Selected quad for the lemma: scripture_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
scripture_n	apostle_n	receive_v	tradition_n	2,537	5	8.9791	5	false

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A28280	The sufficiency of a standing revelation in general, and of the Scripture revelation in particular both as to the matter of it and as to the proof of it : and that new revelations cannot reasonably be desired and would probably be unsuccessful in eight sermons preach'd in the Cathedral-Church of St. Paul, London, at the lecture founded by the Honourable Robert Boyle, Esq., in the year MDCC / by Ofspring Blackall ...	Blackall, Offspring, 1654-1716.	1700 (1700)	Wing B3055; ESTC R6615	150,254	268

in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o must_v be_v either_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o or_o in_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o it_o must_v be_v either_o that_o it_o do_v not_o give_v we_o sufficient_a direction_n what_o to_o do_v or_o that_o it_o do_v not_o propose_v sufficient_a motive_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o do_v what_o it_o require_v and_o therefore_o in_o speak_v to_o this_o head_n i_o shall_v show_v 1._o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v we_o sufficient_a direction_n what_o to_o do_v 2._o that_o the_o motive_n which_o the_o scripture_n propose_v be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v we_o to_o do_v what_o it_o require_v and_o 3._o that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n give_v we_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o consequent_o of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v teach_v by_o it_o 1._o i_o shall_v show_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v we_o sufficient_a direction_n what_o to_o do_v and_o of_o this_o there_o can_v be_v little_a doubt_n among_o those_o that_o believe_v the_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n because_o to_o they_o its_o own_o testimony_n of_o its_o own_o sufficiency_n be_v a_o proof_n thereof_o beyond_o all_o exception_n for_o if_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 2._o tim._n 3.16_o it_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n and_o for_o reproof_n and_o for_o correction_n and_o for_o instruction_n in_o rigteousness_n it_o be_v plain_o profitable_a for_o all_o the_o purpose_n for_o which_o we_o can_v desire_v a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o if_o as_o he_o say_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n it_o be_v give_v to_o make_v perfect_a the_o man_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o man_n who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v other_o and_o thorough_o to_o furnish_v he_o unto_o all_o good_a work_n it_o can_v be_v deficient_a in_o deliver_v all_o such_o rule_n and_o direction_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v give_v by_o a_o pastor_n to_o the_o people_n commit_v to_o his_o care_n and_o if_o as_o the_o same_o apostle_n have_v say_v at_o the_o 15_o verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n it_o be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o desire_v to_o be_v wise_a than_o this_o excellent_a book_n can_v make_v we_o and_o if_o all_o this_o can_v true_o be_v say_v by_o the_o apostle_n before_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v complete_v if_o it_o can_v be_v say_v by_o he_o of_o those_o holy_a scripture_n which_o timothy_n have_v know_v from_o a_o child_n that_o be_v of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n only_o much_o more_o may_v it_o be_v now_o say_v of_o the_o book_n of_o both_o testament_n together_o but_o to_o speak_v at_o large_a of_o this_o point_n at_o present_a will_v be_v too_o great_a a_o digression_n from_o the_o design_n of_o these_o lecture_n which_o be_v intend_v only_o against_o infidel_n not_o against_o any_o sect_n of_o christian_n and_o such_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v such_o because_o they_o hold_v the_o foundation_n christ_n jesus_n they_o may_v in_o charity_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v who_o do_v chief_o differ_v from_o we_o in_o this_o article_n and_o deny_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n only_o because_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o maintain_v some_o gainful_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o their_o own_o church_n which_o they_o be_v sensible_a have_v no_o warrant_n from_o scripture_n and_o so_o can_v be_v maintain_v no_o other_o way_n but_o by_o affirm_v that_o they_o have_v be_v deliver_v down_o to_o they_o by_o tradition_n and_o that_o unwritten_a tradition_n be_v a_o necessary_a supplement_n to_o the_o write_a word_n and_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o it_o for_o between_o we_o and_o infidel_n who_o reject_v the_o scripture_n the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n be_v hardly_o matter_n of_o controversy_n for_o these_o do_v not_o reject_v the_o scripture_n because_o it_o teach_v too_o little_a but_o rather_o because_o it_o teach_v too_o much_o because_o it_o teach_v doctrine_n above_o their_o reason_n and_o command_v such_o duty_n as_o they_o do_v not_o like_a to_o practice_v and_o if_o it_o teach_v less_o than_o it_o do_v they_o will_v be_v more_o ready_a to_o own_o its_o divine_a authority_n but_o nevertheless_o even_a these_o man_n that_o they_o may_v leave_v no_o stone_n unturned_a will_v be_v sometime_o discourse_v upon_o this_o point_n and_o although_o those_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v now_o extant_a and_o which_o be_v now_o general_o receive_v do_v teach_v much_o more_o than_o they_o themselves_o be_v willing_a to_o believe_v and_o practice_v yet_o that_o they_o may_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v unsettle_v the_o belief_n of_o other_o do_v not_o stick_v to_o argue_v againast_n the_o christian_a religion_n from_o this_o topick_n and_o to_o affirm_v that_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v now_o receive_v do_v not_o contain_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n for_o there_o be_v say_v they_o in_o former_a time_n several_a other_o gospel_n and_o epistle_n and_o other_o tract_n design_v to_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o other_o inspire_a man_n and_o which_o be_v consequent_o of_o the_o same_o authority_n in_o themselves_o with_o those_o which_o be_v now_o receive_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o which_o nevertheless_o we_o have_v nothing_o now_o leave_v but_o the_o name_n and_o title_n or_o some_o imperfect_a and_o uncertain_a fragment_n so_o that_o it_o may_v well_o be_v doubt_v whether_o those_o few_o book_n which_o be_v now_o remain_v be_v sufficient_a to_o instruct_v we_o in_o all_o necessary_a point_n of_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n and_o of_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n there_o be_v they_o say_v some_o evidence_n even_o from_o the_o scripture_n its_o self_n for_o st._n luke_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o his_o gospel_n take_v notice_n that_o many_o before_o he_o have_v take_v in_o hand_n to_o set_v forth_o a_o declaration_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v sure_o believe_v among_o christian_n that_o be_v have_v write_v and_o publish_v narrative_n of_o the_o life_n action_n miracle_n preach_v death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o there_o be_v no_o history_n of_o this_o kind_a no_o gospel_n now_o extant_a that_o be_v write_v before_o st._n luke_n except_o only_o st._n matthew'_v and_o st._n mark_n be_v and_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o more_o extant_a at_o that_o time_n it_o will_v have_v be_v very_o improper_a they_o say_v for_o the_o evangelist_n to_o have_v say_v that_o many_o have_v write_v upon_o this_o subject_a when_o he_o speak_v only_o of_o those_o two_o and_o that_o there_o be_v matter_n enough_o for_o several_a such_o narrative_n so_o that_o though_o they_o be_v very_o different_a gospel_n they_o may_v nevertheless_o be_v all_o true_a we_o be_v tell_v by_o st._n john_n who_o write_v his_o gospel_n the_o last_o of_o the_o four_o evangelist_n joh._n 20.30_o many_o other_o sign_n true_o do_v jesus_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o disciple_n which_o be_v not_o write_v in_o this_o book_n and_o again_o ch._n 21._o verse_n 25._o there_o be_v also_o many_o other_o thing_n which_o jesus_n do_v the_o which_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v write_v every_o one_o i_o suppose_v that_o even_o the_o world_n its_o self_n can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n that_o shall_v be_v write_v now_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v several_a other_o book_n former_o extant_a but_o which_o be_v now_o lose_v that_o be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o inspire_a man_n and_o consequent_o by_o divine_a inspiration_n either_o these_o be_v needless_a when_o write_v and_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o any_o book_n write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v needless_a or_o else_o the_o loss_n of_o these_o book_n be_v a_o loss_n to_o religion_n and_o we_o can_v be_v well_o assure_v that_o those_o which_o we_o have_v now_o remain_v do_v sufficient_o instruct_v we_o in_o all_o point_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o practice_n but_o admit_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n viz._n that_o more_o book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o inspire_v man_n than_o be_v now_o extant_a which_o i_o will_v not_o now_o dispute_v because_o i_o think_v it_o needless_a because_o i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v grant_v without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o christian_a cause_n although_o there_o be_v none_o or_o at_o most_o but_o very_o slender_a evidence_n of_o it_o nay_o admit_v more_o than_o be_v upon_o any_o good_a ground_n allege_v viz._n not_o only_o that_o several_a but_o that_o every_o one_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o immediate_a disciple_n of_o

he_o think_v he_o himself_o have_v write_v enough_o in_o his_o gospel_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o to_o direct_v they_o in_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a life_n there_o be_v therefore_o in_o those_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o we_o now_o have_v several_a abridgement_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a doctrine_n it_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n be_v pretend_v that_o all_o these_o book_n together_o be_v not_o sufficient_a full_o to_o instruct_v we_o therein_o beside_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v preach_v suppose_v by_o st._n thomas_n in_o india_n or_o by_o st._n simon_n in_o africa_n or_o by_o any_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n in_o country_n remote_a from_o judea_n or_o without_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n be_v undoubted_o the_o very_a same_o gospel_n that_o be_v preach_v by_o st._n peter_n and_o st._n paul_n or_o those_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n who_o book_n be_v now_o extant_a and_o receive_v by_o the_o catholic_n church_n for_o they_o be_v all_o teach_v by_o the_o same_o master_n christ_n and_o be_v all_o enlighten_v by_o the_o same_o holy_a ghost_n so_o that_o if_o any_o of_o they_o do_v as_o it_o be_v report_v they_o do_v write_v any_o gospel_n for_o the_o present_a use_n of_o those_o particular_a church_n which_o they_o have_v plant_v though_o they_o may_v be_v somewhat_o different_a from_o any_o of_o the_o four_o gospel_n which_o we_o now_o have_v in_o the_o expression_n or_o perhaps_o in_o the_o relation_n of_o some_o particular_a passage_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n which_o our_o evangelist_n have_v omit_v just_a as_o the_o four_o gospel_n which_o we_o now_o have_v do_v differ_v from_o one_o another_o yet_o for_o substance_n they_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v the_o same_o with_o these_o and_o with_o one_o another_o if_o indeed_o they_o be_v all_o true_a relation_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o which_o the_o author_n thereof_o have_v be_v witness_n so_o that_o if_o we_o have_v they_o all_o now_o they_o can_v all_o together_o teach_v we_o no_o other_o doctrine_n than_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n nevertheless_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o if_o we_o have_v more_o book_n of_o this_o kind_a than_o we_o have_v that_o if_o we_o have_v all_o the_o book_n that_o be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o their_o immediate_a successor_n who_o have_v be_v teach_v by_o they_o they_o may_v be_v of_o very_o good_a use_n to_o we_o to_o help_v we_o to_o understand_v more_o ready_o and_o easy_o those_o book_n which_o we_o have_v as_o now_o we_o receive_v from_o some_o portion_n of_o holy_a scripture_n great_a light_n to_o help_v we_o to_o understand_v and_o to_o put_v a_o right_a interpretation_n upon_o other_o but_o perhaps_o it_o be_v for_o this_o very_a reason_n that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v order_v no_o more_o to_o be_v write_v than_o be_v write_v or_o have_v suffer_v those_o to_o be_v lose_v that_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v lose_v that_o it_o may_v cost_v we_o some_o pain_n and_o study_n to_o understand_v our_o religion_n that_o so_o our_o knowledge_n as_o well_o as_o our_o practice_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n the_o fruit_n of_o our_o own_o industry_n may_v be_v a_o proper_a subject_n of_o reward_n in_o short_a that_o there_o be_v more_o book_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n write_v by_o apostle_n or_o other_o inspire_a man_n than_o be_v now_o extant_a or_o than_o if_o extant_a can_v be_v well_o prove_v to_o be_v of_o their_o write_n be_v a_o point_n which_o i_o believe_v can_v be_v now_o upon_o any_o certain_a evidence_n either_o affirm_v or_o deny_v but_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v i_o say_v however_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o infer_v from_o thence_o that_o those_o which_o we_o now_o have_v be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o truth_n in_o the_o scripture_n declaration_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n and_o that_o he_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n most_o certain_o the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o man_n salvation_n be_v a_o proper_a subject_n of_o the_o divine_a care_n and_o if_o so_o it_o can_v be_v think_v but_o that_o the_o same_o good_a providence_n which_o as_o be_v now_o suppose_v take_v care_n for_o the_o write_n of_o more_o book_n when_o more_o may_v be_v necessary_a have_v likewise_o take_v care_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o so_o many_o of_o these_o book_n as_o be_v now_o sufficient_a or_o if_o the_o man_n we_o be_v now_o argue_v with_o will_v not_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o particular_a providence_n of_o god_n yet_o if_o they_o will_v but_o allow_v that_o god_n be_v just_a that_o he_o be_v not_o a_o hard_a master_n expect_v to_o reap_v where_o he_o have_v not_o sow_o i_o think_v they_o must_v allow_v that_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n not_o knowable_a by_o reason_n be_v teach_v in_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o we_o now_o have_v because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o book_n extant_a which_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o receive_v and_o accept_v as_o divine_a revelation_n or_o if_o they_o deny_v this_o it_o will_v lie_v upon_o they_o to_o produce_v those_o other_o book_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o receive_v beside_o these_o and_o to_o give_v good_a evidence_n to_o the_o world_n of_o their_o divine_a authority_n which_o when_o they_o have_v do_v or_o if_o they_o shall_v but_o only_o show_v that_o there_o be_v as_o good_a reason_n to_o receive_v they_o as_o these_o we_o must_v own_v ourselves_o to_o blame_v if_o we_o shall_v not_o then_o take_v they_o also_o into_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n but_o till_o that_o shall_v be_v do_v what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v be_v enough_o to_o show_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o complete_a rule_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o manner_n especial_o consider_v as_o be_v note_v before_o that_o whenever_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o scripture_n in_o this_o respect_n be_v urge_v by_o those_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o person_n i_o have_v now_o to_o deal_v with_o it_o can_v be_v only_o for_o cavil_v sake_n the_o true_a reason_n of_o their_o backwardness_n to_o receive_v it_o as_o a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v not_o because_o it_o teach_v not_o enough_o but_o because_o it_o teach_v more_o than_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o believe_v and_o command_v more_o than_o they_o be_v dispose_v to_o practice_v for_o i_o can_v imagine_v that_o these_o man_n do_v true_o desire_v more_o duty_n than_o be_v lay_v upon_o they_o in_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n now_o receive_v by_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o what_o they_o may_v most_o reasonable_o be_v think_v to_o desire_v be_v either_o some_o better_a encouragement_n to_o undertake_v that_o difficult_a task_n which_o the_o scripture_n lay_v upon_o they_o or_o some_o better_a evidence_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n i_o proceed_v now_o therefore_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n propound_v which_o be_v 2._o to_o show_v that_o the_o motive_n which_o the_o scripture_n propose_v be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v man_n to_o do_v what_o it_o require_v now_o hope_n and_o fear_n be_v the_o great_a spring_n of_o action_n and_o the_o great_a the_o good_a be_v we_o hope_v for_o or_o the_o evil_n we_o fear_v the_o strongly_a do_v they_o move_v and_o incline_v we_o to_o action_n and_o therefore_o how_o difficult_a soever_o the_o undertake_n be_v so_o it_o be_v but_o possible_a if_o the_o motive_n be_v proportion_v to_o the_o difficulty_n they_o must_v be_v grant_v to_o be_v sufficient_a inducement_n to_o undertake_v it_o but_o that_o the_o task_n or_o business_n require_v of_o we_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v do_v need_v not_o to_o be_v prove_v now_o because_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v by_o those_o who_o say_v they_o believe_v they_o shall_v be_v persuade_v to_o do_v what_o be_v require_v if_o they_o have_v better_a encouragement_n for_o no_o argument_n or_o motive_n whatsoever_o can_v reasonable_o persuade_v a_o man_n to_o undertake_v a_o thing_n that_o he_o believe_v impossible_a suppose_v it_o therefore_o possible_a i_o say_v that_o whatsoever_o difficulty_n there_o real_o be_v or_o we_o may_v apprehend_v there_o be_v in_o a_o christian_a life_n if_o any_o motive_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o can_v be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o induce_v we_o to_o undertake_v it_o most_o evident_o those_o motive_n which_o the_o gospel_n propose_v be_v so_o because_o better_a or_o great_a can_v be_v so_o much_o as_o conceive_v or_o imagine_v see_v both_o the_o good_a thing_n which_o it_o promise_v to_o persuade_v we_o to_o virtue_n and_o

my_o father_n have_v send_v i_o so_o send_v i_o you_o and_o again_o mat._n xxviii_o 19_o 20._o go_v you_o and_o disciple_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o and_o that_o he_o have_v authority_n to_o grant_v they_o such_o a_o commission_n he_o show_v in_o the_o word_n before_o all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o i_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n etc._n etc._n and_o 2._o that_o they_o be_v teach_v by_o god_n and_o enlighten_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n be_v what_o can_v be_v doubt_v if_o we_o believe_v the_o power_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o before_o our_o lord_n go_v from_o they_o 20.22_o joh_n 20.22_o he_o breathe_v on_o they_o and_o say_v receive_v you_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o what_o purpose_v the_o holy-ghost_n be_v to_o be_v give_v they_o he_o have_v tell_v they_o before_o 14.26_o joh._n 14.26_o the_o comforter_n which_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o the_o father_n will_v send_v in_o my_o name_n he_o shall_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n and_o bring_v all_o thing_n to_o your_o remembrance_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v say_v unto_o you_o and_o when_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v 16.13_o joh._n 16.13_o he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n be_v thus_o therefore_o teach_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n our_o saviour_n may_v well_o say_v as_o he_o do_v luke_n x._o 16._o he_o that_o hear_v you_o hear_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v i_o despise_v he_o that_o send_v i_o and_o 3._o last_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o receive_v they_o as_o messenger_n from_o god_n and_o to_o believe_v that_o all_o that_o they_o have_v teach_v be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n because_o they_o have_v the_o same_o attestation_n of_o god_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o have_v to_o he_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o god_n do_v bear_v they_o witness_v all_o those_o way_n by_o which_o he_o bare_a witness_n to_o our_o saviour_n for_o that_o can_v not_o be_v but_o he_o bare_a witness_n to_o they_o all_o those_o way_n by_o which_o it_o be_v proper_a for_o he_o to_o do_v it_o and_o by_o which_o he_o have_v bear_v witness_n to_o any_o former_a prophet_n for_o he_o bare_a witness_n to_o they_o that_o they_o be_v send_v by_o he_o 21._o joh._n 13.22.20_o 21._o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o he_o have_v do_v to_o our_o saviour_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o john_n and_o if_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o prophet_n be_v credible_a concern_v our_o saviour_n much_o more_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n high_o credible_a concern_v a_o messenger_n send_v by_o he_o he_o bare_a witness_n to_o they_o also_o by_o indue_a they_o with_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n 16.13_o joh._n 16.13_o for_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v say_v our_o saviour_n he_o will_v show_v you_o thing_n to_o come_v and_o last_o he_o bare_a witness_n to_o they_o by_o that_o which_o be_v the_o most_o plain_a and_o sensible_a proof_n of_o a_o divine_a mission_n 16.20_o mar._n 16.20_o viz._n by_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n and_o manifold_a gift_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n the_o lord_n work_v with_o they_o and_o confirm_v their_o word_n with_o sign_n follow_v say_v st._n mark_n and_o with_o great_a power_n say_v st._n luke_n give_v 4.33_o act_n 4.33_o the_o apostle_n witness_v of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v spend_v in_o relate_v the_o wonderful_a work_n that_o they_o do_v by_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n but_o st._n paul_n perhaps_o it_o will_v be_v say_v of_o who_o write_v be_v most_o of_o the_o epistle_n be_v not_o one_o of_o they_o not_o call_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o be_v a_o apostle_n as_o they_o be_v nor_o so_o much_o as_o a_o eye_n and_o earwitness_n of_o our_o lord_n miracle_n and_o doctrine_n what_o reason_n then_o have_v we_o to_o receive_v his_o write_n as_o portion_n of_o holy_a scripture_n i_o answer_v as_o good_a though_o not_o in_o every_o particular_a just_a the_o same_o that_o we_o have_v to_o receive_v the_o write_n of_o the_o other_o apostle_n as_o such_o for_o he_o be_v convert_v and_o ordain_v to_o be_v a_o apostle_n in_o a_o more_o wonderful_a manner_n than_o they_o be_v as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o act_n 9_o and_o as_o our_o lord_n himself_o give_v witness_v to_o their_o divine_a mission_n so_o he_o do_v also_o to_o he_o act_v ix_o 15._o he_o be_v say_v our_o lord_n a_o choose_a vessel_n unto_o i_o to_o bear_v my_o name_n before_o the_o gentile_n and_o king_n and_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n to_o he_o also_o as_o well_o as_o to_o they_o etc._n act._n 20.22_o 25.27.10_o 22._o 2_o th._n 2.3_o etc._n etc._n 1_o tim._n 4.1_o etc._n etc._n 2_o tim._n 3.1_o etc._n etc._n the_o spirit_n foreshow_v thing_n to_o come_v several_a proof_n of_o which_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n and_o in_o his_o epistle_n and_o last_o his_o speech_n and_o his_o preach_v be_v 12.12_o 1_o cor._n 2.4_o 2_o cor._n 12.12_o as_o they_o in_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n in_o he_o all_o the_o sign_n of_o a_o apostle_n be_v see_v no_o less_o than_o in_o they_o viz._n sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o mighty_a deed_n and_o of_o he_o with_o barnabas_n in_o company_n 14.3_o act_n 14.3_o it_o be_v that_o st._n luke_n speak_v when_o he_o say_v that_o the_o lord_n give_v testimony_n to_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o grant_v sign_n and_o wonder_n to_o be_v do_v by_o their_o hand_n and_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n from_o the_o 10_o chapter_n to_o the_o end_n contain_v little_a else_o but_o a_o account_n of_o st._n paul_n preach_v and_o of_o the_o miracle_n that_o be_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n so_o that_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o gospel-history_n we_o can_v no_o more_o doubt_n of_o his_o divine_a mission_n and_o inspiration_n than_o we_o can_v of_o they_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o if_o they_o be_v apostle_n so_o be_v he_o that_o if_o they_o be_v minister_n of_o christ_n 12.11_o 2_o cor._n 11.23_o 2_o cor._n 11.5_o 2_o cor._n 12.11_o so_o be_v he_o too_o forasmuch_o as_o in_o nothing_o he_o be_v behind_o the_o very_o chief_a apostle_n so_o that_o consequent_o we_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v his_o write_n to_o be_v inspire_v as_o we_o have_v they_o and_o now_o by_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v i_o hope_v i_o have_v full_o make_v good_a the_o point_n i_o be_v to_o prove_v viz._n that_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v true_a they_o be_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v therein_o teach_v whether_o by_o christ_n himself_o or_o by_o his_o apostle_n for_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o they_o be_v send_v by_o god_n to_o instruct_v the_o world_n and_o to_o declare_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n and_o that_o they_o be_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v by_o their_o credential_n letter_n which_o we_o have_v now_o peruse_v and_o examine_v we_o can_v no_o more_o doubt_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o as_o the_o messenger_n and_o ambassador_n of_o god_n have_v deliver_v to_o we_o in_o his_o name_n than_o if_o we_o have_v hear_v god_n himself_o utter_v the_o same_o by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n so_o that_o i_o can_v but_o persuade_v myself_o that_o the_o proof_n which_o have_v be_v offer_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v any_o rational_a and_o consider_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o doctrine_n the_o falsity_n whereof_o be_v not_o notorious_a and_o self-evident_a and_o therefore_o this_o i_o think_v be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n be_v pretend_v by_o any_o person_n to_o justify_v his_o not_o receive_v the_o gospel_n as_o a_o divine_a revelation_n viz._n that_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o in_o some_o particular_n be_v such_o as_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o any_o proof_n at_o all_o because_o no_o argument_n can_v make_v a_o

part_n of_o my_o discourse_n and_o therefore_o shall_v lengthen_v it_o no_o further_o 6.9_o heb._n 6.9_o i_o be_o persuade_v better_a thing_n of_o you_o and_o thing_n that_o accompany_v salvation_n for_o your_o presence_n here_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n make_v it_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o you_o be_v already_o convince_v not_o only_o of_o the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n but_o likewise_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o the_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 2._o to_o you_o therefore_o who_o be_v christian_n i_o shall_v now_o turn_v my_o discourse_n 13.22_o heb._n 13.22_o and_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n suffer_v the_o word_n of_o exhortation_n it_o be_v only_o this_o since_o you_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v messenger_n to_o you_o from_o god_n to_o instruct_v you_o in_o his_o will_n receive_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o law_n at_o their_o mouth_n mind_n what_o they_o say_v and_o be_v careful_a to_o follow_v their_o direction_n in_o all_o thing_n for_o even_o we_o who_o have_v the_o scripture_n the_o lively_a oracle_n of_o god_n may_v perish_v for_o want_n of_o knowledge_n as_o well_o as_o they_o that_o have_v they_o not_o unless_o we_o make_v that_o use_v of_o they_o which_o they_o be_v give_v for_o unless_o we_o be_v diligent_a in_o read_v they_o and_o careful_a to_o practice_v what_o they_o teach_v for_o the_o rich_a man_n speak_v of_o in_o this_o parable_n have_v the_o scripture_n but_o his_o mere_a have_v they_o do_v not_o keep_v he_o from_o hell_n and_o his_o five_o survive_a brethren_n have_v likewise_o the_o scripture_n and_o yet_o be_v then_o in_o a_o fair_a way_n of_o follow_v their_o brother_n to_o that_o place_n of_o torment_n they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n but_o they_o do_v not_o hear_v they_o and_o this_o also_o may_v be_v our_o case_n who_o have_v not_o only_o these_o but_o also_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n preach_v to_o we_o if_o we_o do_v not_o hear_v they_o for_o what_o advantage_n can_v it_o be_v to_o we_o to_o have_v good_a instructor_n if_o we_o will_v not_o mind_v what_o they_o say_v if_o we_o stop_v our_o ear_n to_o all_o their_o counsel_n and_o reproof_n no_o man_n be_v ever_o make_v a_o scholar_n only_o by_o have_v a_o good_a library_n in_o his_o possession_n no_o man_n ever_o learn_v any_o art_n or_o science_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o well_o teach_v in_o any_o book_n only_o by_o keep_v the_o book_n in_o his_o chamber_n or_o carry_v it_o about_o in_o his_o pocket_n and_o as_o little_o shall_v we_o be_v the_o wise_a only_o by_o have_v the_o holy_a scripture_n though_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n 3.15_o 2_o tim._n 3.15_o if_o we_o do_v not_o read_v and_o study_v they_o with_o a_o honest_a design_n to_o furnish_v ourselves_o from_o thence_o with_o a_o stock_n of_o useful_a knowledge_n and_o with_o a_o firm_a resolution_n to_o lead_v our_o life_n according_a to_o the_o direction_n which_o they_o give_v we_o nay_o so_o far_o shall_v be_v from_o receive_v any_o advantage_n only_o by_o our_o have_v the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v we_o and_o free_a liberty_n allow_v we_o to_o look_v into_o they_o a_o privilege_n we_o of_o this_o nation_n have_v above_o most_o of_o our_o neighbour_n that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o read_v and_o study_v they_o it_o will_v be_v much_o the_o worse_o for_o we_o our_o condemnation_n will_v be_v the_o great_a and_o our_o destruction_n so_o much_o the_o more_o certain_a for_o the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o offend_v through_o ignorance_n when_o their_o ignorance_n be_v unaffected_a be_v very_o pitiable_a and_o though_o we_o can_v certain_o say_v how_o god_n will_v deal_v with_o those_o who_o have_v no_o clear_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n make_v to_o they_o this_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a of_o that_o god_n who_o be_v a_o merciful_a god_n will_v deal_v merciful_o with_o they_o 15.22_o john_n 15.22_o if_o i_o have_v not_o come_v and_o speak_v unto_o they_o say_v our_o saviour_n they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n but_o the_o case_n will_v be_v quite_o otherwise_o with_o those_o 12.47_o luke_n 12.47_o who_o know_v their_o master_n will_n and_o do_v not_o do_v it_o they_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n and_o it_o will_v be_v all_o one_o if_o they_o do_v not_o know_v it_o if_o their_o ignorance_n of_o it_o be_v occasion_v by_o their_o own_o fault_n in_o neglect_v those_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n which_o god_n have_v afford_v they_o and_o much_o rather_o if_o their_o ignorance_n of_o their_o duty_n be_v affect_v and_o choose_v that_o they_o may_v sin_n with_o less_o disturbance_n of_o mind_n for_o our_o saviour_n judgement_n in_o this_o case_n be_v very_o plain_a and_o and_o it_o be_v his_o judgement_n by_o which_o we_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v to_o all_o eternity_n joh._n iii._o 19_o this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil._n have_v therefore_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o also_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n continual_o preach_v to_o we_o in_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n let_v we_o hear_v they_o this_o be_v both_o our_o duty_n and_o our_o interest_n and_o that_o our_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v with_o good_a success_n and_o we_o may_v thereby_o be_v thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n let_v we_o pray_v as_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o our_o church_n in_o a_o most_o excellent_a collect_v suit_v to_o the_o subject_a i_o have_v be_v discourse_v of_o advent_n collect_v for_o 2d_o sunday_n in_o advent_n bless_a lord_n who_o have_v cause_v all_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n grant_v that_o we_o may_v in_o such_o wise_a hear_v they_o read_z mark_v learn_v and_o inward_o digest_v they_o that_o by_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o thy_o holy_a word_n we_o may_v embrace_v and_o ever_o hold_v 〈◊〉_d ●he_v bless_v hope_n of_o everlasting_a life_n which_o thou_o have_v give_v we_o 〈…〉_o ●ur_n jesus_n christ_n amen_n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la page_n 55._o line_n 10._o for_o some_o read_v same_o

gratify_v man_n in_o this_o unreasonable_a desire_n work_v every_o day_n new_a miracle_n before_o their_o eye_n or_o send_v their_o decease_a friend_n to_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a to_o assure_v they_o of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o to_o warn_v they_o to_o prepare_v for_o it_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o very_o few_o or_o none_o of_o those_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o be_v not_o bring_v to_o repentance_n by_o the_o preach_a and_o stand_v revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v persuade_v by_o this_o mean_n if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n nor_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a i._o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o the_o present_a stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o persuade_v man_n to_o repentance_n if_o they_o be_v not_o unreasonable_o blind_a and_o obstinate_a they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o and_o i_o think_v that_o if_o the_o stand_a revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v of_o his_o will_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n can_v upon_o any_o account_n be_v think_v insufficient_a to_o effect_v this_o design_n it_o must_v be_v upon_o one_o of_o these_o two_o account_n viz._n either_o 1._o because_o no_o stand_a revelation_n can_v be_v sufficient_a for_o this_o purpose_n or_o 2._o because_o there_o be_v some_o particular_a defect_n in_o that_o stand_a revelation_n which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o render_v it_o not_o so_o sufficient_a for_o this_o purpose_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a a_o stand_a revelation_n may_v be_v 1._o it_o may_v be_v pretend_v that_o no_o stand_a revelation_n can_v be_v sufficient_a for_o this_o purpose_n i_o be_o now_o therefore_o to_o inquire_v with_o what_o reason_n this_o can_v be_v pretend_v and_o in_o speak_v to_o this_o point_n it_o do_v not_o lie_v upon_o i_o to_o prove_v that_o god_n can_v not_o reveal_v his_o mind_n afresh_o to_o every_o man_n in_o every_o age_n of_o the_o world_n if_o he_o so_o please_v for_o there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o that_o the_o same_o god_n who_o in_o divers_a manner_n speak_v in_o time_n pass_v to_o our_o father_n by_o the_o prophet_n can_v if_o he_o please_v speak_v to_o every_o one_o of_o we_o their_o child_n in_o such_o manner_n as_o he_o then_o speak_v to_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o so_o that_o we_o may_v be_v all_o immediate_o teach_v of_o god_n as_o they_o be_v but_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v do_v be_v not_o expedient_a to_o be_v do_v and_o whether_o this_o method_n will_v be_v expedient_a or_o not_o will_v be_v hereafter_o inquire_v neither_o do_v it_o now_o lie_v upon_o i_o to_o prove_v that_o this_o way_n which_o god_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o take_v to_o instruct_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n viz._n by_o a_o stand_a revelation_n be_v the_o best_a way_n and_o the_o most_o like_a to_o be_v effectual_a of_o any_o that_o can_v be_v use_v of_o this_o i_o shall_v likewise_o have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v somewhat_o hereafter_o but_o what_o lie_v upon_o i_o at_o present_a to_o make_v good_a be_v only_o this_o that_o a_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n may_v be_v so_o well_o contrive_v and_o so_o well_o attest_v as_o to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v men._n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o ground_n for_o the_o contrary_a pretence_n i_o think_v it_o must_v be_v either_o 1._o because_o all_o matter_n necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o do_v by_o man_n at_o all_o time_n can_v at_o once_o be_v commit_v to_o write_v or_o 2._o because_o there_o can_v be_v sufficient_a evidence_n give_v to_o satisfy_v a_o rational_a man_n that_o any_o write_v that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o authority_n be_v indeed_o so_o 1._o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o all_o matter_n necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o do_v by_o man_n at_o all_o time_n can_v be_v at_o once_o commit_v to_o write_v because_o every_o age_n of_o the_o world_n produce_v new_a opinion_n which_o whether_o they_o be_v erroneous_a or_o not_o can_v be_v judge_v by_o a_o criterion_n that_o be_v give_v many_o age_n before_o these_o opinion_n be_v broach_v and_o as_o the_o world_n grow_v old_a in_o year_n it_o likewise_o improve_v in_o wickedness_n which_o can_v be_v restrain_v and_o suppress_v by_o a_o old_a law_n which_o be_v make_v before_o several_a instance_n of_o those_o wickedness_n that_o be_v now_o practise_v be_v either_o know_v or_o think_v of_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o what_o need_n will_v there_o be_v of_o such_o a_o number_n of_o book_n as_o be_v write_v in_o every_o age_n to_o direct_v man_n how_o to_o distinguish_v between_o truth_n and_o error_n and_o what_o opinion_n to_o fix_v upon_o in_o that_o great_a variety_n of_o opinion_n that_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o or_o what_o need_n will_v there_o be_v of_o so_o many_o new_a law_n as_o be_v daily_o make_v in_o every_o commonwealth_n to_o restrain_v the_o grow_a extravagance_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o within_o due_a bound_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o necessity_n at_o all_o of_o divine_a revelation_n to_o teach_v man_n the_o belief_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o righteousness_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o new_a and_o fresh_a revelation_n make_v at_o least_o as_o often_o as_o any_o new_a error_n be_v broach_v or_o any_o new_a piece_n of_o villainy_n be_v practise_v in_o the_o world_n but_o to_o this_o objection_n against_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o a_o stand_a revelation_n i_o suppose_v a_o full_a answer_n will_v be_v give_v in_o these_o two_o particular_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o argue_n from_o the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o man_n to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n it_o may_v be_v grant_v to_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o write_v such_o a_o book_n as_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o confute_v all_o the_o error_n that_o can_v possible_o at_o any_o time_n afterward_o spring_v up_o or_o to_o compile_v such_o a_o body_n of_o law_n as_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o prevent_v or_o punish_v all_o future_a crime_n but_o what_o be_v impossible_a with_o man_n may_v be_v possible_a with_o god_n who_o have_v a_o perfect_a foresight_n of_o all_o the_o error_n that_o will_v ever_o be_v broach_v and_o of_o all_o the_o wickedness_n that_o will_v ever_o be_v practise_v by_o man_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o a_o be_v of_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n it_o may_v be_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o very_o easy_a so_o to_o contrive_v a_o revelation_n design_v by_o he_o for_o the_o direction_n of_o future_a age_n that_o no_o addition_n shall_v ever_o after_o need_n to_o be_v make_v to_o it_o nay_o indeed_o 2._o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o be_v that_o a_o stand_a revelation_n shall_v be_v thus_o perfect_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o contrive_v at_o once_o and_o at_o first_o as_o to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o answer_v all_o the_o end_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n as_o long_o as_o the_o world_n shall_v last_v be_v not_o very_o hard_a to_o be_v conceive_v for_o though_o error_n be_v infinite_a truth_n at_o least_o all_o truth_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v be_v finite_a and_o limit_v and_o after_o a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v once_o give_v no_o more_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o after_o age_n than_o be_v at_o first_o nor_o will_v there_o ever_o be_v more_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n unless_o god_n shall_v please_v to_o add_v some_o new_a revelation_n to_o the_o former_a and_o this_o revelation_n of_o all_o necessary_a truth_n once_o make_v be_v give_v to_o man_n that_o be_v endue_v with_o reason_n nothing_o more_o be_v or_o ever_o will_v be_v needful_a for_o the_o discovery_n and_o confutation_n of_o all_o error_n that_o can_v possible_o spring_v up_o in_o after_o age_n but_o only_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o truth_n already_o deliver_v and_o a_o right_a use_n of_o reason_n in_o make_v inference_n and_o draw_v consequence_n therefrom_o and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o be_v pretend_v to_o by_o the_o book_n of_o controversy_n that_o be_v write_v in_o every_o age_n the_o design_n of_o they_o be_v not_o to_o declare_v new_a truth_n or_o to_o establish_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n but_o only_o to_o show_v that_o those_o opinion_n which_o they_o represent_v as_o false_a and_o erroneous_a be_v either_o in_o themselves_o or_o in_o their_o true_a consequence_n contrary_a to_o some_o maxim_n that_o be_v already_o receive_v as_o true_a and_o it_o be_v no_o

other_o matter_n that_o he_o have_v relate_v as_o of_o his_o own_o knowledge_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a there_o may_v be_v mistake_n in_o the_o sign_n and_o proof_n of_o the_o divine_a revelation_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o revelation_n its_o self_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o report_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o prophet_n himself_o or_o any_o other_o man_n who_o have_v report_v the_o miracle_n do_v by_o the_o prophet_n as_o matter_n of_o his_o own_o knowledge_n do_v imagine_v he_o see_v thing_n which_o he_o do_v not_o see_v and_o that_o he_o hear_v thing_n which_o he_o do_v not_o hear_v but_o if_o this_o be_v suppose_v possible_a that_o any_o man_n and_o much_o more_o that_o several_a man_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o report_n the_o organ_n of_o who_o sense_n be_v right_o dispose_v and_o who_o by_o all_o their_o other_o action_n and_o discourse_n appear_v to_o be_v sober_a and_o considerate_a and_o judicious_a shall_v yet_o in_o the_o day_n time_n and_o in_o a_o clear_a light_n and_o when_o they_o be_v sure_o they_o be_v broad_a awake_a be_v mistake_v in_o the_o plain_a matter_n of_o sense_n then_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o certainty_n in_o the_o world_n then_o they_o that_o make_v the_o objection_n can_v be_v no_o more_o sure_a of_o what_o they_o themselves_o see_v and_o hear_v than_o other_o man_n can_v be_v and_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o hold_v a_o argument_n with_o such_o as_o dare_v not_o believe_v their_o own_o eye_n and_o ear_n the_o only_a sense_n whereby_o i_o think_v such_o man_n can_v be_v convince_v must_v be_v feel_v and_o it_o will_v be_v well_o for_o they_o if_o they_o can_v carry_v the_o same_o scepticism_n with_o they_o into_o the_o other_o world_n and_o when_o they_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n can_v be_v able_a to_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o real_a or_o a_o paint_a fire_n whether_o they_o be_v torment_v in_o that_o flame_n or_o not_o leave_v these_o therefore_o to_o be_v convince_v in_o the_o other_o world_n as_o be_v i_o think_v not_o capable_a of_o conviction_n here_o i_o shall_v content_v myself_o with_o have_v say_v what_o i_o suppose_v be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v other_o that_o the_o witness_n of_o a_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n may_v be_v sure_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o witness_n and_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o god_n to_o speak_v so_o plain_o to_o man_n that_o they_o may_v be_v certain_a they_o have_v have_v a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o that_o such_o evidence_n may_v be_v give_v of_o the_o veracity_n of_o a_o author_n and_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o book_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v a_o reasonable_a man._n and_o by_o this_o and_o what_o be_v say_v before_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o a_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n may_v be_v so_o well_o contrive_v and_o so_o well_o attest_v as_o to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o effect_v its_o design_n viz._n to_o bring_v man_n to_o repentance_n whether_o the_o stand_a revelation_n which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v sufficient_a for_o this_o purpose_n will_v be_v matter_n of_o enquiry_n in_o the_o next_o discourse_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v may_v serve_v to_o dispose_v we_o to_o hear_v without_o prejudice_n the_o argument_n that_o may_v be_v offer_v to_o prove_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o 1._o if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o there_o may_v be_v such_o a_o stand_a revelation_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o there_o be_v one_o for_o from_o that_o natural_a notion_n that_o we_o have_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n it_o may_v be_v fair_o argue_v that_o he_o be_v not_o want_v to_o man_n in_o the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v not_o new_a revelation_n make_v every_o day_n it_o may_v be_v reasonable_o conclude_v that_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o there_o be_v already_o some_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n extant_a that_o be_v sufficient_a to_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n and_o 2._o if_o there_o be_v already_o any_o such_o stand_a revelation_n extant_a it_o may_v be_v strong_o presume_v that_o it_o be_v that_o which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o book_n that_o we_o know_v of_o which_o have_v such_o good_a evidence_n of_o divine_a authority_n and_o inspiration_n as_o that_o have_v let_v we_o then_o be_v prepare_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o religion_n with_o unprejudiced_a mind_n with_o a_o sincere_a love_n and_o desire_n of_o truth_n and_o with_o a_o resolution_n to_o hear_v reason_n and_o to_o be_v convince_v by_o it_o and_o above_o all_o which_o indeed_o be_v the_o best_a preparation_n for_o truth_n and_o the_o best_a security_n against_o error_n let_v we_o in_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o heart_n apply_v ourselves_o to_o god_n for_o his_o help_n and_o direction_n and_o that_o our_o prayer_n may_v be_v effectual_a let_v we_o be_v careful_a to_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o he_o by_o a_o conscientious_a discharge_n of_o all_o those_o duty_n of_o piety_n justice_n temperance_n and_o charity_n which_o be_v clear_o teach_v even_o by_o natural_a reason_n and_o be_v ready_o dispose_v to_o practice_v whatever_o else_o we_o shall_v learn_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n by_o any_o far_a illumination_n 7.17_o joh._n 7.17_o for_o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la in_o epist_n ded._n l._n 3._o r._n archbishop_n p._n 8._o l._n 31._o r._n forbear_v p._n 13._o l._n 19_o r._n he_o who_o p._n 14._o l._n 16._o r._n a_o book_n the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture-revelation_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral-church_n of_o st._n paul_n february_n the_o 5_o the_o 1699_o 700._o be_v the_o second_o for_o the_o year_n 1700_o of_o the_o lecture_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n by_o offspring_n blackall_n rector_n of_o st._n marry_o aldermary_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v by_o j._n leake_n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1700._o st._n luke_n xvi_o 29_o 30_o 31._o abraham_n say_v unto_o he_o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o and_o he_o say_v nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o first_o thing_n which_o i_o propound_v to_o do_v in_o discourse_v on_o these_o word_n be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o the_o present_a stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o persuade_v man_n to_o repentance_n if_o they_o be_v not_o unreasonable_o blind_a and_o obstinate_a they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n they_o have_v also_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o and_o if_o that_o stand_a revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o we_o of_o his_o will_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n can_v upon_o any_o account_n be_v think_v insufficient_a to_o effect_v this_o design_n it_o must_v be_v i_o think_v either_o 1._o because_o no_o stand_a revelation_n can_v be_v sufficient_a for_o this_o purpose_n or_o 2._o because_o there_o be_v some_o particular_a defect_n in_o that_o revelation_n which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o render_v it_o not_o so_o sufficient_a for_o this_o purpose_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a a_o stand_a revelation_n may_v be_v i_o have_v therefore_o in_o a_o former_a discourse_n upon_o these_o word_n endeavour_v to_o show_v in_o general_n that_o a_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n may_v be_v so_o well_o contrive_v and_o so_o well_o attest_v as_o to_o be_v sufficient_a for_o this_o purpose_n i_o proceed_v now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n 2._o to_o consider_v whether_o that_o stand_a revelation_n which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v such_o a_o revelation_n whether_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v man_n to_o repentance_n and_o full_o to_o direct_v they_o in_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n or_o whether_o there_o be_v not_o some_o particular_a defect_n in_o this_o revelation_n which_o render_v it_o not_o so_o sufficient_a for_o this_o purpose_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a a_o stand_a revelation_n may_v be_v and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o defect_n

the_o evil_a thing_n which_o it_o threaten_v to_o deter_v we_o from_o sin_n be_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o the_o great_a that_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o enjoy_v or_o suffer_v and_o consequent_o the_o most_o probable_a to_o raise_v our_o hope_n and_o to_o excite_v our_o fear_n to_o the_o high_a pitch_n for_o the_o argument_n that_o do_v most_o strong_o persuade_v we_o to_o any_o thing_n be_v from_o interest_n from_o the_o profit_n and_o advantage_n we_o shall_v reap_v by_o do_v it_o from_o the_o tendency_n it_o have_v to_o make_v we_o happy_a and_o happiness_n consist_v in_o be_v perfect_o free_a from_o all_o pain_n and_o trouble_v and_o vexation_n and_o in_o the_o full_a and_o free_a enjoyment_n of_o whatsoever_o be_v please_v and_o delightful_a to_o we_o but_o now_o both_o these_o the_o gospel_n give_v assurance_n of_o to_o all_o those_o that_o believe_v and_o obey_v it_o that_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v thereby_o be_v free_v from_o that_o intolerable_a pain_n and_o misery_n which_o the_o wicked_a and_o unbeliever_n shall_v be_v condemn_v to_o and_o also_o that_o they_o shall_v thereby_o be_v instate_v in_o the_o perfect_a and_o compleat_a happiness_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o a_o happiness_n far_o great_a than_o any_o they_o do_v or_o can_v enjoy_v now_o nay_o in_o a_o happiness_n much_o great_a than_o any_o they_o can_v now_o have_v so_o much_o as_o a_o conception_n or_o idea_n of_o in_o their_o mind_n 2.9_o 1_o cor._n 2.9_o for_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n the_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o but_o there_o be_v beside_o a_o remarkable_a circumstance_n which_o do_v much_o enhanse_v the_o value_n of_o any_o good_a and_o likewise_o much_o aggravate_v the_o evil_a of_o any_o pain_n or_o misery_n viz._n its_o duration_n for_o how_o great_a soever_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a propose_v to_o persuade_v we_o to_o any_o thing_n be_v in_o themselves_o yet_o if_o they_o be_v but_o of_o short_a continuance_n if_o they_o will_v soon_o expire_v and_o be_v at_o a_o end_n we_o reckon_v it_o not_o worth_a while_n to_o be_v at_o much_o pain_n to_o obtain_v such_o a_o short-lived_a good_a or_o to_o avoid_v such_o a_o transient_a evil_n but_o in_o this_o respect_n also_o the_o motive_n both_o of_o hope_n and_o of_o fear_n which_o the_o gospel_n propose_v to_o we_o do_v far_o surpass_v all_o those_o persuasive_n or_o inducement_n which_o sin_n can_v offer_v for_o the_o most_o we_o can_v hope_v to_o escape_v by_o the_o commission_n of_o any_o sin_n be_v the_o pain_n and_o suffer_v of_o a_o few_o week_n or_o year_n or_o a_o temporal_a death_n which_o last_o yet_o we_o can_v be_v so_o vain_a as_o to_o hope_v to_o escape_v clear_o for_o we_o can_v at_o most_o but_o delay_n it_o for_o a_o short_a season_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o great_a good_a we_o can_v propose_v to_o ourselves_o or_o so_o much_o as_o hope_v to_o obtain_v by_o any_o sin_n be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o short_a life_n in_o which_o hope_n man_n be_v likewise_o very_o often_o most_o sad_o disappoint_v their_o sinful_a gratification_n common_o bring_v with_o they_o or_o draw_v after_o they_o much_o more_o trouble_v and_o vexation_n even_o in_o this_o world_n than_o the_o little_a pleasure_n they_o can_v reap_v from_o they_o be_v sufficient_a to_o compensate_a for_o but_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o if_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n be_v certain_a and_o sincere_a yet_o they_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n they_o can_v be_v but_o short_a because_o our_o life_n its_o self_n be_v but_o short_a 4.14_o jam._n 4.14_o be_v as_o st._n james_n say_v a_o vapour_n which_o appear_v for_o a_o little_a time_n and_o then_o vanish_v away_o but_o the_o motive_n of_o both_o kind_n which_o the_o gospel_n propose_v have_v in_o this_o respect_n also_o that_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o duration_n of_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a propose_v all_o the_o advantage_n that_o be_v possible_a for_o the_o misery_n we_o shall_v escape_v and_o the_o blessedness_n we_o shall_v attain_v by_o yield_a belief_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n be_v both_o of_o they_o 20.10.14.11_o mark_v 9.46_o 48._o matth._n 25.46_o mark_v 3.29_o matth._n 18.8_o 2_o thess_n 1.9_o judas_n 13._o rev._n 20.10.14.11_o of_o eternal_a and_o endless_a duration_n a_o worm_n that_o never_o die_v a_o fire_n that_o never_o shall_v be_v quench_v everlasting_a punishment_n eternal_a damnation_n everlasting_a fire_n everlasting_a destruction_n the_o blackness_n of_o darkness_n for_o ever_o a_o lake_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n where_o they_o shall_v be_v torment_v day_n and_o night_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o and_o where_o the_o smoke_n of_o their_o torment_n ascend_v up_o for_o ever_o and_o ever_o these_o be_v the_o evil_n which_o the_o gospel_n threaten_v to_o sin_n and_o if_o these_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o deter_v man_n from_o it_o what_o can_v be_v sufficient_a what_o evil_a can_v that_o man_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v afraid_a of_o who_o be_v not_o afraid_a of_o everlasting_a burn_v a_o great_a evil_n can_v be_v threaten_v and_o he_o who_o be_v not_o scare_v by_o this_o will_v certain_o be_v less_o scare_v by_o the_o threaten_v of_o a_o less_o evil._n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n everlasting_a life_n a_o crown_n that_o fade_v not_o away_o a_o kingdom_n that_o can_v be_v move_v a_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n fullness_n of_o joy_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o pleasure_n for_o evermore_o at_o his_o right_a hand_n these_o be_v the_o good_a thing_n promise_v to_o obedience_n and_o can_v great_a thing_n be_v promise_v than_o these_o can_v we_o ourselves_o if_o we_o be_v put_v to_o desire_v what_o we_o will_v desire_v more_o and_o if_o the_o promise_n of_o unspeakable_a and_o everlasting_a blessedness_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o prevail_v with_o we_o to_o undertake_v a_o godly_a and_o christian_a life_n certain_o nothing_o can_v be_v sufficient_a if_o god_n shall_v make_v never_o so_o many_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o mankind_n he_o can_v not_o propose_v great_a encouragement_n to_o obedience_n than_o he_o have_v do_v already_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o those_o good_a thing_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v do_v not_o move_v we_o it_o be_v not_o because_o they_o be_v not_o great_a enough_o to_o move_v a_o wise_a and_o consider_a man_n but_o because_o we_o be_v so_o bend_v upon_o sin_n that_o we_o will_v not_o give_v way_n to_o any_o consideration_n that_o may_v serve_v to_o restrain_v we_o from_o it_o in_o a_o word_n the_o gospel_n motive_n to_o repentance_n and_o obedience_n comprehend_v all_o that_o we_o can_v fear_v or_o hope_n for_o so_o far_o therefore_o as_o fear_n or_o hope_n can_v work_v upon_o we_o there_o be_v plain_o nothing_o want_v in_o that_o stand_a revelation_n that_o god_n have_v make_v of_o his_o will_n by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o especial_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o make_v it_o successful_a that_o be_v to_o persuade_v man_n to_o repentance_n if_o they_o will_v but_o hear_v what_o they_o say_v and_o give_v credit_n to_o it_o but_o it_o be_v not_o perhaps_o the_o infidel_n will_v say_v a_o better_a rule_n that_o they_o want_v than_o the_o scripture_n be_v or_o better_a motive_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o lead_v their_o life_n according_a to_o it_o than_o the_o scripture_n propose_v but_o what_o they_o chief_o want_v be_v some_o better_a evidence_n some_o great_a certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n this_o therefore_o be_v what_o i_o propound_v to_o do_v in_o the_o next_o place_n viz._n to_o show_v that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n give_v we_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o consequent_o of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v teach_v by_o it_o but_o because_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o point_n will_v take_v up_o too_o much_o time_n i_o shall_v choose_v to_o defer_v it_o and_o conclude_v this_o present_a discourse_n with_o a_o earnest_a exhortation_n to_o all_o those_o that_o do_v sincere_o believe_v the_o gospel_n to_o consider_v often_o and_o serious_o of_o those_o great_a motive_n which_o it_o propose_v to_o persuade_v men._n for_o though_o we_o live_v in_o a_o age_n of_o great_a infidelity_n wherein_o some_o be_v bold_a enough_o to_o strike_v at_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o to_o dispute_v at_o least_o if_o not_o deny_v the_o most_o evident_a and_o undeniable_a truth_n of_o it_o and_o other_o think_v they_o pay_v respect_n enough_o to_o the_o common_a reason_n and_o judgement_n of_o mankind_n if_o they_o do_v but_o grant_v themselves_o to_o be_v deist_n and_o wherein_o even_o among_o those_o that_o

will_v be_v neither_o a_o gainer_n nor_o a_o loser_n but_o the_o profit_n or_o the_o damage_n will_v be_v all_o your_o own_o it_o be_v plain_o your_o interest_n as_o well_o as_o your_o duty_n to_o give_v credit_n to_o such_o evidence_n as_o real_o and_o in_o itself_o be_v credible_a and_o such_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o to_o be_v which_o be_v give_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o not_o to_o set_v yourselves_o to_o cavil_v at_o it_o and_o to_o study_v exception_n to_o it_o not_o to_o take_v upon_o you_o to_o prescribe_v to_o god_n almighty_a and_o bold_o to_o tell_v he_o what_o sort_n of_o evidence_n he_o must_v give_v you_o or_o else_o you_o will_v not_o be_v satisfy_v do_v not_o then_o stand_v in_o your_o own_o light_n do_v not_o bring_v destruction_n upon_o yourselves_o when_o you_o may_v avoid_v it_o but_o give_v ear_n to_o what_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n speak_v to_o you_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o hear_v they_o without_o prejudice_n with_o a_o mind_n ready_a to_o hearken_v to_o reason_n and_o resolve_v to_o be_v persuade_v by_o it_o and_o than_o what_o they_o will_v say_v to_o you_o will_v be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v you_o for_o they_o say_v as_o much_o in_o this_o case_n or_o more_o as_o by_o the_o common_a voice_n and_o reason_n of_o all_o mankind_n be_v judge_v to_o be_v sufficient_a in_o all_o other_o case_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n but_o if_o you_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o be_v persuade_v so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v any_o possibility_n of_o doubt_n or_o scruple_n leave_v if_o you_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o believe_v unless_o you_o may_v have_v just_a that_o very_a evidence_n give_v you_o that_o you_o yourselves_o be_v please_v to_o require_v if_o you_o will_v bold_o and_o arrogant_o take_v upon_o you_o to_o teach_v god_n as_o if_o he_o know_v it_o not_o what_o evidence_n he_o ought_v to_o give_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o be_v resolve_v to_o find_v or_o make_v exception_n against_o any_o other_o look_v you_o to_o it_o for_o if_o god_n have_v do_v enough_o already_o he_o be_v under_o no_o manner_n of_o obligation_n to_o do_v more_o more_o do_v i_o say_v nay_o he_o need_v not_o to_o have_v do_v so_o much_o for_o it_o be_v mere_a grace_n and_o favour_n in_o god_n that_o he_o have_v do_v so_o much_o as_o he_o have_v do_v that_o he_o have_v make_v we_o any_o promise_n at_o all_o and_o give_v we_o any_o assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o for_o what_o he_o have_v do_v we_o ought_v to_o be_v thankful_a and_o not_o to_o find_v fault_n with_o he_o that_o he_o have_v do_v no_o more_o such_o impudence_n and_o sauciness_n as_o this_o for_o i_o can_v call_v it_o by_o no_o better_a a_o name_n from_o a_o man_n to_o his_o maker_n from_o a_o mean_a inconsiderable_a creature_n to_o the_o great_a lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v i_o be_o sure_o no_o proper_a qualification_n to_o merit_v extraordinary_a and_o peculiar_a favour_n for_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o some_o in_o a_o like_a case_n to_o some_o who_o former_o make_v the_o like_a unreasonable_a demand_n that_o you_o now_o do_v 8.12_o matth._n 12.39_o mark_v 8.12_o it_o be_v a_o evil_a and_o adulterous_a generation_n that_o seek_v after_o a_o sign_n and_o therefore_o there_o shall_v no_o sign_n be_v give_v very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o there_o shall_v no_o sign_n be_v give_v to_o this_o generation_n let_v we_o then_o be_v content_a with_o that_o assurance_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n for_o great_a than_o this_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v till_o it_o be_v too_o late_o let_v we_o thankful_o accept_v of_o and_o ready_o comply_v with_o this_o and_o not_o expect_v or_o wait_v for_o more_o for_o god_n will_v not_o gratify_v we_o in_o our_o unreasonable_a desire_n he_o be_v resolve_v to_o deal_v with_o we_o as_o with_o man_n to_o incline_v not_o to_o determine_v our_o choice_n to_o persuade_v not_o to_o force_v we_o to_o be_v happy_a and_o have_v already_o give_v we_o the_o stand_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v sufficient_a both_o to_o instruct_v and_o convince_v we_o and_o have_v prove_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o sufficient_o to_o we_o he_o will_v not_o be_v make_v new_a revelation_n or_o send_v more_o prophet_n divine_o inspire_v or_o work_v fresh_a miracle_n every_o day_n he_o have_v do_v enough_o already_o to_o satisfy_v our_o sober_a judgement_n and_o he_o will_v not_o do_v every_o thing_n that_o we_o can_v think_v of_o to_o gratify_v our_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a fancy_n and_o there_o be_v the_o less_o reason_n that_o he_o shall_v do_v so_o because_o if_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n which_o he_o use_v for_o our_o conversion_n do_v not_o succeed_v the_o fault_n lie_v whole_o in_o we_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a so_o certain_a that_o it_o need_v not_o be_v try_v that_o any_o other_o mean_v proper_a for_o god_n to_o use_v to_o reclaim_v we_o will_v be_v alike_o unsuccessful_a if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a this_o be_v the_o last_o reply_n that_o abraham_n make_v to_o the_o rich_a man_n request_n and_o it_o be_v the_o three_o of_o those_o three_o point_n which_o i_o at_o first_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o but_o which_o i_o must_v reserve_v for_o the_o subject_a of_o my_o next_o discourse_n finis_fw-la new_a revelation_n will_v probable_o be_v unsuccesful_a a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral-church_n of_o st._n paul_n november_n four_o 1700._o be_v the_o eight_o for_o the_o year_n 1700_o of_o the_o lecture_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n by_o offspring_n blackall_n d._n d._n rector_n of_o st._n marry_o aldermary_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v by_o j._n leake_n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1700._o st._n luke_n xvi_o 29_o 30_o 31._o abraham_n say_v unto_o he_o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o and_o he_o say_v nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a in_o discourse_v on_o these_o word_n i_o have_v already_o do_v these_o two_o thing_n i._o i_o have_v show_v that_o the_o present_a stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o persuade_v man_n to_o repentance_n if_o they_o be_v not_o unreasonable_o blind_a and_o obstinate_a this_o be_v intimate_v in_o the_o first_o verse_n of_o the_o text_n they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o and_o ii_o i_o have_v likewise_o show_v that_o have_v already_o such_o good_a ground_n of_o faith_n such_o full_a direction_n for_o practice_n and_o such_o strong_a motive_n to_o repentance_n it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o desire_v more_o this_o be_v what_o the_o rich_a man_n have_v do_v at_o the_o 27_o and_o 28_o verse_n and_o which_o he_o still_o continue_v to_o do_v in_o the_o 2d_o verse_n of_o the_o text_n even_o after_o abraham_n have_v tell_v he_o that_o the_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v sufficient_a nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v he_o say_v it_o positive_o they_o will_v repent_v he_o speak_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n that_o no_o doubt_n can_v be_v make_v of_o in_o answer_n to_o which_o therefore_o abraham_n tell_v he_o in_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o text_n that_o that_o which_o he_o think_v so_o very_o certain_a be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o probable_a if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o this_o be_v the_o three_o point_n i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o in_o discourse_v on_o these_o word_n viz._n iii_o to_o show_v that_o in_o case_n god_n shall_v condescend_v to_o gratify_v man_n in_o this_o unreasonable_a desire_n work_v every_o day_n new_a miracle_n before_o their_o eye_n or_o send_v their_o decease_a friend_n to_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a to_o assure_v they_o of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o to_o warn_v they_o to_o prepare_v for_o it_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o very_o few_o or_o none_o of_o those_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o be_v not_o bring_v to_o repentance_n by_o the_o preach_a and_o

stand_v revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v persuade_v by_o this_o mean_n if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n i_o add_v nor_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o will_n i_o suppose_v sufficient_o appear_v if_o these_o follow_a thing_n be_v consider_v 1._o that_o we_o can_v have_v better_a or_o strong_a motive_n to_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n than_o be_v already_o offer_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o persuade_v we_o 2._o that_o the_o proof_n and_o evidence_n already_o give_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v such_o as_o can_v be_v fair_o except_v against_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o proof_n thereof_o that_o can_v be_v offer_v but_o what_o be_v liable_a to_o cavil_n and_o unreasonable_a exception_n 3._o that_o if_o god_n shall_v gratify_v all_o man_n in_o this_o request_n the_o abundance_n and_o commonness_n of_o the_o miracle_n that_o must_v then_o be_v wrought_v will_v go_v near_o to_o destroy_v the_o efficacy_n and_o persuasiveness_n thereof_o and_o last_o that_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o experience_n that_o new_a miracle_n have_v be_v general_o unsuccessful_a upon_o those_o who_o have_v not_o hearken_v to_o nor_o be_v convince_v by_o a_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will._n 1._o i_o say_v we_o can_v possible_o have_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o strong_a motive_n to_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n than_o those_o which_o be_v already_o offer_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o persuade_v we_o for_o there_o we_o have_v life_n and_o death_n set_v before_o we_o blessing_n and_o curse_v on_o one_o hand_n the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n all_o the_o evil_n that_o we_o can_v just_o dread_a the_o wrath_n of_o he_o who_o be_v a_o consume_a fire_n who_o often_o punish_v transgressor_n with_a remarkable_a judgement_n in_o this_o life_n and_o have_v threaten_v to_o all_o impenitent_a sinner_n eternal_a torment_n in_o the_o next_o now_o if_o a_o new_a revelation_n be_v to_o be_v make_v and_o we_o ourselves_o be_v to_o contrive_v the_o matter_n of_o it_o what_o strong_a motive_n than_o these_o can_v we_o think_v of_o or_o if_o one_o shall_v come_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o preach_v to_o we_o if_o lazarus_n be_v send_v on_o purpose_n to_o persuade_v we_o what_o can_v he_o offer_v more_o towards_o it_o can_v he_o give_v we_o assurance_n of_o any_o thing_n better_o or_o more_o desirable_a than_o of_o god_n readiness_n to_o forgive_v we_o upon_o our_o repentance_n and_o of_o complete_a and_o perfect_a happiness_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n to_o all_o eternity_n if_o we_o do_v repent_v or_o can_v he_o threaten_v any_o thing_n more_o like_a to_o deter_v we_o from_o sin_n than_o intolerable_a and_o everlasting_a misery_n if_o not_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v he_o be_v send_v to_o we_o or_o indeed_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v there_o be_v any_o new_a revelation_n at_o all_o for_o these_o thing_n be_v already_o promise_v and_o threaten_v clear_o enough_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n life_n and_o immortality_n be_v already_o full_o bring_v to_o light_n by_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n and_o if_o the_o dread_a of_o everlasting_a and_o intolerable_a torment_n will_v not_o persuade_v we_o nothing_o certain_o will_n or_o can_v persuade_v we_o all_o that_o i_o think_v can_v in_o any_o new_a revelation_n be_v add_v to_o that_o encouragement_n that_o be_v already_o give_v we_o in_o scripture_n to_o virtue_n and_o godliness_n or_o to_o that_o discouragement_n that_o be_v therein_o give_v as_o to_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n will_v be_v a_o assurance_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v always_o as_o remarkable_a a_o difference_n make_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n between_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n in_o this_o world_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v in_o scripture_n there_o will_v be_v by_o his_o righteous_a judgement_n in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o a_o good_a assurance_n give_v we_o of_o this_o by_o some_o new_a revelation_n confirm_v by_o our_o own_o constant_a observation_n that_o it_o be_v always_o well_o with_o the_o righteous_a and_o ill_a with_o the_o wicked_a in_o this_o world_n we_o may_v think_v perhaps_o will_v do_v much_o more_o towards_o the_o reformation_n of_o mankind_n than_o only_o those_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o future_a happiness_n or_o misery_n that_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o scripture_n have_v do_v or_o be_v ever_o like_a to_o do_v and_o this_o indeed_o may_v be_v but_o then_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o a_o new_a revelation_n to_o this_o effect_n will_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n and_o will_v frustrate_v the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o send_v we_o into_o this_o world_n which_o be_v to_o prove_v and_o try_v we_o to_o see_v whether_o we_o love_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n whether_o we_o can_v believe_v he_o for_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v not_o see_v and_o whether_o we_o be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o prefer_v a_o great_a future_a good_n before_o a_o less_o that_o be_v present_a a_o bless_a and_o glorious_a immortality_n after_o this_o life_n before_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o season_n for_o if_o the_o reward_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o vice_n be_v always_o visible_a and_o present_a there_o will_v be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o faith_n in_o god_n which_o be_v a_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o promise_n and_o threaten_n though_o we_o do_v not_o see_v a_o present_a performance_n of_o they_o 11.1_o heb._n 11.1_o faith_n as_o the_o apostle_n define_v it_o be_v the_o substance_n or_o loc._n or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hom._n in_o loc._n confident_a expectation_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o the_o evidence_n or_o 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d conviction_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v and_o if_o all_o the_o good_a thing_n both_o of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o the_o next_o be_v the_o certain_a portion_n of_o virtue_n and_o all_o the_o evil_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v suffer_v both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o the_o other_o be_v the_o certain_a and_o never-failing_a consequence_n of_o sin_n there_o will_v be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o a_o virtuous_a and_o wise_a choice_n nay_o indeed_o there_o will_v be_v hardly_o matter_n for_o choice_n at_o all_o for_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v that_o a_o creature_n that_o have_v understanding_n and_o a_o power_n of_o choose_v and_o refuse_v shall_v know_o choose_v all_o misery_n rather_o than_o all_o happiness_n such_o a_o revelation_n as_o this_o be_v therefore_o so_o evident_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n and_o with_o the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o send_v we_o into_o this_o world_n can_v be_v expect_v and_o i_o say_v that_o bate_v this_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o add_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o scripture_n revelation_n from_o whence_o therefore_o it_o plain_o follow_v that_o such_o as_o be_v not_o persuade_v by_o the_o gospel_n motive_n to_o repentance_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v persuade_v by_o any_o such_o motive_n as_o consistent_o with_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n and_o virtue_n can_v be_v offer_v to_o they_o and_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o any_o true_a divine_a revelation_n shall_v ever_o offer_v any_o motive_n to_o persuade_v we_o that_o be_v not_o such_o but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v perhaps_o that_o though_o better_a or_o strong_a motive_n to_o repentance_n can_v be_v offer_v by_o any_o new_a revelation_n than_o be_v offer_v already_o in_o holy_a scripture_n yet_o we_o may_v by_o a_o new_a revelation_n have_v better_a assurance_n give_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n motive_n and_o that_o if_o we_o have_v it_o be_v very_o like_a they_o will_v be_v then_o more_o prevail_a than_o they_o now_o be_v and_o this_o likewise_o i_o believe_v must_v be_v grant_v but_o then_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n and_o of_o that_o state_n of_o trial_n which_o we_o be_v now_o in_o require_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o reasonable_a boundary_a set_v to_o the_o clearness_n of_o that_o evidence_n that_o be_v give_v to_o man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o motive_n whereby_o they_o be_v to_o be_v persuade_v as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o force_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o motive_n themselves_o because_o as_o i_o note_v in_o my_o last_o discourse_n such_o very_a clear_a and_o strong_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n as_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o a_o possibility_n of_o doubt_v will_v destroy_v

his_o grave_a and_o appear_v to_o they_o which_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n that_o the_o rich_a man_n here_o desire_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o his_o brethren_n as_o be_v in_o his_o judgement_n the_o most_o powerful_a and_o so_o like_a to_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a method_n to_o reclaim_v they_o when_o i_o say_v this_o be_v do_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o great_a number_n so_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n can_v not_o be_v doubt_v and_o be_v not_o deny_v by_o any_o of_o they_o all_o the_o effect_n that_o it_o have_v upon_o those_o obstinate_a and_o incredulous_a man_n be_v only_o that_o it_o make_v they_o enter_v present_o soon_o perhaps_o then_o otherwise_o they_o will_v have_v do_v into_o a_o close_a consultation_n to_o put_v to_o death_n both_o jesus_n and_o lazarus_n too_o some_o example_n indeed_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v there_o be_v on_o the_o other_o side_n for_o we_o be_v tell_v in_o act_n xi_o 41._o of_o a_o great_a number_n about_o three_o thousand_o that_o believe_v upon_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o st._n peter_n and_o sight_n of_o that_o great_a miracle_n the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n wherewith_o the_o apostle_n be_v endue_v but_o than_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o miracle_n that_o convince_v they_o i_o mean_v not_o that_o alone_o for_o many_o that_o be_v then_o present_a 13._o verse_n 13._o and_o hear_v the_o apostle_n speak_v with_o tongue_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v persuade_v thereby_o that_o they_o most_o false_o blaspheme_v that_o as_o they_o have_v do_v all_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n before_o attribute_v the_o fruit_n of_o that_o most_o evident_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o new_a wine_n and_o it_o may_v be_v further_o note_v that_o those_o who_o be_v persuade_v by_o it_o be_v such_o as_o before_o they_o see_v the_o miracle_n be_v in_o a_o good_a disposition_n to_o embrace_v that_o pure_a religion_n that_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o gospel_n or_o else_o that_o miracle_n will_v not_o have_v persuade_v they_o for_o the_o person_n convince_v thereby_o be_v not_o of_o the_o pharisee_n or_o unbelieving_a jew_n that_o have_v reject_v our_o saviour_n before_o 5._o verse_n 5._o but_o they_o be_v devout_a person_n jew_n or_o proselyte_n who_o have_v come_v at_o that_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n from_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o jerusalem_n to_o worship_n and_o who_o have_v probable_o never_o hear_v of_o our_o saviour_n before_o more_o than_o by_o uncertain_a report_n but_o be_v well_o read_v in_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o give_v good_a heed_n to_o they_o be_v convert_v more_o by_o the_o manifest_a accomplishment_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n in_o the_o person_n of_o our_o saviour_n than_o by_o the_o sight_n of_o that_o great_a miracle_n this_o therefore_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o experience_n what_o have_v be_v do_v and_o come_v to_o pass_v already_o that_o new_a miracle_n have_v be_v general_o unsuccessful_a upon_o such_o as_o have_v not_o regard_v a_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n we_o may_v reasonable_o infer_v that_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a if_o not_o certain_a that_o the_o same_o experiment_n try_v over_o again_o will_v have_v no_o better_a success_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o therefore_o be_v this_o such_o as_o be_v as_o st._n luke_n say_v they_o be_v who_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o preach_a and_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d predisposed_a or_o fit_v for_o eternal_a life_n 13.46_o act_n 13.46_o that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v modest_a and_o teachable_a who_o hear_v without_o prejudice_n and_o judge_v without_o partiality_n and_o have_v no_o interest_n of_o sin_n or_o the_o world_n that_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o their_o desire_n to_o obtain_v everlasting_a happiness_n such_o as_o inquire_v out_o the_o truth_n with_o the_o same_o indifference_n that_o a_o traveller_n do_v his_o way_n who_o have_v no_o inclination_n to_o one_o way_n more_o than_o to_o another_o but_o only_o desire_v to_o be_v direct_v right_a and_o be_v resolve_v to_o take_v that_o way_n which_o he_o be_v persuade_v be_v the_o right_n though_o it_o shall_v not_o prove_v so_o very_o clean_a and_o smooth_a and_o pleasant_a as_o he_o hope_v it_o will_v such_o i_o say_v as_o be_v of_o this_o honest_a and_o docible_a mind_n will_v be_v persuade_v by_o a_o good_a reason_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v as_o good_a as_o the_o matter_n be_v capable_a of_o though_o it_o fall_v short_a of_o demonstration_n and_o if_o there_o be_v reason_n or_o appearance_n of_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n they_o will_v judge_v on_o that_o side_n on_o which_o the_o reason_n seem_v most_o weighty_a and_o for_o the_o conviction_n of_o such_o as_o these_o the_o stand_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o well_o prove_v as_o it_o be_v be_v abundant_o sufficient_a so_o that_o such_o shall_v not_o need_v new_a miracle_n or_o new_a revelation_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n such_o as_o only_o do_v need_v they_o that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v of_o perverse_a mind_n and_o stubborn_a will_n and_o devote_v to_o sin_n will_v not_o hearken_v to_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n nor_o to_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n will_v very_o probable_o receive_v no_o benefit_n from_o new_a miracle_n or_o new_a revelation_n for_o nothing_o will_v serve_v to_o convince_v those_o who_o will_v not_o be_v convince_v at_o all_o no_o argument_n can_v be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v a_o man_n to_o that_o which_o he_o be_v strong_o prejudice_v and_o full_o resolve_v against_o and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o all_o those_o who_o do_v not_o hear_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n preach_v to_o they_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o be_v not_o persuade_v by_o they_o we_o may_v well_o conclude_v with_o abraham_n in_o the_o text_n that_o any_o other_o mean_n that_o may_v be_v use_v to_o reclaim_v they_o will_v most_o probable_o prove_v as_o ineffectual_a as_o this_o have_v be_v and_o that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o now_o have_v show_v that_o the_o present_a stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v and_o persuade_v man_n have_v also_o show_v that_o more_o proof_n and_o evidence_n than_o we_o have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n can_v reasonable_o be_v desire_v and_o have_v likewise_o show_v that_o any_o other_o proof_n or_o evidence_n thereof_o will_v probable_o be_v ineffectual_a upon_o those_o who_o will_v not_o hear_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n preach_v to_o they_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i_o have_v finish_v all_o that_o i_o propose_v to_o do_v in_o discourse_v on_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v conclude_v all_o with_o a_o useful_a exhortation_n first_o to_o infidel_n who_o will_v not_o by_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v be_v persuade_v to_o admit_v this_o divine_a revelation_n and_o second_o to_o christian_n who_o do_v receive_v it_o 1._o to_o you_o who_o be_v yet_o infidel_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o here_o as_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v not_o or_o if_o these_o discourse_n shall_v happen_v to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o any_o such_o i_o beg_v leave_n to_o address_v myself_o in_o a_o few_o word_n and_o i_o will_v desire_v you_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v your_o mind_n to_o hear_v grave_o and_o without_o prejudice_n the_o reason_n that_o be_v offer_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n by_o consider_v serious_o the_o great_a importance_n of_o religion_n if_o it_o be_v true_a and_o if_o you_o do_v but_o consider_v this_o you_o will_v quick_o see_v that_o it_o be_v well_o worth_a your_o while_n to_o be_v at_o some_o pain_n to_o satisfy_v yourselves_o full_o whether_o religion_n be_v true_a or_o not_o for_o if_o religion_n be_v true_a and_o you_o can_v be_v sure_a it_o be_v not_o till_o you_o have_v well_o examine_v the_o ground_n and_o proof_n of_o it_o you_o have_v a_o great_a concern_v at_o stake_n and_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o moment_n it_o become_v not_o a_o wise_a man_n to_o be_v determine_v by_o a_o jest_n or_o a_o quibble_n and_o if_o you_o serious_o consider_v the_o great_a importance_n of_o religion_n you_o will_v likewise_o ready_o see_v that_o of_o the_o two_o you_o have_v much_o better_o be_v mistake_v in_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n though_o it_o be_v false_a than_o in_o disbelieve_v it_o if_o indeed_o it_o be_v true_a so_o that_o consequent_o if_o it_o can_v ever_o be_v reasonable_a for_o a_o wise_a man_n to_o be_v under_o a_o prejudice_n it_o will_v be_v most_o