rather_o to_o die_v than_o to_o deliver_v they_o 3_o in_o comparison_n of_o these_o they_o count_v not_o their_o life_n dear_a to_o they_o the_o love_n of_o they_o be_v strong_a than_o death_n many_o water_n can_v not_o quench_v it_o neither_o can_v the_o flood_n drown_v it_o this_o be_v testimonium_fw-la rei_fw-la and_o a_o advantage_n above_o all_o other_o history_n or_o write_n in_o the_o world_n 2._o moreover_o they_o have_v testimonium_fw-la dei_fw-la indeed_o all_o that_o be_v already_o speak_v be_v a_o evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a assistance_n but_o more_o particular_o god_n give_v testimony_n to_o these_o book_n by_o 1._o their_o operation_n upon_o believer_n of_o they_o 2._o his_o co-operation_n with_o believer_n of_o they_o 1._o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o contain_v be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o every_o true_a believer_n that_o which_o no_o institution_n in_o philosophy_n nor_o initiation_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o any_o of_o the_o god_n be_v ever_o able_a to_o accomplish_v 3._o that_o be_v every_o where_o achieve_v by_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o a_o moment_n like_o a_o charm_n from_o heaven_n it_o still_v the_o passion_n and_o mortify_v the_o lust_n of_o man_n what_o a_o beadroll_z do_v paul_n reckon_v up_o in_o the_o corinthian_n 6.9_o but_o you_o be_v wash_v say_v he_o but_o you_o be_v sanctify_v but_o you_o be_v justify_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o god_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o calumny_n throw_v upon_o believer_n 26._o and_o the_o prejudice_n wherewith_o they_o be_v load_v the_o unpropitious_a and_o reluct_a world_n be_v forcible_o convince_v that_o the_o believer_n of_o these_o book_n be_v effectual_o teach_v to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n through_o the_o cloud_n of_o ignominy_n wherewith_o they_o be_v encompass_v their_o innocency_n break_v forth_o as_o the_o light_n and_o their_o just_a deal_n as_o the_o noon_n day_n the_o piety_n loyalty_n justice_n charity_n magnanimity_n patience_n meekness_n and_o purity_n of_o believer_n of_o these_o book_n convince_v the_o unbelieving_a world_n that_o god_n be_v in_o they_o of_o a_o truth_n for_o they_o teach_v as_o have_v authority_n and_o power_n and_o not_o as_o the_o write_n of_o other_o scribe_n 2._o but_o beside_o the_o operation_n of_o these_o book_n upon_o the_o believer_n god_n be_v please_v to_o give_v testimony_n to_o they_o by_o his_o co-operation_n with_o they_o in_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o mighty_a deed_n the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o christ_n be_v even_o now_o leave_v the_o world_n he_o leave_v this_o legacy_n to_o believer_n for_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n these_o sign_n say_v he_o shall_v follow_v they_o that_o believe_v in_o my_o name_n they_o shall_v cast_v out_o devil_n 16.19_o speak_v with_o new_a tongue_n take_v up_o serpent_n if_o they_o drink_v any_o deadly_a thing_n it_o shall_v not_o hurt_v they_o they_o shall_v lay_v hand_n on_o the_o sick_a and_o they_o shall_v recover_v now_o that_o this_o be_v make_v good_a and_o that_o these_o sign_n so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v need_n be_v continue_v among_o believer_n we_o have_v as_o good_a assurance_n as_o we_o can_v have_v of_o any_o thing_n beyond_o our_o own_o memory_n or_o experience_n they_o have_v be_v deliver_v to_o we_o by_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n by_o man_n of_o the_o great_a wisdom_n and_o learning_n in_o their_o generation_n by_o person_n of_o such_o integrity_n that_o they_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n in_o testimony_n of_o their_o veracity_n deliver_v not_o by_o hear-say_n but_o upon_o their_o certain_a knowledge_n deliver_v in_o their_o disputation_n with_o and_o apology_n to_o the_o adversary_n of_o christianity_n with_o a_o challenge_n to_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o truth_n or_o a_o conviction_n of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o they_o instance_n be_v very_o numerous_a i_o shall_v produce_v only_o a_o very_a few_o justin_n the_o martyr_n who_o suffer_v anno_fw-la 165_o affirm_v to_o trypho_n the_o jew_n tryphone_n that_o these_o supernatural_a gift_n be_v find_v in_o his_o time_n among_o christian_n irenaeus_n a_o auditor_n of_o polycarp_n who_o be_v a_o disciple_n of_o s._n john_n suffer_v circa_fw-la 206_o affirm_v upon_o his_o own_o knowledge_n that_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n be_v then_o frequent_a in_o the_o church_n 20._o that_o many_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n ipsi_fw-la audivimus_fw-la other_o cast_v out_o devil_n other_o heal_v disease_n other_o raise_v the_o dead_a and_o those_o raise_a person_n continue_v many_o year_n among_o they_o pro_fw-la certo_fw-la tertullian_n in_o his_o apologetica_fw-la adversus_fw-la gentes_fw-la affirm_v that_o jam_fw-la de_fw-la vobis_fw-la daemonas_fw-la ejiciunt_fw-la origen_n against_o celsus_n say_v 3._o that_o he_o himself_o have_v see_v by_o invocation_n of_o god_n and_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n very_o many_o that_o be_v deliver_v from_o grievous_a malady_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d alienatione_fw-la mentis_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o to_o mention_v other_o s._n augustine_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr civitate_fw-la dei_fw-la begin_v about_o 410_o but_o many_o year_n in_o writing_n l._n 22._o c._n 8._o give_v a_o account_n of_o very_a many_o miracle_n do_v at_o hippo_n carthage_n and_o other_o place_n of_o no_o great_a distance_n note_v time_n place_n person_n occasion_n appeal_n to_o the_o country_n deliver_v they_o under_o term_n of_o the_o great_a assurance_n scio_fw-la ego_fw-la cognosco_fw-la ego_fw-la nos_fw-la interfuimus_fw-la &_o oculis_fw-la nostris_fw-la aspeximus_fw-la and_o in_o his_o retractation_n ea_fw-la quae_fw-la cognoscimus_fw-la neque_fw-la refer_v neque_fw-la enumerare_fw-la possumus_fw-la other_o history_n and_o write_n and_o the_o author_n and_o believer_n of_o they_o can_v pretend_v no_o high_o than_o to_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n these_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n also_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o testimony_n of_o man_n the_o testimony_n of_o god_n be_v great_a i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o believe_v the_o history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n than_o any_o other_o history_n in_o the_o world_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o great_a fundamental_a and_o comprehensive_a principle_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v admit_v it_o stand_v and_o be_v remove_v it_o present_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n against_o this_o therefore_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o religion_n in_o these_o late_a day_n under_o pretence_n of_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n direct_v his_o force_n and_o be_v say_v to_o have_v find_v a_o success_n very_o pernicious_a and_o deplorable_a i_o humble_o conceive_v that_o the_o resolution_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n into_o the_o decree_n of_o pope_n or_o determination_n of_o council_n with_o those_o who_o call_v themselves_o roman-catholic_n into_o private_a impulse_n and_o dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n with_o the_o enthusiast_n and_o into_o the_o law_n and_o edict_n of_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n with_o our_o new_a pretender_n to_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n be_v that_o engine_n whereby_o the_o devil_n have_v prevail_v to_o scandalize_v the_o world_n and_o cast_v it_o into_o antiscriptural_a infidelity_n it_o be_v for_o this_o cause_n that_o i_o have_v conceive_v it_o requisite_a after_o many_o other_o who_o have_v do_v worthy_o to_o have_v recourse_n once_o more_o to_o the_o original_a reason_n of_o thing_n essay_n and_o the_o common_a ground_n whereupon_o mankind_n do_v proceed_v in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n where_o hope_v that_o i_o have_v escape_v the_o absurdity_n of_o beg_v the_o matter_n in_o question_n discourse_v in_o a_o circle_n and_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o some_o other_o method_n i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v that_o suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n both_o 1._o the_o old_a testament_n and_o 2._o the_o new_a testament_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o of_o divine_a authority_n 3._o and_o suppose_v matter_n of_o fact_n to_o be_v true_o relate_v the_o doctrinal_a part_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v 4._o for_o the_o historical_a relation_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o disbelieve_v it_o that_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o it_o it_o have_v 1._o all_o the_o advantage_n whereof_o a_o history_n be_v capable_a 2._o far_o great_a advantage_n than_o any_o other_o history_n wherefore_o i_o conclude_v that_o all_o the_o scripture_n i._n e._n the_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n quod_fw-la erat_fw-la demonstrandum_fw-la finis_fw-la concern_v the_o sinfulness_n danger_n remedy_n of_o infidelity_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o whitehall_n feb._n 16._o
a_o sermon_n against_o the_o antiscripturists_a also_o another_o concern_v the_o sinfulness_n danger_n and_o remedy_n of_o infidelity_n preach_v at_o whitehall_n by_o seth_n lord_n bishop_n of_o sarum_n london_n print_v by_o j._n m._n for_o james_n collins_n at_o the_o kings-head_n in_o westminster-hall_n mdclxx_o against_o the_o antiscripturists_a a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o whitehall_n february_n 20._o 1669_o 70._o by_o seth_n lord_n bishop_n of_o sarum_n print_a by_o his_o majesty_n special_a command_n london_n print_v by_o j._n m._n for_o james_n collins_n at_o the_o kings-head_n in_o westminster-hall_n mdclxx_o 2_o tim._n 3.16_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n in_o the_o verse_n precede_v it_o be_v say_v concern_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o man_n wise_a unto_o salvation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o it_o follow_v immediate_o all_o scripture_n etc._n etc._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o faith_n be_v often_o by_o a_o metonymy_n take_v for_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n we_o read_v often_o of_o the_o 1.23_o preach_a and_o 3.25_o hear_v of_o faith_n of_o the_o 12.6_o analogy_n of_o faith_n 1.4_o the_o common_a faith_n 3._o which_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o preach_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o write_n of_o his_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n and_o so_o i_o conceive_v it_o be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o this_o place_n so_o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o whole_a be_v this_o the_o old_a testament_n understand_v and_o expound_v according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o the_o new_a be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o man_n wise_a and_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n wherein_o timothy_n have_v be_v instruct_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o except_o those_o of_o s._n john_n be_v extant_a before_o the_o write_n of_o this_o epistle_n be_v inspire_v and_o direct_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n be_v a_o entire_a proposition_n assert_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n and_o my_o endeavour_n shall_v be_v at_o this_o time_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o proposition_n wherein_o that_o i_o may_v proceed_v with_o all_o plainness_n and_o clearness_n i_o shall_v premise_v two_o word_n by_o way_n of_o petition_n precaution_n 1._o by_o way_n of_o petition_n i_o suppose_v and_o take_v for_o grant_v 1._o the_o great_a principle_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n in_o govern_v the_o world_n 2._o that_o our_o body_n of_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o which_o be_v in_o use_n in_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o our_o body_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o same_o which_o be_v ancient_o receive_v in_o the_o church_n so_o that_o what_o shall_v be_v prove_v of_o those_o be_v applicable_a to_o the_o original_a scripture_n use_v in_o our_o time_n 3._o that_o those_o book_n of_o new_a testament_n who_o author_n be_v not_o ancient_o question_v be_v write_v by_o those_o author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v and_o that_o those_o few_o other_o which_o be_v sometime_o question_v by_o some_o particular_a church_n and_o afterward_o universal_o receive_v contain_v in_o they_o no_o one_o point_n of_o faith_n or_o manner_n dissentient_a from_o the_o content_n of_o those_o book_n which_o be_v never_o question_v 2._o by_o way_n of_o precaution_n and_o admonition_n i_o must_v entreat_v you_o to_o take_v notice_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o meddle_v with_o the_o controversy_n concern_v apocrypha_fw-la translation_n keri_n and_o chetib_n hebrew_n point_n various_a lection_n dubious_a author_n or_o part_n of_o scripture_n but_o my_o endeavour_n at_o this_o time_n shall_v be_v to_o assert_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o body_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o original_a book_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o this_o not_o in_o the_o way_n of_o common_a place_n but_o in_o a_o particular_a examination_n or_o refutation_n of_o the_o most_o dangerous_a opinion_n of_o the_o antiscripturists_a which_o be_v these_o i._o of_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o yet_o they_o deny_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o old_a ii_o of_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o believe_v the_o truth_n but_o deny_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n iii_o of_o such_o as_o pretend_v to_o believe_v matter_n of_o fact_n to_o have_v be_v true_o relate_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n relate_v to_o faith_n and_o manner_n iv._o such_o as_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o relation_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o in_o consequence_n reject_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o scripture_n of_o these_o as_o brief_o and_o plain_o as_o i_o can_v i._o the_o first_o opinion_n be_v of_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n deny_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o severian_n and_o the_o manichee_n basilides_n and_o carpocrates_n of_o old_a the_o catabaptist_n of_o late_a time_n some_o anabaptist_n antinomian_o and_o other_o fanatical_a sectary_n among_o ourselves_o in_o opposition_n to_o these_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v because_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v assert_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a 1._o next_o to_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n the_o great_a business_n which_o christ_n have_v to_o do_v upon_o earth_n be_v to_o convince_v man_n that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o so_o to_o assert_v his_o legislative_a authority_n and_o the_o great_a argument_n which_o he_o use_v for_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o world_n be_v this_o all_o the_o mark_n and_o the_o entire_a character_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o of_o his_o action_n and_o passion_n be_v prefigure_v and_o foretell_v by_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o psalm_n i._n e._n in_o the_o volume_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o all_o thing_n foretell_v or_o prefigure_v concern_v the_o messiah_n be_v accomplish_v by_o himself_o so_o that_o though_o the_o great_a work_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o purity_n and_o excellency_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o of_o his_o life_n be_v of_o themselves_o sufficient_a to_o justify_v the_o introduction_n of_o his_o law_n into_o the_o world_n yet_o he_o be_v please_v to_o resolve_v as_o it_o be_v his_o own_o authority_n into_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o to_o make_v use_n of_o those_o other_o manifestation_n of_o himself_o in_o a_o co-ordination_a with_o that_o principle_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v he_o still_o press_v the_o jew_n with_o this_o that_o if_o they_o do_v believe_v the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o their_o other_o scripture_n they_o must_v of_o necessity_n believe_v he_o also_o 5.46_o moses_n write_v of_o i_o say_v he_o wherefore_o do_v you_o believe_v moses_n you_o will_v believe_v i_o the_o scripture_n testify_v of_o i_o therefore_o search_v they_o diligent_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 5.39_o for_o the_o attain_n of_o everlasting_a life_n he_o refer_v the_o lawyer_n to_o the_o law_n 10.26_o what_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n how_o read_v thou_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o the_o place_n of_o torment_n 16.29_o he_o make_v abraham_n refer_v the_o relation_n of_o dives_n to_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n in_o all_o his_o disputation_n with_o the_o pharisee_n and_o sadducee_n the_o lawyer_n and_o the_o scribe_n he_o make_v his_o appeal_n to_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o lest_o any_o one_o shall_v think_v that_o in_o all_o this_o he_o do_v only_o argue_v ad_fw-la homines_fw-la that_o dispute_v with_o the_o jew_n he_o only_o proceed_v upon_o their_o own_o hypothesis_n we_o find_v he_o in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o ministration_n positive_o assert_v 10.35_o that_o the_o scripture_n must_v be_v fulfil_v 3.31_o that_o they_o can_v be_v break_v that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n 5.18_o but_o to_o fullfil_v they_o and_o that_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v pass_v away_o before_o one_o jot_n or_o tittle_n of_o these_o shall_v perish_v until_o all_o be_v fulfil_v thus_o he_o assert_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n before_o his_o death_n and_o after_o his_o resurrection_n he_o make_v a_o real_a demonstration_n that_o the_o old_a
of_o paul_n at_o jerusalem_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o instance_n of_o supernatural_a power_n exercise_v in_o heal_v of_o disease_n raise_v the_o dead_a g_o confound_v the_o opposer_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o in_o several_a other_o kind_n by_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o companion_n and_o adherent_n the_o preacher_n and_o writer_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o abundant_o deliver_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o offer_v at_o particular_n in_o the_o 4._o of_o the_o act_n we_o find_v all_o the_o apostle_n pray_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o god_n will_v stretch_v forth_o his_o hand_n to_o heal_v &_o that_o sign_n and_o wonder_n may_v be_v do_v by_o the_o name_n of_o his_o holy_a child_n jesus_n and_o immediate_o the_o place_n be_v shake_v and_o they_o be_v all_o fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o power_n the_o particular_a miracle_n of_o particular_a person_n be_v record_v in_o one_o word_n they_o go_v and_o preach_v every_o where_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o gospel_n the_o lord_n work_v with_o they_o and_o confirm_v their_o word_n by_o mighty_a sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o it_o be_v propound_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o suppose_v matter_n of_o fact_n to_o be_v true_o deliver_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n relate_v to_o faith_n or_o manner_n and_o i_o come_v to_o the_o consideration_n oâ—_n the_o last_o and_o extreme_a opinion_n of_o the_o antiscripturists_a iv._o the_o last_o opinion_n be_v of_o those_o who_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o relation_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n deliver_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o in_o consequence_n reject_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o can_v wish_v there_o be_v no_o such_o as_o these_o and_o that_o what_o i_o have_v yet_o to_o say_v be_v altogether_o needless_a for_o that_o reason_n but_o what_o mean_v then_o the_o public_a rumour_n which_o we_o hear_v and_o whence_o be_v a_o opinion_n go_v into_o the_o world_n that_o some_o great_a philosopher_n and_o man_n of_o generous_a reason_n be_v dissatisfy_v concern_v the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n and_o believe_v the_o authority_n of_o it_o to_o be_v whole_o derive_v from_o the_o magistrate_n in_o reference_n to_o these_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v 1._o brief_o to_o show_v that_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o these_o wiseman_n and_o philosopher_n reject_v the_o scripture_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n 2._o to_o evince_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n 1._o as_o for_o the_o argument_n and_o ground_n of_o those_o among_o we_o christian_n that_o reject_v the_o body_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o do_v not_o remember_v to_o have_v hear_v of_o other_o than_o this_o they_o have_v often_o call_v upon_o believer_n pastor_n perhaps_o or_o doctor_n in_o the_o church_n for_o a_o clear_a and_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o story_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o they_o have_v not_o afford_v it_o therefore_o they_o conclude_v the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v reject_v but_o be_v this_o the_o reason_n of_o generous_a wit_n and_o man_n of_o mighty_a deed_n in_o disputation_n of_o man_n pretend_v to_o the_o depth_n of_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n to_o give_v a_o man_n a_o clear_a and_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o any_o thing_n there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n viz._n to_o convince_v either_o his_o sense_n or_o his_o understanding_n the_o former_a whereof_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o experiment_n the_o late_a by_o demonstration_n will_v they_o have_v now_o a_o experiment_n whether_o such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v do_v 16_o or_o 1700_o year_n ago_o will_v they_o have_v a_o demonstration_n of_o particular_n in_o their_o nature_n indifferent_a to_o be_v do_v or_o not_o to_o be_v do_v depend_v upon_o the_o liberty_n of_o cause_n well_o be_v it_o for_o the_o world_n if_o these_o beaux_fw-fr esprits_fw-fr will_v have_v the_o patience_n and_o endure_v the_o fatigue_n of_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o the_o way_n of_o knowledge_n experiment_n and_o demonstration_n it_o will_v not_o then_o be_v trouble_v with_o the_o dangerous_a impertinency_n of_o such_o pretender_n then_o these_o man_n will_v not_o call_v for_o experiment_n in_o a_o subject_a uncapable_a of_o it_o and_o be_v instruct_v that_o demonstration_n be_v only_o of_o universal_a proposition_n in_o materia_fw-la necessaria_fw-la who_o contrary_a position_n imply_v a_o contradiction_n they_o will_v know_v that_o to_o demand_v this_o kind_n of_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o story_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v absurd_o injudicious_a and_o to_o act_v contrary_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n for_o see_v we_o may_v not_o with_o civility_n suppose_v this_o principle_n to_o be_v advance_v only_o for_o the_o destruction_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o ruin_n or_o at_o least_o undeniable_a hazard_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n we_o ought_v to_o believe_v that_o these_o philosopher_n intend_v this_o as_o a_o general_a maxim_n that_o in_o matter_n at_o least_o of_o moment_n man_n ought_v not_o to_o adventure_v to_o act_v but_o upon_o clear_a and_o undeniable_a evidence_n and_o speak_v proper_o that_o wise_a man_n ought_v to_o believe_v nothing_o at_o all_o wherefore_o let_v we_o suppose_v this_o for_o a_o general_a principle_n and_o consider_v what_o will_v follow_v set_v aside_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o affection_n of_o a_o few_o line_n and_o number_n be_v not_o all_o learning_n to_o be_v cast_v away_o must_v not_o the_o civil_a world_n of_o mankind_n be_v bring_v to_o swift_a confusion_n must_v not_o mankind_n itself_o in_o a_o few_o day_n come_v to_o a_o end_n suppose_v a_o subject_a shall_v not_o yield_v his_o obedience_n or_o a_o tenant_n his_o rent_n till_o title_n be_v make_v out_o by_o experiment_n or_o demonstration_n suppose_v the_o husbandman_n and_o the_o merchant_n the_o artificer_n the_o soldier_n 8._o the_o banker_n and_o the_o judge_n shall_v not_o adventure_v but_o stay_v for_o the_o assurance_n of_o experiment_n or_o demonstration_n will_v not_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v confound_v suppose_v man_n shall_v not_o marry_v nor_o take_v physic_n nor_o eat_v or_o drink_v till_o they_o shall_v have_v clear_a and_o undeniable_a evidence_n that_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v what_o they_o suppose_v and_o shall_v succeed_v according_a to_o expectation_n will_v not_o mankind_n quick_o be_v spend_v and_o bring_v to_o a_o end_n if_o the_o management_n of_o all_o humane_a concernment_n political_n oeconomical_a personal_n proceed_v upon_o the_o ground_n of_o belief_n and_o hope_n and_o rational_a but_o not_o demonstrative_a inference_n if_o neither_o these_o philosopher_n if_o they_o will_v consider_v nor_o any_o other_o person_n either_o ever_o do_v or_o possible_o can_v perform_v any_o one_o action_n upon_o such_o evidence_n as_o these_o man_n require_v concern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o story_n of_o the_o scripture_n then_o to_o reject_v they_o for_o want_n of_o such_o evidence_n be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n i_o proceed_v therefore_o to_o my_o second_o assertion_n that_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n that_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o all_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v undeniable_o conclude_v from_o supposition_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o relation_n or_o history_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n i_o have_v already_o show_v and_o that_o the_o rejection_n of_o all_o history_n be_v against_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n be_v evident_a because_o all_o mankind_n receive_v some_o history_n or_o other_o wherefore_o i_o shall_v brief_o show_v 1._o that_o the_o history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v all_o those_o advantage_n whereof_o any_o history_n be_v capable_a 2._o that_o it_o have_v great_a advantage_n than_o any_o other_o history_n 1._o the_o argument_n induce_v man_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o historical_a relation_n be_v all_o of_o they_o either_o ab_fw-la intra_fw-la internal_a from_o the_o 1._o credibility_n and_o scibility_n of_o the_o object_n 2._o the_o knowledge_n and_o integrity_n of_o the_o writer_n 3._o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o writing_n ab_fw-la extra_fw-la external_n the_o 1._o reception_n of_o it_o in_o the_o world_n 2._o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o stranger_n 3._o the_o concession_n of_o adversary_n and_o the_o like_a in_o all_o which_o particular_n no_o history_n in_o the_o world_n can_v just_o pretend_v any_o advantage_n above_o that_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n 1._o for_o the_o credibility_n
infidelity_n towards_o the_o king_n be_v say_v to_o have_v operate_v very_o far_o towards_o a_o general_a apostasy_n from_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o production_n of_o infidelity_n towards_o god_n both_o which_o appeal_n to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o scripture_n must_v be_v examine_v by_o they_o 3._o the_o first_o be_v of_o a_o famous_a author_n and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o make_v infidelity_n to_o be_v a_o sin_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o second_o be_v of_o a_o writer_n more_o obscure_a but_o in_o itself_o c.w._n so_o agreeable_a to_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o present_a generation_n that_o it_o have_v possess_v the_o mind_n of_o many_o it_o be_v this_o that_o although_o infidelity_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v sinful_a and_o inexcusable_a yet_o in_o our_o time_n it_o be_v excusable_a these_o be_v the_o pretence_n to_o be_v examine_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o immediate_o relate_v to_o christian_a duty_n be_v summary_o reduce_v to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o injunction_n of_o our_o lord_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o author_n of_o leviathan_n cap._n 42._o pag._n 286._o tell_v we_o in_o plain_a term_n that_o we_o do_v not_o read_v any_o where_o in_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o which_o receive_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n do_v therein_o sin_n and_o again_o that_o the_o injunction_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n man_n may_v refuse_v without_o sin_n now_o concern_v this_o assertion_n i_o can_v choose_v but_o say_v that_o have_v i_o not_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o work_n of_o that_o author_n especial_o those_o relate_n to_o religion_n i_o shall_v exceed_o wonder_v at_o it_o because_o it_o suppose_v man_n never_o to_o look_v into_o their_o bibles_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n it_o will_v persuade_v 21.42_o in_o the_o 21._o of_o matth._n our_o saviour_n ask_v the_o jew_n this_o question_n do_v you_o never_o read_v in_o the_o scripture_n such_o a_o thing_n a_o question_n which_o i_o must_v repeat_v to_o the_o assertor_n of_o this_o doctrine_n do_v they_o never_o read_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o sinfulness_n the_o danger_n the_o heinousness_n of_o infidelility_n 9.41_o sure_o he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v it_o our_o saviour_n christ_n before_o his_o death_n do_v oftentimes_o vehement_o rebuke_v his_o disciple_n for_o infidelity_n o_o faithless_a and_o perverse_a generation_n how_o long_o shall_v i_o endure_v you_o quousque_fw-la tandem_fw-la abutemini_fw-la patientiâ_fw-la nostrâ_fw-la and_o after_o his_o resurrection_n 24.25_o he_o call_v they_o fool_n and_o slow_a of_o heart_n for_o unbelieving_a do_v they_o never_o read_v these_o increpation_n the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n do_v every_o where_o vehement_o and_o earnest_o dehort_v from_o unbelief_n do_v they_o never_o read_v these_o dehortation_n in_o the_o 8_o of_o john_n christ_n tell_v the_o jew_n that_o if_o they_o believe_v not_o 8.24.3.36_o they_o shall_v die_v in_o their_o sin_n that_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n abide_v on_o they_o that_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v damn_v already_o do_v they_o never_o read_v these_o denunciation_n yes_o these_o last_o it_o seem_v this_o author_n have_v read_v &_o as_o his_o manner_n be_v think_v he_o can_v accommodate_v a_o answer_n to_o these_o he_o have_v pronounce_v secure_o of_o all_o the_o rest_n to_o these_o he_o say_v that_o they_o import_v only_o a_o non-remission_n of_o the_o sin_n commit_v against_o the_o law_n of_o their_o country_n that_o they_o shall_v die_v in_o they_o but_o that_o they_o do_v not_o evince_v any_o sinfulness_n to_o be_v in_o infidelity_n wherefore_o i_o must_v crave_v licence_n to_o proceed_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o 21_o of_o the_o revelation_n 21.8_o give_v a_o catalogue_n of_o such_o sinner_n as_o be_v of_o the_o bige_a rank_n such_o as_o be_v most_o abominable_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n such_o as_o be_v to_o have_v their_o portion_n in_o that_o lake_n which_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n and_o he_o put_v unbeliever_n in_o the_o head_n of_o this_o regiment_n the_o fearful_a and_o unbeliever_n and_o abominable_a and_o murderer_n and_o whoremonger_n and_o sorcerer_n and_o liar_n shall_v have_v their_o portion_n in_o that_o lake_n 1_o but_o it_o may_v be_v perhaps_o that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o in_o plain_a and_o express_v term_n affirm_v infidelity_n to_o be_v sinful_a 1_o the_o text_n tell_v we_o plain_o and_o express_o that_o a_o heart_n of_o unbelief_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o incommodious_a but_o wicked_a 2._o but_o philosopher_n and_o mathematician_n pretend_v strictness_n &_o demonstration_n in_o discourse_n regard_v not_o general_a word_n but_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o definition_n of_o thing_n and_o from_o thence_o proceed_v to_o affirm_v or_o deny_v the_o attribution_n which_o be_v under_o question_n 2._o let_v we_o therefore_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o definition_n of_o sin_n those_o who_o have_v speak_v most_o accurate_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o sin_n they_o have_v resolve_v that_o the_o formal_a notion_n of_o it_o consist_v in_o a_o departure_n from_o god_n it_o be_v aversio_fw-la à _fw-la deo_fw-la &_o conuersio_fw-la ad_fw-la creaturam_fw-la 2.12_o in_o the_o second_o of_o jeremy_n and_o 12._o we_o find_v the_o prophet_n as_o it_o be_v in_o furore_fw-la sacro_fw-la in_o a_o prophetic_a rage_n break_v forth_o into_o this_o exclamation_n be_v astonish_v o_o you_o heaven_n be_v you_o horrible_o afraid_a be_v very_o desolate_a say_v the_o lord_n what_o ail_v the_o prophet_n to_o cry_v so_o loud_o to_o make_v the_o heaven_n resound_v his_o exclamation_n my_o people_n say_v he_o have_v commit_v two_o great_a evil_n they_o have_v forsake_v i_o that_o be_v the_o first_o a_o heart_n of_o unbelief_n be_v a_o evil_a heart_n in_o depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o usual_o descend_v to_o logical_a accuracy_n to_o the_o quatenus_fw-la or_o causality_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o this_o make_v it_o ofttimes_o hard_o to_o deal_v with_o man_n of_o perverse_a mind_n than_o many_o do_v imagine_v but_o the_o more_o rare_a this_o be_v the_o more_o you_o will_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o providence_n when_o you_o shall_v consider_v how_o accurate_o and_o how_o full_o the_o scripture_n have_v determine_v that_o which_o be_v in_o question_n in_o the_o 16._o of_o joh._n 8._o our_o saviour_n tell_v they_o 16.8.3.18.19_o that_o the_o spirit_n shall_v rebuke_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n of_o righteousness_n of_o judgement_n of_o sin_n because_o they_o believe_v not_o on_o he_o joh._n 3.18_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v condemn_v because_o he_o believe_v not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o rejection_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o very_a condemnation_n so_o express_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d deliver_v to_o we_o by_o causal_n and_o identical_a proposition_n in_o the_o scripture_n who_o be_v it_o now_o that_o can_v persuade_v we_o that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o affirm_v any_o sinfulness_n to_o be_v in_o infidelity_n yes_o very_o the_o scripture_n not_o only_o teach_v we_o that_o unbelief_n be_v a_o sin_n but_o they_o teach_v we_o likewise_o 6._o the_o heinousness_n and_o aggravation_n the_o sinfulness_n and_o punishment_n of_o this_o sin_n it_o be_v this_o that_o bring_v all_o other_o sin_n into_o the_o world_n and_o every_o premeditate_a sin_n arise_v from_o it_o it_o harden_v the_o heart_n and_o sear_v the_o conscience_n and_o make_v it_o bid_v defiance_n to_o the_o lord_n of_o glory_n concern_v david_n we_o read_v in_o the_o psalm_n that_o once_o he_o say_v in_o his_o have_v that_o all_o man_n be_v liar_n do_v he_o revoke_v it_o when_o he_o be_v at_o leisure_n no_o the_o more_o he_o think_v of_o it_o the_o high_a he_o proceed_v and_o become_v the_o more_o assure_v in_o this_o charge_n surely_n say_v he_o man_n of_o low_a degree_n be_v vanity_n and_o man_n of_o high_a degree_n be_v not_o liar_n but_o a_o lie_n 62.9_o yet_o if_o one_o give_v the_o lie_n to_o one_o of_o these_o liar_n it_o be_v the_o utmost_a provocation_n it_o be_v the_o state_v word_n of_o defiance_n 1â—_n conclude_v fit_a to_o justify_v the_o duel_n or_o the_o stab_n on_o the_o other_o side_n god_n glory_v in_o this_o that_o he_o be_v not_o a_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v lie_v that_o the_o strength_n of_o israel_n will_v not_o lie_v yet_o infidelity_n give_v he_o the_o lie_n he_o that_o believe_v not_o god_n make_v he_o a_o liar_n 1_o joh._n 5.10_o 7._o i_o desire_v to_o know_v what_o
be_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whereby_o the_o heinousness_n of_o any_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v estimate_v be_v it_o the_o denunciation_n of_o future_a vengeance_n 1.7_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n with_o his_o mighty_a angel_n in_o flame_a fire_n take_v vengeance_n upon_o unbeliever_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v punish_v with_o everlasting_a destruction_n from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o from_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o power_n be_v it_o old_a or_o new_a past_a or_o present_a instance_n of_o vengeance_n 11.20_o be_v not_o the_o body_n of_o this_o people_n new_o cut_v off_o for_o unbelief_n and_o of_o ancient_a day_n who_o be_v the_o carcase_n that_o fall_v in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o to_o who_o do_v god_n swear_v in_o his_o wrath_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n 3_o but_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o consider_v but_o the_o story_n from_o whence_o the_o exhortation_n of_o the_o text_n arise_v how_o god_n be_v provoke_v through_o unbelief_n the_o text_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v move_v he_o be_v tempt_v he_o be_v grieve_v he_o be_v provoeked_a till_o he_o swear_v in_o his_o wrath_n the_o word_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o 95_o psalm_n 95._o to_o which_o the_o 78._o be_v parallel_n they_o be_v say_v the_o psalmist_n a_o stubborn_a and_o rebellious_a generation_n they_o tempt_v god_n and_o speak_v against_o he_o therefore_o the_o lord_n hear_v this_o and_o be_v wroth_a so_o a_o fire_n be_v kindle_v against_o jacob_n and_o anger_n against_o israel_n because_o they_o believe_v not_o in_o god_n and_o trust_v not_o in_o his_o salvation_n when_o god_n hear_v this_o he_o be_v wroth_a and_o great_o abhor_a israel_n he_o give_v way_n to_o his_o indignation_n wrath_n anger_n displeasure_n and_o jealousy_n i_o conceive_v now_o the_o first_o question_n to_o be_v state_v viz._n whether_o according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o scripture_n infidelity_n be_v sinful_a and_o dangerous_a in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o question_n viz._n however_o it_o be_v in_o ancient_a time_n 2._o whether_o infidelity_n be_v not_o in_o such_o time_n as_o we_o excusable_a my_o meaning_n be_v this_o whether_o speak_v according_o to_o scriptural_a ground_n and_o reason_n now_o that_o miracle_n extraordinary_a gift_n and_o prophecy_n be_v cease_v infidelity_n be_v not_o become_v excusable_a however_o it_o may_v be_v sinful_a and_o inexcusable_a during_o the_o time_n when_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n be_v in_o use_n the_o first_o verse_n of_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n tell_v we_o what_o powerful_a and_o noble_a motive_n to_o believe_v god_n have_v afford_v to_o the_o father_n god_n himself_o be_v please_v to_o speak_v to_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o patriarch_n judge_n king_n and_o prophet_n by_o the_o way_n of_o vision_n dream_n voice_n similitude_n vrim_fw-he and_o by_o divers_a miracle_n and_o wonder_n so_o likewise_o for_o those_o that_o be_v here_o exhort_v about_o the_o time_n of_o the_o write_n of_o this_o epistle_n god_n have_v speak_v to_o they_o by_o his_o son_n the_o brightness_n of_o his_o glory_n the_o image_n of_o his_o person_n and_o by_o the_o apostle_n to_o who_o also_o he_o bare_a witness_n by_o mighty_a sign_n and_o wonder_n by_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n now_o that_o such_o man_n as_o these_o who_o have_v so_o great_a advantage_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o believe_v shall_v be_v severe_o punish_v for_o infidelity_n i_o be_o persuade_v there_o be_v hardly_o any_o man_n but_o think_v it_o very_o just_a and_o reasonable_a that_o such_o as_o have_v see_v the_o wonder_n of_o god_n in_o egypt_n and_o the_o wilderness_n so_o manifest_o miraculous_a so_o often_o repeat_v and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o will_v not_o believe_v that_o their_o carcase_n shall_v fall_v in_o the_o wilderness_n that_o ananias_n and_o sapphira_n who_o have_v know_v the_o miracle_n which_o have_v be_v do_v by_o the_o apostle_n shall_v think_v to_o cousin_n the_o apostle_n it_o deserve_v the_o judgement_n that_o befall_v they_o as_o for_o ourselves_o have_v we_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o miracle_n or_o prophecy_n we_o doubt_v not_o but_o we_o shall_v have_v believe_v or_o as_o philip_n say_v show_v we_o the_o father_n and_o it_o suffice_v can_v we_o but_o once_o see_v a_o miracle_n or_o talk_v with_o one_o return_v from_o the_o dead_a it_o shall_v suffice_v we_o will_v believe_v but_o see_v it_o be_v now_o many_o hundred_o of_o year_n since_o these_o thing_n be_v cease_v and_o we_o have_v nothing_o leave_v we_o praeter_fw-la miraculorum_fw-la famam_fw-la if_o we_o shall_v not_o believe_v the_o gospel_n by_o some_o it_o be_v open_o pretend_v and_o by_o many_o it_o be_v secret_o iamgine_v that_o in_o this_o case_n we_o may_v be_v excuse_v i_o can_v wish_v that_o the_o time_n will_v serve_v clear_o to_o rid_v away_o this_o phantasm_n in_o order_n to_o it_o i_o shall_v brief_o do_v three_o thing_n 1._o show_v that_o this_o fantastical_a imagination_n be_v no_o new_a invention_n but_o that_o it_o have_v of_o old_a 1._o be_v the_o conceit_n of_o abominable_a hypocrite_n 2_o lie_n i_o shall_v inquire_v a_o little_a into_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o conceit_n 2._o and_o show_v the_o mistake_n of_o those_o supposition_n into_o which_o it_o be_v resolve_v 3_o lie_n i_o shall_v show_v that_o our_o saviour_n know_v the_o thought_n of_o man_n have_v take_v particular_a care_n to_o prevent_v this_o imagination_n 3._o and_o have_v clear_o decide_v the_o matter_n in_o question_n i._o though_o the_o present_a age_n be_v fruitful_a in_o invention_n tend_v this_o way_n yet_o this_o have_v be_v anticipate_v by_o the_o wit_n of_o former_a time_n 11.47_o in_o the_o 11_o of_o luke_n 47._o we_o find_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n build_v the_o sepulcher_n of_o the_o prophet_n who_o their_o father_n have_v kill_v if_o we_o will_v know_v what_o they_o pretend_v 23.30_o in_o so_o do_v we_o shall_v find_v it_o in_o the_o parallel_n place_n of_o matthew_n they_o say_v if_o we_o haâ—_n be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o father_n we_o will_v not_o have_v be_v partaker_n with_o they_o in_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o prophet_n that_o these_o man_n do_v not_o believe_v the_o prophet_n it_o be_v manifest_a christ_n tell_v they_o if_o they_o have_v believe_v the_o prophet_n they_o will_v have_v believe_v he_o for_o they_o write_v of_o he_o but_o that_o they_o will_v have_v believe_v the_o prophet_n and_o not_o have_v murder_v they_o have_v they_o live_v in_o their_o time_n this_o they_o pretend_v and_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a they_o have_v that_o opinion_n yes_o very_o have_v they_o live_v in_o the_o day_n of_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n they_o will_v have_v believe_v the_o very_a conceit_n wnich_a be_v now_o pretend_a but_o the_o truth_n be_v these_o man_n be_v abominable_a hypocrite_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o unbelief_n be_v not_o the_o want_n of_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n but_o carnal_a prejudice_n and_o interest_n and_o the_o vile_a affection_n of_o their_o heart_n do_v not_o christ_n work_v miracle_n be_v not_o he_o that_o prophet_n which_o be_v to_o come_v yet_o they_o take_v he_o and_o with_o wicked_a hand_n they_o slay_v he_o and_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o the_o blood_n of_o all_o the_o prophet_n but_o 2_o lie_v if_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o bottom_n of_o this_o fancy_n and_o resolve_v it_o into_o its_o principle_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o suppose_v these_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o want_n of_o the_o sight_n of_o miracle_n be_v sufficient_a to_o justify_v unbelief_n 2._o that_o to_o live_v in_o the_o very_a age_n of_o miracle_n be_v apt_a to_o create_v beleif_n then_o to_o be_v bear_v and_o educate_v in_o a_o believe_a nation_n after_o the_o world_n have_v be_v convince_v by_o the_o miracle_n of_o former_a time_n which_o be_v our_o case_n 3._o that_o the_o bare_a sight_n of_o miracle_n be_v of_o itself_o alone_o sufficient_a to_o create_v belief_n in_o every_o person_n that_o shall_v see_v they_o of_o which_o supposition_n the_o first_o be_v contrary_a to_o common_a reason_n and_o the_o two_o late_a be_v contrary_a to_o scriptural_a reason_n and_o to_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n 1._o if_o the_o want_n of_o the_o sight_n of_o miracle_n be_v enough_o to_o justify_v infidelity_n then_o for_o every_o dogma_fw-la to_o be_v believe_v every_o individual_a person_n be_v to_o expect_v the_o sight_n of_o miracle_n which_o if_o it_o shall_v happen_v the_o wonder_n will_v cease_v and_o miracle_n become_v no_o miracle_n by_o the_o frequency_n of_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o and_o so_o they_o will_v be_v inept_v
to_o create_v belief_n every_o work_n of_o nature_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o miracle_n who_o will_v not_o think_v it_o easy_a to_o recover_v a_o man_n who_o have_v all_o his_o part_n and_o humour_n already_o form_v from_o the_o dead_a then_o from_o that_o liquid_a principle_n whereof_o job_n speak_v to_o raise_v up_o flesh_n and_o skin_n 1â—_n bone_n and_o sinew_n to_o advance_v a_o understand_a creature_n capable_a of_o adore_v or_o blaspheme_v the_o maker_n of_o he_o yet_o that_o be_v a_o miracle_n and_o this_o be_v none_o only_o through_o the_o rarity_n of_o one_o and_o frequency_n of_o the_o other_o again_o if_o every_o one_o be_v to_o see_v miracle_n 20.29_o the_o merit_n of_o faith_n will_v be_v take_v away_o jesus_n say_v unto_o thomas_n because_o thou_o have_v see_v thou_o have_v believe_v blessed_a be_v they_o that_o have_v not_o see_v yet_o have_v believe_v this_o for_o the_o first_o supposition_n 2._o the_o second_o be_v this_o that_o to_o live_v in_o the_o very_a age_n of_o miracle_n be_v apt_a to_o create_v a_o belief_n then_o to_o live_v in_o a_o believe_a nation_n a_o good_a time_n after_o the_o time_n of_o miracle_n but_o contrary_a to_o this_o we_o have_v instance_n both_o in_o jew_n and_o gentile_n after_o near_o 4000_o year_n how_o pertinacious_o do_v the_o jew_n adhere_v to_o moses_n against_o who_o their_o father_n murmur_v and_o rebel_v notwithstanding_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o his_o miracle_n and_o when_o he_o have_v wrought_v that_o great_a miracle_n upon_o corah_n and_o for_o his_o rebellion_n the_o next_o day_n they_o rebel_v again_o and_o we_o find_v now_o the_o whole_a world_n especial_o the_o wise_a part_n convert_v to_o christianity_n whereas_o the_o apostle_n complain_v of_o the_o paucity_n of_o professor_n and_o the_o infidelity_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o age_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v so_o great_a and_o resolute_a that_o it_o have_v a_o fatal_a operation_n upon_o that_o nation_n unto_o this_o day_n i_o be_o sensible_a that_o in_o the_o comparison_n of_o late_a age_n with_o the_o day_n of_o miracle_n i_o may_v be_v think_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o to_o advance_v a_o paradox_n where_o that_o i_o may_v not_o lean_v on_o my_o own_o understanding_n i_o beseech_v you_o to_o consider_v our_o saviour_n decision_n of_o the_o question_n which_o we_o have_v in_o hand_n i_o suppose_v i_o may_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o moses_n the_o same_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n with_o our_o condition_n in_o respect_n of_o christ._n the_o tradition_n of_o the_o law_n be_v accompany_v wâ—th_o mighty_a sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o so_o be_v likewise_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o time_n succeed_v moses_n god_n for_o a_o season_n continue_v the_o sensible_a manifestation_n of_o his_o presence_n by_o miracle_n so_o he_o do_v likewise_o in_o the_o time_n succeed_v christ._n but_o before_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n both_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n have_v a_o long_a time_n cease_v 9_o we_o see_v not_o our_o token_n say_v the_o psalmist_n there_o be_v not_o one_o prophet_n leave_v as_o it_o be_v with_o we_o at_o this_o day_n only_o they_o have_v the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n just_o so_o convey_v and_o propound_v to_o they_o as_o our_o scripture_n have_v be_v to_o we_o so_o that_o if_o the_o question_n be_v propose_v concern_v those_o jâ—ws_n whether_o the_o present_a miracle_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o complexion_n of_o motive_n which_o they_o have_v to_o induce_v they_o to_o believe_v the_o write_n of_o moses_n be_v apt_a to_o create_v belief_n it_o be_v the_o same_o with_o our_o question_n whether_o the_o live_n in_o the_o time_n of_o miracle_n or_o our_o motive_n be_v more_o powerful_a to_o believe_v to_o determine_v which_o question_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o apostle_n after_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n continue_v in_o unbelief_n till_o he_o have_v open_v unto_o they_o the_o scripture_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n that_o after_o many_o miracle_n he_o refer_v the_o jew_n to_o the_o search_n of_o the_o scripture_n bring_v they_o a_o notiori_fw-la ad_fw-la ignotius_fw-la and_o in_o the_o the_o 5_o of_o john_n and_o the_o 47._o he_o decide_v this_o question_n by_o another_o 5.47_o if_o you_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o write_n of_o moses_n how_o shall_v you_o believe_v my_o word_n thus_o much_o concern_v the_o 2_o supposition_n 3._o the_o 3_o be_v this_o that_o the_o sight_n of_o miracle_n be_v of_o it_o self_n alone_o sufficient_a to_o bring_v every_o person_n to_o believe_v we_o ought_v indeed_o to_o own_v it_o to_o the_o eternal_a glory_n of_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n that_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n be_v found_v upon_o his_o miracle_n as_o well_o as_o on_o his_o doctrine_n and_o example_n and_o he_o himself_o tell_v the_o jew_n that_o if_o he_o have_v not_o do_v miracle_n they_o shall_v not_o have_v have_v sin_n i._n e._n the_o sin_n of_o infidelity_n but_o now_o to_o dream_v of_o miracle_n and_o hanker_v after_o they_o or_o to_o think_v to_o excuse_v our_o infidelity_n for_o want_v of_o the_o sight_n of_o they_o as_o if_o that_o alone_o will_v certain_o make_v believer_n of_o we_o all_o it_o argue_v that_o we_o have_v be_v slothful_a reader_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o happen_v to_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n as_o it_o do_v to_o his_o preach_v according_a to_o his_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a some_o of_o they_o light_v upon_o heart_n that_o be_v honest_a and_o good_a and_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o believe_v other_o fell_a by_o the_o way_n side_n or_o upon_o stony_a place_n or_o among_o the_o thorn_n the_o prepossession_n of_o their_o mind_n by_o a_o expectation_n of_o a_o temporal_a messiah_n in_o the_o ruler_n the_o fear_n of_o persecution_n by_o they_o in_o the_o people_n the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n the_o pleasure_n and_o lust_n to_o which_o the_o austerity_n of_o the_o gospel-rule_n be_v opposite_a and_o many_o other_o prejudices_fw-la deep_o root_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o perverse_n and_o froward_a generation_n prevail_v against_o the_o sight_n of_o miracle_n and_o none_o be_v more_o perverse_n and_o resolute_a unbeleiver_n than_o some_o of_o those_o who_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o this_o great_a argument_n for_o believe_v if_o the_o sight_n of_o miracle_n alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o produce_v belief_n in_o all_o kind_n of_o spectator_n certain_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o by_o their_o learning_n be_v able_a to_o judge_n of_o a_o miracle_n the_o countryman_n and_o kinsman_n of_o christ_n with_o who_o he_o be_v most_o conversant_a shall_v have_v be_v most_o eminent_a in_o believe_v but_o behold_v the_o enchantment_n of_o prejudice_n and_o carnal_a interest_n 5.21_o in_o the_o 5._o of_o luke_n 21._o the_o pharisee_n and_o doctor_n see_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o they_o conclude_v he_o a_o blasphemer_n and_o when_o he_o have_v heal_v he_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a they_o hypocritical_o bid_v the_o man_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o say_v they_o know_v that_o jesus_n be_v a_o sinner_n 2d_o they_o turn_v his_o miracle_n into_o wantonness_n feign_v themselves_o just_a man_n that_o they_o may_v tempt_v he_o i._n e._n put_v a_o trick_n upon_o he_o demand_v a_o sign_n for_o a_o sight_n 20.20_o only_o to_o satisfy_v their_o wanton_a curiosity_n as_o for_o his_o country_n man_n this_o prophet_n have_v no_o honour_n there_o he_o do_v not_o many_o miracle_n 13.58_o among_o they_o because_o of_o their_o unbeleef_n 7.5_o his_o friend_n say_v he_o be_v beside_o himself_o and_o go_v to_o lay_v hold_n on_o he_o as_o for_o the_o people_n in_o the_o 6_o of_o john_n we_o find_v 6.10_o that_o christ_n feed_v 5000_o man_n with_o 5_o loau_n and_o 2_o small_a fish_n so_o that_o they_o say_v this_o be_v of_o a_o truth_n that_o prophet_n but_o the_o very_o next_o day_n ver_fw-la 22._o the_o very_a man_n that_o have_v eat_v of_o the_o loaf_n 26_o say_v unto_o he_o what_o sign_n show_v thou_o that_o we_o may_v believe_v what_o do_v thou_o work_v 30._o as_o if_o a_o miracle_n have_v not_o be_v a_o sign_n he_o wrought_v a_o miracle_n among_o the_o gadarens_n 5.17_o and_o they_o beseech_v he_o to_o be_v go_v other_o be_v offend_v at_o he_o and_o cast_v he_o out_o of_o their_o city_n the_o issue_n of_o all_o his_o miracle_n be_v this_o 7.12_o some_o say_v he_o be_v a_o good_a man_n other_o nay_o 10.20_o but_o he_o deceive_v the_o people_n and_o many_o say_v he_o have_v a_o devil_n and_o be_v mad_a nay_o when_o he_o hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n they_o acknowledge_v his_o miracle_n and_o jeer_v he_o with_o