v the_o historical_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n must_v believe_v the_o doctrinal_a p._n 81._o sect._n iii_o the_o kind_n and_o degree_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o historical_a faith_n in_o general_n p._n 89._o sect._n iv._o a_o application_n of_o those_o general_a ground_n to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o a_o proof_n of_o this_o assertion_n that_o there_o be_v as_o great_a reason_n to_o believe_v the_o new_a testament_n as_o to_o believe_v any_o other_o history_n in_o the_o world_n p._n 97._o sect._n v._o that_o there_o be_v much_o great_a reason_n to_o believe_v the_o history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n than_o any_o other_o history_n p._n 206._o sect._n vi_o that_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o proposal_n of_o three_o several_a assertion_n whereby_o it_o be_v conclude_v p._n 119._o sect._n vii_o the_o first_o assertion_n prove_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o we_o now_o receive_v be_v the_o same_o which_o the_o jew_n do_v now_o receive_v p._n 124._o sect._n viii_o that_o the_o book_n which_o the_o jew_n do_v now_o receive_v be_v the_o same_o which_o they_o have_v receive_v ever_o since_o the_o consignation_n of_o their_o canon_n p._n 128._o sect._n ix._o that_o in_o our_o saviour_n time_n these_o book_n be_v true_a and_o consequent_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n p._n 135._o sect._n x._o that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o disbelieve_v the_o scripture_n objection_n brief_o propose_v and_o answer_v first_o general_a objection_n against_o the_o whole_a p._n 138._o sect._n xi_o objection_n against_o particular_a part_n brief_o propose_v and_o answer_v p._n 149._o part_n i._n preface_n sect._n i._n although_o i_o be_o not_o without_o apprehension_n that_o the_o discourse_n which_o i_o design_n may_v be_v prejudge_v unprofitable_a as_o pretend_v to_o lay_v again_o that_o foundation_n which_o have_v long_o since_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o that_o will_v be_v reader_n of_o it_o yet_o when_o i_o consider_v those_o scandal_n which_o the_o looseness_n of_o our_o time_n have_v offer_v even_o to_o the_o religious_a and_o the_o bold_a and_o horrid_a pride_n and_o presumption_n of_o atheist_n and_o epicure_n which_o by_o a_o profane_a and_o confident_a assert_v the_o uncertainty_n of_o all_o thing_n undervalue_v the_o ability_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o raise_v a_o opinion_n of_o their_o personal_a excellency_n have_v labour_v to_o introduce_v into_o the_o world_n a_o general_a athiesm_n or_o at_o least_o a_o doubtful_a scepticism_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o mind_n which_o be_v upon_o any_o ill_a suggestion_n apt_a still_o to_o receive_v some_o impression_n those_o thing_n be_v of_o like_a operation_n with_o calumny_n which_o if_o it_o be_v confident_o and_o bold_o charge_v will_v be_v sure_a to_o leave_v some_o scar_n behind_o it_o when_o we_o observe_v this_o use_n and_o inclination_n in_o ourselves_o which_o be_v in_o thing_n where_o we_o have_v not_o a_o belief_n of_o what_o be_v speak_v or_o do_v not_o give_v perfect_a credit_n to_o a_o accusation_n yet_o to_o admit_v of_o a_o suspicion_n that_o thing_n may_v be_v as_o they_o be_v speak_v and_o although_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o contrary_a belief_n do_v keep_v we_o from_o a_o full_a assent_n to_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n yet_o if_o it_o happen_v that_o the_o thing_n concern_v ourselves_o and_o we_o have_v happen_v to_o cross_v our_o opinion_n or_o our_o belief_n in_o our_o way_n of_o practice_n such_o be_v the_o perverseness_n of_o our_o heart_n that_o in_o such_o case_n they_o will_v make_v use_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o other_o especial_o if_o they_o have_v the_o reputation_n of_o know_v man_n to_o oppose_v against_o their_o own_o belief_n and_o interpose_v betwixt_o the_o lash_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o themselves_o i_o say_v the_o present_a condition_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o corrupt_a nature_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v such_o i_o can_v think_v it_o useless_a nay_o not_o unnecessary_a to_o raise_v a_o discourse_n of_o religion_n even_o from_o the_o common_a element_n and_o fundamental_n and_o for_o a_o while_n neglect_v the_o more_o know_a party_n of_o man_n to_o undertake_v so_o far_o as_o the_o argument_n will_v bear_v to_o follow_v the_o way_n of_o demonstration_n and_o lead_v on_o the_o weak_a from_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o themselves_o can_v deny_v to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o law_n and_o injunction_n of_o our_o religion_n sect._n ii_o of_o the_o design_n and_o definition_n of_o religion_n the_o prejudice_n and_o pretence_n against_o the_o christian_a the_o sum_n of_o what_o be_v in_o controversy_n deduce_v to_o three_o question_n 1._o of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n attribute_n 2._o of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n 3._o of_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n we_o may_v begin_v with_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o definition_n and_o the_o design_n of_o ourselves_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n however_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o world_n may_v contradict_v it_o i_o hope_v we_o may_v take_v this_o definition_n of_o religion_n as_o one_o that_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o apprehension_n which_o all_o of_o we_o have_v of_o it_o religion_n be_v a_o resignation_n of_o ourselves_o to_o god_n with_o a_o expectation_n of_o reward_n the_o design_n indeed_o of_o religion_n however_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v mere_o obedience_n to_o the_o pleasure_n and_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o height_n of_o it_o be_v bare_o terminate_v in_o his_o glory_n so_o that_o the_o high_a act_n of_o it_o be_v adoration_n yet_o i_o say_v the_o design_n of_o man_n religion_n be_v that_o it_o may_v be_v well_o unto_o themselves_o and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o estate_n of_o happiness_n the_o very_a definition_n of_o religion_n suppose_v a_o godhead_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o god_n be_v the_o very_a design_n of_o it_o suppose_v that_o both_o the_o party_n worship_v be_v capable_a of_o reward_n and_o that_o god_n likewise_o do_v not_o neglect_v his_o service_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o he_o be_v the_o rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o again_o the_o resignation_n of_o ourselves_o suppose_v the_o resignation_n of_o our_o supreme_a faculty_n those_o be_v our_o understanding_n and_o our_o will_n viz._n our_o will_n to_o a_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n to_o a_o performance_n of_o his_o injunction_n to_o a_o submission_n to_o his_o providence_n and_o a_o resignation_n likewise_o of_o our_o understanding_n to_o his_o truth_n now_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o apostle_n that_o we_o can_v practise_v the_o will_n of_o god_n unless_o we_o know_v it_o and_o that_o we_o can_v know_v it_o unless_o it_o be_v discover_v to_o we_o so_o then_o in_o our_o profession_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v these_o supposal_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o seek_v he_o and_o that_o suppose_v that_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o his_o way_n of_o reward_v that_o the_o diligence_n of_o our_o seek_n must_v be_v exercise_v in_o a_o way_n conformable_a to_o his_o will_n and_o that_o to_o this_o purpose_n we_o want_v not_o rule_n for_o this_o conformity_n these_o be_v i_o say_v the_o general_a supposition_n of_o every_o religion_n under_o heaven_n you_o see_v that_o the_o being_n of_o religion_n be_v in_o self-resignation_n but_o the_o end_n of_o that_o resignation_n it_o be_v reward_n still_o retain_v in_o mind_n that_o caution_n that_o mercenary_o to_o labour_v for_o reward_n be_v not_o the_o supreme_a exaltation_n of_o religious_a act_n but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o ordinary_a degree_n of_o man_n religion_n and_o a_o allowable_a and_o commendable_a step_n and_o a_o degree_n unto_o the_o other_o it_o be_v the_o strong_a powerful_a motive_n to_o moses_n to_o neglect_v the_o momentany_a pleasure_n of_o pharaoh_n court_n because_o he_o have_v respect_n unto_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n i_o say_v it_o be_v the_o natural_a way_n of_o reason_n in_o every_o act_n to_o look_v at_o some_o or_o other_o end_n and_o to_o undertake_v no_o labour_n without_o a_o eye_n upon_o reward_n now_o so_o it_o be_v that_o some_o man_n who_o account_v themselves_o the_o wise_a observe_v as_o they_o think_v the_o design_n and_o issue_n of_o religion_n and_o compare_v the_o labour_n and_o the_o wage_n they_o with_o much_o wisdom_n as_o they_o think_v conclude_v that_o all_o the_o business_n of_o gain_n which_o come_v by_o religion_n be_v no_o way_n worth_n the_o pain_n and_o labour_n they_o see_v that_o all_o thing_n come_v
alike_o to_o all_o there_o be_v but_o one_o issue_n to_o the_o just_a and_o to_o the_o unjust_a nay_o they_o think_v they_o see_v that_o the_o success_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v not_o equal_a to_o the_o religious_a and_o irreligious_a but_o that_o beside_o the_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n which_o religious_a man_n do_v fond_o deny_v themselves_o beside_o that_o melancholy_a life_n which_o they_o by_o their_o strictness_n and_o preciseness_n bring_v upon_o themselves_o they_o often_o anticipate_v and_o hinder_v the_o thrive_n and_o success_n of_o their_o own_o design_n by_o a_o dangerous_a and_o prejudicial_a scrupulosity_n whereas_o the_o other_o party_n beside_o the_o pleasure_n of_o their_o life_n in_o private_a they_o carry_v matter_n of_o state_n and_o either_o by_o force_n or_o fraud_n they_o circumvent_v and_o overcome_v the_o narrow_a and_o feeble_a spirit_n of_o the_o other_o and_o the_o success_n of_o thing_n they_o oft_o observe_v to_o be_v answerable_a to_o this_o hypothesis_n ready_a they_o be_v to_o say_v with_o those_o in_o mal._n 3._o 14._o sure_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o serve_v god_n and_o what_o profit_n be_v it_o to_o keep_v his_o ordinance_n to_o walk_v mournful_o before_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n whereas_o we_o see_v the_o proud_a happy_a and_o they_o that_o work_n wickedness_n be_v set_v up_o and_o they_o that_o tempt_v god_n be_v even_o deliver_v upon_o such_o observation_n upon_o the_o reward_n they_o conclude_v clean_o contrary_a to_o the_o supposition_n of_o religion_n god_n be_v no_o rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o seek_v he_o such_o as_o deny_v themselves_o the_o most_o for_o he_o they_o have_v no_o other_o reward_n but_o sadness_n of_o soul_n and_o debility_n of_o body_n and_o exility_n of_o fortune_n sure_o if_o he_o be_v a_o god_n he_o will_v not_o thus_o desert_v his_o party_n and_o give_v they_o over_o to_o the_o scorn_n and_o derision_n and_o misery_n of_o the_o world_n sure_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o god_n or_o sure_o he_o see_v it_o not_o or_o tush_o god_n care_v not_o for_o it_o and_o so_o these_o man_n religion_n be_v vain_a or_o else_o these_o man_n they_o have_v not_o hit_v upon_o the_o true_a way_n of_o worship_n the_o rule_n they_o go_v by_o they_o be_v uncertain_a that_o which_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o so_o but_o some_o bundle_n of_o imposture_n devise_v by_o some_o body_n and_o put_v upon_o these_o simple_a people_n to_o delude_v they_o they_o indeed_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o expectation_n when_o they_o be_v dead_a but_o those_o be_v but_o vain_a for_o who_o know_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n go_v upward_o and_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o beast_n go_v downward_o as_o a_o man_n dies_fw-la so_o die_v a_o beast_n wherefore_o let_v we_o eat_v and_o drink_v for_o to_o morrow_n we_o shall_v die_v these_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o those_o allegation_n which_o by_o atheist_n epicure_n and_o machivillian_n be_v set_v in_o 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not_o a_o god_n to_o worship_n or_o if_o god_n do_v not_o see_v and_o regard_n and_o reward_v our_o worship_n or_o have_v we_o no_o rule_n to_o work_v by_o we_o shall_v have_v none_o encouragement_n to_o religion_n nay_o upon_o all_o that_o happen_v to_o man_n in_o this_o life_n we_o can_v but_o allow_v that_o upon_o their_o supposition_n they_o conclude_v not_o irrational_o concur_v we_o must_v with_o our_o apostle_n that_o if_o in_o this_o life_n only_o we_o have_v hope_n we_o be_v of_o all_o man_n most_o miserable_a but_o we_o know_v assure_o that_o thou_o god_n see_v and_o that_o thou_o have_v give_v we_o thy_o holy_a word_n to_o be_v a_o light_n to_o our_o foot_n and_o a_o lantern_n to_o our_o path_n and_o that_o though_o now_o we_o see_v but_o through_o a_o glass_n dark_o yet_o the_o time_n be_v come_v when_o we_o shall_v see_v thou_o face_n to_o face_n the_o state_n of_o the_o controversy_n than_o be_v this_o which_o of_o the_o party_n be_v in_o the_o wise_a way_n the_o atheist_n think_v that_o the_o religious_a be_v a_o fool_n the_o religious_a that_o he_o be_v a_o fool_n that_o say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n the_o atheist_n that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v mortal_a as_o the_o soul_n of_o beast_n the_o religious_a that_o the_o atheist_n be_v a_o beast_n to_o say_v so_o etc._n etc._n but_o such_o kind_n of_o contest_v be_v vain_a wherefore_o let_v we_o see_v where_o the_o truth_n lie_v sect._n iii_o of_o the_o being_n of_o god_n evict_v by_o way_n of_o demonstration_n from_o the_o creature_n the_o question_n be_v whether_o or_o no_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o here_o first_o i_o must_v entreat_v that_o it_o may_v be_v remember_v what_o that_o party_n be_v which_o defend_v the_o negative_a and_o what_o be_v the_o design_n that_o we_o be_v upon_o that_o so_o the_o follow_a discourse_n be_v not_o think_v useless_a or_o industrious_o set_v out_o of_o our_o ordinary_a road_n our_o enemy_n be_v atheist_n and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v convince_v be_v the_o atheistical_a proneness_n of_o man_n so_o that_o in_o the_o controvert_a question_n it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o sufficient_a way_n of_o answer_v to_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n make_v it_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o again_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v evince_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n bear_v witness_n with_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o scripture_n clear_o deliver_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o as_o true_a it_o be_v that_o god_n by_o his_o grace_n do_v work_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o a_o believe_n of_o the_o scripture_n these_o thing_n they_o be_v real_o true_a to_o those_o who_o already_o be_v believer_n and_o each_o of_o they_o conduce_v to_o a_o confirmation_n of_o each_o other_o but_o to_o a_o man_n that_o doubt_v of_o the_o godhead_n and_o deny_v the_o scripture_n to_o use_v those_o argument_n for_o satisfaction_n be_v to_o minister_v a_o scandal_n to_o he_o and_o by_o circular_a way_n of_o reason_v and_o assume_v gratis_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o question_n for_o they_o do_v no_o otherwise_o who_o only_o say_v we_o must_v believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o god_n say_v so_o and_o a_o god_n we_o must_v believe_v because_o the_o scripture_n say_v so_o to_o make_v they_o think_v we_o have_v no_o more_o to_o say_v but_o this_o it_o be_v so_o because_o it_o be_v so_o and_o so_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n it_o be_v a_o certain_a observation_n of_o aristotle_n that_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o in_fw-la every_o acquisition_n of_o knowledge_n the_o understanding_n do_v proceed_v from_o premise_n which_o be_v know_v to_o the_o inference_n of_o a_o new_a conclusion_n which_o be_v before_o unknown_a and_o so_o be_v that_o other_o aphorism_n of_o his_o that_o there_o be_v no_o disputation_n unless_o upon_o principle_n which_o be_v confess_v on_o both_o side_n and_o such_o only_o be_v the_o common_a principle_n of_o intelligence_n and_o the_o plain_a discovery_n of_o the_o sense_n there_o where_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n be_v question_v it_o will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a therefore_o in_o the_o present_a case_n to_o allege_v that_o say_n of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 1._o 20._o for_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n so_o that_o they_o be_v without_o excuse_n but_o we_o must_v clear_v and_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o allegation_n by_o reason_n take_v from_o thing_n visible_a however_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a for_o we_o to_o
too_o little_a and_o not_o those_o who_o believe_v too_o much_o second_o i_o must_v premise_v that_o we_o be_v not_o here_o to_o expect_v the_o necessity_n of_o demonstration_n but_o must_v content_v ourselves_o with_o such_o argument_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o subject_n will_v admit_v there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a and_o perfect_a demonstration_n unless_o the_o property_n to_o be_v demonstrate_v do_v natural_o flow_v from_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o demonstration_n in_o matter_n then_o depend_v upon_o the_o free_a election_n of_o cause_n there_o can_v possible_o be_v any_o perfect_a demonstration_n and_o such_o be_v the_o give_n of_o a_o rule_n of_o life_n in_o respect_n of_o god_n so_o that_o there_o can_v be_v a_o perfect_a demonstration_n of_o it_o so_o than_o we_o must_v content_v ourselves_o with_o argument_n fall_v short_a of_o the_o necessity_n of_o demonstration_n but_o such_o as_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o deny_v without_o deny_v some_o such_o principle_n as_o all_o man_n do_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v true_a sect._n ii_o the_o assertion_n resolve_v into_o two_o proposition_n the_o former_a undertake_v that_o whosoever_o believe_v the_o historical_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n must_v believe_v the_o doctrinal_a 1._o to_o believe_v that_o these_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n there_o be_v very_o great_a and_o important_a reason_n 2._o to_o disbelieve_v it_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n or_o not_o any_o sufficient_a reason_n and_o first_o of_o all_o to_o prove_v that_o those_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o we_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o because_o themselves_o pretend_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n all_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n the_o tenor_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n run_v general_o so_o the_o lord_n speak_v unto_o moses_n or_o other_o of_o the_o prophet_n such_o as_o be_v the_o penman_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n indeed_o the_o general_a pretence_n of_o those_o that_o write_v both_o testament_n be_v that_o holy_a man_n do_v speak_v and_o write_v as_o they_o be_v inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o then_o if_o this_o pretence_n of_o it_o be_v true_a it_o must_v be_v true_a that_o it_o proceed_v from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o consequent_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o will_v conclude_v that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o as_o concerning_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o writing_n we_o have_v 1._o the_o same_o argument_n or_o as_o great_a as_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o writing_n in_o the_o world_n nay_o 2._o we_o have_v argument_n moral_a argument_n to_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o such_o as_o no_o other_o writing_n can_v pretend_v to_o that_o we_o may_v shorten_v that_o we_o have_v to_o perform_v you_o may_v consider_v that_o the_o thing_n deliver_v to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v either_o matter_n of_o history_n or_o doctrine_n and_o that_o these_o be_v frequent_o interweave_v in_o the_o scripture_n so_o as_o when_o saint_n matthew_n do_v in_o a_o historical_a narration_n bring_v in_o our_o saviour_n preach_v in_o the_o mount_n and_o deliver_v there_o a_o summary_n of_o his_o doctrine_n so_o that_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o if_o the_o historical_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v undoubted_o true_a there_o can_v rational_o be_v any_o doubt_n make_v of_o those_o doctrinal_a rule_n and_o precept_n which_o there_o be_v deliver_v as_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o any_o party_n whatsoever_o concerning_o god_n there_o be_v not_o imaginable_a any_o argument_n so_o ready_a to_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o as_o god_n himself_o free_o attest_v to_o the_o deliverer_n of_o it_o by_o mighty_a sign_n and_o wonder_n by_o great_a and_o undeniable_a miracle_n such_o as_o be_v instance_n of_o the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n such_o as_o by_o skilful_a and_o know_a man_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v no_o way_n performable_a by_o the_o praestigatory_a act_n of_o magician_n or_o by_o the_o power_n of_o evil_a spirit_n such_o be_v the_o miracle_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o by_o moses_n all_o along_o the_o course_n of_o god_n bring_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n to_o his_o own_o land_n and_o afterwards_o wrought_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o such_o be_v the_o work_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n all_o along_o the_o course_n of_o his_o ministry_n before_o his_o passion_n and_o such_o and_o more_o admirable_a be_v his_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n whosoever_o do_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o moses_n that_o this_o man_n moses_n do_v profess_v himself_o to_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n a_o law_n which_o be_v to_o be_v deliver_v to_o a_o people_n he_o may_v hitherto_o very_a well_o doubt_v whether_o or_o no_o he_o be_v not_o deceive_v in_o imagine_v that_o he_o have_v receive_v such_o a_o law_n but_o if_o withal_o he_o shall_v be_v assure_v or_o steadfast_o believe_v that_o this_o man_n moses_n to_o make_v good_a his_o pretence_n to_o god_n revelation_n can_v obtain_v so_o much_o of_o god_n as_o to_o the_o eye_n and_o sense_n of_o million_o of_o gainsayer_n and_o opposer_n of_o what_o he_o do_v deliver_v to_o show_v great_a and_o palpable_a miracle_n whosoever_o do_v believe_v that_o he_o do_v turn_v a_o rod_n into_o a_o serpent_n and_o that_o back_o again_o into_o a_o rod_n that_o by_o stretch_v forth_o that_o rod_n upon_o the_o river_n nilus_n he_o turn_v their_o water_n into_o blood_n and_o slay_v their_o fish_n how_o afterwards_o he_o bring_v frog_n upon_o all_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n even_o into_o their_o king_n chamber_n how_o he_o bring_v fly_n and_o caterpillar_n and_o louse_n and_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n and_o mighty_a hailstone_n how_o he_o bring_v botch_n and_o murrain_n among_o man_n and_o cattle_n how_o he_o bring_v upon_o all_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n a_o darkness_n that_o may_v be_v feel_v and_o slay_v their_o first-born_a afterwards_o how_o he_o divide_v the_o red_a sea_n for_o the_o people_n to_o pass_v through_o it_o and_o when_o he_o have_v serve_v the_o turn_n of_o his_o party_n how_o the_o flood_n return_v and_o overwhelm_v his_o enemy_n he_o that_o shall_v believe_v that_o after_o this_o he_o bring_v water_n out_o of_o the_o rock_n sweeten_v the_o water_n of_o marah_n bring_v quail_n into_o the_o wilderness_n procure_v manna_n to_o fall_v about_o their_o tent_n all_o the_o week_n and_o none_o upon_o the_o sabbath_n how_o the_o fire_n from_o heaven_n consume_v nadab_n and_o abihu_n only_o for_o adventure_v to_o offer_v strange_a fire_n otherwise_o than_o he_o have_v prescribe_v they_o that_o the_o earth_n open_v and_o swallow_v up_o korah_n and_o cover_v the_o congregation_n of_o abiram_n that_o at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o promulgation_n of_o his_o law_n god_n himself_o appear_v visible_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o presence_n overshadow_a the_o mount_n how_o there_o be_v thunder_n and_o lightning_n and_o a_o thick_a cloud_n upon_o the_o mount_n exo._n 19_o how_o mount_n sinai_n be_v altogether_o on_o a_o smoke_n because_o the_o lord_n descend_v upon_o it_o in_o fire_n and_o the_o smoke_n thereof_o ascend_v as_o the_o smoke_n of_o a_o furnace_n and_o the_o whole_a mountain_n shake_v exceed_o whosoever_o believe_v these_o work_n to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o the_o same_o party_n that_o profess_v a_o revelation_n from_o god_n can_v avoid_v the_o belief_n of_o his_o profession_n unless_o he_o can_v believe_v that_o god_n by_o so_o great_a miracle_n will_v attest_v to_o blasphemy_n and_o sacrilegious_a imposture_n a_o thing_n which_o be_v palpable_o mad_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o be_v against_o the_o light_n of_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n so_o likewise_o whosoever_o do_v believe_v that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o augustus_n caesar_n there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n common_o call_v christ_n and_o that_o this_o man_n do_v profess_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o pretend_v to_o deliver_v to_o all_o the_o world_n a_o way_n of_o religion_n a_o covenant_n of_o life_n eternal_a a_o abrogation_n of_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o former_a law_n and_o those_o other_o thing_n which_o he_o profess_v there_o be_v no_o necessity_n that_o he_o shall_v believe_v that_o either_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o that_o his_o doctrine_n be_v infallible_a but_o if_o together_o with_o these_o profession_n he_o shall_v take_v into_o belief_n those_o thing_n which_o jesus_n do_v though_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n he_o see_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v he_o yet_o at_o least_o he_o will_v believe_v for_o the_o work_n sake_n if_o he_o shall_v believe_v that_o god_n himself_o do_v attest_v to_o these_o profession_n he_o will_v likewise_o believe_v those_o profession_n of_o his_o to_o have_v be_v true_a and_o god_n attestation_n