d_o r_o williams's_fw-fr five_o sermon_n at_o mr._n boyle_n lecture_n 1695._o imprimatur_fw-la guil._n lancaster_n may_v 1._o 1695._o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o st._n martin_n in_o the_o field_n may_v 4._o 1695._o be_v the_o five_o of_o the_o lecture_n for_o this_o present_a year_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esquire_n by_o john_n williams_z d._n d._n chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v for_o ri._n chiswell_n and_o tho._n cockerill_n sen_n r_o &_o jun_n r_o at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n and_o at_o the_o three_o leg_n in_o the_o poultry_n mdcxcv_o heb._n i._n 1_o 2._o god_n who_o at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n speak_v in_o time_n pass_v unto_o the_o father_n by_o the_o prophet_n have_v in_o these_o last_o day_n speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n etc._n etc._n in_o these_o word_n there_o be_v contain_v as_o i_o have_v before_o show_v 1._o a_o description_n of_o revelation_n it_o be_v god_n speak_v 2._o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o it_o be_v by_o way_n of_o declaration_n god_n who_o at_o sundry_a time_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v 3._o the_o order_n observe_v in_o deliver_v this_o revelation_n it_o be_v at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n etc._n etc._n 4._o the_o perfection_n and_o conclusion_n of_o all_o it_o be_v in_o these_o last_o day_n by_o his_o son_n under_o the_o second_o i_o have_v show_v 1._o that_o god_n have_v actual_o reveal_v his_o will_n at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n 2._o what_o be_v the_o character_n of_o true_a revelation_n 3._o i_o be_o now_o in_o order_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n do_v contain_v the_o matter_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o have_v upon_o they_o the_o character_n belong_v to_o it_o in_o which_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v 1._o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o scripture_n 2._o the_o book_n contain_v that_o matter_n which_o two_o will_v admit_v of_o a_o distinct_a consideration_n for_o 1._o these_o two_o the_o matter_n and_o the_o book_n be_v original_o distinct_a for_o the_o matter_n be_v reveal_v before_o it_o be_v write_v and_o will_v have_v be_v of_o the_o same_o authority_n if_o unwritten_a as_o write_v the_o writing_n not_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o authority_n but_o only_o make_v use_n of_o as_o a_o fit_a mean_n for_o the_o conveyance_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o matter_n 2._o these_o two_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o different_a proof_n for_o the_o matter_n of_o scripture_n be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n and_o have_v a_o divine_a attestation_n give_v to_o it_o but_o we_o do_v find_v the_o like_a testimony_n give_v to_o the_o book_n there_o be_v miracle_n upon_o miracle_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n suppose_v contain_v in_o the_o four_o evangelist_n but_o none_o to_o prove_v those_o four_o gospel_n to_o be_v write_v by_o person_n inspire_v or_o that_o these_o be_v the_o book_n write_v by_o they_o for_o that_o have_v another_o sort_n of_o evidence_n to_o be_v hereafter_o inquire_v into_o 2._o it_o be_v fit_a these_o two_o shall_v be_v consider_v apart_o for_o 1._o if_o we_o be_v to_o discourse_v with_o a_o profess_a infidel_n we_o must_v begin_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o then_o proceed_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n and_o we_o may_v make_v convert_v as_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o in_o those_o primitive_a time_n do_v from_o the_o proof_n we_o be_v able_a to_o make_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o our_o religion_n though_o at_o the_o present_a we_o have_v not_o the_o book_n 2._o it_o be_v of_o no_o little_a advantage_n for_o by_o handle_v the_o matter_n apart_o from_o the_o book_n we_o need_v not_o for_o the_o present_a concern_v ourselves_o in_o the_o doubt_n and_o objection_n about_o the_o book_n such_o as_o the_o suppose_a inconsistency_n in_o scripture_n the_o various_a readins_n the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o author_n the_o subject_a of_o inspiration_n whether_o word_n as_o well_o as_o matter_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v lay_v aside_o for_o the_o present_a by_o this_o distinct_a consideration_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o the_o book_n will_v shorten_v our_o work_n and_o if_o we_o prove_v the_o matter_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a original_n we_o also_o gain_v a_o great_a point_n towards_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o book_n themselves_o i_o be_o to_o begin_v with_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o scripture_n now_o that_o be_v of_o a_o diverse_a nature_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o so_o be_v its_o authority_n for_o there_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o historical_a relation_n of_o thing_n and_o when_o we_o say_v these_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n we_o thereby_o mean_v they_o be_v record_v and_o commit_v to_o write_v by_o the_o appointment_n direction_n or_o command_n of_o god_n again_o there_o be_v matter_n of_o a_o moral_a nature_n which_o may_v be_v find_v out_o by_o and_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o pure_a reason_n and_o when_o we_o say_v these_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n we_o thereby_o understand_v that_o they_o be_v authorise_v by_o the_o divine_a command_n as_o well_o as_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n obligatory_a in_o which_o case_n holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v and_o write_v as_o they_o be_v move_v incite_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 21._o but_o the_o more_o especial_a way_n be_v when_o the_o matter_n be_v pure_o of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o whole_o proceed_v from_o it_o and_o though_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v learn_v and_o find_v out_o by_o reason_n as_o have_v be_v before_o show_v yet_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o it_o as_o i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o prove_v and_o that_o i_o shall_v do_v in_o this_o order_n 1._o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o claim_n which_o the_o matter_n of_o scripture_n have_v to_o revelation_n and_o inspiration_n 2._o the_o character_n upon_o which_o that_o claim_n be_v ground_v 3._o the_o proof_n by_o which_o that_o claim_n to_o revelation_n be_v make_v good_a 1._o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o claim_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o be_v if_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o a_o revelation_n from_o god_n and_o the_o true_a revelation_n than_o there_o neither_o be_v nor_o ever_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v such_o a_o revelation_n 1._o if_o that_o be_v not_o a_o divine_a revelation_n there_o be_v no_o revelation_n for_o as_o that_o deny_v and_o reject_v all_o revelation_n beside_o itself_o so_o there_o be_v none_o other_o that_o can_v produce_v such_o evidence_n for_o it_o and_o consequent_o if_o notwithstanding_o the_o evidence_n producible_a for_o scripture_n that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v for_o divine_a then_o there_o be_v no_o revelation_n existent_a in_o the_o world_n since_o no_o other_o have_v the_o evidence_n which_o that_o appear_v to_o have_v this_o we_o may_v leave_v to_o any_o indifferent_a person_n to_o judge_v of_o by_o compare_v the_o alcoran_n with_o the_o bible_n and_o the_o chinese_n divinity_n of_o a_o confutius_n with_o that_o of_o christianity_n 2._o if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o revelation_n from_o god_n than_o there_o never_o have_v be_v such_o a_o revelation_n and_o that_o for_o the_o reason_n before_o give_v viz._n that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o revelation_n extant_a save_o this_o but_o if_o there_o ever_o have_v be_v a_o revelation_n and_o a_o revelation_n design_v for_o all_o mankind_n as_o that_o of_o the_o gospel_n apparent_o be_v what_o be_v once_o will_v always_o and_o for_o ever_o afterward_o have_v be_v existent_a since_o the_o same_o reason_n there_o be_v once_o for_o a_o revelation_n to_o mankind_n the_o same_o will_v have_v be_v for_o the_o continuance_n of_o it_o and_o the_o same_o divine_a goodness_n that_o take_v care_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o revelation_n will_v certain_o have_v take_v the_o like_a care_n for_o the_o preserve_n of_o it_o but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o revelation_n as_o there_o be_v not_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o that_o revelation_n then_o there_o never_o be_v a_o revelation_n and_o so_o all_o that_o have_v be_v before_o say_v upon_o this_o argument_n about_o the_o existence_n usefulness_n and_o necessity_n of_o a_o revelation_n must_v go_v for_o nothing_o 3._o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o of_o divine_a revelation_n than_o there_o never_o can_v be_v a_o revelation_n or_o at_o least_o such_o a_o revelation_n as_o shall_v oblige_v we_o to_o receive_v and_o believe_v it_o since_o there_o can_v be_v no_o strong_a evidence_n produce_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o than_o there_o be_v for_o that_o of_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o will_v pretend_v not_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture-revelation_n for_o want_v of_o
sufficient_a evidence_n can_v never_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o revelation_n for_o what_o better_a evidence_n can_v be_v give_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n the_o person_n inspire_v the_o supernatural_a proof_n of_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n etc._n etc._n than_o what_o we_o have_v for_o the_o scripture_n admit_v then_o that_o there_o be_v or_o ever_o be_v or_o may_v be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n we_o may_v be_v certain_a that_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o scripture_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n but_o though_o this_o must_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v a_o good_a step_n towards_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n yet_o it_o remain_v to_o consider_v what_o that_o evidence_n be_v which_o be_v thus_o peculiar_a to_o scripture-revelation_n and_o that_o none_o beside_o ever_o have_v or_o can_v have_v and_o this_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o the_o second_o general_n which_o be_v to_o consider_v 2._o the_o character_n belong_v to_o revelation_n upon_o which_o that_o claim_n be_v ground_v that_o revelation_n may_v be_v distinguish_v from_o imposture_n and_o mere_a pretence_n there_o must_v be_v proper_a character_n that_o be_v essential_a to_o revelation_n without_o which_o mark_v of_o distinction_n we_o must_v do_v by_o it_o as_o few_o have_v do_v and_o total_o reject_v it_o or_o else_o as_o the_o roman_n do_v by_o the_o deity_n of_o other_o country_n that_o admit_v all_o into_o their_o calendar_n we_o must_v refuse_v none_o but_o since_o there_o have_v be_v a_o revelation_n as_o all_o mankind_n have_v be_v incline_v to_o believe_v and_o several_a pretence_n to_o it_o as_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n have_v show_v we_o must_v follow_v the_o direction_n of_o scripture_n 21._o which_o not_o only_o warn_v we_o of_o false_a prophet_n etc._n and_o exhort_v we_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n but_o do_v also_o furnish_v we_o with_o such_o character_n as_o will_v enable_v we_o to_o distinguish_v the_o true_a from_o the_o false_a and_o this_o direction_n methinks_v may_v pass_v for_o one_o character_n according_a to_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n joh._n 3._o 20_o 21._o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a or_o speak_v false_o hate_v the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v and_o his_o pretence_n discover_v but_o he_o that_o do_v and_o speak_v truth_n come_v to_o the_o light_n that_o his_o deed_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v wrought_v in_o god_n or_o that_o what_o he_o say_v may_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o revelation_n from_o he_o now_o when_o the_o revelation_n so_o call_v do_v thus_o offer_v itself_o to_o a_o impartial_a trial_n and_o exhort_v and_o require_v all_o person_n to_o examine_v and_o make_v enquiry_n and_o lay_v down_o such_o rule_n principle_n and_o character_n as_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o all_o man_n be_v sufficient_a to_o distinguish_v the_o true_a from_o the_o false_a it_o be_v a_o undoubted_a sign_n that_o it_o be_v able_a to_o justify_v itself_o and_o to_o make_v out_o its_o claim_n to_o a_o divine_a authority_n by_o a_o correspondence_n to_o those_o character_n by_o this_o the_o scripture_n be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o for_o though_o there_o be_v several_a among_o the_o heathen_a lawgiver_n that_o pretend_v to_o derive_v their_o law_n from_o the_o direction_n of_o their_o god_n yet_o it_o be_v rather_o to_o prevent_v enquiry_n than_o encourage_v it_o and_o to_o oblige_v the_o people_n to_o a_o absolute_a submission_n for_o who_o may_v dispute_v that_o which_o the_o god_n command_v or_o who_o dare_v so_o much_o as_o inquire_v 3._o where_o the_o fear_n of_o religion_n restrain_v they_o but_o to_o expose_v itself_o to_o a_o trial_n and_o to_o require_v that_o man_n examine_v before_o they_o receive_v and_o believe_v and_o to_o give_v they_o such_o sign_n as_o shall_v serve_v to_o describe_v the_o truth_n and_o detect_v imposture_n be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o scripture_n from_o thence_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o i_o shall_v produce_v such_o character_n as_o will_v give_v that_o a_o title_n to_o divine_a authority_n and_o oblige_v we_o to_o a_o belief_n of_o it_o and_o what_o be_v such_o if_o these_o be_v not_o viz._n that_o it_o can_v come_v only_o from_o god_n be_v worthy_a of_o he_o and_o have_v a_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a evidence_n to_o attest_v it_o where_o these_o be_v there_o be_v a_o divine_a authority_n there_o be_v a_o revelation_n and_o these_o i_o shall_v show_v do_v belong_v to_o what_o the_o scripture_n propose_v as_o such_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o character_n belong_v to_o revelation_n and_o a_o sign_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o when_o it_o apparent_o have_v god_n for_o the_o author_n and_o can_v proceed_v from_o none_o but_o he_o this_o be_v a_o character_n i_o presume_v will_v upon_o examination_n be_v find_v to_o belong_v to_o scripture_n as_o i_o shall_v now_o attempt_v to_o prove_v by_o consider_v that_o which_o be_v the_o chief_a subject_n of_o it_o and_o that_o be_v the_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_n to_o mankind_n here_o i_o shall_v premise_v and_o take_v for_o grant_v 1._o that_o god_n have_v create_v man_n create_v he_o in_o a_o state_n of_o innocency_n and_o purity_n for_o be_v infinite_o good_a it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v conceive_v that_o he_o make_v any_o thing_n evil_a in_o itself_o 2._o that_o man_n fall_v from_o this_o happy_a state_n of_o innocent_a he_o become_v guilty_a of_o a_o pure_a he_o become_v a_o deprave_a creature_n as_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n show_v he_o now_o to_o be_v 3._o that_o almighty_a god_n be_v dispose_v to_o pardon_v and_o admit_v he_o again_o to_o favour_n upon_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n the_o scripture_n proceed_v and_o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n to_o find_v out_o of_o himself_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o he_o may_v be_v restore_v there_o need_v a_o revelation_n to_o inform_v he_o in_o it_o i_o grant_v there_o be_v a_o natural_a mean_n and_o what_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n suppose_v to_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o reconciliation_n and_o that_o be_v repentance_n but_o that_o this_o be_v of_o itself_o a_o mean_n sufficient_a and_o upon_o which_o alone_a god_n will_v be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o offender_n have_v be_v always_o doubt_v of_o as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o several_a way_n of_o atonement_n and_o especial_o of_o sacrifice_n practise_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n for_o since_o god_n be_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n it_o seem_v no_o more_o reconcilable_a with_o his_o justice_n and_o consistent_a with_o that_o authority_n he_o be_v to_o maintain_v to_o pardon_v all_o offender_n upon_o repentance_n than_o it_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o end_n of_o government_n among_o man_n to_o accept_v of_o the_o offender_n penitence_n as_o a_o full_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o remit_v the_o penalty_n threaten_v we_o have_v a_o instance_n to_o the_o contrary_a in_o this_o very_a case_n when_o notwithstanding_o a_o suppose_a repentance_n in_o mankind_n god_n inflict_v the_o penalty_n threaten_v in_o the_o day_n thou_o eat_v thereof_o thou_o shall_v die_v now_o therefore_o since_o the_o natural_a mean_n of_o propitiate_a almighty_a god_n be_v not_o sufficient_a there_o be_v somewhat_o further_o in_o reserve_v and_o what_o that_o be_v none_o can_v tell_v but_o he_o who_o have_v it_o in_o his_o own_o power_n what_o to_o accept_v and_o what_o to_o refuse_v it_o be_v for_o he_o to_o reveal_v that_o be_v to_o institute_v and_o if_o we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o scheme_n of_o what_o the_o scripture_n set_v before_o we_o as_o to_o this_o matter_n it_o will_v abundant_o confirm_v what_o i_o have_v propose_v as_o a_o character_n of_o revelation_n and_o that_o be_v that_o it_o be_v from_o god_n and_o only_o from_o he_o the_o sum_n of_o which_o be_v that_o since_o mankind_n have_v thus_o lapse_v into_o a_o preternatural_a state_n in_o which_o through_o the_o infirmity_n and_o corruption_n of_o their_o nature_n they_o themselves_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v do_v what_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n in_o order_n to_o a_o restitution_n and_o reconciliation_n it_o be_v design_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o shall_v become_v a_o mediator_n by_o a_o present_a stipulation_n and_o in_o a_o prefix_a time_n by_o a_o actual_a undertake_n to_o die_v for_o we_o that_o according_o in_o testimony_n of_o god_n acceptance_n of_o the_o atonement_n and_o of_o his_o reconciliation_n the_o son_n rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n be_v there_o our_o intercessor_n and_o the_o dispenser_n of_o all_o those_o gift_n and_o that_o supervenient_a grace_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o reform_a mankind_n and_o the_o fit_v they_o for_o that_o state_n he_o be_v now_o invest_v in_o and_o have_v promise_v to_o bestow_v upon_o such_o as_o be_v qualify_v for_o it_o
give_v mankind_n a_o right_a notion_n and_o representation_n of_o his_o nature_n the_o be_v of_o god_n be_v what_o the_o whole_a creation_n proclaim_v and_o there_o be_v some_o attribute_n of_o his_o lie_n open_a to_o all_o and_o be_v conspicuous_a in_o their_o effect_n such_o be_v his_o wisdom_n and_o power_n but_o there_o be_v other_o that_o we_o rather_o know_v by_o inference_n and_o need_v a_o far_o and_o bright_a light_n to_o inform_v we_o in_o and_o such_o be_v his_o goodness_n and_o his_o mercy_n and_o since_o these_o be_v as_o essential_a perfection_n of_o the_o deity_n as_o the_o other_o and_o exceed_v they_o in_o the_o influence_n they_o have_v upon_o mankind_n as_o to_o our_o love_n and_o adoration_n of_o he_o and_o yet_o be_v not_o so_o legible_a in_o the_o frame_n of_o nature_n nor_o so_o observable_a in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o providence_n as_o the_o other_o we_o can_v conceive_v but_o that_o it_o be_v as_o become_v our_o creator_n to_o represent_v himself_o to_o be_v 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the_o scripture_n be_v such_o and_o what_o be_v therein_o contain_v must_v be_v from_o god_n iii_o a_o character_n necessary_o belong_v to_o revelation_n and_o by_o which_o the_o true_a be_v to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o false_a and_o pretend_a be_v a_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a evidence_n which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o three_o general_n head_n viz._n the_o proof_n by_o which_o the_o scripture_n claim_n to_o divine_a revelation_n be_v to_o be_v make_v good_a and_o that_o be_v next_o to_o be_v consider_v now_o there_o be_v three_o instance_n of_o this_o kind_n viz._n prophecy_n miracle_n and_o the_o wonderful_a success_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o under_o the_o most_o potent_a opposition_n and_o great_a discouragement_n 1._o prophecy_n that_o be_v of_o itself_o a_o revelation_n 1._o and_o as_o it_o be_v what_o all_o nation_n as_o well_o learned_a as_o barbarous_a have_v acknowledge_v so_o be_v a_o instance_n of_o revelation_n it_o be_v a_o good_a proof_n of_o that_o revelation_n which_o it_o do_v accompany_v and_o be_v interweave_v with_o and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n before_o we_o for_o the_o scripture_n be_v compose_v of_o matter_n of_o a_o different_a kind_n can_v have_v the_o same_o sort_n of_o evidence_n but_o prophecy_n be_v self-evident_a when_o the_o event_n have_v apparent_o answer_v the_o prediction_n and_o a_o supernatural_a evidence_n be_v a_o good_a proof_n to_o what_o have_v no_o such_o evidence_n and_o which_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o proof_n be_v as_o much_o a_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o as_o credible_a as_o the_o prophecy_n itself_o because_o such_o a_o testimony_n be_v a_o testimony_n from_o god_n can_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o support_n of_o a_o falsehood_n so_o that_o where_o there_o be_v prophecy_n true_o so_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o to_o be_v true_a and_o to_o come_v from_o god_n to_o which_o that_o testimony_n be_v give_v for_o if_o the_o testimony_n be_v divine_a the_o doctrine_n confirm_v by_o it_o must_v be_v divine_a also_o in_o discourse_v upon_o which_o i_o premise_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o prophecy_n that_o thing_n future_a have_v be_v predict_v tully_n say_v this_o all_o nation_n have_v agree_v in_o as_o have_v be_v aforesaid_a 2._o that_o prophecy_n be_v a_o good_a testimony_n to_o what_o it_o be_v give_v as_o i_o have_v prove_v already_o so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o remain_v but_o to_o show_v that_o the_o revelation_n in_o scripture_n have_v have_v this_o testimony_n and_o of_o this_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n near_o or_o remote_a of_o both_o which_o we_o have_v a_o instance_n in_o the_o prophet_n send_v to_o jeroboam_n 1_o king_n 13._o 2._o the_o remote_a be_v that_o a_o child_n shall_v be_v bear_v josiah_n by_o name_n about_o 330_o year_n after_o who_o shall_v burn_v man_n bone_n upon_o that_o altar_n the_o proximate_n which_o we_o may_v otherwise_o call_v a_o sign_n be_v that_o at_o that_o 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other_o that_o be_v to_o succeed_v and_o the_o latter_a have_v a_o retrospect_n to_o the_o former_a there_o be_v no_o reasonable_a nor_o possible_a exception_n to_o be_v make_v against_o the_o matter_n thus_o testify_v without_o except_v against_o the_o testimony_n of_o prophecy_n contrary_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n as_o for_o instance_n if_o there_o be_v a_o prophecy_n or_o prophecy_n in_o several_a age_n from_o which_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o at_o such_o a_o precise_a time_n in_o such_o a_o age_n of_o the_o world_n some_o hundred_o or_o thousand_o of_o year_n after_o there_o shall_v arise_v a_o certain_a person_n bear_v at_o such_o a_o place_n and_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n and_o descend_v from_o such_o and_o such_o progenitor_n who_o shall_v come_v to_o reform_v mankind_n and_o in_o confirmation_n of_o his_o doctrine_n shall_v perform_v many_o astonish_a act_n and_o do_v many_o supernatural_a work_n that_o at_o a_o certain_a time_n and_o in_o a_o certain_a determine_a year_n he_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n by_o his_o own_o nation_n and_o upon_o it_o that_o nation_n shall_v be_v captivate_v and_o destroy_v and_o the_o country_n desolate_a it_o be_v a_o testimony_n not_o to_o be_v disprove_v and_o yet_o set_v aside_o the_o many_o prophecy_n in_o scripture_n relate_v to_o particular_a person_n and_o family_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o other_o nation_n i_o shall_v only_o instance_n in_o some_o of_o those_o concern_v our_o saviour_n and_o other_o of_o our_o saviour_n himself_n the_o former_a of_o which_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v exact_o parallel_v to_o the_o case_n propose_v the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v the_o prediction_n immediate_o after_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n and_o 4000_o year_n before_o the_o actual_a completion_n of_o it_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v one_o bear_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n 14._o
and_o supernatural_o make_v of_o she_o alone_o as_o adam_n be_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n without_o a_o woman_n that_o shall_v bruise_v the_o serpent_n head_n 4._o who_o have_v beguile_v eve_n through_o his_o subtlety_n about_o 2000_o year_n after_o which_o prophecy_n and_o so_o 2000_o year_n before_o our_o saviour_n it_o be_v reveal_v to_o abraham_n 16._o that_o in_o his_o seed_n and_o by_o one_o who_o shall_v descend_v from_o he_o etc._n all_o the_o family_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v bless_v and_o which_o be_v afterward_o renew_v to_o isaac_n and_o jacob._n again_o about_o 1700_o year_n before_o christ_n it_o be_v prophesy_v by_o jacob_n that_o shiloh_n or_o the_o messiah_n 8._o shall_v descend_v from_o his_o son_n judah_n about_o 1000_o year_n before_o our_o saviour_n birth_n david_n be_v exalt_v to_o the_o throne_n of_o who_o family_n the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v a_o branch_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o he_o be_v common_o know_v among_o the_o jew_n 42._o by_o the_o character_n 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they_o then_o be_v admire_v shall_v be_v leave_v upon_o another_o *_o that_o the_o survive_a jew_n shall_v be_v lead_v captive_a into_o all_o nation_n and_o never_o return_v again_o to_o that_o land_n as_o proprietor_n *_o and_o that_o all_o this_o be_v because_o they_o know_v not_o the_o time_n of_o their_o visitation_n *_o and_o that_o this_o shall_v happen_v in_o that_o very_a age._n never_o be_v any_o prophecy_n more_o express_a never_o any_o sentence_n more_o terrible_a nor_o more_o punctual_o fulfil_v as_o to_o all_o the_o particular_n before-recited_n and_o for_o which_o we_o may_v appeal_v to_o josephus_n the_o jew_n who_o be_v a_o eye-witness_n of_o all_o and_o as_o exact_o describe_v it_o as_o to_o those_o instance_n as_o if_o he_o be_v write_v a_o comment_n upon_o our_o saviour_n prophecy_n joseph_n de_fw-fr bell._n l._n 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o and_o according_o as_o the_o temple_n though_o attempt_v by_o julian_n the_o apostate_n order_n never_o can_v be_v build_v as_o the_o 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to_o be_v useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o mankind_n we_o have_v as_o much_o evidence_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v bear_v and_o far_o if_o the_o person_n upon_o who_o we_o be_v to_o rely_v do_v open_o and_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o even_o of_o enemy_n that_o watch_v he_o as_o well_o as_o friend_n and_o in_o the_o most_o public_a assembly_n cure_v all_o manner_n of_o disease_n though_o natural_o incurable_a by_o a_o word_n or_o a_o touch_n and_o even_o at_o a_o distance_n if_o he_o command_v the_o wind_n and_o the_o sea_n the_o good_a and_o the_o evil_a angel_n feed_v thousand_o in_o a_o desert_n with_o no_o more_o than_o what_o will_v satisfy_v a_o few_o and_o raise_v the_o dead_a if_o he_o tell_v the_o most_o secret_a thought_n inclination_n and_o practice_n of_o his_o enemy_n as_o well_o as_o follower_n last_o if_o when_o himself_n be_v put_v to_o a_o violent_a death_n he_o in_o a_o few_o day_n according_a to_o his_o own_o prediction_n rise_v again_o appear_v to_o and_o converse_v with_o those_o that_o know_v he_o when_o alive_a and_o see_v he_o dead_a and_o afterward_o in_o the_o view_n of_o many_o ascend_v bodily_a into_o heaven_n and_o within_o a_o few_o day_n as_o a_o far_a testimony_n of_o his_o former_a mission_n and_o present_a glorification_n confer_v the_o same_o or_o like_a power_n upon_o his_o disciple_n who_o can_v reasonable_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o have_v teach_v i_o need_v not_o here_o draw_v the_o parallel_n and_o if_o the_o question_n shall_v be_v put_v as_o it_o be_v by_o those_o who_o john_n the_o baptist_n send_v be_v thou_o he_o that_o shall_v come_v our_o saviour_n answer_n will_v serve_v for_o one_o here_o tell_v john_n what_o thing_n you_o have_v hear_v and_o see_v how_o that_o the_o blind_a see_v etc._n etc._n luke_n 7._o 19_o there_o need_v no_o great_a evidence_n to_o convince_v mankind_n 3._o another_o proof_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o scripture_n be_v the_o event_n and_o success_n correspondent_a to_o former_a prediction_n such_o be_v that_o of_o the_o israelite_n in_o canaan_n and_o much_o more_o the_o wonderful_a and_o astonish_a progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o any_o of_o that_o assistance_n and_o force_n which_o that_o people_n have_v and_o when_o it_o have_v the_o force_n of_o emperor_n and_o king_n to_o oppose_v it_o can_v it_o be_v think_v possible_a that_o a_o few_o simple_a and_o timorous_a person_n who_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o to_o a_o mean_a employment_n and_o have_v never_o be_v out_o of_o their_o own_o country_n shall_v each_o by_o himself_o undertake_v perilous_a and_o remote_a journey_n among_o people_n they_o have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o and_o to_o who_o temper_n custom_n and_o language_n they_o be_v altogether_o stranger_n and_o shall_v prevail_v with_o they_o to_o change_v their_o god_n and_o their_o religion_n their_o custom_n and_o their_o life_n can_v it_o be_v think_v that_o man_n of_o no_o authority_n nor_o interest_n of_o no_o learning_n depth_n of_o judgement_n nor_o subtlety_n in_o argue_v shall_v be_v able_a to_o maintain_v and_o propagate_v a_o doctrine_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v foolish_a and_o absurd_a a_o doctrine_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n a_o doctrine_n opposite_a to_o the_o sensual_a inclination_n and_o interest_n of_o mankind_n as_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n than_o be_v a_o doctrine_n that_o oblige_v they_o that_o believe_v it_o to_o profess_v it_o with_o the_o hazard_n of_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o in_o this_o world_n and_o upon_o no_o other_o encouragement_n than_o a_o reward_n in_o another_o and_o yet_o even_o this_o doctrine_n so_o mean_o attend_v become_v so_o successful_a that_o according_a to_o our_o saviour_n prediction_n matth._n 24._o 14._o before_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o within_o forty_o year_n after_o his_o death_n the_o sound_n of_o it_o go_v out_o into_o all_o the_o earth_n rom._n 10._o 18._o not_o to_o proceed_v further_o in_o this_o argument_n than_o scripture_n in_o those_o early_a time_n we_o find_v convert_v if_o not_o church_n in_o the_o most_o frequent_a city_n for_o trade_n learning_n and_o dominion_n in_o corinth_n and_o ephesus_n athens_n and_o rome_n in_o the_o court_n of_o prince_n even_o of_o a_o herod_n and_o a_o nero_n act_v 13._o 3._o phil._n 4._o 22._o and_o where_o not_o now_o if_o there_o have_v not_o be_v truth_n in_o the_o doctrine_n if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v a_o doctrine_n worthy_a of_o god_n suitable_a to_o the_o desire_n and_o expectation_n of_o mankind_n if_o it_o have_v not_o have_v a_o supernatural_a evidence_n and_o testimony_n and_o a_o assistance_n as_o great_a as_o its_o evidence_n it_o can_v not_o in_o those_o circumstance_n have_v make_v its_o own_o way_n nor_o have_v prove_v in_o the_o event_n so_o powerful_a and_o successful_a no_o it_o be_v god_n that_o choose_v the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o wise_a and_o the_o weak_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v mighty_a and_o it_o must_v be_v a_o revelation_n from_o he_o alone_o that_o have_v all_o these_o testimony_n on_o its_o side_n to_o confirm_v it_o so_o that_o we_o may_v conclude_v as_o we_o begin_v that_o if_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o revelation_n the_o revelation_n contain_v in_o scripture_n be_v a_o revelation_n and_o the_o only_a true_a revelation_n now_o in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v than_o what_o a_o obligation_n be_v there_o upon_o we_o to_o observe_v it_o when_o it_o be_v god_fw-we speak_v to_o we_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v the_o more_o earnest_a heed_n to_o the_o thing_n we_o have_v hear_v from_o he_o lest_o at_o any_o time_n we_o shall_v let_v they_o slip_v heb._n 2._o 1._o finis_fw-la errata_fw-la in_o the_o licence_n to_o this_o sermon_n for_o may_v 1._o read_v may_n 4._o p._n 10._o l._n 5._o r._n goodwill_n p._n 12._o l._n 3._o after_o god_n put_v a_o 2_o pet._n 2._o 21._o 1_o joh._n 4._o 1_o etc._n etc._n justin._n hist._n l._n 3._o contr._n cels._n l._n 1_o &_o 2._o cic._n de_fw-fr divin_n l._n 1._o gen._n 2._o 14._o gal._n 4._o 4._o gal._n 3._o 16._o gen._n 12_o 3_o etc._n etc._n gen_n 49._o 8._o matth._n 22._o 42._o mic._n 5._o 2._o dan._n 9_o 24_o etc._n etc._n leu._n 25._o 8._o
now_o who_o be_v there_o that_o upon_o a_o review_n of_o these_o several_a particular_n that_o do_v constitute_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o make_v up_o the_o chief_a subject_n of_o scriptural_a revelation_n can_v pretend_v that_o this_o be_v to_o be_v find_v out_o by_o human_a consideration_n and_o enquiry_n or_o rather_o that_o must_v not_o grant_v it_o proceed_v from_o god_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v observe_v what_o a_o wonderful_a intermixture_n there_o be_v in_o this_o scheme_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n and_o justice_n of_o his_o mercy_n in_o pardon_v the_o sinner_n and_o of_o his_o justice_n in_o require_v a_o atonement_n what_o a_o representation_n of_o his_o hatred_n to_o sin_n on_o one_o hand_n when_o god_n establish_v so_o valuable_a a_o atonement_n as_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o own_o son_n and_o of_o his_o favour_n and_o love_n to_o mankind_n when_o he_o spare_v not_o his_o own_o son_n but_o deliver_v he_o up_o for_o we_o all_o what_o a_o foundation_n for_o our_o hope_n on_o one_o hand_n when_o he_o accept_v of_o the_o propitiation_n and_o what_o a_o dread_a of_o offend_v be_v there_o on_o the_o other_o when_o he_o that_o know_v no_o sin_n be_v make_v a_o sin_n offer_v for_o we_o all_o which_o lay_v together_o do_v confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o character_n and_o the_o title_n that_o the_o scripture-revelation_n have_v to_o it_o but_o there_o be_v somewhat_o further_o to_o be_v add_v in_o proof_n of_o this_o point_n that_o it_o be_v a_o revelation_n from_o god_n and_o that_o be_v the_o many_o prophecy_n that_o be_v interweave_v with_o it_o in_o scripture_n which_o can_v proceed_v from_o none_o but_o he_o who_o alone_o have_v all_o cause_n and_o event_n in_o his_o power_n and_o so_o alone_o can_v foretell_v how_o those_o cause_n will_v operate_v and_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o event_n of_o such_o operation_n these_o be_v the_o chief_a part_n of_o the_o revelation_n concern_v the_o whole_a scheme_n of_o man_n salvation_n confirm_v what_o i_o have_v before_o say_v that_o it_o be_v from_o god_n and_o from_o he_o alone_o but_o this_o must_v be_v reserve_v to_o its_o proper_a place_n under_o the_o three_o general_n head_n to_o go_v on_o ii_o a_o character_n necessary_o belong_v to_o divine_a revelation_n be_v that_o it_o be_v worthy_a of_o god_n and_o what_o become_v the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n to_o make_v know_v to_o mankind_n when_o we_o say_v it_o be_v to_o be_v worthy_a of_o he_o thereby_o be_v mean_v that_o it_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n to_o his_o holiness_n and_o justice_n his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n his_o wisdom_n and_o power_n etc._n etc._n to_o which_o and_o all_o of_o which_o a_o revelation_n true_o so_o can_v no_o more_o be_v repugnant_a than_o god_n himself_o can_v be_v other_o than_o he_o be_v and_o destitute_a of_o those_o perfection_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o he_o in_o discourse_v upon_o which_o we_o may_v observe_v 1._o that_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o the_o revelation_n of_o himself_o to_o mankind_n be_v worthy_a of_o god_n though_o it_o be_v a_o infinite_a condescension_n it_o be_v a_o infinite_a condescension_n in_o the_o deity_n that_o have_v all_o in_o himself_o to_o make_v such_o a_o creature_n as_o man_n and_o it_o be_v no_o more_o unworthy_a of_o god_n to_o reveal_v himself_o to_o he_o than_o it_o be_v to_o make_v he_o for_o what_o other_o reason_n be_v there_o for_o the_o make_v such_o a_o creature_n and_o the_o indue_a he_o with_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n but_o that_o he_o may_v own_v honour_n and_o serve_v the_o author_n of_o his_o be_v and_o since_o to_o know_v and_o acknowledge_v god_n be_v the_o chief_a end_n for_o which_o man_n be_v make_v it_o be_v as_o much_o become_a almighty_a god_n to_o reveal_v himself_o to_o he_o as_o it_o be_v to_o make_v he_o for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o 2._o that_o be_v a_o thing_n worthy_a of_o god_n to_o reveal_v which_o be_v a_o thing_n worthy_a of_o god_n to_o do_v and_o such_o be_v the_o recovery_n and_o restoration_n of_o man_n to_o the_o like_a condition_n he_o be_v create_v in_o and_o unhappy_o fall_v from_o for_o that_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o remaking_a he_o and_o give_v he_o a_o new_a be_v and_o since_o a_o new_a be_v be_v to_o a_o deprave_a be_v what_o be_v be_v to_o no_o be_v it_o be_v as_o much_o become_a almighty_a god_n from_o a_o deprave_a state_n to_o raise_v he_o to_o a_o state_n of_o purity_n and_o holiness_n as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o first_o to_o give_v he_o a_o be_v that_o before_o have_v none_o and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a subject_n of_o what_o we_o call_v divine_a revelation_n which_o as_o it_o respect_v man_n may_v come_v under_o a_o twofold_a consideration_n and_o that_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n it_o will_v be_v a_o needless_a undertake_n to_o prove_v that_o these_o end_n be_v worthy_a of_o god_n but_o that_o which_o rather_o become_v we_o be_v to_o show_v that_o as_o it_o be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o scriptural_a revelation_n to_o represent_v this_o and_o to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o method_n that_o the_o almighty_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n think_v fit_a to_o observe_v so_o the_o method_n as_o there_o lay_v down_o be_v worthy_a of_o such_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n as_o i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o show_v in_o the_o two_o instance_n give_v one_a the_o method_n almighty_n god_n be_v in_o scripture_n say_v to_o take_v for_o the_o purify_n and_o the_o perfect_a human_a nature_n be_v high_o worthy_a of_o so_o glorious_a a_o be_v and_o that_o be_v threefold_a cautionary_a moral_a and_o supernatural_a 1._o that_o which_o i_o call_v cautionary_a be_v the_o way_n almighty_a god_n be_v please_v to_o take_v for_o the_o represent_v his_o displeasure_n against_o sin_n and_o to_o make_v mankind_n cautious_a of_o offend_v the_o mean_v make_v use_n of_o before_o the_o fall_n be_v a_o penalty_n threaten_v in_o the_o day_n thou_o eat_v thereof_o thou_o shall_v die_v but_o because_o that_o have_v prove_v of_o so_o little_a force_n to_o restrain_v mankind_n and_o for_o fear_n lest_o when_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o into_o favour_n after_o such_o a_o threaten_v his_o mercy_n and_o indulgence_n may_v be_v abuse_v and_o become_v a_o encouragement_n to_o sin_n god_n add_v thereunto_o a_o expiation_n as_o have_v be_v before_o say_v and_o that_o to_o be_v make_v by_o his_o own_o son_n who_o from_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o person_n and_o the_o voluntary_a oblation_n of_o himself_o shall_v be_v repute_v as_o a_o representative_a of_o the_o whole_a and_o the_o whole_a be_v esteem_v to_o suffer_v with_o he_o by_o which_o mean_n as_o god_n mercy_n will_v be_v abundant_o testify_v in_o a_o design_n for_o redeem_v they_o so_o his_o justice_n will_v be_v exemplify_v when_o he_o that_o have_v no_o sin_n of_o his_o own_o shall_v yet_o be_v make_v a_o sin-offering_a and_o suffer_v for_o they_o for_o how_o can_v they_o presume_v after_o this_o to_o offend_v the_o almighty_a father_n when_o rather_o than_o suffer_v his_o law_n to_o be_v violate_v his_o authority_n slight_v his_o holiness_n and_o justice_n disparage_v or_o leave_v mankind_n under_o a_o temptation_n so_o to_o do_v he_o will_v express_v his_o hatred_n against_o sin_n and_o his_o resolution_n to_o punish_v it_o by_o require_v and_o substitute_v such_o a_o sacrifice_n as_o that_o of_o his_o son_n in_o their_o stead_n this_o be_v the_o apparent_a reason_n of_o such_o a_o institution_n and_o both_o the_o institution_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v worthy_a of_o the_o divine_a counsel_n since_o there_o be_v no_o way_n in_o which_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v represent_v to_o great_a advantage_n than_o by_o the_o scripture-scheme_n of_o man_n redemption_n 2._o there_o be_v the_o moral_a mean_n that_o serve_v the_o same_o end_n viz._n the_o purify_n and_o perfect_v human_a nature_n to_o which_o revelation_n give_v the_o last_o and_o finish_v hand_n it_o be_v true_a these_o moral_a principle_n be_v no_o other_o than_o natural_a maxim_n and_o which_o be_v nature_n unassisted_a sufficient_a for_o may_v have_v be_v extract_v out_o of_o it_o but_o mankind_n be_v no_o more_o able_a to_o attain_v to_o that_o skill_n of_o themselves_o than_o a_o unexperienced_a person_n and_o unacquainted_a with_o the_o art_n of_o chemistry_n can_v extract_v such_o exalt_v and_o generous_a spirit_n out_o of_o the_o body_n of_o plant_n and_o animal_n as_o upon_o trial_n we_o find_v they_o be_v endue_v with_o it_o be_v another_o light_n we_o view_v nature_n by_o since_o the_o communicate_v of_o the_o evangelical_n revelation_n to_o the_o world_n nature_n and_o reason_n now_o be_v not_o the_o nature_n and_o the_o reason_n they_o be_v before_o or_o be_v