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 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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 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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 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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
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 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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 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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 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and_o we_o do_v not_o take_v care_n to_o avoid_v it_o our_o lot_n will_v be_v extreme_o miserable_a and_o we_o shall_v be_v torment_v day_n and_o night_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o in_o the_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n and_o when_o we_o consider_v withal_o the_o very_a little_a trouble_n in_o comparison_n that_o it_o will_v cost_v we_o to_o attain_v that_o and_o to_o avoid_v this_o that_o it_o be_v but_o the_o labour_n of_o a_o few_o year_n and_o that_o the_o most_o we_o can_v suffer_v by_o it_o be_v the_o loss_n of_o a_o little_a sensual_a pleasure_n for_o which_o after_o this_o life_n be_v over_o we_o shall_v be_v never_o the_o better_a or_o the_o endure_a of_o some_o little_a pain_n or_o hardship_n which_o will_v be_v soon_o over_o and_o for_o which_o if_o no_o good_a shall_v ever_o come_v of_o it_o after_o this_o life_n we_o shall_v however_o be_v then_o never_o the_o worse_o consider_v i_o say_v thus_o the_o infinite_o vast_a and_o wide_a difference_n that_o there_o be_v between_o be_v eternal_o happy_a and_o eternal_o miserable_a it_o be_v enough_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a it_o be_v more_o than_o enough_o that_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o there_o will_v be_v such_o a_o state_n and_o if_o we_o neglect_v to_o make_v provision_n for_o it_o because_o we_o be_v not_o absolute_o certain_a that_o it_o will_v be_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o do_v not_o act_v so_o prudent_o in_o this_o as_o we_o do_v in_o other_o case_n that_o be_v of_o infinite_o less_o moment_n and_o concern_v to_o we_o and_o that_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v the_o child_n of_o tâ—â—_n world_n be_v in_o their_o generation_n wise_a than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n now_o this_o be_v the_o most_o that_o the_o profess_a atheist_n or_o infidel_n can_v pretend_v they_o will_v say_v perhaps_o that_o for_o their_o own_o part_n they_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n or_o a_o judgement_n or_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o that_o they_o do_v not_o see_v any_o 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for_o ever_o and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v eternal_o happy_a or_o eternal_o miserable_a this_o possibility_n alone_o consider_v what_o a_o infinite_a difference_n there_o be_v between_o these_o two_o state_n ought_v in_o reason_n to_o put_v we_o upon_o take_v the_o best_a care_n we_o can_v that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o eternal_a life_n we_o may_v be_v eternal_o happy_a in_o it_o but_o after_o all_o our_o proof_n of_o this_o and_o other_o great_a truth_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v not_o so_o very_o weak_a and_o slender_a as_o these_o man_n will_v represent_v it_o it_o be_v indeed_o as_o good_a as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v bear_v and_o he_o be_v a_o unreasonable_a man_n that_o require_v a_o better_a proof_n of_o any_o thing_n than_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o this_o therefore_o be_v what_o i_o shall_v now_o in_o the_o next_o place_n proceed_v to_o do_v viz._n 3._o to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o scripture_n wherein_o these_o truth_n be_v plain_o teach_v but_o this_o be_v too_o large_a a_o subject_a to_o be_v handle_v now_o i_o have_v already_o say_v i_o will_v defer_v it_o to_o the_o next_o opportunity_n finis_fw-la the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture-revelation_n as_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o part_n i._n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral-church_n of_o st._n paul_n march_v the_o 4_o the_o 1699_o 700._o be_v the_o three_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 have_v in_o my_o first_o discourse_n on_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 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 i_o come_v the_o last_o time_n 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 or_o whether_o there_o be_v not_o some_o particular_a defect_n in_o it_o 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 in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o must_v be_v as_o i_o say_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 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 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 propound_v to_o 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 it_o 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 that_o be_v teach_v by_o it_o and_o the_o two_o first_o of_o these_o i_o have_v already_o do_v i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o three_o viz._n 3._o to_o show_v that_o 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of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v write_v by_o those_o person_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n thereof_o 2._o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v full_a credit_n to_o they_o in_o their_o relation_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o have_v record_v and_o 3._o that_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_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 these_o thing_n therefore_o i_o shall_v now_o endeavour_v to_o make_v good_a but_o in_o speak_v to_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v for_o brevity_n sake_n confine_v my_o discourse_n only_o to_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n partly_o because_o these_o be_v the_o book_n wherein_o our_o christian_a religion_n be_v chief_o teach_v and_o especial_o because_o i_o think_v there_o be_v none_o who_o receive_v the_o new_a testament_n as_o of_o divine_a authority_n that_o do_v or_o â—ndeed_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n reject_v the_o old_a 1._o then_o i_o be_o to_o show_v that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o particular_a be_v write_v by_o those_o person_n that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n thereof_o this_o indeed_o be_v a_o point_n that_o it_o do_v not_o proper_o lie_v upon_o we_o to_o make_v any_o proof_n of_o for_o as_o a_o man_n possession_n of_o a_o estate_n be_v alone_o a_o good_a and_o a_o sufficient_a title_n to_o it_o till_o a_o better_a be_v show_v by_o the_o person_n that_o endeavour_v to_o eject_v he_o so_o it_o be_v here_o these_o book_n be_v general_o receive_v as_o write_v by_o such_o and_o such_o person_n these_o author_n have_v the_o name_n these_o have_v as_o it_o be_v â—he_v possession_n of_o they_o and_o that_o be_v title_n enough_o if_o no_o other_o can_v be_v produce_v so_o long_o as_o no_o evidence_n be_v offer_v to_o show_v that_o any_o other_o person_n have_v a_o better_a title_n â—o_o they_o it_o lie_v on_o they_o therefore_o who_o deny_v that_o the_o book_n be_v they_o to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o what_o they_o say_v â—ither_o by_o allege_v some_o special_a matter_n out_o of_o the_o book_n themselves_o whereby_o it_o may_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o can_v â—ot_n be_v of_o their_o write_n or_o by_o produce_v some_o credible_a and_o authentic_a history_n testify_v that_o they_o be_v write_v by_o some_o other_o person_n and_o not_o by_o they_o and_o â—ill_v they_o can_v and_o shall_v do_v this_o which_o i_o be_o persuade_v â—an_v never_o be_v do_v we_o may_v very_o well_o refuse_v to_o produce_v any_o positive_a evidence_n to_o affirm_v or_o prove_v their_o title_n their_o possession_n be_v a_o good_a title_n enough_o till_o a_o better_a appear_v and_o a_o tenant_n may_v with_o as_o good_a reason_n refuse_v to_o pay_v rend_v to_o the_o person_n of_o who_o he_o â—ook_v the_o estate_n and_o to_o who_o he_o have_v ever_o hitherto_o â—aid_v rent_n and_o who_o right_a to_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o controvert_v until_o he_o shall_v suffer_v his_o write_n to_o be_v peruse_v and_o examine_v and_o by_o they_o make_v it_o plain_o appear_v that_o he_o be_v the_o lawful_a landlord_n as_o any_o man_n can_v now_o refuse_v to_o give_v that_o credit_n to_o these_o book_n as_o write_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o have_v be_v give_v hitherto_o and_o be_v still_o give_v by_o all_o christian_n unless_o he_o may_v have_v now_o as_o good_a positive_a evidence_n of_o their_o be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o may_v have_v be_v give_v thereof_o at_o first_o and_z as_o it_o may_v be_v presume_v be_v give_v before_o their_o title_n to_o they_o be_v so_o universal_o acknowledge_v but_o nevertheless_o what_o a_o man_n be_v not_o under_o any_o obligation_n to_o do_v for_o the_o assert_v of_o his_o right_n he_o may_v do_v wise_o enough_o for_o his_o own_o satisfaction_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o satisfaction_n and_o pleasure_n to_o a_o man_n although_o his_o title_n to_o his_o estate_n be_v not_o at_o present_a controvert_v if_o in_o look_v over_o the_o write_n and_o evidence_n of_o it_o he_o see_v plain_o how_o it_o descend_v to_o he_o by_o a_o lineal_a succession_n from_o father_n to_o son_n for_o many_o generation_n past_a and_o how_o it_o come_v at_o first_o to_o his_o ancestor_n by_o a_o clear_a and_o fair_a purchase_n from_o the_o former_a possessor_n or_o by_o donation_n from_o the_o prince_n in_o the_o division_n of_o a_o waist_n or_o conquer_a country_n and_o if_o he_o also_o find_v ancient_a terrier_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o measure_n and_o bounding_n and_o exact_o describe_v the_o same_o estate_n which_o he_o now_o possess_v and_o if_o moreover_o look_v far_o back_o he_o see_v that_o upon_o some_o dispute_n or_o lawsuit_n that_o have_v former_o be_v concern_v it_o judgement_n have_v be_v always_o give_v on_o his_o side_n it_o can_v but_o please_v he_o i_o say_v that_o upon_o such_o a_o search_n into_o antiquity_n he_o find_v that_o he_o be_v so_o very_o well_o provide_v to_o make_v out_o his_o title_n if_o there_o shall_v ever_o be_v any_o occasion_n for_o it_o although_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o long_a and_o quiet_a possession_n that_o he_o and_o his_o ancestor_n before_o he_o time_n out_o of_o mind_n have_v have_v of_o it_o he_o have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o fear_n he_o shall_v ever_o meet_v â—ith_o any_o disturbance_n and_o so_o it_o be_v here_o these_o write_n the_o book_n of_o â—he_n new_a testament_n be_v general_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v â—ritten_v by_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o authority_n be_v at_o present_a uncontested_a it_o may_v therefore_o reasonable_o be_v presume_v especial_o by_o those_o who_o have_v â—ot_n part_n or_o learning_n or_o leisure_n to_o examine_v into_o the_o â—easons_n of_o such_o thing_n that_o they_o will_v not_o have_v â—â—en_o so_o universal_o acknowledge_v and_o reverence_v as_o â—â—ey_n be_v upon_o this_o account_n but_o upon_o very_o good_a ground_n though_o what_o the_o ground_n thereof_o be_v they_o â—â—ve_v not_o yet_o inquire_v their_o be_v in_o possession_n be_v â—one_n reason_n enough_o to_o acknowledge_v and_o assert_v their_o â—â—tle_n it_o lie_v upon_o they_o that_o deny_v these_o book_n to_o 〈◊〉_d they_o to_o produce_v satisfactory_a evidence_n of_o their_o â—ing_n forge_v or_o counterfeit_a and_o till_o they_o shall_v proâ—â—ce_v some_o evidence_n thereof_o that_o have_v a_o show_n and_o appearance_n of_o truth_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v stagger_v in_o our_o belief_n by_o their_o bare_a however_o bold_a and_o confident_a denial_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o much_o â—s_n shall_v we_o need_v to_o give_v our_o reason_n for_o our_o reâ—â—ving_v they_o as_o write_v by_o the_o apostle_n till_o our_o adversary_n shall_v offer_v some_o reason_n why_o we_o ought_v not_o 〈◊〉_d receive_v they_o as_o such_o but_o nevertheless_o because_o we_o see_v there_o be_v some_o in_o â—s_n incredulous_a age_n that_o show_v a_o good_a will_n to_o deny_v 〈◊〉_d authority_n of_o these_o sacred_a book_n and_o who_o inâ—est_n it_o will_v be_v to_o prove_v they_o spurious_a and_o beâ—se_o we_o can_v tell_v what_o unwarrantable_a practice_n â—ir_a inclination_n and_o interest_n may_v put_v they_o upon_o 〈◊〉_d what_o write_n or_o evidence_n plausible_o forge_a 〈◊〉_d counterfeit_v they_o may_v hereafter_o produce_v it_o can_v be_v amiss_o for_o we_o to_o inquire_v and_o see_v and_o it_o can_v but_o be_v a_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o we_o who_o hold_v our_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n chief_o by_o these_o write_n to_o find_v and_o consider_v how_o well_o provide_v we_o be_v to_o detect_v and_o disprove_v any_o such_o forgery_n if_o they_o shall_v be_v offer_v by_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v in_o opposition_n thereto_o as_o good_a positive_a proof_n that_o these_o book_n be_v genuine_a as_o such_o a_o matter_n be_v capable_a of_o much_o better_a than_o i_o believe_v can_v be_v produce_v for_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o other_o book_n of_o the_o like_a antiquity_n and_o it_o give_v we_o some_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o belief_n wâ—_n have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o that_o these_o be_v the_o genuiâ—â—_n book_n of_o the_o author_n to_o who_o they_o be_v ascribe_v tâ—_n find_v that_o they_o be_v receive_v as_o such_o not_o by_o a_o smaâ—â—_n party_n of_o man_n not_o by_o that_o church_n and_o nation_n only_o to_o which_o we_o belong_v but_o by_o all_o christian_n disperseâ—_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o likewise_o that_o they_o aâ—_n agree_v with_o we_o in_o the_o same_o testimony_n viz._n that_o theâ—_n receive_v then_o as_o such_o from_o their_o father_n for_o thâ—â—_n these_o book_n shall_v be_v thus_o general_o receive_v anâ—_n acknowledge_v
be_v for_o in_o matter_n of_o common_a testimony_n we_o make_v little_a difference_n between_o speech_n and_o write_v if_o a_o man_n who_o we_o dare_v trust_n send_v we_o a_o letter_n and_o therein_o relate_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n as_o hear_v or_o see_v by_o himself_o or_o as_o well_o attest_v to_o he_o by_o unexceptionable_a witness_n we_o give_v as_o full_a credit_n to_o his_o letter_n as_o we_o shall_v do_v to_o his_o word_n so_o that_o in_o truth_n our_o case_n who_o live_v now_o be_v not_o very_o different_a from_o they_o who_o live_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o hear_v they_o say_v those_o same_o thing_n which_o we_o now_o read_v in_o their_o book_n and_o if_o we_o think_v those_o inexcusable_a who_o do_v not_o receive_v their_o testimony_n when_o give_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n we_o can_v in_o good_a reason_n hold_v ourselves_o excuse_v if_o we_o receive_v not_o the_o same_o testimony_n of_o the_o same_o person_n give_v under_o their_o hand_n in_o one_o respect_n indeed_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o they_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o we_o viz._n because_o they_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o they_o hear_v a_o apostle_n speak_v than_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v admit_v we_o shall_v be_v that_o we_o read_v the_o word_n of_o a_o apostle_n write_v but_o we_o be_v sure_a enough_o of_o this_o we_o have_v as_o good_a moral_a certainty_n of_o it_o as_o we_o can_v have_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o other_o than_o a_o moral_a certainty_n and_o if_o the_o word_n that_o we_o read_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n we_o have_v in_o some_o respect_n the_o advantage_n of_o those_o who_o live_v in_o those_o early_a time_n for_o we_o have_v the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o several_a of_o the_o apostle_n write_v whereas_o hardly_o any_o in_o those_o time_n when_o a_o few_o person_n be_v to_o bear_v witness_n to_o all_o the_o world_n can_v have_v more_o than_o the_o testimony_n of_o one_o single_a apostle_n only_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o many_o witness_n be_v more_o credible_a than_o one_o and_o beside_o there_o be_v several_a witness_n their_o testimony_n if_o it_o be_v false_a may_v be_v more_o easy_o prove_v so_o by_o their_o disagreement_n with_o one_o another_o than_o the_o testimony_n of_o one_o single_a witness_n can_v be_v and_o last_o a_o write_n which_o we_o may_v review_v and_o read_v over_o as_o often_o as_o we_o will_v and_o which_o we_o may_v take_v what_o time_n we_o please_v to_o consider_v of_o may_v be_v more_o thorough_o understand_v and_o better_o digest_v than_o a_o sermon_n or_o discourse_n only_o once_o speak_v can_v well_o be_v but_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o first_o convert_v to_o christianity_n which_o come_v by_o hear_v of_o the_o apostle_n may_v be_v build_v upon_o more_o certain_a and_o infallible_a ground_n than_o we_o that_o come_v only_o by_o read_v be_v and_o some_o reason_n may_v perhaps_o be_v give_v hereafter_o why_o it_o be_v fit_a it_o shall_v be_v so_o it_o be_v enough_o however_o to_o render_v our_o infidelity_n inexcusable_a if_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n that_o we_o now_o have_v be_v very_o rational_a if_o they_o be_v a_o sufficient_a support_n for_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o will_v enable_v we_o to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o this_o may_v be_v far_o say_v for_o our_o comfort_n and_o to_o make_v we_o easy_a and_o satisfy_v with_o those_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v afford_v to_o we_o by_o the_o write_a testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o as_o there_o be_v more_o certainty_n in_o that_o belief_n if_o it_o may_v be_v call_v belief_n which_o be_v ground_v upon_o demonstration_n or_o infallible_a evidence_n so_o there_o be_v more_o praise_n and_o virtue_n in_o that_o good_a disposition_n of_o mind_n which_o make_v we_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o such_o ground_n of_o faith_n as_o though_o not_o absolute_o and_o infallible_o certain_a yet_o can_v with_o any_o good_a reason_n be_v deny_v or_o except_v against_o accord_n to_o that_o say_v of_o our_o saviour_n to_o st._n thomas_n in_o a_o like_a case_n with_o which_o i_o shall_v conclude_v joh._n 20.29_o thomas_n because_o thou_o have_v see_v i_o thou_o have_v believe_v bless_v be_v they_o that_o be_v they_o be_v more_o bless_v their_o faith_n be_v more_o excellent_a and_o praiseworthy_a and_o so_o will_v entitle_v they_o to_o a_o great_a reward_n who_o have_v not_o see_v and_o yet_o have_v believe_v which_o blessedness_n that_o we_o may_v all_o attain_v god_n of_o his_o great_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n grant_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la pag._n 8._o l._n 19_o for_o then_o r._n they_o book_n print_v for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop's-head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o honourable_a the_o house_n of_o commons_o at_o st._n margaret_n westminster_n january_n the_o 30_o 1698_o 9_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o a_o stand_a revelation_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral_n church_n of_o st._n paul_n jan._n one_a 1699_o 700._o be_v the_o first_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 the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n revelation_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_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 these_o three_o 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 a_o persuasive_a to_o prayer_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n at_o st._n james_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o lord_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a in_o parliament_n assemble_v in_o the_o abbey_n church_n at_o westminster_n jan._n 30_o fifteen_o sermon_n preach_v on_o several_a occasion_n the_o last_o of_o which_o be_v never_o before_o print_v these_o three_o by_o the_o most_o reverend_a father_n in_o god_n john_n lord_n archbishop_n of_o york_n primate_n of_o england_n and_o metropolitan_a the_o faith_n and_o practice_n of_o a_o church_n of_o england_n man._n a_o false_a faith_n not_o justify_v by_o care_n for_o the_o poor_a prove_v in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o st._n paul_n church_n mystery_n in_o religion_n vindicated_n or_o the_o filiation_n deity_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o saviour_n assert_v against_o socinian_o and_o other_o with_o occasional_a reflection_n on_o several_a late_a pamphlet_n these_o two_o by_o luke_n milbourn_n a_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n two_o sermon_n of_o mr._n young_n about_o nature_n and_o grace_n preach_v at_o whitehall_n the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture-revelation_n as_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o part_n ii_o two_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral-church_n of_o st._n paul_n april_n 1_o st_o and_o may_v 6_o the_o 1700._o be_v the_o four_o and_o five_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 point_n i_o enter_v upon_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o last_o time_n be_v this_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 that_o be_v teach_v by_o it_o and_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o have_v for_o brevity_n sake_n confine_v my_o discourse_n upon_o it_o to_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n only_o the_o rather_o because_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o be_v grant_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n can_v reasonable_o be_v question_v i_o propound_v to_o show_v 1._o that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v by_o those_o person_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n thereof_o 2._o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v full_a credit_n to_o they_o in_o their_o relation_n of_o those_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 â—he_v bless_v hope_n of_o everlasting_a life_n which_o thou_o have_v give_v we_o 〈…〉_o â—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