of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n it_o will_v be_v say_v this_o testimony_n be_v private_a in_o the_o mind_n only_o of_o they_o on_o who_o this_o work_n be_v wrought_v and_o therefore_o do_v i_o press_v it_o no_o further_o but_o he_o that_o believe_v have_v the_o witness_n in_o himself_o 1_o john_n 5._o 10._o let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o all_o who_o be_v real_o convert_v unto_o god_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n have_v that_o infallible_a evidence_n and_o testimony_n of_o its_o divine_a original_a authority_n and_o power_n in_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o conscience_n that_o they_o thereon_o believe_v it_o with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o other_o evidence_n before_o mention_v as_o part_n of_o the_o same_o divine_a testimony_n and_o it_o be_v all_o i_o aim_v at_o herein_o but_o yet_o although_o this_o testimony_n be_v private_o receive_v for_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v not_o so_o but_o common_a unto_o all_o believer_n yet_o be_v it_o ministerial_o pleadable_a in_o the_o church_n as_o a_o principal_a motive_n unto_o believe_v a_o declaration_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n which_o some_o have_v find_v by_o experience_n in_o the_o word_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o convince_v other_o and_o to_o bring_v they_o unto_o the_o faith_n yea_o of_o all_o the_o external_a argument_n that_o be_v or_o may_v be_v plead_v to_o justify_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v none_o more_o prevalent_a nor_o cogent_a than_o this_o of_o its_o mighty_a efficacy_n in_o all_o age_n on_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o change_v convert_v and_o renew_v they_o into_o the_o image_n and_o likeness_n of_o god_n which_o have_v be_v visible_a and_o manifest_a moreover_o there_o be_v yet_o other_o particular_a effect_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n of_o the_o word_n on_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n belong_v unto_o this_o general_a work_n either_o precede_a or_o follow_v of_o it_o which_o be_v clear_o sensible_a and_o enlarge_v the_o evidence_n as_o 1._o the_o work_n of_o conviction_n of_o sin_n on_o those_o who_o expect_v it_o not_o who_o desire_v it_o not_o and_o who_o will_v avoid_v it_o if_o by_o any_o mean_v possible_a they_o can_v the_o world_n be_v fill_v with_o instance_n of_o this_o nature_n whilst_o man_n have_v be_v full_a of_o love_n to_o their_o sin_n at_o peace_n in_o they_o enjoy_v benefit_n and_o advantage_n by_o they_o the_o word_n come_v upon_o they_o in_o its_o power_n have_v awe_v disquiet_v and_o terrify_v they_o take_v away_o their_o peace_n destroy_v their_o hope_n and_o make_v they_o as_o it_o be_v whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o desire_n inclination_n and_o carnal_a affection_n to_o conclude_v that_o if_o they_o comply_v not_o with_o what_o be_v propose_v unto_o they_o in_o that_o word_n which_o before_o they_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o nor_o have_v any_o regard_n unto_o they_o must_v be_v present_o or_o eternal_o miserable_a conscience_n be_v the_o territory_n or_o dominion_n of_o god_n in_o man_n which_o he_o have_v so_o reserve_v unto_o himself_o that_o no_o human_a power_n can_v possible_o enter_v into_o it_o or_o dispose_v of_o it_o in_o any_o wise_a but_o in_o this_o work_n of_o conviction_n of_o sin_n the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o scripture_n enter_v into_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o sinner_n take_v possession_n of_o it_o dispose_v it_o unto_o peace_n or_o trouble_v by_o its_o law_n or_o rule_n and_o no_o otherwise_o where_o it_o give_v disquietment_n all_o the_o world_n can_v give_v it_o peace_n and_o where_o it_o speak_v peace_n there_o be_v none_o can_v give_v it_o trouble_v be_v not_o this_o the_o word_n of_o god_n how_o shall_v it_o come_v thus_o to_o speak_v in_o his_o name_n and_o to_o act_v his_o authority_n in_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n as_o it_o do_v when_o once_o it_o begin_v this_o work_n conscience_n immediate_o own_v a_o new_a rule_n a_o new_a law_n a_o new_a government_n in_o order_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o it_o and_o all_o its_o action_n and_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o conscience_n to_o take_v this_o upon_o itself_o nor_o will_v it_o do_v so_o but_o that_o it_o sensible_o find_v god_n speak_v and_o act_v in_o it_o and_o by_o it_o see_v 1_o cor._n 14._o 25_o 26._o a_o invasion_n may_v be_v make_v on_o the_o outward_a duty_n that_o conscience_n dispose_v unto_o but_o none_o can_v be_v so_o upon_o its_o internal_a act_n no_o power_n under_o heaven_n can_v cause_v conscience_n to_o think_v act_n or_o judge_v otherwise_o than_o it_o do_v by_o its_o immediate_a respect_n unto_o god_n for_o it_o be_v the_o mind_n self-judging_a with_o respect_n unto_o god_n and_o what_o be_v not_o so_o be_v no_o act_n of_o conscience_n wherefore_o to_o force_v a_o act_n of_o conscience_n imply_v a_o contradiction_n however_o it_o may_v be_v defile_v bribe_v sear_a and_o at_o length_n utter_o debauch_v admit_v of_o a_o superior_a power_n a_o power_n above_o or_o over_o itself_o under_o god_n it_o can_v i_o know_v conscience_n may_v be_v prepossess_v with_o prejudices_fw-la and_o by_o education_n with_o the_o insinuation_n of_o tradition_n take_v on_o itself_o the_o power_n of_o false_a corrupt_a superstitious_a principle_n and_o error_n as_o mean_n of_o convey_v unto_o it_o a_o sense_n of_o divine_a authority_n so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o mahometans_n and_o other_o false_a worshipper_n in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o power_n of_o those_o divine_a conviction_n whereof_o we_o treat_v be_v manifest_o different_a from_o such_o prejudicate_a opinion_n for_o where_o these_o be_v not_o impose_v on_o man_n by_o artifices_fw-la and_o delusion_n easy_o discoverable_a they_o prepossess_v their_o mind_n and_o inclination_n by_o tradition_n antecedent_o unto_o any_o right_a judgement_n they_o can_v make_v of_o themselves_o or_o other_o thing_n and_o they_o be_v general_o wrap_v up_o and_o condit_v in_o their_o secular_a interest_n the_o conviction_n we_o treat_v of_o come_v from_o without_o upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o that_o with_o a_o sensible_a power_n prevail_v over_o all_o their_o previous_a thought_n and_o inclination_n those_o first_o affect_v deceive_v and_o delude_v the_o notional_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n whereby_o conscience_n be_v insensible_o influence_v and_o divert_v into_o improper_a respect_n and_o be_v deceive_v as_o to_o its_o judge_n of_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n these_o immediate_o principle_n the_o practical_a understanding_n and_o self-judging_a power_n of_o the_o soul_n wherefore_o such_o opinion_n and_o persuasion_n be_v gradual_o insinuate_v into_o the_o mind_n and_o be_v admit_v insensible_o without_o opposition_n or_o reluctancy_n be_v never_o accompany_v at_o their_o first_o admission_n with_o any_o secular_a disadvantage_n but_o these_o divine_a conviction_n by_o the_o word_n befall_v man_n some_o when_o they_o think_v of_o nothing_o less_o and_o desire_v nothing_o less_o some_o when_o they_o design_v other_o thing_n as_o the_o please_a of_o their_o ear_n or_o the_o entertainment_n of_o their_o company_n and_o some_o that_o go_v on_o purpose_n to_o deride_v and_o scoff_n at_o what_o shall_v be_v speak_v unto_o they_o from_o it_o it_o may_v also_o be_v add_v unto_o the_o same_o purpose_n how_o confirm_v some_o have_v be_v in_o their_o carnal_a peace_n and_o security_n by_o love_n of_o sin_n with_o innumerable_a inveterate_a prejudices_fw-la what_o loss_n and_o ruin_n to_o their_o outward_a concernment_n many_o have_v fall_v into_o by_o admit_v of_o their_o conviction_n what_o force_n diligence_n and_o artifices_fw-la have_v be_v use_v to_o defeat_v they_o what_o contribution_n of_o aid_n and_o assistance_n have_v there_o be_v from_o satan_n unto_o this_o purpose_n and_o yet_o against_o all_o have_v the_o divine_a power_n of_o the_o word_n absolute_o prevail_v and_o accomplish_v its_o whole_a design_v effect_n see_v 2_o cor._n 10._o 4_o 5._o jerem._n 23._o 29._o zach._n 1._o 6._o 2._o it_o do_v it_o by_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o it_o and_o that_o spiritual_a illuminate_a efficacy_n wherewith_o it_o be_v accompany_v hence_o it_o be_v call_v a_o light_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 19_o that_o light_n whereby_o god_n shine_v into_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 4_o 6._o without_o the_o scripture_n all_o the_o world_n be_v in_o darkness_n darkness_n cover_v the_o earth_n and_o thick_a darkness_n the_o people_n isa_n 60._o 2._o it_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n fill_v with_o darkness_n and_o confusion_n superstition_n idolatry_n lie_v vanity_n wherein_o man_n know_v not_o at_o all_o what_o they_o do_v nor_o whither_o they_o go_v fill_v the_o whole_a world_n even_o as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n and_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v natural_o in_o darkness_n there_o be_v a_o blindness_n
have_v advantage_n thereby_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n be_v now_o rise_v upon_o we_o and_o immortality_n be_v bring_v to_o light_n by_o the_o gospel_n if_o we_o look_v now_o on_o the_o revelation_n grant_v unto_o they_o of_o old_a we_o may_v yet_o see_v there_o be_v light_n in_o they_o which_o yield_v we_o little_a more_o advantage_n than_o the_o light_n of_o a_o candle_n in_o the_o sun_n but_o unto_o they_o who_o live_v before_o this_o sun_n arise_v they_o be_v a_o sufficient_a guide_n unto_o all_o duty_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n for_o 3._o there_o be_v during_o this_o season_n a_o sufficient_a ministry_n for_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o revelation_n which_o god_n make_v of_o himself_o and_o his_o will._n there_o be_v the_o natural_a ministry_n of_o parent_n who_o be_v oblige_v to_o instruct_v their_o child_n and_o family_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v and_o whereas_o this_o begin_v in_o adam_n who_o first_o receive_v the_o promise_n and_o therewithal_o whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a unto_o faith_n and_o obedience_n the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o can_v not_o be_v lose_v without_o the_o wilful_a neglect_n of_o parent_n in_o teach_v or_o of_o child_n and_o family_n in_o learning_n and_o they_o have_v the_o extraordinary_a ministry_n of_o such_o as_o god_n entrust_v new_a revelation_n withal_o for_o the_o confirmation_n and_o inlargment_n of_o those_o before_o receive_v who_o be_v all_o of_o they_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n unto_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o it_o may_v be_v manifest_v that_o from_o the_o give_v of_o the_o first_o promise_n when_o divine_a external_a revelation_n begin_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n unto_o the_o church_n to_o the_o write_n of_o the_o law_n there_o be_v always_o alive_a one_o or_o other_o who_o receive_v divine_a revelation_n immediate_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o infallible_a guide_n unto_o other_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o at_o any_o time_n it_o be_v after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o patriarch_n before_o the_o call_v of_o moses_n during_o which_o time_n all_o thing_n go_v into_o darkness_n and_o confusion_n for_o oral_a tradition_n alone_o will_v not_o preserve_v the_o truth_n of_o former_a revelation_n but_o by_o who_o these_o instruction_n be_v receive_v they_o have_v a_o sufficient_a outward_a mean_n for_o their_o illumination_n before_o any_o divine_a revelation_n be_v record_v by_o write_v yet_o 4._o this_o way_n of_o instruction_n as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o imperfect_a and_o liable_a to_o many_o disadvantage_n so_o through_o the_o weakness_n negligence_n and_o wickedness_n of_o man_n it_o prove_v insufficient_a to_o retain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n for_o under_o this_o dispensation_n the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n fall_v into_o their_o great_a apostasy_n from_o god_n and_o betake_v themselves_o unto_o the_o conduct_n and_o service_n of_o the_o devil_n of_o the_o way_n mean_n and_o degree_n whereof_o i_o have_v discoursed*_n elsewhere_o 3._o hereon_o god_n also_o regard_v they_o not_o but_o suffer_v all_o nation_n to_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o way_n act_n 14._o 16._o give_v they_o up_o to_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n to_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o counsel_n as_o it_o be_v express_v psal._n 81._o 12._o and_o although_o this_o fall_v not_o out_o without_o the_o horrible_a wickedness_n and_o ingratitude_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o there_o be_v then_o no_o certain_a standard_n of_o divine_a truth_n whereunto_o they_o may_v repair_v they_o break_v off_o the_o easy_a from_o god_n through_o the_o imperfection_n of_o this_o dispensation_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v that_o since_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n have_v be_v commit_v unto_o write_v man_n have_v apostatise_v from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o many_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n which_o sometime_o profess_v the_o gospel_n but_o be_v now_o overrun_v with_o heathenism_n mahometism_n and_o idolatry_n i_o say_v this_o have_v not_o come_v to_o pass_v through_o any_o defect_n in_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o illumination_n or_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o truth_n unto_o they_o but_o god_n have_v give_v they_o up_o to_o be_v destroy_v for_o their_o wickedness_n and_o ingratitude_n and_o unless_o we_o repent_v we_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v rom._n 1._o 18._o 2_o thes._n 2._o 11_o 12._o otherwise_o where_o the_o standard_n of_o the_o word_n be_v once_o fix_v there_o be_v a_o constant_a mean_n of_o preserve_v divine_a revelation_n wherefore_o three_o god_n have_v gather_v up_o into_o the_o scripture_n all_o divine_a revelation_n give_v out_o by_o himself_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o all_o that_o ever_o shall_v be_v so_o to_o the_o end_n thereof_o which_o be_v of_o general_a use_n unto_o the_o church_n that_o it_o may_v be_v thorough_o instruct_v in_o the_o whole_a mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n and_o direct_v in_o all_o that_o worship_n of_o he_o and_o obedience_n unto_o he_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o give_v we_o acceptance_n with_o he_o here_o and_o to_o bring_v we_o unto_o the_o eternal_a enjoyment_n of_o he_o hereafter_o for_o 1._o when_o god_n first_o commit_v the_o law_n to_o writing_n with_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o accompany_v it_o he_o oblige_v the_o church_n unto_o the_o use_n of_o it_o alone_o without_o addition_n of_o any_o kind_n now_o this_o he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v have_v he_o not_o express_v therein_o that_o be_v the_o book_n of_o moses_n all_o that_o be_v any_o way_n needful_a unto_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o church_n for_o he_o do_v not_o only_o command_v they_o to_o attend_v with_o all_o diligence_n unto_o his_o word_n as_o it_o be_v then_o write_v for_o their_o instruction_n and_o direction_n in_o faith_n and_o obedience_n annex_v all_o sort_n of_o promise_n unto_o their_o so_o do_v deut._n 6._o 6_o 7._o but_o also_o express_o forbid_v they_o as_o be_v say_v to_o add_v any_o thing_n thereunto_o or_o to_o conjoin_v any_o thing_n therewith_o deut._n 4._o 2._o chap._n 12_o 32._o which_o he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v have_v he_o omit_v other_o divine_a revelation_n before_o give_v that_o be_v any_o way_n necessary_a unto_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n as_o he_o add_v many_o new_a one_o so_o he_o gather_v in_o all_o the_o old_a from_o the_o unfaithful_a repository_n of_o tradition_n and_o fix_v they_o in_o a_o write_n give_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n 2._o for_o all_o other_o divine_a revelation_n which_o be_v give_v out_o to_o the_o church_n for_o its_o use_n in_o general_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n they_o be_v all_o comprise_v in_o the_o follow_a book_n thereof_o nor_o be_v this_o that_o i_o know_v of_o ever_o question_v by_o any_o person_n pretend_v to_o sobriety_n though_o some_o who_o will_v be_v glad_a of_o any_o pretence_n against_o the_o integrity_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v fruitless_o wrangle_v about_o the_o loss_n of_o some_o book_n which_o they_o can_v never_o prove_v concern_v any_o one_o that_o be_v certain_o of_o a_o divine_a original_a 3._o the_o full_a revelation_n of_o the_o whole_a mind_n of_o god_n whereunto_o nothing_o pretend_v thereunto_o be_v ever_o to_o be_v add_v be_v commit_v unto_o and_o perfect_v by_o jesus_n christ_n heb._n 1._o 1_o 2._o that_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n make_v by_o he_o whether_o in_o his_o own_o person_n or_o by_o his_o spirit_n unto_o his_o apostle_n be_v also_o by_o divine_a inspiration_n commit_v to_o write_v be_v express_o affirm_v concern_v what_o he_o deliver_v in_o his_o own_o personal_a ministry_n luk._n 1._o 4._o act_n 1._o 1._o john_n 20._o 31._o and_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o uncontrollable_a argument_n concern_v the_o rest_n of_o they_o hence_o as_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v shut_v up_o with_o a_o caution_n and_o admonition_n unto_o the_o church_n to_o adhere_v unto_o the_o law_n and_o testimony_n with_o threaten_v of_o a_o curse_n unto_o the_o contrary_a mal._n 4._o 4_o 5_o 6._o so_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v close_v with_o a_o curse_n on_o any_o that_o shall_v presume_v to_o add_v any_o thing_n more_o thereunto_o rev._n 22._o 18._o wherefore_o four_o the_o scripture_n be_v now_o become_v the_o only_a external_a mean_n of_o divine_a supernatural_a illumination_n because_o it_o be_v the_o only_a repository_n of_o all_o divine_a supernatural_a revelation_n psal._n 19_o 7_o 8._o isa._n 8._o 20._o 2_o tim._n 3._o 15_o 16_o 17._o the_o pretence_n of_o tradition_n as_o a_o collateral_a mean_n of_o preserve_v and_o communicate_v supernatural_a revelation_n have_v be_v so_o often_o evict_v of_o falsity_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o further_o press_v their_o impeachment_n beside_o i_o intend_v those_o in_o this_o discourse_n by_o who_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o bible_n be_v
as_o a_o sufficient_a and_o perfect_a so_o the_o only_a treasury_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o what_o have_v be_v offer_v by_o any_o to_o weaken_v or_o impair_v its_o esteem_n by_o take_v off_o from_o its_o credibility_n perfection_n and_o sufficiency_n as_o unto_o all_o its_o own_o proper_a end_n have_v bring_v no_o advantage_n unto_o the_o church_n nor_o benefit_n unto_o the_o faith_n of_o believer_n but_o yet_o five_o in_o assert_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o only_a external_a mean_n of_o divine_a revelation_n i_o do_v it_o not_o exclusive_o unto_o those_o institution_n of_o god_n which_o be_v subordinate_a unto_o it_o and_o appoint_v as_o mean_n to_o make_v it_o effectual_a unto_o our_o soul_n as_o 1._o our_o own_o personal_a endeavour_n in_o read_v study_v and_o meditate_v on_o the_o scripture_n that_o we_o my_o come_v unto_o a_o right_a apprehension_n of_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o be_v require_v unto_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v know_v to_o all_o how_o frequent_o this_o duty_n be_v press_v upon_o we_o and_o what_o promise_n be_v annex_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o see_v deut._n 6._o 6_o 7._o chap._n 11._o 18_o 19_o josh._n 1._o 8._o psal._n 1._o 2._o psal._n 119._o col._n 3._o 16._o 2_o tim._n 3._o 15._o without_o this_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o expect_v illumination_n by_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v see_v multitude_n live_v and_o walk_v in_o extreme_a darkness_n when_o yet_o the_o word_n be_v everywhere_o nigh_o unto_o they_o bread_n which_o be_v the_o staff_n of_o life_n will_v yet_o nourish_v no_o man_n who_o do_v not_o provide_v it_o and_o feed_v upon_o it_o no_o more_o will_v manna_n unless_o it_o be_v gather_v and_o prepare_v our_o own_o nature_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o divine_a revelation_n consider_v and_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o application_n of_o the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o make_v this_o evident_a for_o god_n will_v instruct_v we_o in_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n as_o we_o be_v man_n in_o and_o by_o the_o rational_a faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n nor_o be_v a_o external_a revelation_n capable_a of_o make_v any_o other_o impression_n on_o we_o but_o what_o be_v so_o receive_v wherefore_o when_o i_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a external_a mean_n of_o our_o illumination_n i_o include_v therein_o all_o our_o own_o personal_a endeavour_n to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n therein_o which_o shall_v be_v afterward_o speak_v unto_o and_o those_o who_o under_o any_o pretence_n do_v keep_v drive_v or_o persuade_v man_n from_o read_v and_o meditate_v on_o the_o scripture_n do_v take_v a_o effectual_a course_n to_o keep_v they_o in_o and_o under_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n 2._o the_o mutual_a instruction_n of_o one_o another_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n be_v also_o require_v hereunto_o for_o we_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n to_o endeavour_v the_o good_a of_o other_o in_o various_a degree_n as_o our_o child_n our_o family_n our_o neighbour_n and_o all_o with_o who_o we_o have_v conversation_n and_o this_o be_v the_o principal_a good_a absolute_o consider_v that_o we_o can_v communicate_v unto_o other_o namely_o to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n this_o whole_a duty_n in_o all_o the_o degree_n of_o it_o be_v represent_v in_o that_o command_n thou_o shall_v teach_v my_o word_n diligent_o unto_o thy_o child_n and_o shall_v talk_v of_o they_o when_o thou_o sit_v in_o thy_o house_n and_o when_o thou_o walk_v by_o the_o way_n and_o when_o thou_o lie_v down_o and_o when_o thou_o rise_v up_o deut._n 6._o 7._o thus_o when_o our_o saviour_n find_v his_o disciple_n talk_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n by_o the_o way_n side_n he_o bear_v unto_o they_o the_o person_n of_o a_o private_a man_n instruct_v they_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n luk._n 24._o 26_o 27_o 32._o and_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v so_o great_a that_o the_o very_a mention_n of_o it_o or_o the_o least_o attempt_n to_o perform_v it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o scorn_n and_o reproach_n be_v one_o cause_n of_o the_o great_a ignorance_n &_o darkness_n which_o yet_o abound_v among_o we_o but_o the_o nakedness_n of_o this_o folly_n whereby_o man_n will_v be_v esteem_v christian_n in_o the_o open_a contempt_n of_o all_o duty_n of_o christianity_n will_v in_o due_a time_n be_v lay_v open_a 3._o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o church_n be_v that_o which_o be_v principal_o include_v in_o this_o assertion_n the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o illumination_n but_o it_o become_v so_o principal_o by_o the_o application_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n see_v mat._n 5._o 14_o 15._o 2_o cor._n 5._o 18_o 19_o 20._o eph._n 4._o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15._o 1_o tim._n 3._o 15._o the_o church_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o it_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n unto_o this_o end_n that_o his_o mind_n and_o will_v as_o reveal_v in_o the_o word_n may_v be_v make_v know_v to_o the_o child_n of_o man_n whereby_o they_o be_v enlighten_v and_o that_o church_n and_o ministry_n whereof_o this_o be_v not_o the_o first_o principal_a design_n and_o work_v be_v neither_o appoint_v of_o god_n nor_o approve_v by_o he_o man_n will_v one_o day_n find_v themselves_o deceive_v in_o trust_v to_o empty_a name_n it_o be_v duty_n alone_o that_o will_v be_v comfort_n and_o reward_n dan._n 12._o 3._o six_o that_o the_o scripture_n which_o thus_o contain_v the_o whole_a of_o divine_a revelation_n may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a external_a cause_n of_o illumination_n unto_o we_o two_o thing_n be_v require_v 1._o that_o we_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n that_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o a_o declaration_n of_o himself_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n immediate_o proceed_v from_o he_o or_o that_o it_o be_v of_o a_o pure_a divine_a original_a proceed_v neither_o from_o the_o folly_n or_o deceit_n nor_o from_o the_o skill_n or_o honesty_n of_o man_n so_o be_v it_o state_v 2_o pet._n 1._o 19_o 20_o 21._o heb._n 1._o 1._o 2_o tim._n 3._o 16._o isa._n 8._o 20._o it_o tender_v no_o light_n or_o instruction_n under_o any_o other_o notion_n but_o as_o it_o come_v immediate_o from_o god_n not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o the_o live_a god_n 1_o thes._n 2._o 13._o and_o what_o ever_o any_o one_o may_v learn_v from_o or_o by_o the_o scripture_n under_o any_o other_o consideration_n it_o belong_v not_o unto_o the_o illumination_n we_o inquire_v after_o nehem._n 8._o 8._o isa._n 28._o 9_o hos._n 14._o 9_o prov._n 1._o 6._o psal._n 119._o 34_o mat._n 15._o 16._o 2_o tim._n 2._o 7._o 1_o john_n 5._o 20._o 2._o that_o we_o understand_v the_o thing_n declare_v in_o it_o or_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n as_o reveal_v and_o express_v therein_o for_o if_o it_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o a_o seal_a book_n which_o we_o can_v read_v either_o because_o it_o be_v seal_v or_o because_o we_o be_v ignorant_a and_o can_v read_v whatever_o vision_n or_o mean_n of_o light_n it_o have_v in_o it_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o advantage_n thereby_o isa._n 29._o 11_o 12._o it_o be_v not_o the_o word_n themselves_o of_o the_o scripture_n only_o but_o our_o understand_v they_o that_o give_v we_o light_a psal._n 119._o 130._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o open_a the_o door_n the_o entrance_n of_o thy_o word_n give_v light_a it_o must_v be_v open_v or_o it_o will_v not_o enlighten_v so_o the_o disciple_n understand_v not_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n concern_v the_o lord_n christ_n they_o be_v not_o enlighten_v by_o they_o until_o he_o expound_v they_o unto_o they_o luk._n 24._o 27_o 45._o as_o we_o have_v the_o same_o instance_n in_o the_o eunuch_n and_o philip_n act_v 8._o 31_o 35_o 36._o to_o this_o very_a day_n the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o outward_a letter_n of_o they_o in_o such_o esteem_n and_o veneration_n that_o they_o even_o adore_v and_o worship_v they_o yet_o be_v they_o not_o enlighten_v by_o it_o and_o the_o same_o be_v fall_v out_o among_o many_o that_o be_v call_v christian_n or_o they_o can_v never_o embrace_v such_o foolish_a opinion_n and_o practice_v such_o idolatry_n in_o worship_n as_o some_o of_o they_o do_v who_o yet_o enjoy_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o my_o design_n which_o we_o have_v be_v thus_o far_o make_v way_n unto_o and_o it_o be_v to_o show_v that_o both_o these_o be_v from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n namely_o that_o we_o true_o believe_v
the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o we_o understand_v save_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n therein_o both_o which_o belong_v unto_o our_o illumination_n that_o which_o i_o shall_v first_o inquire_v into_o be_v the_o way_n how_o and_o the_o ground_n whereon_o we_o come_v to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n for_o that_o this_o be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n namely_o that_o we_o shall_v believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a i_o suppose_v will_v not_o be_v deny_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v afterward_o prove_v and_o what_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n herein_o will_v be_v our_o first_o enquiry_n second_o whereas_o we_o see_v by_o experience_n that_o all_o who_o have_v or_o enjoy_v the_o scripture_n do_v not_o yet_o understand_v it_o or_o come_v to_o a_o useful_a save_a knowledge_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n therein_o reveal_v our_o other_o enquiry_n shall_v be_v how_o we_o may_v come_v to_o understand_v the_o word_n of_o god_n aright_o and_o what_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o assistance_n which_o he_o afford_v we_o unto_o that_o purpose_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o first_o of_o these_o inquiry_n whereunto_o the_o present_a discourse_n be_v single_o design_v i_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o the_o supernatural_a immediate_a revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n unto_o we_o and_o infallible_o to_o evidence_n it_o unto_o our_o mind_n so_o as_o that_o we_o may_v spiritual_o and_o save_o acquiesce_v therein_o some_o upon_o a_o mistake_n of_o this_o proposition_n do_v seem_v to_o suppose_v that_o we_o resolve_v all_o faith_n into_o private_a suggestion_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o delude_a pretence_n thereof_o and_o some_o it_o may_v be_v will_v be_v ready_a to_o apprehend_v that_o we_o confound_v the_o efficient_a cause_n and_o formal_a reason_n of_o faith_n or_o believe_v render_v all_o rational_a argument_n and_o external_a testimony_n useless_a but_o indeed_o there_o neither_o be_v nor_o shall_v be_v any_o occasion_n administer_v unto_o these_o fear_n or_o imagination_n for_o we_o shall_v plead_v nothing_o in_o this_o matter_n but_o what_o be_v consonant_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o ancient_n and_o present_a church_n of_o god_n as_o shall_v be_v full_o evidence_v in_o our_o progress_n i_o know_v some_o have_v find_v out_o other_o way_n whereby_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o they_o suppose_v may_v be_v sufficient_o satisfy_v in_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o i_o have_v taste_v of_o their_o new_a wine_n and_o desire_v it_o not_o because_o i_o know_v the_o old_a to_o be_v better_o though_o what_o they_o plead_v be_v of_o use_n in_o its_o proper_a place_n my_o design_n require_v that_o i_o shall_v confine_v my_o discourse_n unto_o as_o narrow_a bound_n as_o possible_a and_o i_o shall_v so_o do_v show_v 1._o what_o it_o be_v in_o general_a infallible_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o what_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o so_o do_v or_o what_o it_o be_v to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o we_o be_v require_v to_o believe_v it_o so_o to_o be_v in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v external_a argument_n of_o the_o divine_a original_a of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v effectual_a motive_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o give_v a_o unfeigned_a assent_n thereunto_o 3._o that_o yet_o moreover_o god_n require_v of_o we_o that_o we_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v his_o word_n with_o faith_n divine_a supernatural_a and_o infallible_a 4._o evidence_n the_o ground_n and_o reason_n whereon_o we_o do_v so_o believe_v and_o aught_o so_o to_o do_v unto_o these_o head_n most_o of_o what_o ensue_v in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o discourse_n may_v be_v reduce_v it_o be_v meet_v that_o we_o shall_v clear_v the_o foundation_n whereon_o we_o build_v and_o the_o principle_n whereon_o we_o do_v proceed_v that_o what_o we_o design_v to_o prove_v may_v be_v the_o better_o understand_v by_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n who_o edification_n we_o intend_v for_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o equal_a concernment_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o unlearned_a wherefore_o some_o thing_n must_v be_v insist_v on_o which_o be_v general_o know_v and_o grant_v and_o our_o first_o enquiry_n be_v what_o it_o be_v to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a according_a as_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v and_o in_o our_o believe_v or_o our_o faith_n two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v 1._o what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o do_v believe_v and_o 2._o wherefore_o we_o do_v so_o believe_v it_o the_o first_o be_v the_o material_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n namely_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v believe_v the_o latter_a the_o formal_a object_n of_o it_o or_o the_o cause_n and_o reason_n why_o we_o do_v believe_v they_o and_o these_o thing_n be_v distinct_a the_o material_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v the_o thing_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n declare_v unto_o we_o in_o proposition_n of_o truth_n for_o thing_n must_v be_v so_o propose_v unto_o we_o or_o we_o can_v believe_v they_o that_o god_n be_v one_o in_o three_o person_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o like_a proposition_n of_o truth_n be_v the_o material_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o do_v believe_v and_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o do_v believe_v they_o be_v because_o they_o be_v propose_v in_o the_o scripture_n thus_o the_o apostle_n express_v the_o whole_a of_o what_o we_o intend_v 1_o cor._n 15._o 3_o 4._o i_o deliver_v unto_o you_o first_o of_o all_o that_o which_o i_o also_o receive_v how_o that_o christ_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o he_o be_v bury_v and_o that_o he_o rise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n christ_n death_n and_o burial_n and_o resurrection_n be_v the_o thing_n propose_v unto_o we_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o so_o the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o believe_v they_o be_v because_o they_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o scripture_n see_v act_n 8._o 28_o 29_o 30._o sometime_o indeed_o this_o expression_n of_o believe_v the_o scripture_n by_o a_o metonymy_n denote_v both_o the_o formal_a and_o material_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o scripture_n themselves_o as_o such_o and_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o they_o so_o john_n 2._o 22._o they_o believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o word_n that_o jesus_n say_v or_o the_o thing_n deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o further_o declare_v by_o christ_n which_o before_o they_o understand_v not_o and_o they_o do_v so_o believe_v what_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o scripture_n because_o it_o be_v so_o declare_v in_o they_o both_o be_v intend_v in_o the_o same_o expression_n they_o believe_v the_o scripture_n under_o various_a consideration_n so_o act_v 26._o 27._o the_o material_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n therefore_o be_v the_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n by_o who_o enumeration_n we_o answer_v unto_o that_o question_n what_o we_o believe_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v act_v 26._o 22_o 23._o but_o if_o moreover_o we_o be_v ask_v a_o reason_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o hope_n or_o why_o we_o believe_v the_o thing_n we_o do_v profess_v as_o god_n to_o be_v one_o in_o three_o person_n jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n we_o do_v not_o answer_v because_o so_o it_o be_v for_o this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o believe_v which_o be_v senseless_a but_o we_o must_v give_v some_o other_o answer_n unto_o that_o enquiry_n whether_o it_o be_v make_v by_o other_o or_o ourselves_o the_o proper_a answer_n unto_o this_o question_n contain_v the_o formal_a reason_n and_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o which_o it_o rest_v upon_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o look_v after_o 2._o we_o do_v not_o in_o this_o enquiry_n intend_v any_o kind_n of_o persuasion_n or_o faith_n but_o that_o which_o be_v divine_a and_o infallible_a both_o which_o it_o be_v from_o its_o formal_a reason_n or_o objective_a cause_n man_n may_v be_v able_a to_o give_v some_o kind_n of_o reason_n why_o they_o believe_v what_o they_o profess_v so_o to_o do_v that_o will_v not_o suffice_v or_o abide_v the_o trial_n in_o this_o case_n although_o they_o themselves_o may_v rest_v in_o
for_o we_o can_v believe_v nothing_o on_o their_o account_n unless_o it_o be_v evidence_v unto_o we_o and_o this_o evidence_n of_o they_o be_v in_o that_o revelation_n which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v of_o himself_o for_o that_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n whereby_o our_o conscience_n and_o mind_n be_v affect_v with_o his_o truth_n and_o authority_n we_o do_v therefore_o no_o otherwise_o rest_n on_o the_o truth_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n in_o any_o thing_n than_o we_o rest_v on_o the_o revelation_n which_o he_o make_v unto_o we_o for_o that_o be_v the_o only_a way_n whereby_o we_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o not_o the_o lord_n be_v true_a absolute_o but_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v be_v that_o which_o we_o have_v immediate_a regard_n unto_o hereby_o alone_o be_v our_o mind_n affect_v with_o the_o authority_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n and_o by_o what_o way_n soever_o it_o be_v make_v unto_o we_o it_o be_v sufficient_a and_o able_a so_o to_o 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and_o objection_n these_o argument_n have_v be_v plead_v by_o many_o and_o that_o useful_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o needful_a for_o i_o to_o insist_v upon_o they_o and_o they_o be_v the_o same_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o in_o ancient_a and_o modern_a writer_n however_o manage_v by_o some_o with_o more_o learning_n dexterity_n and_o force_v of_o reason_v than_o by_o other_o it_o may_v not_o be_v expect_v therefore_o that_o in_o this_o short_a discourse_n design_v unto_o another_o purpose_n i_o shall_v give_v they_o much_o improvement_n however_o i_o shall_v a_o little_a touch_n on_o those_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v most_o cogent_a and_o that_o in_o they_o wherein_o in_o my_o apprehension_n their_o strength_n do_v lie_v and_o i_o shall_v do_v this_o to_o manifest_v that_o although_o we_o plead_v that_o no_o man_n can_v believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o faith_n divine_a supernatural_a and_o infallible_a but_o upon_o its_o own_o internal_a divine_a evidence_n and_o efficacy_n yet_o we_o allow_v and_o make_v use_n of_o all_o those_o external_a argument_n of_o its_o sacred_a truth_n and_o divine_a original_a which_o be_v plead_v by_o other_o ascribe_v unto_o they_o as_o much_o weight_n and_o cogency_n as_o they_o can_v do_v acknowledge_v the_o persuasion_n which_o they_o beget_v and_o effect_v to_o be_v as_o firm_a as_o they_o can_v pretend_v it_o to_o be_v only_o we_o do_v not_o judge_v they_o to_o contain_v the_o whole_a of_o the_o evidence_n which_o we_o have_v for_o faith_n to_o rest_v in_o or_o to_o be_v resolve_v into_o yea_o not_o that_o at_o all_o which_o render_v it_o divine_a supernatural_a and_o infallible_a the_o rational_a argument_n we_o say_v which_o be_v or_o may_v be_v use_v in_o this_o matter_n with_o the_o humane_a testimony_n whereby_o they_o be_v corroborate_v may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o and_o insist_v on_o and_o it_o be_v but_o vain_o pretend_v that_o their_o use_n be_v 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none_o will_v say_v that_o it_o can_v be_v effect_v by_o or_o resolve_v into_o the_o best_a and_o most_o cogent_a of_o rational_a argument_n and_o external_a testimony_n which_o be_v absolute_o humane_a and_o fallible_a for_o it_o do_v imply_v a_o contradiction_n to_o believe_v infallible_o upon_o fallible_a evidence_n wherefore_o i_o shall_v prove_v that_o beyond_o all_o these_o argument_n and_o their_o effect_n upon_o our_o mind_n there_o be_v a_o assent_n unto_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n require_v of_o we_o with_o faith_n divine_a supernatural_a and_o infallible_a and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v a_o divine_a evidence_n which_o be_v the_o formal_a object_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o which_o alone_o it_o rest_v on_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o which_o shall_v also_o be_v declare_v and_o prove_v but_o yet_o as_o be_v say_v in_o the_o first_o place_n because_o their_o
property_n be_v to_o level_v the_o ground_n and_o to_o remove_v the_o rubbish_n of_o objection_n out_o of_o the_o way_n that_o we_o may_v build_v the_o safe_a on_o the_o sure_a foundation_n i_o shall_v mention_v some_o of_o those_o which_o i_o esteem_v just_o pleadable_a in_o this_o cause_n and_o 1._o the_o antiquity_n of_o these_o write_n and_o of_o the_o divine_a revelation_n contain_v in_o they_o be_v plead_v in_o evidence_n of_o their_o divine_a original_a and_o it_o may_v be_v so_o deserve_o for_o where_o it_o be_v absolute_a it_o be_v unquestionable_a that_o which_o be_v most_o ancient_a in_o any_o kind_n be_v most_o true_a god_n himself_o make_v use_v of_o this_o plea_n against_o idol_n isa._n 43._o 10_o 11_o 12._o you_o be_v my_o witness_n say_v the_o lord_n i_o even_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n and_o beside_o i_o there_o be_v no_o saviour_n i_o have_v declare_v and_o have_v save_v and_o i_o have_v show_v when_o there_o be_v no_o strange_a god_n among_o you_o therefore_o you_o be_v my_o witness_n say_v the_o lord_n that_o i_o be_o god_n that_o which_o he_o assert_n be_v that_o he_o alone_o be_v god_n and_o no_o other_o this_o he_o call_v the_o people_n to_o testify_v by_o this_o argument_n that_o he_o be_v among_o they_o as_o god_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n before_o any_o strange_a god_n be_v know_v or_o name_v and_o so_o it_o be_v just_o plead_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o this_o revelation_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v in_o the_o world_n long_o before_o any_o other_o thing_n or_o write_v pretend_v to_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o same_o end_n whatever_o therefore_o ensue_v with_o the_o like_a design_n must_v either_o be_v set_v up_o in_o competition_n with_o it_o or_o opposition_n unto_o it_o above_o which_o it_o have_v its_o advantage_n mere_o from_o its_o antiquity_n whereas_o therefore_o this_o write_n in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v ancient_a than_o any_o other_o that_o be_v extant_a in_o the_o world_n or_o indeed_o that_o ever_o be_v so_o and_o may_v be_v prove_v so_o to_o be_v it_o be_v beyond_o all_o reasonable_a apprehension_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v of_o humane_a original_a for_o we_o know_v how_o low_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a all_o humane_a invention_n be_v at_o the_o first_o how_o rude_a and_o unpolished_a in_o every_o kind_n until_o time_n observation_n follow_v addition_n and_o diminution_n have_v shape_v form_v and_o improve_v they_o but_o this_o write_n come_v forth_o in_o the_o world_n absolute_o the_o first_o in_o its_o kind_n direct_v we_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o ourselves_o be_v at_o first_o and_o at_o once_o so_o absolute_o complete_a and_o perfect_a that_o no_o art_n industry_n or_o wisdom_n of_o man_n can_v ever_o yet_o find_v any_o just_a defect_n in_o it_o or_o be_v able_a to_o add_v any_o thing_n unto_o it_o whereby_o it_o may_v be_v better_v or_o improve_v neither_o from_o the_o beginning_n will_v it_o ever_o admit_v of_o any_o addition_n unto_o it_o but_o what_o come_v from_o the_o same_o fountain_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o inspirarion_n clear_v itself_o in_o all_o age_n from_o all_o addition_n and_o superfetation_n of_o man_n whatever_o this_o at_o least_o put_v a_o singular_a character_n upon_o this_o book_n and_o represent_v it_o with_o that_o reverend_a awe_n and_o majesty_n that_o it_o be_v the_o high_a petulancy_n not_o to_o pay_v it_o a_o sacred_a respect_n this_o argument_n be_v pursue_v by_o many_o at_o large_a as_o that_o which_o afford_v great_a variety_n of_o historical_a and_o chronological_a observation_n and_o it_o have_v be_v so_o scan_v and_o improve_v that_o nothing_o but_o the_o give_v of_o it_o a_o new_a dress_n remain_v for_o present_a or_o future_a diligence_n but_o the_o real_a force_n of_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o people_n by_z and_o among_o who_o this_o revelation_n first_o commence_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o time_n wherein_o it_o do_v so_o when_o some_o nation_n have_v so_o improve_v and_o cultivate_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o great_o to_o excel_v other_o in_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n they_o general_o look_v upon_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o ignorant_a and_o barbarous_a and_o the_o more_o wise_a any_o of_o they_o conceive_v themselves_o the_o more_o they_o despise_v they_o and_o indeed_o they_o be_v utter_a stranger_n unto_o all_o those_o art_n and_o science_n whereby_o the_o faculty_n of_o man_n mind_n be_v natural_o enlighten_v and_o enlarge_v nor_o do_v they_o pretend_v unto_o any_o wisdom_n whereby_o to_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o other_o nation_n but_o only_o what_o they_o receive_v by_o divine_a revelation_n this_o alone_a god_n himself_o have_v teach_v they_o to_o look_v upon_o &_o esteem_v as_o their_o only_a wisdom_n before_o all_o the_o world_n deut._n 4._o 6_o 7_o 8._o now_o we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o first_o attempt_v of_o other_o nation_n in_o express_v their_o conception_n concern_v thing_n divine_a the_o duty_n and_o happiness_n of_o man._n the_o egyptian_n and_o grecian_n be_v those_o who_o vie_v for_o reputation_n in_o the_o improvement_n of_o this_o wisdom_n but_o it_o be_v know_v and_o confess_v that_o the_o utmost_a production_n of_o their_o endeavour_n be_v thing_n foolish_a irrational_a and_o absurd_a contrary_a to_o the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n lead_v mankind_n into_o a_o maze_n of_o folly_n and_o wickedness_n but_o we_o may_v consider_v what_o they_o attain_v unto_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n by_o their_o utmost_a improvement_n of_o science_n wisdom_n mutual_a intelligence_n experience_n communication_n laborious_a study_n and_o observation_n when_o they_o have_v add_v and_o subduct_v to_o and_o from_o the_o invention_n of_o all_o former_a age_n from_o time_n immemorial_n when_o they_o have_v use_v and_o improve_v the_o reason_n wisdom_n invention_n and_o conjecture_n of_o all_o that_o go_v before_o they_o in_o the_o study_n of_o this_o wisdom_n and_o have_v discard_v whatever_o they_o have_v find_v by_o experience_n unsuit_v to_o natural_a light_n and_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n yet_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o apostle_n pass_v a_o just_a censure_n on_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o attainment_n namely_o that_o they_o wax_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n and_o the_o world_n in_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n whence_o then_o be_v it_o that_o in_o one_o nation_n esteem_v barbarous_a and_o real_o so_o with_o respect_n unto_o that_o wisdom_n those_o art_n and_o science_n which_o ennoble_v other_o nation_n from_o that_o antiquity_n wherein_o it_o be_v not_o pretend_v that_o reason_n and_o wisdom_n have_v receive_v any_o considerable_a improvement_n without_o converse_n communication_n learning_n or_o experience_n there_o shall_v at_o once_o proceed_v such_o a_o law_n doctrine_n and_o instruction_n concern_v god_n and_o man_n so_o stable_n certain_a uniform_a as_o shall_v not_o only_o incomparable_o excel_v all_o product_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n unto_o that_o purpose_n however_o advantage_v by_o time_n and_o experience_n but_o also_o abide_v invariable_a throughout_o all_o generation_n so_o as_o that_o whatever_o have_v be_v advance_v in_o opposition_n unto_o it_o or_o but_o differ_v from_o it_o have_v quick_o sink_v under_o the_o weight_n of_o its_o own_o unreasonableness_n and_o folly_n this_o one_o consideration_n unless_o man_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v contentious_a give_v sufficient_a satisfaction_n that_o this_o book_n can_v have_v no_o other_o original_a but_o what_o it_o plead_v for_o itself_o namely_o a_o immediate_a emanation_n from_o god_n 2._o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o god_n in_o all_o age_n have_v have_v a_o great_a regard_n unto_o it_o and_o act_v his_o power_n and_o care_n in_o its_o preservation_n be_v not_o the_o bible_n what_o it_o pretend_v to_o be_v there_o have_v be_v nothing_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o more_o become_v divine_a providence_n then_o long_o since_o to_o have_v blot_v it_o out_o of_o the_o world_n for_o to_o suffer_v a_o book_n to_o be_v in_o the_o world_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o time_n false_o pretend_v his_o name_n and_o authority_n seduce_v so_o great_a a_o portion_n of_o mankind_n into_o a_o pernicious_a and_o ruinous_a apostasy_n from_o he_o as_o it_o must_v do_v and_o do_v if_o it_o be_v not_o of_o a_o divine_a original_a and_o expose_v unconceivable_a multitude_n of_o the_o best_a wise_a and_o sober_a among_o they_o unto_o all_o sort_n of_o bloody_a misery_n which_o they_o have_v undergo_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o it_o seem_v not_o consonant_a unto_o that_o infinite_a goodness_n wisdom_n and_o care_v wherewith_o this_o world_n be_v govern_v from_o above_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a whereas_o the_o malicious_a craft_n of_o
so_o many_o uncertain_a and_o fierce_a digladiation_n wherein_o not_o any_o one_o truth_n be_v assert_v nor_o any_o one_o duty_n prescribe_v that_o be_v not_o spoil_v and_o vitiate_a by_o its_o circumstance_n and_o end_n beside_o they_o never_o rise_v up_o so_o much_o as_o to_o a_o surmise_n of_o or_o about_o the_o most_o important_a matter_n of_o religion_n without_o which_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a by_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v ever_o attain_v the_o end_n for_o which_o we_o be_v make_v nor_o the_o blessedness_n whereof_o we_o be_v capable_a no_o account_n can_v they_o ever_o give_v of_o our_o apostasy_n from_o god_n of_o the_o depravation_n of_o our_o nature_n of_o the_o cause_n or_o necessary_a cure_n of_o it_o in_o this_o lose_a and_o wander_a condition_n of_o mankind_n the_o scripture_n present_v itself_o as_o a_o light_n rule_n and_o guide_n unto_o all_o to_o direct_v they_o in_o their_o whole_a course_n unto_o their_o end_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o unto_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o this_o it_o do_v with_o that_o clearness_n and_o evidence_n as_o to_o dispel_v all_o the_o darkness_n and_o put_v a_o end_n unto_o all_o the_o confusion_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o the_o sun_n with_o rise_v do_v the_o shade_n of_o the_o night_n unless_o they_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o it_o love_a darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a for_o all_o the_o confusion_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o extricate_v themselves_o from_o whence_o they_o find_v out_o and_o immix_v themselves_o in_o endless_a question_n to_o no_o purpose_n arise_v from_o their_o ignorance_n of_o what_o we_o be_v original_o of_o what_o we_o now_o be_v and_o how_o we_o come_v so_o to_o be_v by_o what_o way_n or_o mean_n we_o may_v be_v deliver_v or_o relieve_v what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o life_n or_o what_o be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o live_n to_o god_n as_o our_o chief_a end_n and_o wherein_o the_o blessedness_n of_o our_o nature_n do_v consist_v all_o the_o world_n be_v never_o able_a to_o give_v a_o answer_n tolerable_o satisfactory_a unto_o any_o one_o of_o these_o inquiry_n &_o yet_o unless_o they_o be_v all_o infallible_o determine_v we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o the_o least_o rest_n or_o happiness_n above_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v but_o now_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o clear_o declare_v and_o state_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o it_o come_v with_o a_o evidence_n like_o a_o light_n from_o heaven_n on_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o unprejudiced_a person_n what_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o nature_n in_o its_o first_o creation_n and_o constitution_n with_o the_o blessedness_n and_o advantage_n of_o that_o condition_n how_o we_o fall_v from_o it_o and_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n what_o be_v the_o nature_n and_o what_o the_o consequent_n and_o effect_n of_o our_o present_a depravation_n and_o apostasy_n from_o god_n how_o help_n and_o relief_n be_v provide_v for_o we_o herein_o by_o infinite_a wisdom_n grace_n and_o bounty_n what_o that_o help_n be_v how_o we_o may_v be_v interest_v in_o it_o and_o make_v partaker_n of_o it_o what_o be_v that_o system_fw-la of_o duty_n or_o course_n of_o obedience_n unto_o god_n which_o be_v require_v of_o we_o and_o wherein_o our_o eternal_a felicity_n do_v consist_v be_v all_o of_o they_o so_o plain_o and_o clear_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o in_o general_a to_o leave_v mankind_n no_o ground_n for_o doubt_n enquiry_n or_o conjecture_n set_v aside_o inveterate_a prejudices_fw-la from_o tradition_n education_n false_a notion_n into_o the_o mould_n whereof_o the_o mind_n be_v cast_v the_o love_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o conduct_n of_o lust_n which_o thing_n have_v a_o inconceivable_a power_n over_o the_o mind_n soul_n and_o affection_n of_o man_n and_o the_o light_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o these_o thing_n be_v like_o that_o of_o the_o sun_n at_o noonday_n which_o shut_v up_o the_o way_n unto_o all_o further_a enquiry_n and_o efficacious_o necessitate_v unto_o a_o acquiescency_n in_o it_o and_o in_o particular_a in_o that_o direction_n which_o it_o give_v unto_o the_o live_v of_o man_n in_o order_n unto_o that_o obedience_n which_o they_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o that_o reward_v which_o they_o expect_v from_o he_o there_o be_v no_o instance_n conceivable_a of_o any_o thing_n conduce_v thereunto_o which_o be_v not_o prescribe_v therein_o nor_o of_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a unto_o it_o that_o fall_v not_o under_o its_o prohibition_n those_o therefore_o who_o desire_n or_o interest_n it_o be_v that_o the_o bound_n and_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n shall_v be_v unfixed_a and_o confound_v who_o be_v afraid_a to_o know_v what_o they_o be_v what_o they_o be_v or_o what_o they_o shall_v come_v unto_o who_o care_n to_o know_v neither_o god_n nor_o themselves_o their_o duty_n nor_o their_o reward_n may_v despise_v this_o book_n and_o deny_v its_o divine_a original_a other_o will_v retain_v a_o sacred_a veneration_n of_o it_o as_o of_o the_o offspring_n of_o god_n 4._o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n may_v in_o like_a manner_n be_v plead_v unto_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o i_o shall_v also_o insist_v upon_o it_o partly_o to_o manifest_v wherein_o its_o true_a nature_n and_o efficacy_n do_v consist_v and_o partly_o to_o evince_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o old_a pretence_n that_o even_o we_o also_o who_o be_v depart_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v receive_v the_o scripture_n upon_o the_o authority_n thereof_o whence_o it_o be_v further_o pretend_v that_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n and_o reason_n we_o ought_v to_o receive_v whatever_o else_o it_o propose_v unto_o we_o 1._o the_o church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 15._o which_o be_v the_o only_a text_n plead_v with_o any_o sobriety_n to_o give_v countenance_n unto_o the_o assertion_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n with_o respect_n unto_o we_o to_o depend_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o weakness_n of_o a_o plea_n to_o that_o purpose_n from_o hence_o have_v be_v so_o full_o manifest_v by_o many_o already_o that_o it_o need_v no_o more_o to_o be_v insist_v on_o in_o short_a it_o can_v be_v so_o the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n that_o the_o truth_n shall_v be_v as_o it_o be_v build_v and_o rest_n upon_o it_o as_o its_o foundation_n for_o this_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o same_o apostle_n who_o teach_v we_o that_o the_o church_n itself_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n eph._n 2._o 20._o the_o church_n can_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o truth_n the_o ground_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n or_o kind_n wherefore_o the_o church_n be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n in_o that_o it_o hold_v up_o and_o declare_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o thing_n contain_v therein_o so_o to_o be_v 2._o in_o receive_v any_o thing_n from_o a_o church_n we_o may_v consider_v the_o authority_n of_o it_o or_o its_o ministry_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o matter_n we_o intend_v no_o more_o but_o the_o weight_n and_o importance_n that_o be_v in_o its_o testimony_n as_o testimony_n do_v vary_v according_a to_o the_o worth_n gravity_n honesty_n honour_n and_o reputation_n of_o they_o by_o who_o they_o be_v give_v for_o to_o suppose_v a_o authority_n proper_o so_o call_v in_o any_o church_n or_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o world_n whereon_o our_o reception_n of_o the_o scripture_n shall_v depend_v as_o that_o which_o give_v its_o authority_n towards_o we_o and_o a_o sufficient_a warranty_n to_o our_o faith_n be_v a_o nice_a imagination_n for_o the_o authority_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n stand_v not_o in_o need_n nor_o be_v capable_a of_o any_o such_o attestation_n from_o man_n all_o they_o will_v admit_v of_o from_o the_o child_n of_o man_n be_v that_o they_o do_v humble_o submit_v unto_o they_o and_o testify_v their_o so_o do_v with_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v that_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n whereby_o it_o propose_v and_o declare_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o as_o it_o have_v occasion_n to_o all_o the_o world_n and_o this_o ministry_n also_o may_v be_v consider_v either_o formal_o as_o it_o be_v appoint_v of_o god_n unto_o this_o end_n and_o bless_v by_o he_o or_o material_o only_o as_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v though_o the_o ground_n whereon_o it_o be_v do_v and_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o be_v not_o divine_o approve_v we_o whole_o deny_v that_o we_o receive_v the_o scripture_n or_o ever_o
do_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o any_o sense_n whatever_o for_o the_o reason_n that_o shall_v be_v mention_v immediate_o but_o it_o may_v be_v grant_v that_o together_o with_o the_o ministry_n of_o other_o church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o many_o other_o providential_a mean_v of_o their_o preservation_n and_o successive_a communication_n we_o do_v the_o facto_fw-la receive_v the_o scripture_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n also_o see_v they_o also_o be_v in_o the_o possession_n of_o they_o but_o this_o ministry_n we_o allow_v only_o in_o the_o latter_a sense_n as_o a_o actual_a mean_n in_o subserviency_n unto_o god_n providence_n without_o respect_n unto_o any_o especial_a institution_n and_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o case_n in_o that_o sense_n wherein_o it_o be_v allow_v namely_o as_o denote_v the_o weight_n and_o importance_n of_o a_o testimony_n which_o be_v strengthen_v by_o all_o sort_n of_o circumstance_n may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v great_a authority_n in_o it_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a unto_o who_o or_o what_o church_n we_o grant_v or_o allow_v it_o for_o let_v man_n assume_v what_o name_n or_o title_n to_o themselves_o they_o please_v yet_o if_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o be_v corrupt_a or_o flagitious_a in_o their_o life_n and_o have_v great_a secular_a advantage_n which_o they_o high_o prize_v and_o studious_o improve_v from_o what_o they_o suppose_v and_o profess_v the_o scripture_n to_o supply_v they_o withal_o be_v they_o call_v church_n or_o what_o you_o please_v their_o testimony_n therein_o be_v of_o very_o little_a value_n for_o all_o man_n may_v see_v that_o they_o have_v a_o earthly_a worldly_a interest_n of_o their_o own_o therein_o and_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o if_o such_o person_n do_v know_v the_o whole_a bible_n to_o be_v a_o fable_n as_o one_o pope_n express_v himself_o to_o that_o purpose_n they_o will_v not_o forego_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o unless_o they_o can_v more_o advantage_v themselves_o in_o the_o world_n another_o way_n wherefore_o whereas_o it_o be_v manifest_a unto_o all_o that_o those_o who_o have_v the_o conduct_v of_o the_o roman_a church_n have_v make_v and_o do_v make_v to_o themselves_o great_a earthly_a temporal_a advantage_n in_o honour_n power_n wealth_n and_o reputation_n in_o the_o world_n by_o their_o profession_n of_o the_o scripture_n their_o testimony_n may_v rational_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v so_o far_o influence_v by_o self_n interest_n as_o to_o be_v of_o little_a validity_n the_o testimony_n therefore_o which_o i_o intend_v be_v that_o of_o multitude_n of_o person_n of_o unspotted_a reputation_n on_o all_o other_o account_n in_o the_o world_n free_a from_o all_o possibility_n of_o impeachment_n as_o unto_o any_o design_v evil_a or_o conspiracy_n among_o themselves_o with_o respect_n unto_o any_o corrupt_a end_n and_o who_o have_v not_o the_o least_o secular_a advantage_n by_o what_o they_o testify_v unto_o be_v absolute_o secure_v against_o all_o exception_n which_o either_o common_a reason_n or_o common_a usage_n among_o mankind_n can_v put_v in_o unto_o any_o witness_n whatever_o and_o to_o evidence_n the_o force_n that_o be_v in_o this_o consideration_n i_o shall_v brief_o represent_v 1._o who_o they_o be_v that_o give_v and_o do_v give_v this_o testimony_n in_o some_o especial_a instance_n 2._o what_o they_o give_v this_o testimony_n unto_o 3._o how_o or_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o do_v so_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o testimony_n of_o those_o by_o who_o the_o several_a book_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v be_v to_o be_v consider_v they_o all_o of_o they_o several_o and_o joint_o witness_v that_o what_o they_o write_v be_v receive_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n this_o be_v plead_v by_o the_o apostle_n peter_n in_o the_o name_n of_o they_o all_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21._o for_o we_o have_v not_o follow_v cunning_o devise_v fable_n when_o we_o make_v know_v unto_o you_o the_o power_n and_o come_v of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o be_v eye_n witness_n of_o his_o majesty_n for_o he_o receive_v from_o god_n the_o father_n honour_n and_o glory_n when_o there_o come_v such_o a_o voice_n to_o he_o from_o the_o excellent_a glory_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v and_o this_o voice_n which_o come_v from_o heaven_n we_o hear_v when_o we_o be_v with_o he_o in_o the_o holy_a mount_n we_o have_v also_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n whereunto_o you_o do_v well_o that_o you_o take_v heed_n as_o unto_o a_o light_n that_o shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n until_o the_o day_n dawn_n and_o the_o day_n star_n arise_v in_o your_o heart_n know_v this_o first_o that_o no_o prophecy_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n for_o the_o prophecy_n come_v not_o in_o old_a time_n by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o be_v the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o the_o writer_n both_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o new_a namely_o that_o as_o they_o have_v certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o write_v so_o their_o writing_n be_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n so_o in_o particular_a john_n bear_v witness_n unto_o his_o revelation_n chap._n 19_o 9_o chap._n 22._o 6._o these_o be_v the_o true_a and_o faithful_a say_n of_o god_n and_o what_o weight_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v hereon_o be_v declare_v joh._n 21._o 24._o this_o be_v that_o disciple_n which_o testify_v of_o these_o thing_n and_o write_v these_o thing_n and_o we_o know_v that_o his_o testimony_n be_v true_a he_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o write_v but_o how_o be_v it_o know_v to_o the_o church_n there_o intend_v we_o know_v that_o his_o testimony_n be_v true_a that_o so_o it_o be_v indeed_o he_o be_v not_o absolute_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o one_o that_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v in_o mere_o on_o his_o own_o account_n yet_o here_o it_o be_v speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n with_o the_o high_a assurance_n and_o we_o know_v that_o his_o testimony_n be_v true_a i_o answer_v this_o assurance_n of_o they_o do_v not_o arise_v mere_o from_o his_o moral_n or_o natural_a endowment_n or_o holy_a counsel_n but_o from_o the_o evidence_n they_o have_v of_o his_o divine_a inspiration_n whereof_o we_o shall_v treat_v afterward_o the_o thing_n plead_v to_o give_v force_n unto_o this_o testimony_n in_o particular_a be_v all_o that_o such_o a_o testimony_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o so_o many_o as_o will_v require_v a_o large_a discourse_n by_o itself_o to_o propose_v discuss_v and_o confirm_v they_o but_o suppose_v the_o testimony_n they_o give_v i_o shall_v in_o compliance_n which_o my_o own_o design_n reduce_v the_o evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n unto_o these_o two_o consideration_n 1._o of_o their_o person_n and_o 2._o of_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o write_n 1._o as_o to_o their_o person_n they_o be_v absolute_o remove_v from_o all_o possible_a suspicion_n of_o deceive_v or_o be_v deceive_v the_o wit_n of_o all_o the_o atheistical_a spirit_n in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o able_a to_o fix_v on_o any_o one_o thing_n that_o will_v be_v a_o tolerable_a ground_n of_o any_o such_o suspicion_n concern_v the_o integrity_n of_o witness_n can_v such_o a_o testimony_n be_v give_v in_o any_o other_o case_n and_o surmise_n in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n which_o have_v no_o pleadable_a ground_n for_o they_o be_v to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o diabolical_a suggestion_n or_o atheistical_a dream_n or_o at_o best_a the_o false_a imagination_n of_o weak_a and_o distemper_a mind_n the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o their_o work_n their_o unconcernment_n with_o all_o secular_a interest_n their_o unacquaintance_n with_o one_o another_o the_o time_n and_o place_n wherein_o the_o thing_n report_v by_o they_o be_v do_v and_o act_v the_o facility_n of_o convince_a they_o of_o falsehood_n if_o what_o they_o write_v in_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o what_o else_o they_o teach_v in_o case_n it_o be_v not_o true_a the_o evident_a certainty_n that_o this_o will_v have_v be_v do_v arise_v from_o the_o know_a desire_n ability_n will_n and_o interest_n of_o their_o adversary_n so_o to_o do_v have_v it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v effect_v see_v this_o will_v have_v secure_v they_o the_o victory_n in_o the_o conflict_n wherein_o they_o be_v violent_o engage_v and_o have_v put_v a_o immediate_a issue_n unto_o all_o that_o difference_n and_o uproar_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n about_o their_o doctrine_n their_o harmony_n among_o themselves_o without_o conspiracy_n or_o antecedent_n agreement_n the_o misery_n which_o they_o undergo_v most_o of_o they_o without_o hope_n of_o relief_n or_o
recompense_n in_o this_o world_n upon_o the_o sole_a account_n of_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o themselves_o with_o all_o other_o circumstance_n innumerable_a that_o be_v pleadable_a to_o evince_v the_o sincerity_n and_o integrity_n of_o any_o witness_n whatever_o do_v all_o concur_v to_o prove_v that_o they_o do_v not_o follow_v cunning_o devise_v fable_n in_o what_o they_o declare_v concern_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n as_o immediate_o from_o himself_o to_o confront_v this_o evidence_n with_o bare_a surmize_n incapable_a of_o any_o rational_a countenance_n or_o confirmation_n be_v only_o to_o manifest_v what_o brutish_a impudence_n infidelity_n and_o atheism_n be_v force_v to_o retreat_n unto_o for_o shelter_n 2._o their_o style_n and_o manner_n of_o write_v deserve_v a_o peculiar_a consideration_n for_o there_o be_v impress_v on_o it_o all_o those_o character_n of_o a_o divine_a original_a that_o can_v be_v communicate_v unto_o such_o a_o outward_a adjunct_n of_o divine_a revelation_n notwithstanding_o the_o distance_n of_o the_o age_n and_o season_n wherein_o they_o live_v the_o difference_n of_o the_o language_n wherein_o they_o write_v with_o the_o great_a variety_n of_o their_o part_n ability_n education_n and_o other_o circumstance_n yet_o there_o be_v upon_o the_o whole_a and_o all_o the_o part_n of_o their_o writing_n that_o gravity_n majesty_n and_o authority_n mix_v with_o plainness_n of_o speech_n and_o absolute_a freedom_n from_o all_o appearance_n of_o affectation_n of_o esteem_n or_o applause_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o derive_v from_o humane_a frailty_n as_o must_v excite_v a_o admiration_n in_o all_o that_o serious_o consider_v they_o but_o i_o have_v at_o large_a 1._o elsewhere_o insist_v on_o this_o consideration_n and_o have_v also_o in_o the_o same_o place_n show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o write_v extant_a in_o the_o world_n that_o ever_o pretend_a unto_o a_o divine_a original_a as_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o some_o fragment_n of_o spurious_a piece_n pretend_v to_o be_v write_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o they_o be_v not_o only_o from_o their_o matter_n but_o from_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o writing_n and_o the_o plain_a footstep_n of_o humane_a artifice_n and_o weakness_n therein_o sufficient_a for_o their_o own_o conviction_n and_o do_v open_o discover_v their_o own_o vain_a pretension_n so_o must_v every_o thing_n necessary_o do_v which_o be_v mere_o humane_a pretend_v unto_o a_o immediate_a derivation_n from_o god_n when_o man_n have_v do_v all_o they_o can_v these_o thing_n will_v have_v as_o evident_a a_o difference_n between_o they_o as_o there_o be_v between_o wheat_n and_o chaff_n between_o real_a and_o paint_a fire_n jer._n 23._o 28_o 29._o 2._o unto_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o divine_a writer_n themselves_o we_o must_v add_v that_o of_o those_o who_o in_o all_o age_n have_v believe_v in_o christ_n through_o their_o word_n which_o be_v the_o description_n which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n give_v of_o his_o church_n joh._n 17._o 20._o this_o be_v the_o church_n that_o be_v those_o who_o write_v the_o scripture_n and_o those_o who_o believe_v in_o christ_n through_o their_o word_n through_o all_o age_n which_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o divine_a original_a of_o the_o scripture_n and_o it_o may_v be_v add_v that_o we_o know_v this_o witness_n be_v true_a with_o these_o i_o have_v rather_o venture_v my_o faith_n and_o eternal_a condition_n then_o with_o any_o society_n any_o real_a or_o pretend_a church_n whatever_o and_o among_o these_o there_o be_v a_o especial_a consideration_n to_o be_v have_v of_o those_o innumerable_a multitude_n who_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n witness_v this_o confession_n all_o the_o world_n over_o for_o they_o have_v many_o advantage_n above_o we_o to_o know_v the_o certainty_n of_o sundry_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o the_o verity_n of_o our_o religion_n depend_v upon_o and_o we_o be_v direct_v unto_o a_o especial_a regard_n of_o their_o testimony_n which_o be_v signalise_v by_o christ_n himself_o in_o the_o great_a judgement_n that_o be_v to_o be_v pass_v on_o the_o world_n the_o first_o appearance_n be_v of_o the_o soul_n of_o they_o that_o be_v behead_v for_o the_o witness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n rev._n 20._o 4._o and_o there_o be_v at_o present_a a_o especial_a regard_n unto_o they_o in_o heaven_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o witness_n and_o testimony_n rev._n 6._o 9_o 10_o 11._o these_o be_v they_o who_o with_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o life_n by_o the_o sword_n and_o other_o way_n of_o violence_n give_v testimony_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o reduce_v these_o thing_n unto_o a_o rational_a consideration_n who_o can_v have_v the_o least_o occasion_n to_o suspect_v all_o those_o person_n of_o folly_n weakness_n credulity_n wickedness_n or_o conspiracy_n among_o themselves_o which_o such_o a_o diffuse_a multitude_n be_v absolute_o uncapable_a of_o neither_o can_v any_o man_n undervalue_v their_o testimony_n but_o he_o must_v comply_v with_o their_o adversary_n against_o they_o who_o be_v know_v general_o to_o be_v of_o the_o worst_a of_o men._n and_o who_o be_v there_o that_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o eternal_a future_a state_n that_o have_v not_o rather_o have_v his_o soul_n with_o paul_n than_o nero_n with_o the_o holy_a martyr_n than_o their_o bestial_a persecutor_n wherefore_o this_o suffrage_n and_o testimony_n begin_v from_o the_o first_o writing_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o carry_v on_o by_o the_o best_a of_o man_n in_o all_o age_n and_o make_v conspicuous_o glorious_a in_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o christianity_n must_v needs_o be_v with_o all_o wise_a man_n unavoidable_o cogent_a at_o least_o unto_o a_o due_a and_o sedate_v consideration_n of_o what_o they_o bare_a witness_n unto_o and_o sufficient_a to_o scatter_v all_o such_o prejudices_fw-la as_o atheism_n or_o profaneness_n may_v raise_v or_o suggest_v second_o what_o it_o be_v they_o give_v testimony_n unto_o be_v due_o to_o be_v consider_v and_o this_o be_v not_o that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v good_a holy_a and_o true_a in_o all_o the_o content_n of_o it_o only_o but_o that_o the_o whole_a and_o every_o part_n of_o it_o be_v give_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n as_o their_o faith_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v express_v 2_o pet._n 1._o 20_o 21._o on_o this_o account_n and_o no_o other_o do_v they_o themselves_o receive_v the_o scripture_n as_o also_o believe_v and_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o neither_o will_v they_o admit_v that_o their_o testimony_n be_v receive_v if_o the_o whole_a world_n will_v be_v content_a to_o allow_v of_o or_o obey_v the_o scripture_n on_o any_o other_o or_o low_a term_n nor_o will_v god_n himself_o allow_v of_o a_o assent_n unto_o the_o scripture_n under_o any_o other_o conception_n but_o as_o the_o word_n which_o be_v immediate_o speak_v by_o himself_o hence_o they_o who_o refuse_v to_o give_v credit_n thereunto_o be_v say_v to_o bely_v the_o lord_n and_o say_v it_o be_v not_o he_o jer._n 5._o 2._o yea_o to_o make_v god_n a_o liar_n 1_o joh._n 5._o 10._o if_o all_o mankind_n shall_v agree_v together_o to_o receive_v and_o make_v use_n of_o this_o book_n as_o that_o which_o teach_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v good_a useful_a and_o profitable_a to_o humane_a society_n as_o that_o which_o be_v a_o complete_a directory_n unto_o man_n in_o all_o that_o they_o need_v to_o believe_v or_o do_v towards_o god_n the_o best_a mean_n under_o heaven_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o setlement_n satisfaction_n and_o assurance_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o themselves_o as_o the_o safe_a guide_n to_o eternal_a blessedness_n and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v write_v and_o compose_v by_o person_n wise_a holy_a and_o honest_a above_o all_o comparison_n and_o such_o as_o have_v that_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o will_n as_o be_v necessary_a unto_o such_o a_o undertake_n yet_o all_o this_o answer_v not_o the_o testimony_n give_v by_o the_o church_n of_o believer_n in_o all_o age_n unto_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o they_o it_o be_v not_o for_o we_o so_o to_o compound_v this_o matter_n with_o the_o world_n that_o the_o whole_a scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n that_o it_o be_v his_o word_n his_o true_a and_o faithful_a say_n be_v that_o which_o in_o the_o first_o place_n they_o give_v testimony_n unto_o and_o we_o also_o be_v oblige_v so_o to_o do_v they_o never_o pretend_v unto_o any_o other_o assurance_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o profess_v nor_o any_o other_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n but_o that_o the_o scripture_n wherein_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v contain_v be_v give_v immediate_o from_o god_n or_o be_v his_o word_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v
always_o esteem_v no_o less_o traitor_n to_o christianity_n who_o give_v up_o their_o bibles_n to_o persecutor_n than_o those_o who_o deny_v jesus_n christ._n 3._o the_o manner_n wherein_o this_o testimony_n be_v give_v add_v to_o the_o importance_n of_o it_o for_o 1._o many_o of_o they_o especial_o in_o some_o season_n give_v it_o in_o and_o with_o sundry_a miraculous_a operation_n this_o our_o apostle_n plead_v as_o a_o corroboration_n of_o the_o witness_n give_v by_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o heb._n 2._o 4._o as_o the_o same_o be_v do_v by_o all_o the_o apostle_n together_o act._n 5._o 32._o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o these_o miracle_n be_v not_o wrought_v immediate_o to_o confirm_v this_o single_a truth_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n but_o the_o end_n of_o miracle_n be_v to_o be_v a_o immediate_a witness_n from_o heaven_n or_o god_n attestation_n to_o their_o person_n and_o ministry_n by_o who_o they_o be_v wrought_v his_o presence_n with_o they_o and_o approbation_n of_o their_o doctrine_n be_v public_o declare_v by_o they_o but_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n whereby_o god_n give_v immediate_a testimony_n unto_o the_o divine_a mission_n of_o their_o person_n and_o infallible_a truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n may_v either_o not_o have_v be_v write_v as_o most_o of_o they_o be_v not_o or_o they_o may_v have_v be_v write_v and_o their_o doctrine_n record_v in_o book_n not_o give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n beside_o as_o to_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n himself_o and_o most_o of_o those_o of_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v wrought_v among_o they_o by_o who_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v acknowledge_v as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o before_o the_o write_n of_o those_o of_o the_o new_a so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o immediate_a confirmation_n of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o neither_o have_v we_o any_o infallible_a testimony_n concern_v these_o miracle_n but_o the_o scripture_n itself_o wherein_o they_o be_v record_v whence_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v infallible_o true_a before_o we_o can_v believe_v on_o ground_n infallible_a the_o miracle_n therein_o record_v to_o be_v so_o wherefore_o i_o grant_v that_o the_o whole_a force_n of_o this_o consideration_n lie_v in_o this_o alone_a that_o those_o who_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v a_o attestation_n give_v unto_o their_o ministry_n by_o these_o miraculous_a operation_n concern_v which_o we_o have_v good_a collateral_a security_n also_o 2._o many_o of_o they_o confirm_v their_o testimony_n with_o their_o suffering_n be_v not_o only_a witness_n but_o martyr_n in_o the_o peculiar_a church_n notion_n of_o that_o word_n ground_v on_o the_o scripture_n act._n 22._o 20._o rev._n 2._o 13._o chap._n 17._o 7._o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o any_o worldly_a advantage_n by_o the_o profession_n they_o make_v and_o the_o testimony_n they_o give_v as_o that_o in_o the_o confirmation_n of_o they_o they_o willing_o and_o cheerful_o undergo_v whatever_o be_v evil_a dreadful_a or_o destructive_a to_o humane_a nature_n in_o all_o its_o temporary_a concern_v it_o be_v therefore_o unquestionable_a that_o they_o have_v the_o high_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o these_o thing_n which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o management_n of_o this_o argument_n be_v the_o principal_a design_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o whole_a 11_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n for_o have_v declare_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n in_o general_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v the_o subsistence_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v ver_fw-la 1._o that_o be_v such_o a_o assent_n unto_o and_o confidence_n of_o invisible_a thing_n thing_n capable_a of_o no_o demonstration_n from_o sense_n or_o reason_n as_o respect_n divine_a revelation_n only_o whereinto_o alone_o it_o be_v resolve_v for_o our_o encouragement_n thereunto_o and_o establishment_n therein_o he_o produce_v a_o long_a catalogue_n of_o those_o who_o do_v suffer_v and_o obtain_v great_a thing_n thereby_o that_o which_o he_o principal_o insist_o upon_o be_v the_o hardship_n misery_n cruelty_n torture_n and_o several_a sort_n of_o death_n which_o they_o undergo_v especial_o from_o ver_fw-la 35._o to_o the_o end_n these_o he_o call_v a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n wherewith_o we_o be_v compass_v about_o chap._n 12._o 1._o give_v testimony_n unto_o what_o we_o do_v believe_v that_o be_v divine_a revelation_n and_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n the_o promise_n therein_o contain_v unto_o our_o encouragement_n in_o the_o same_o duty_n as_o he_o there_o declare_v and_o certain_o what_o be_v thus_o testify_v unto_o by_o so_o many_o great_a wise_a and_o holy_a person_n and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o manner_n have_v as_o great_a a_o outward_a evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n as_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o world_n 3._o they_o give_v not_o their_o testimony_n casual_o or_o on_o some_o extraordinary_a occasion_n only_o or_o by_o some_o one_o solemn_a act_n or_o in_o some_o one_o certain_a way_n as_o other_o testimony_n be_v give_v nor_o can_v be_v give_v otherwise_o but_o they_o give_v their_o testimony_n in_o this_o cause_n in_o their_o whole_a course_n in_o all_o that_o they_o think_v speak_v or_o do_v in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o whole_a disposal_n of_o their_o way_n life_n and_o action_n as_o every_o true_a believer_n continue_v to_o do_v at_o this_o day_n for_o a_o man_n when_o he_o be_v occasional_o call_v out_o to_o give_v a_o verbal_a testimony_n unto_o the_o divine_a original_n of_o the_o scripture_n order_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o conversation_n his_o hope_n design_n aim_n and_o end_n without_o any_o eminent_a respect_n or_o regard_n unto_o it_o his_o testimony_n be_v of_o no_o value_n nor_o can_v have_v any_o influence_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o sober_a and_o considerate_a man_n but_o when_o man_n do_v manifest_a and_o evince_n that_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n have_v a_o sovereign_n divine_a authority_n over_o their_o soul_n and_o conscience_n absolute_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n then_o be_v their_o witness_n cogent_a and_o efficacious_a there_o be_v to_o i_o a_o thousand_o time_n more_o force_n and_o weight_n in_o the_o testimony_n to_o this_o purpose_n of_o some_o holy_a person_n who_o universal_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n with_o respect_n unto_o this_o world_n and_o their_o future_a eternal_a condition_n in_o all_o their_o thought_n word_n action_n and_o way_n do_v real_o experiment_n in_o themselves_o and_o express_v to_o other_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o this_o word_n of_o god_n in_o their_o soul_n and_o conscience_n live_v do_v suffer_v and_o die_v in_o peace_n assurance_n of_o mind_n and_o consolation_n thereon_o then_o in_o the_o verbal_a declaration_n of_o the_o most_o splendid_a numerous_a church_n in_o the_o world_n who_o evidence_n not_o such_o a_o inward_a sense_n of_o its_o power_n and_o efficacy_n there_o be_v therefore_o that_o force_n in_o the_o real_a testimony_n which_o have_v be_v give_v in_o all_o age_n by_o all_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n not_o one_o except_v unto_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v high_o arrogant_a for_o any_o one_o to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o without_o evident_a conviction_n of_o its_o imposture_n which_o no_o person_n of_o any_o tolerable_a sobriety_n do_v ever_o yet_o pretend_v unto_o i_o shall_v add_v in_o the_o last_o place_n the_o consideration_n of_o that_o success_n which_o the_o doctrine_n derive_v sole_o from_o the_o scripture_n and_o resolve_v thereinto_o have_v have_v in_o the_o world_n upon_o the_o mind_n and_o life_n of_o man_n especial_o upon_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o two_o thing_n offer_v themselves_o hereon_o immediate_o unto_o our_o consideration_n first_o the_o person_n by_o who_o this_o doctrine_n be_v successful_o carry_v on_o in_o the_o world_n and_o second_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o propagation_n of_o it_o both_o which_o the_o scripture_n take_v notice_n of_o in_o particular_a as_o evidence_n of_o that_o divine_a power_n which_o the_o word_n be_v real_o accompany_v withal_o for_o the_o person_n unto_o who_o this_o work_n be_v commit_v i_o mean_v the_o apostle_n and_o first_o evangelist_n be_v as_o to_o their_o outward_a condition_n in_o the_o world_n poor_a low_a and_o every_o way_n despise_v and_o as_o unto_o the_o endowment_n of_o their_o mind_n destitute_a of_o all_o those_o ability_n and_o advantage_n which_o may_v give_v they_o either_o reputation_n or_o
unto_o it_o as_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o prove_v at_o large_a we_o shall_v therefore_o proceed_v there_o be_v two_o thing_n considerable_a with_o respect_n unto_o our_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n or_o according_a to_o our_o duty_n the_o first_o respect_v the_o subject_a or_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n how_o it_o be_v enable_v thereunto_o the_o other_o the_o object_n to_o be_v believe_v with_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o we_o do_v believe_v the_o scripture_n with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a the_o first_o of_o these_o must_v of_o necessity_n fall_v under_o our_o consideration_n herein_o as_o that_o without_o which_o what_o ever_o reason_n evidence_n or_o motive_n be_v propose_v unto_o we_o we_o shall_v never_o believe_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n for_o whereas_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n or_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o man_n be_v by_o nature_n deprave_v corrupt_a carnal_a and_o enmity_n against_o god_n they_o can_v of_o themselves_o or_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o innate_a ability_n of_o their_o own_o understand_v or_o assent_v unto_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n which_o we_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v and_o confirm_v before_o wherefore_o that_o assent_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o mere_a external_a argument_n consist_v in_o the_o rational_a conclusion_n and_o judgement_n which_o we_o make_v upon_o their_o truth_n and_o evidence_n be_v not_o that_o faith_n wherewith_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n wherefore_o that_o we_o may_v believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n according_a to_o our_o duty_n as_o god_n require_v it_o of_o we_o in_o a_o useful_a profitable_a and_o save_a manner_n above_z and_o beyond_o that_o natural_a humane_a faith_n and_o assent_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o argument_n and_o motive_n of_o credibility_n before_o insist_v on_o with_o all_o other_o of_o the_o like_a kind_n there_o be_v and_o must_v be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n faith_n supernatural_a and_o divine_a whereby_o we_o be_v enable_v so_o to_o do_v or_o rather_o whereby_o we_o do_v so_o this_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v distinct_a from_o so_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v antecedent_n unto_o all_o divine_a objective_n evidence_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o the_o formal_a reason_n move_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o wherefore_o without_o it_o whatever_o argument_n or_o motive_n be_v propose_v unto_o we_o we_o can_v believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o duty_n require_v of_o we_o some_o it_o may_v be_v will_v suppose_v these_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o impertinent_a unto_o our_o present_a purpose_n for_o while_o we_o be_v inquire_v on_o what_o ground_n we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o seem_v to_o fly_v to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o our_o own_o mind_n which_o be_v irrational_a but_o we_o must_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o because_o some_o do_v not_o understand_v or_o will_v not_o due_o consider_v what_o be_v propose_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v return_v unto_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n not_o with_o peculiar_a respect_n unto_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v but_o unto_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o that_o faith_n wherewith_o they_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n but_o the_o power_n whereby_o we_o be_v enable_v so_o to_o do_v which_o at_o present_a we_o inquire_v after_o 1._o that_o the_o faith_n whereby_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n can_v be_v deny_v only_o on_o two_o principle_n or_o supposition_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v not_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a whereby_o we_o believe_v they_o so_o to_o be_v but_o only_o we_o have_v other_o moral_a assurance_n thereof_o 2._o that_o this_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a be_v of_o ourselves_o and_o be_v not_o wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o first_o of_o these_o have_v be_v already_o disprove_v and_o shall_v be_v further_o evict_v afterward_o and_o it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v very_o few_o who_o be_v of_o that_o judgement_n for_o general_o whatever_o man_n suppose_v the_o prime_a object_n principal_a motive_n and_o formal_a reason_n of_o that_o faith_n to_o be_v yet_o that_o it_o be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a they_o all_o acknowledge_v and_o as_o to_o the_o second_o what_o be_v so_o it_o be_v of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o to_o say_v it_o be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a be_v to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o of_o ourselves_o but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o grace_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n wrought_v in_o we_o by_o his_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a power_n and_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o will_v resolve_v our_o faith_n in_o this_o matter_n objective_o into_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o church_n yet_o subjective_o acknowledge_v the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n ingenerate_v faith_n in_o we_o and_o that_o work_v to_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o believe_v the_o scripture_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n externae_fw-la omnes_fw-la &_o humanae_fw-la persuasiones_fw-la non_fw-la sunt_fw-la satis_fw-la ad_fw-la credendum_fw-la quantumcunque_fw-la ab_fw-la hominibus_fw-la competenter_fw-la ea_fw-la quae_fw-la sunt_fw-la fidei_fw-la proponantur_fw-la sed_fw-la necessaria_fw-la est_fw-la insuper_fw-la causa_fw-la interior_a hoc_fw-la est_fw-la divinum_fw-la quoddam_fw-la lumen_fw-la incitans_fw-la ad_fw-la credendum_fw-la &_o oculi_fw-la quidam_fw-la interni_fw-la dei_fw-la beneficio_fw-la ad_fw-la videndum_fw-la dati_fw-la say_v canus_n loc._n theol._n lib._n 2._o cap._n 8._o nor_o be_v there_o any_o of_o the_o divine_n of_o that_o church_n which_o dissent_n herein_o we_o do_v not_o therefore_o assert_v any_o such_o divine_a formal_a reoson_n of_o believe_v as_o that_o the_o mind_n shall_v not_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o supernatural_a assistance_n enable_v it_o to_o assent_v thereunto_o nay_o we_o affirm_v that_o without_o this_o there_o be_v in_o no_o man_n any_o true_a faith_n at_o all_o let_v the_o argument_n and_o motive_n whereon_o he_o believe_v be_v as_o forcible_a and_o pregnant_a with_o evidence_n as_o can_v be_v imagine_v it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n as_o in_o thing_n natural_a neither_o the_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n nor_o any_o persuasive_a argument_n unto_o man_n to_o look_v up_o unto_o it_o will_v enable_v they_o to_o discern_v it_o unless_o they_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o due_a visive_a faculty_n and_o this_o the_o scripture_n be_v express_v in_o beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o contradiction_n neither_o be_v it_o that_o i_o know_v of_o by_o any_o as_o yet_o in_o express_a term_n deny_v for_o indeed_o that_o all_o which_o be_v proper_o call_v faith_n with_o respect_n unto_o divine_a revelation_n and_o be_v accept_v with_o god_n as_o such_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o we_o or_o be_v bestow_v on_o we_o by_o he_o can_v be_v question_v by_o any_o who_o own_o the_o gospel_n i_o have_v also_o prove_v it_o elsewhere_o so_o full_o and_o large_o as_o that_o i_o shall_v give_v it_o at_o present_v no_o other_o confirmation_n but_o what_o will_v necessary_o fall_v in_o with_o the_o description_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o faith_n whereby_o we_o do_v believe_v and_o the_o way_n or_o manner_n of_o its_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n unto_o this_o purpose_n consist_v in_o the_o save_a illumination_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o be_v a_o supernatural_a light_n whereby_o the_o mind_n be_v renew_v see_v rom._n 12._o 1._o ephes._n 1._o 18_o 19_o chap._n 3._o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o it_o be_v call_v a_o heart_n to_o understand_v eye_n to_o see_v ear_n to_o hear_v deut._n 29._o 4._o the_o open_n of_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o vunderstanding_n ephes._n 1._o 18._o the_o give_v of_o a_o understanding_n 1_o john_n 5._o 20._o hereby_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o discern_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v in_o itself_o as_o well_o as_o assent_v unto_o the_o truth_n contain_v in_o it_o and_o without_o it_o we_o can_v do_v so_o for_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o neither_o can_v be_v know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v 1_o cor._n 2._o 14._o and_o unto_o this_o end_n it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o prophet_n that_o we_o
and_o a_o resolution_n to_o live_v in_o a_o excess_n of_o know_a sin_n multitude_n suffer_v their_o mind_n to_o be_v bribe_v by_o their_o corrupt_a affection_n to_o a_o relinquishment_n of_o any_o regard_n unto_o it_o 3._o the_o scandalous_a quarrel_n and_o disputation_n of_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n against_o the_o scripture_n and_o its_o authority_n have_v contribute_v much_o unto_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o many_o their_o great_a design_n be_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o secure_v the_o power_n authority_n and_o infallibility_n of_o their_o church_n of_o these_o they_o say_v continual_o as_o the_o apostle_n in_o another_o case_n of_o the_o mariner_n unless_o these_o stay_n in_o the_o ship_n we_o can_v be_v save_v without_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o these_o thing_n they_o will_v have_v it_o that_o man_n can_v neither_o at_o present_a believe_v nor_o be_v save_v hereafter_o to_o secure_v this_o interest_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n must_v be_v by_o all_o mean_v question_v and_o impair_v a_o divine_a authority_n in_o itself_o they_o will_v allow_v it_o but_o with_o respect_n unto_o we_o it_o have_v none_o but_o what_o it_o obtain_v by_o the_o suffrage_n and_o testimony_n of_o their_o church_n but_o whereas_o authority_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o consist_v essential_o in_o the_o relation_n and_o respect_n which_o it_o have_v unto_o other_o or_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v subject_a unto_o it_o to_o say_v that_o it_o have_v a_o authority_n in_o itself_o but_o none_o towards_o we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o deny_v that_o it_o have_v any_o authority_n at_o all_o but_o also_o to_o reproach_v it_o with_o a_o empty_a name_n they_o deal_v with_o it_o as_o the_o soldier_n do_v with_o christ_n they_o put_v a_o crown_n on_o his_o head_n and_o clothe_v he_o with_o a_o purple_a robe_n and_o bow_v the_o knee_n before_o he_o mock_v he_o say_v hail_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o ascribe_v unto_o it_o the_o crown_n and_o robe_n of_o divine_a authority_n in_o itself_o but_o not_o towards_o any_o one_o person_n in_o the_o world_n so_o if_o they_o please_v god_n shall_v be_v god_n and_o his_o word_n be_v of_o some_o credit_n among_o man_n herein_o they_o seek_v continual_o to_o entangle_v those_o of_o the_o weak_a sort_n by_o urge_v they_o vehement_o with_o this_o question_n how_o do_v you_o know_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o have_v in_o continual_a readiness_n a_o number_n of_o sophistical_a artifices_fw-la to_o weaken_v all_o evidence_n that_o shall_v be_v plead_v in_o its_o behalf_n nor_o be_v that_o all_o but_o on_o all_o occasion_n they_o insinuate_v such_o objection_n against_o it_o from_o its_o obscurity_n imperfection_n want_v of_o order_n difficulty_n and_o seem_a contradiction_n in_o it_o as_o be_v suit_v to_o take_v off_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o a_o firm_a assent_n unto_o it_o or_o reliance_n on_o it_o as_o if_o a_o company_n of_o man_n shall_v conspire_v by_o crafty_a multiply_v insinuation_n divulge_v on_o all_o advantage_n to_o weaken_v the_o reputation_n of_o a_o chaste_a and_o sober_a matron_n although_o they_o can_v deprive_v she_o of_o her_o virtue_n yet_o unless_o the_o world_n be_v wise_a than_o for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o appear_v to_o be_v they_o will_v insensible_o take_v off_o from_o her_o due_a esteem_n and_o this_o be_v as_o bold_a a_o attempt_n as_o can_v well_o be_v make_v in_o any_o case_n for_o the_o first_o tendency_n of_o these_o course_n be_v to_o make_v man_n atheist_n after_o which_o success_n it_o be_v leave_v at_o uncertain_a hazard_n whether_o they_o will_v be_v papist_n or_o no._n wherefore_o as_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a nor_o more_o dishonourable_a reflection_n make_v on_o christian_a religion_n than_o that_o it_o have_v no_o other_o evidence_n or_o testimony_n of_o its_o truth_n but_o the_o authority_n and_o witness_n of_o those_o by_o who_o it_o be_v at_o present_a profess_a and_o who_o have_v notable_a worldly_a advantage_n thereby_o so_o the_o mind_n of_o multitude_n be_v secret_o influence_v by_o the_o poison_n of_o these_o dispute_n to_o think_v it_o no_o way_n necessary_a to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o at_o least_o be_v shake_v off_o from_o the_o ground_n whereon_o they_o have_v profess_v it_o so_o to_o be_v and_o the_o like_a dis-service_n be_v do_v unto_o faith_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o such_o as_o advance_v a_o light_n within_o or_o immediate_a inspiration_n into_o competition_n with_o it_o or_o the_o room_n of_o it_o for_o as_o such_o imagination_n take_v place_n and_o prevail_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n so_o their_o respect_n unto_o the_o scripture_n and_o all_o sense_n of_o its_o divine_a authority_n do_v decay_v as_o experience_n do_v open_o manifest_a it_o be_v i_o say_v from_o a_o unusual_a concurrence_n of_o these_o and_o the_o like_a cause_n and_o occasion_n that_o there_o be_v at_o present_a among_o we_o such_o a_o decay_n in_o relinquishment_n of_o and_o opposition_n unto_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o may_v be_v former_a age_n can_v not_o parallel_v but_o against_o all_o these_o objection_n and_o temptation_n the_o mind_n of_o true_a believer_n be_v secure_v by_o supply_n of_o spiritual_a light_n wisdom_n and_o grace_n from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n there_o be_v several_a other_o especial_a gracious_a act_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o believer_n which_o belong_v also_o unto_o this_o internal_a real_a testimony_n whereby_o their_o faith_n be_v establish_v such_o be_v his_o anoint_v and_o seal_v of_o they_o his_o witness_v with_o they_o and_o his_o be_v a_o earnest_a in_o they_o all_o which_o must_v be_v elsewhere_o speak_v unto_o hereby_o be_v our_o faith_n every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o increase_v and_o establish_v wherefore_o although_o no_o internal_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n can_v be_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o that_o which_o it_o be_v resolve_v into_o yet_o be_v it_o such_o as_o without_o it_o we_o can_v never_o sincere_o believe_v as_o we_o ought_v nor_o be_v establish_v in_o believe_v against_o temptation_n and_o objection_n and_o with_o respect_n unto_o this_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o be_v that_o divine_n at_o the_o first_o reformation_n do_v general_o resolve_v our_o faith_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n into_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o this_o they_o do_v not_o do_v exclusive_o unto_o the_o proper_a use_n of_o external_a argument_n and_o motive_n of_o credibility_n who_o store_n indeed_o be_v great_a and_o who_o fountain_n be_v inexhaustible_a for_o they_o arise_v from_o all_o the_o indubitable_a notion_n that_o we_o have_v of_o god_n or_o ourselves_o in_o reference_n unto_o our_o present_a duty_n or_o future_a happiness_n much_o less_o do_v they_o exclude_v that_o evidence_n thereof_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v unto_o it_o in_o and_o by_o itself_o their_o judgement_n be_v well_o express_v in_o the_o excellent_a word_n of_o one_o of_o they_o maneat_fw-la ergo_fw-la say_v he_o hoc_fw-la fixum_fw-la quos_fw-la spiritus_fw-la intus_fw-la docuit_fw-la solidè_fw-la acquiescere_fw-la in_o scripturâ_fw-la &_o hanc_fw-la quidem_fw-la esse_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d neque_fw-la demonstrationi_fw-la &_o rationibus_fw-la subjici_fw-la eam_fw-la fas_fw-la esse_fw-la quam_fw-la tamen_fw-la meretur_fw-la apud_fw-la nos_fw-la certitudinem_fw-la spiritus_fw-la testimonio_fw-la consequi_fw-la eisi_fw-la enim_fw-la reverentiam_fw-la sua_fw-la sibi_fw-la ultro_fw-la majestate_fw-la conciliat_fw-la tunc_fw-la tamen_fw-la demum_fw-la serio_fw-la nos_fw-la afficit_fw-la quum_fw-la per_fw-la spiritum_fw-la obsignata_fw-la est_fw-la cordibus_fw-la nostris_fw-la istius_fw-la ergo_fw-la veritate_fw-la illuminati_fw-la jam_fw-la non_fw-la aut_fw-la nostro_fw-la aut_fw-la aliorum_fw-la judicio_fw-la credimus_fw-la a_o deo_fw-la esse_fw-la scripturam_fw-la sed_fw-la supra_fw-la humanum_fw-la judicium_fw-la certo_fw-la certius_fw-la constituimus_fw-la non_fw-la secus_fw-la ac_fw-la si_fw-la ipsius_fw-la dei_fw-la numen_fw-la illic_fw-la intueremur_fw-la hominum_fw-la ministerio_fw-la ab_fw-la ipsissimo_fw-la dei_fw-la ore_fw-la ad_fw-la nos_fw-la fluxisse_fw-la non_fw-la argumenta_fw-la non_fw-la very_fw-la similitudines_fw-la quaerimus_fw-la quibus_fw-la judicium_fw-la nostrum_fw-la incumbat_fw-la sed_fw-la ut_fw-la rei_fw-la extra_fw-la estimandi_fw-la aleam_fw-la positae_fw-la judicium_fw-la ingeniumque_fw-la nostrum_fw-la subjicimus_fw-la non_fw-la qualiter_fw-la superstitionibus_fw-la solent_fw-la miseri_fw-la homines_fw-la captivam_fw-la mentem_fw-la addicere_fw-la sed_fw-la quia_fw-la non_fw-la dubiam_fw-la vim_o numinis_fw-la illic_fw-la sentimus_fw-la vigere_fw-la &_o spirare_fw-la quam_fw-la ad_fw-la parendum_fw-la scientes_fw-la ac_fw-la volentes_fw-la vividius_fw-la tamen_fw-la &_o efficacius_fw-la quam_fw-la pro_fw-la humana_fw-la aut_fw-la voluntate_fw-la aut_fw-la scientia_fw-la trahimur_fw-la &_o accendimur_fw-la talis_fw-la ergo_fw-la est_fw-la persuasio_fw-la quae_fw-la rationes_fw-la non_fw-la requirat_fw-la talis_fw-la notitia_fw-la cui_fw-la optima_fw-la ratio_fw-la cosnstet_fw-la
nempe_fw-la in_fw-la qua_fw-la securius_fw-la constantiusque_fw-la mens_fw-la qui_fw-la scat_fw-la quam_fw-la in_o ullis_fw-la rationibus_fw-la talis_fw-la denique_fw-la sensus_fw-la qui_fw-la nisi_fw-la ex_fw-la caelesti_fw-la revelatione_fw-la nequeat_fw-la non_fw-la aliud_fw-la loquor_fw-la quam_fw-la quod_fw-la apud_fw-la se_fw-la experitur_fw-la fidelium_fw-la unusquisque_fw-la nisi_fw-la quod_fw-la long_o infra_fw-la justam_fw-la rei_fw-la explicationem_fw-la verba_fw-la subsidunt_fw-la calv._n instit._n lib._n 2._o cap._n 7_o 8_o 9_o and_o we_o may_v here_o brief_o call_v over_o what_o we_o have_v attain_v or_o pass_v through_o for_o 1._o we_o have_v show_v in_o general_a both_o what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o divine_a illumination_n with_o their_o mutual_a respect_n unto_o one_o another_o 2._o what_o be_v the_o principal_a external_a argument_n or_o motive_n of_o credibility_n whereby_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v prove_v to_o bâ—_n of_o a_o divine_a original_a 3._o what_o kind_n of_o persuasion_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o they_o or_o what_o be_v the_o assent_n which_o we_o give_v unto_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n on_o their_o account_n 4._o what_o objective_a evidence_n there_o be_v unto_o reason_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o induce_v the_o mind_n to_o assent_v unto_o they_o 5._o what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o faith_n whereby_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o how_o it_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 6._o what_o be_v that_o internal_a testimony_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n what_o be_v the_o force_n and_o use_v thereof_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o our_o work_n do_v yet_o remain_v that_o which_o we_o have_v thus_o far_o make_v way_n for_o and_o which_o be_v now_o our_o only_a remain_a enquiry_n be_v what_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o objective_a evidence_n which_o we_o have_v concern_v the_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o whereinto_o it_o be_v resolve_v that_o be_v we_o come_v to_o inquire_v and_o to_o give_v a_o direct_a answer_n unto_o that_o question_n why_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n what_o it_o be_v that_o our_o faith_n rest_v upon_o herein_o and_o what_o it_o be_v that_o make_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o man_n to_o believe_v it_o so_o to_o be_v unto_o who_o it_o be_v propose_v and_o the_o reason_n why_o i_o shall_v be_v the_o brief_a herein_o be_v because_o i_o have_v long_o since_o in_o another_o discourse_n clear_v this_o argument_n and_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o again_o call_v over_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v deliver_v therein_o because_o what_o have_v be_v unto_o this_o day_n gainsay_v unto_o it_o or_o except_v against_o it_o have_v be_v of_o little_a weight_n or_o consideration_n unto_o this_o great_a enquiry_n therefore_o i_o say_v we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o divine_a faith_n for_o its_o own_o sake_n only_o or_o our_o faith_n be_v resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n only_o as_o reveal_v himself_o unto_o we_o therein_o and_o thereby_o and_o this_o authority_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n do_v infallible_o manifest_v or_o evince_v themselves_o unto_o our_o faith_n or_o our_o mind_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o by_o the_o revelation_n itself_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o no_o otherwise_o or_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v and_o why_o we_o do_v so_o why_o we_o believe_v at_o all_o in_o general_n and_o why_o we_o believe_v any_o thing_n in_o particular_a and_o this_o we_o call_v the_o formal_a object_n or_o reason_n of_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o be_v not_o god_n himself_o absolute_o consider_v for_o so_o he_o be_v only_o the_o material_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n he_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v heb._n 11._o 6._o nor_o be_v it_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n absolute_o for_o that_o we_o believe_v as_o we_o do_v other_o essential_a property_n of_o his_o nature_n but_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n reveal_v himself_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n unto_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n this_o be_v the_o sole_a reason_n why_o we_o believe_v any_o thing_n with_o divine_a faith_n it_o be_v or_o may_v be_v inquire_v wherefore_o we_o do_v believe_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o that_o god_n be_v one_o in_o nature_n subsist_v in_o three_o person_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v because_o god_n himself_o the_o first_o truth_n who_o can_v lie_v have_v reveal_v and_o declare_v these_o thing_n so_o to_o be_v and_o he_o who_o be_v our_o all_o require_v we_o so_o to_o believe_v if_o it_o be_v ask_v how_o wherein_o or_o whereby_o god_n have_v reveal_v and_o declare_v these_o thing_n so_o to_o be_v or_o what_o be_v that_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v hereof_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v the_o scripture_n and_o that_o only_o and_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v how_o i_o know_v this_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o answer_v 1._o i_o do_v not_o know_v it_o demonstrative_o upon_o rational_a scientifical_a principle_n because_o such_o a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o such_o a_o demonstration_n 1._o cor._n 2._o 9_o 2._o i_o do_v not_o assent_v unto_o it_o or_o think_v it_o to_o be_v so_o upon_o argument_n and_o motive_n high_o probable_a or_o moral_o uncontrollable_a only_o as_o i_o be_o assure_o persuade_v of_o many_o other_o thing_n whereof_o i_o can_v have_v no_o certain_a demonstration_n 1_o thes._n 2._o 15._o but_o i_o believe_v it_o so_o to_o be_v with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a rest_v on_o and_o resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n himself_o evidence_v themselves_o unto_o my_o mind_n my_o soul_n and_o conscience_n by_o this_o revelation_n itself_o and_o not_o otherwise_o here_o we_o rest_v and_o deny_v that_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n formal_o for_o any_o other_o reason_n but_o itself_o which_o assure_v we_o of_o its_o divine_a authority_n and_o if_o we_o rest_v not_o here_o we_o must_v run_v on_o the_o rock_n of_o a_o moral_a certainty_n only_o which_o shake_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o divine_a faith_n or_o fall_v into_o the_o gulf_n and_o labyrinth_n of_o a_o endless_a circle_n in_o prove_v two_o thing_n mutual_o by_o one_o another_o as_o the_o church_n by_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o church_n in_o a_o everlasting_a rotation_n unless_o we_o intend_v so_o to_o wander_v we_o must_v come_v to_o something_o wherein_o we_o may_v rest_v for_o its_o own_o sake_n and_o that_o not_o with_o a_o strong_a and_o firm_a opinion_n but_o with_o divine_a faith_n and_o nothing_o can_v rational_o pretend_v unto_o this_o privilege_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n manifest_v itself_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o those_o who_o will_v not_o allow_v it_o hereunto_o do_v some_o of_o they_o wise_o deny_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o object_n of_o divine_a faith_n direct_o but_o only_o of_o a_o moral_a persuasion_n from_o eternal_a argument_n and_o consideration_n and_o i_o do_v believe_v that_o they_o will_v grant_v that_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o to_o be_v believe_v it_o must_v be_v for_o its_o own_o sake_n for_o those_o who_o will_v have_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n propose_v it_o unto_o we_o and_o witness_v so_o to_o be_v though_o they_o make_v a_o fair_a appearance_n of_o a_o ready_a and_o easy_a way_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n yet_o when_o thing_n come_v to_o be_v sift_v and_o try_v they_o do_v so_o confound_v all_o sort_n of_o thing_n that_o they_o know_v not_o where_o to_o stand_v or_o abide_v but_o it_o be_v not_o now_o my_o business_n to_o examine_v their_o pretence_n i_o have_v do_v it_o elsewhere_o i_o shall_v therefore_o prove_v and_o establish_v the_o assertion_n lay_v down_o after_o i_o have_v make_v way_n to_o it_o by_o one_o or_o two_o previous_a observation_n 1._o we_o suppose_v herein_o all_o the_o motive_n of_o credibity_n before_o mention_v that_o be_v all_o the_o argument_n ab_fw-la extra_fw-la which_o vehement_o persuade_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o wherewith_o it_o may_v be_v protect_v against_o objection_n and_o temptation_n to_o the_o contrary_n they_o have_v all_o of_o they_o their_o use_n and_o may_v in_o their_o proper_a place_n be_v
insist_v on_o especial_o ought_v they_o to_o be_v plead_v when_o the_o scripture_n be_v attack_v by_o a_o atheism_n arise_v from_o the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o those_o lust_n and_o sin_n which_o be_v severe_o condemn_v therein_o and_o threaten_v with_o the_o utmost_a vengeance_n with_o other_o they_o may_v be_v consider_v as_o previous_a inducement_n unto_o believe_v or_o concomitant_a mean_n of_o strengthen_v faith_n in_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v in_o the_o first_o way_n i_o confess_v to_o the_o best_a of_o my_o observation_n of_o thing_n past_a and_o present_a their_o use_n be_v not_o great_a nor_o ever_o have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o assure_o the_o most_o that_o do_v sincere_o believe_v the_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v it_o without_o any_o great_a consideration_n of_o they_o or_o be_v much_o influence_v by_o they_o and_o there_o be_v many_o who_o as_o austin_n speak_v be_v save_v simplicitate_fw-la credendi_fw-la and_o not_o subtilitate_fw-la disputandi_fw-la that_o be_v not_o able_a to_o inquire_v much_o into_o they_o nor_o yet_o to_o apprehend_v much_o of_o their_o force_n and_o efficacy_n when_o they_o be_v propose_v unto_o they_o most_o person_n therefore_o be_v effectual_o convert_v to_o god_n and_o have_v save_v faith_n whereby_o they_o believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o virtual_o all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o before_o they_o have_v ever_o once_o consider_v they_o and_o god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v think_v that_o none_o believe_v the_o scripture_n aright_o but_o those_o who_o be_v able_a to_o apprehend_v and_o manage_v the_o subtle_a argument_n of_o learned_a man_n produce_v in_o their_o confirmation_n yea_o we_o affirm_v on_o the_o contrary_a that_o those_o who_o believe_v they_o on_o no_o other_o ground_n have_v indeed_o no_o true_a divine_a faith_n at_o all_o hence_o they_o be_v not_o of_o old_a insist_v on_o for_o the_o ingenerate_v of_o faith_n in_o they_o to_o who_o the_o word_n be_v preach_v nor_o ordinary_o be_v so_o to_o this_o day_n by_o any_o who_o understand_v what_o be_v their_o work_n and_o duty_n but_o in_o the_o second_o way_n wherever_o there_o be_v occasion_n from_o objection_n opposition_n or_o temptation_n they_o may_v be_v plead_v to_o good_a use_n and_o purpose_n and_o they_o may_v do_v well_o to_o be_v furnish_v with_o they_o who_o be_v unavoidable_o expose_v unto_o trial_n of_o that_o nature_n for_o as_o for_o that_o course_n which_o some_o take_v in_o all_o place_n and_o at_o all_o time_n to_o be_v dispute_v about_o the_o scripture_n and_o their_o authority_n it_o be_v a_o practice_n give_v countenance_n unto_o atheism_n and_o be_v to_o be_v abhor_v of_o all_o that_o fear_n god_n and_o the_o consequent_n of_o it_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_a 2._o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n hold_v it_o up_o and_o declare_v it_o be_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n previous_o necessary_a 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the_o internal_a effectual_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n beget_v faith_n in_o we_o as_o be_v before_o declare_v without_o which_o we_o can_v believe_v neither_o the_o scripture_n nor_o any_o thing_n else_o with_o faith_n divine_a not_o for_o want_v of_o evidence_n in_o they_o but_o of_o faith_n in_o ourselves_o these_o thing_n be_v suppose_v we_o do_v affirm_v that_o it_o be_v the_o authority_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n as_o manifest_v themselves_o in_o the_o supernatural_a revelation_n make_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o our_o faith_n arise_v from_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o and_o herein_o consist_v that_o testimony_n which_o the_o spirit_n give_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v so_o for_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o bear_v witness_v because_o the_o spirit_n be_v truth_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o immediate_a author_n of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n do_v therein_o and_o thereby_o give_v testimony_n unto_o the_o divine_a truth_n and_o original_a of_o it_o by_o the_o character_n of_o divine_a authority_n and_o veracity_n impress_v on_o it_o and_o evidence_v themselves_o in_o its_o power_n and_o efficacy_n and_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o what_o we_o assert_v respect_n the_o revelation_n itself_o the_o scripture_n the_o write_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o not_o mere_o the_o thing_n write_v or_o contain_v in_o it_o the_o argument_n produce_v by_o some_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n reach_v not_o the_o cause_n in_o hand_n for_o our_o enquiry_n be_v not_o about_o believe_v the_o truth_n reveal_v but_o about_o believe_v the_o revelation_n itself_o the_o scripture_n itself_o to_o be_v divine_a and_o this_o we_o do_v only_o because_o of_o the_o authority_n and_o veracity_n of_o the_o revealer_n that_o be_v of_o god_n himself_o manifest_v themselves_o therein_o to_o manifest_v this_o full_o i_o shall_v do_v these_o thing_n 1._o prove_v that_o our_o faith_n be_v so_o resolve_v into_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o not_o into_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o its_o own_o sake_n and_o not_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o thing_n else_o either_o external_a argument_n or_o authoritative_a testimony_n of_o man_n whatever_o 2._o show_v how_o or_o by_o what_o mean_v the_o scripture_n do_v evidence_n its_o own_o divine_a original_a or_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v so_o evidence_v in_o it_o and_o by_o it_o as_o that_o we_o need_v no_o other_o formal_a cause_n or_o reason_n of_o our_o faith_n whatever_o motive_n or_o mean_n of_o believe_v we_o may_v make_v use_n of_o and_o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o 1._o that_o be_v the_o formal_a reason_n whereon_o we_o do_v believe_v which_o the_o scripture_n propose_v as_o the_o only_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v so_o do_v why_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o do_v so_o and_o whereunto_o it_o require_v our_o assent_n now_o this_o be_v to_o itself_o as_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o because_o it_o be_v so_o or_o it_o propose_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o itself_o and_o that_o alone_a which_o we_o be_v to_o acquiesce_v in_o and_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o that_o alone_a which_o our_o faith_n be_v to_o rest_v on_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o it_o do_v not_o require_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o any_o church_n or_o on_o any_o other_o argument_n that_o it_o give_v we_o to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v from_o god_n but_o speak_v unto_o we_o immediate_o in_o his_o name_n and_o thereon_o require_v faith_n and_o obedience_n some_o it_o may_v be_v will_v ask_v whether_o this_o prove_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o it_o say_v so_o of_o itself_o when_o any_o other_o write_v may_v say_v the_o same_o but_o we_o be_v not_o now_o give_v argument_n to_o prove_v unto_o other_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o only_o prove_v and_o show_v what_o our_o own_o faith_n rest_v on_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o or_o at_o least_o ought_v so_o to_o be_v how_o it_o evidence_v itself_o unto_o our_o faith_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v afterward_o declare_v it_o be_v sufficient_a unto_o our_o present_a purpose_n that_o god_n require_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o it_o be_v his_o word_n or_o a_o divine_a revelation_n from_o he_o and_o if_o so_o his_o authority_n and_o truth_n be_v the_o formal_a reason_n why_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n or_o any_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o to_o this_o purpose_n do_v testimony_n abound_v in_o particular_a beside_o that_o general_a attestation_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o it_o in_o that_o sole_a preface_n of_o divine_a revelation_n thus_o say_v the_o
and_o supernatural_a rest_n upon_o that_o be_v it_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v for_o its_o own_o sake_n but_o say_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o if_o man_n will_v not_o hear_v that_o be_v believe_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o come_v and_o preach_v unto_o they_o a_o great_a miracle_n than_o which_o they_o can_v not_o desire_v now_o this_o can_v not_o be_v speak_v if_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o contain_v in_o itself_o the_o whole_a entire_a formal_a reason_n of_o believe_v for_o if_o it_o have_v not_o this_o something_o necessary_a unto_o believe_v will_v be_v want_v though_o that_o be_v enjoy_v and_o this_o be_v direct_o affirm_v john_n 20._o 30_o 31._o and_o many_o other_o sign_n true_o do_v jesus_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o disciple_n which_o be_v not_o write_v in_o this_o book_n but_o these_o be_v write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o believe_v you_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n the_o sign_n which_o christ_n wrought_v do_v evidence_n he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o how_o come_v we_o to_o know_v and_o believe_v these_o sign_n what_o be_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n thereof_o say_v the_o bless_a apostle_n these_o thing_n be_v write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v this_o writing_n of_o they_o by_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v so_o far_o sufficient_a to_o beget_v and_o assure_v faith_n in_o you_o as_o that_o thereby_o you_o may_v have_v eternal_a life_n through_o jesus_n christ._n for_o if_o the_o writing_n of_o divine_a thing_n and_o revelation_n be_v the_o mean_v appoint_v of_o god_n to_o cause_n man_n to_o believe_v unto_o eternal_a life_n than_o it_o must_v as_o such_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v believe_v and_o ground_n whereon_o we_o shall_v do_v so_o and_o in_o like_a manner_n be_v this_o matter_n determine_v by_o the_o apostle_n peter_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21._o for_o we_o have_v not_o follow_v cunning_o devise_v fable_n when_o we_o make_v know_v unto_o you_o the_o power_n and_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o majesty_n for_o he_o receive_v from_o god_n the_o father_n honour_n and_o glory_n when_o there_o come_v such_o a_o voice_n to_o he_o from_o the_o excellent_a glory_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v and_o this_o voice_n which_o come_v from_o heaven_n we_o hear_v when_o we_o be_v with_o he_o in_o the_o holy_a mount_n we_o have_v also_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n whereunto_o you_o do_v well_o that_o you_o take_v heed_n as_o unto_o a_o light_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n until_o the_o day_n dawn_n and_o the_o daystar_n arise_v in_o your_o heart_n know_v this_o first_o that_o no_o prophecy_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n for_o the_o prophecy_n come_v not_o in_o old_a time_n by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o question_n be_v about_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o powerful_a come_v of_o jesus_n christ_n whether_o it_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v or_o no_o and_o if_o it_o be_v upon_o what_o ground_n some_o say_v it_o be_v a_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n other_o that_o it_o be_v a_o fanatical_a story_n of_o mad_a man_n as_o festus_n think_v of_o it_o when_o preach_v by_o paul_n act_v 26._o 24._o and_o very_o many_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n still_o the_o apostle_n on_o the_o contrary_n aver_v that_o what_o be_v speak_v concern_v he_o be_v word_n of_o truth_n and_o soberness_n yea_o faithful_a saying_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 15._o that_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v for_o its_o worth_n and_o truth_n the_o ground_n and_o reason_n hereof_o be_v two_o 1._o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o not_o only_o converse_v with_o jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v eye_n witness_n of_o his_o majesty_n behold_v his_o glory_n the_o glory_n as_o of_o the_o only_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n john_n 1._o 14._o which_o they_o give_v in_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n 1_o john_n 1._o 1._o but_o also_o hear_v a_o miraculous_a testimony_n give_v unto_o he_o immediate_o from_o god_n in_o heaven_n ver_fw-la 17._o 18._o this_o give_v they_o indeed_o sufficient_a assurance_n but_o whereinto_o shall_v they_o resolve_v their_o faith_n who_o hear_v not_o this_o testimony_n why_o they_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a that_o be_v a_o most_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n that_o be_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v sufficient_a of_o itself_o to_o secure_v their_o faith_n in_o this_o matter_n especial_o as_o confirm_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n whereby_o the_o church_n come_v to_o be_v build_v in_o its_o faith_n on_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n ephes._n 2._o 20._o but_o why_o shall_v we_o believe_v this_o word_n of_o prophecy_n may_v not_o that_o also_o be_v a_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n and_o the_o whole_a scripture_n be_v but_o the_o suggestion_n of_o man_n private_a spirit_n as_o be_v object_v ver._n 20._o all_o be_v final_o resolve_v into_o this_o that_o the_o writer_n of_o it_o be_v immediate_o move_v and_o act_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o which_o divine_a original_a it_o carry_v along_o its_o own_o evidence_n with_o it_o plain_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o be_v that_o we_o believe_v all_o other_o divine_a truth_n for_o the_o scripture_n sake_n or_o because_o they_o be_v declare_v therein_o but_o the_o scripture_n we_o believe_v for_o its_o own_o sake_n or_o because_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n write_v it_o as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o be_v the_o whole_a object_n of_o faith_n propose_v by_o the_o same_o apostle_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 2._o the_o word_n that_o be_v speak_v before_o by_o the_o holy_a prophet_n and_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o because_o our_o faith_n be_v resolve_v into_o they_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n as_o be_v say_v eph._n 2._o 20._o that_o be_v our_o faith_n rest_v sole_o as_o on_o its_o proper_a foundation_n which_o bear_v the_o weight_n of_o it_o on_o the_o authority_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o their_o write_n hereunto_o we_o may_v add_v that_o of_o paul_n rom._n 16._o 25_o 26._o according_a to_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o mystery_n which_o be_v keep_v secret_a since_o the_o world_n begin_v but_o now_o be_v make_v manifest_a and_o by_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o prophet_n according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o everlasting_a god_n make_v know_v unto_o all_o nation_n for_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n the_o matter_n to_o be_v believe_v be_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v keep_v secret_a since_o the_o world_n begin_v or_o from_o the_o give_v of_o the_o first_o promise_n not_o absolute_o but_o with_o respect_n unto_o that_o full_a manifestation_n which_o it_o have_v now_o receive_v this_o god_n command_v to_o be_v believe_v the_o everlasting_a god_n he_o who_o have_v sovereign_a authority_n over_o all_o require_v faith_n in_o a_o way_n of_o obedience_n hereunto_o but_o what_o ground_n or_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o this_o alone_a be_v propose_v namely_o the_o divine_a revelation_n make_v in_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o apostle_n and_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n for_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n rom._n 10._o 17._o this_o course_n and_o no_o other_o do_v our_o saviour_n even_o after_o his_o resurrection_n take_v to_o beget_v and_o confirm_v faith_n in_o the_o disciple_n luk._n 24._o 25_o 26_o 27._o that_o great_a testimony_n to_o this_o purpose_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o i_o do_v not_o plead_v in_o particular_a because_o i_o have_v so_o full_o insist_v on_o it_o in_o another_o discourse_n from_o these_o and_o many_o other_o testimony_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n which_o may_v be_v produce_v it_o be_v evident_a 1._o that_o it_o be_v the_o scripture_n itself_o the_o word_n or_o will_n of_o god_n as_o reveal_v or_o write_v which_o be_v propose_v unto_o we_o as_o the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o we_o be_v to_o receive_v and_o believe_v with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a 2._o that_o no_o other_o reason_n be_v propose_v unto_o we_o either_o as_o a_o motive_n to_o encourage_v we_o or_o as_o a_o argument_n to_o assure_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o
condemn_v they_o and_o their_o ministry_n as_o be_v plain_a and_o the_o case_n of_o jeremiah_n now_o it_o be_v impious_a to_o imagine_v that_o those_o to_o who_o they_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o believe_v they_o and_o it_o tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o all_o religion_n if_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v they_o and_o that_o under_o the_o penalty_n of_o divine_a displeasure_n and_o so_o to_o receive_v the_o revelation_n make_v by_o they_o or_o their_o declaration_n of_o it_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n than_o it_o must_v contain_v in_o it_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o believe_v or_o the_o full_a and_o entire_a cause_n reason_n and_o ground_n why_o they_o ought_v to_o believe_v with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a or_o let_v another_o ground_n of_o faith_n in_o this_o case_n be_v assign_v suppose_v the_o proposal_n be_v make_v in_o the_o ordinary_a ministry_n of_o the_o church_n hereby_o the_o scripture_n be_v declare_v unto_o man_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o be_v acquaint_v with_o it_o and_o what_o god_n require_v of_o they_o therein_o and_o they_o be_v charge_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n to_o receive_v and_o believe_v it_o do_v any_o obligation_n unto_o believe_v hence_o arise_v it_o may_v be_v some_o will_v say_v that_o immediate_o there_o be_v not_o only_o they_o will_v grant_v that_o man_n be_v bind_v hereon_o to_o inquire_v into_o such_o reason_n and_o motive_n as_o be_v propose_v unto_o they_o for_o its_o reception_n and_o admission_n i_o say_v there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o consider_v all_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n which_o be_v propose_v unto_o they_o and_o not_o to_o receive_v it_o with_o brutish_a implicit_a belief_n for_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o act_n of_o man_n own_o mind_n or_o understanding_n on_o the_o best_a ground_n and_o evidence_n which_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n propose_v be_v 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it_o so_o to_o be_v but_o this_o be_v not_o so_o all_o experience_n lie_v against_o it_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o pleadable_a ground_n of_o reason_n that_o so_o it_o be_v or_o that_o so_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o answer_n unto_o this_o objection_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o i_o shall_v show_v what_o it_o be_v what_o power_n what_o faculty_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n whereunto_o this_o revelation_n be_v propose_v and_o whereby_o we_o assent_v unto_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o wherein_o the_o mistake_v whereon_o this_o objection_n proceed_v will_v be_v discover_v 2._o i_o shall_v mention_v some_o of_o those_o thing_n whereby_o the_o holy_a ghost_n testify_v and_o give_v evidence_n unto_o the_o scripture_n in_o and_o by_o itself_o so_o as_o that_o our_o faith_n may_v be_v immediate_o resolve_v into_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n alone_o 1._o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o may_v consider_v that_o there_o be_v three_o way_n whereby_o we_o assent_v unto_o any_o 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further_a consideration_n be_v this_o assent_n thus_o do_v the_o mind_n embrace_v in_o itself_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a with_o the_o difference_n between_o they_o however_o it_o practical_o comply_v notwith_o what_o they_o guide_v unto_o judas_n v._n 10._o and_o so_o do_v it_o assent_v unto_o many_o principle_n of_o reason_n as_o that_o the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o the_o part_n without_o admit_v any_o debate_n about_o they_o 2._o by_o rational_a consideration_n of_o thing_n external_o propose_v unto_o we_o herein_o the_o mind_n exercise_v its_o discursive_a faculty_n gather_v one_o thing_n out_o of_o another_o and_o conclude_v one_o thing_n from_o another_o and_o hereon_o be_v it_o able_a to_o assent_v unto_o what_o be_v propose_v unto_o it_o in_o various_a degree_n of_o certainty_n according_a unto_o the_o nature_n and_o degree_n of_o the_o evidence_n it_o proceed_v upon_o hence_o it_o have_v a_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o some_o thing_n of_o other_o a_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n prevalent_a against_o the_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_a which_o it_o know_v and_o who_o force_n it_o understand_v which_o may_v be_v true_a or_o false_a 3._o by_o faith_n this_o respect_v that_o power_n of_o our_o mind_n whereby_o we_o be_v able_a to_o assent_v unto_o any_o thing_n as_o true_a which_o we_o have_v no_o first_o principles_n concern_v no_o inbred_a notion_n of_o nor_o can_v from_o more_o know_v principle_n make_v unto_o ourselves_o any_o certain_a rational_a conclusion_n concern_v they_o this_o be_v our_o assent_n upon_o testimony_n whereon_o we_o believe_v many_o thing_n which_o no_o sense_n inbred_a principle_n nor_o reason_v of_o our_o own_o can_v either_o give_v we_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o or_o a_o assurance_n of_o and_o this_o assent_n also_o have_v not_o only_o various_a degree_n but_o be_v also_o of_o divers_a kind_n according_a as_o the_o testimony_n be_v which_o it_o arise_v from_o and_o rest_v on_o as_o be_v humane_a if_o that_o be_v humane_a and_o divine_a if_o that_o be_v so_o also_o according_a to_o these_o distinct_a faculty_n and_o power_n of_o our_o soul_n god_n be_v please_v to_o reveal_v or_o make_v know_v himself_o his_o mind_n or_o will_v three_o way_n unto_o we_o for_o he_o have_v implant_v no_o power_n on_o our_o mind_n but_o the_o principal_a use_n and_o exercise_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v with_o respect_n unto_o himself_o and_o our_o live_n unto_o he_o which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o they_o all_o and_o a_o neglect_n of_o the_o improvement_n of_o they_o unto_o this_o end_n be_v the_o high_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v a_o aggravation_n of_o sin_n when_o man_n abuse_v the_o creature_n of_o god_n otherwise_o than_o he_o have_v appoint_v or_o in_o not_o use_v they_o to_o his_o glory_n when_o they_o take_v his_o corn_n and_o wine_n and_o oil_n and_o spend_v
place_n that_o the_o plea_n hitherto_o insist_v on_o can_v be_v manage_v without_o great_a disadvantage_n to_o christian_a religion_n for_o if_o we_o take_v away_o the_o rational_a ground_n on_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v true_a and_o divine_a and_o the_o whole_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v lay_v on_o thing_n not_o only_o deride_v by_o man_n of_o atheistical_a spirit_n but_o in_o themselves_o such_o as_o can_v be_v discern_v by_o any_o but_o such_o as_o do_v believe_v on_o what_o ground_n can_v we_o proceed_v to_o convince_v a_o unbeliever_n answer_v 1_o by_o the_o way_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o prove_v and_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v true_a and_o divine_a another_o to_o prove_v and_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n or_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o alone_o be_v propose_v unto_o consideration_n a_o doctrine_n true_a and_o divine_a may_v be_v write_v in_o and_o propose_v unto_o we_o by_o write_n that_o be_v not_o divine_o and_o infallible_o inspire_v and_o so_o may_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v but_o not_o without_o the_o unspeakable_a disadvantage_n of_o the_o church_n and_o there_o be_v sundry_a argument_n which_o forcible_o and_o effectual_o prove_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o have_v be_v true_a and_o divine_a which_o be_v not_o of_o any_o efficacy_n to_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n though_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n whatever_o do_v prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v equal_o prove_v the_o divine_a truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n 2._o there_o be_v two_o way_n of_o convince_a unbeliever_n the_o one_o insist_v on_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o follower_n the_o other_o by_o some_o learned_a man_n since_o their_o day_n the_o way_n principal_o insist_v on_o by_o the_o apostle_n be_v by_o preach_v the_o word_n itself_o unto_o they_o in_o the_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o the_o power_n whereof_o manifest_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o it_o they_o be_v convince_v and_o fall_v down_o acknowledge_v god_n to_o be_v in_o it_o of_o a_o truth_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 4_o 5._o ch_z 14._o 25_o 26._o it_o be_v likely_a that_o in_o this_o their_o proposal_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o doctrine_n and_o truth_n contain_v in_o it_o unto_o unbeliever_n that_o those_o of_o atheistical_a spirit_n will_v both_o deride_v they_o and_o it_o and_o so_o indeed_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v many_o esteem_v themselves_o to_o be_v babbler_n and_o their_o doctrine_n to_o be_v errant_a folly_n but_o yet_o they_o desist_v not_o from_o pursue_v their_o work_n in_o the_o same_o way_n whereunto_o god_n give_v success_n the_o other_o way_n be_v to_o prove_v unto_o unbeliever_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a and_o divine_a by_o rational_a argument_n wherein_o some_o learned_a person_n have_v labour_v especial_o in_o these_o last_o age_n to_o very_o good_a purpose_n and_o certain_o their_o labour_n be_v great_o to_o be_v commend_v whilst_o they_o attend_v unto_o these_o rule_n 1._o that_o they_o produce_v no_o argument_n but_o such_o as_o be_v cogent_a and_o not_o liable_a unto_o just_a exception_n for_o if_o to_o manifest_v their_o own_o skill_n or_o learning_n they_o plead_v such_o reason_n as_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o answer_n and_o solution_n they_o exceed_o prejudice_v the_o truth_n by_o subject_v it_o unto_o dubious_a disputation_n whereas_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v clear_a firm_a and_o sacred_a 2._o that_o they_o do_v not_o pretend_v their_o rational_a ground_n and_o argument_n to_o be_v the_o sole_a foundation_n that_o faith_n have_v to_o rest_v upon_o or_o which_o it_o be_v resolve_v into_o for_o this_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o set_v up_o a_o opinion_n instead_o of_o faith_n supernatural_a and_o divine_a accept_v but_o of_o these_o two_o limitation_n and_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o rational_a ground_n and_o argument_n intend_v may_v be_v rational_o plead_v and_o aught_o so_o to_o be_v unto_o the_o conviction_n of_o gainsayer_n for_o no_o man_n do_v so_o plead_v the_o self-evidencing_a power_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o to_o deny_v that_o the_o use_v of_o other_o external_a motive_n and_o argument_n be_v necessary_a to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o atheist_n as_o also_o unto_o the_o further_a establishment_n of_o they_o who_o do_v believe_v these_o thing_n be_v subordinate_a and_o no_o way_n inconsistent_a the_o truth_n be_v if_o we_o will_v attend_v unto_o our_o own_o and_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n the_o way_n whereby_o we_o come_v to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n ordinary_o be_v this_o and_o no_o other_o god_n have_v first_o give_v his_o word_n as_o the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n have_v appoint_v the_o ministry_n of_o man_n at_o first_o extraordinary_a afterward_o ordinary_a to_o propose_v unto_o we_o the_o doctrine_n truth_n precept_n promise_n and_o threaten_n contain_v therein_o together_o with_o this_o proposition_n of_o they_o they_o be_v appoint_v to_o declare_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o from_o themselves_o nor_o of_o their_o own_o invention_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o and_o this_o be_v do_v various_o unto_o some_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o this_o ministry_n thus_o come_v or_o be_v thus_o propose_v preach_v or_o declare_v whilst_o they_o be_v in_o a_o condition_n not_o only_o utter_o unacquainted_a with_o the_o mystery_n of_o it_o but_o fill_v with_o contrary_a apprehension_n and_o consequent_o prejudices_fw-la against_o it_o thus_o it_o come_v of_o old_a unto_o the_o pagan_a world_n and_o must_v do_v so_o unto_o such_o person_n and_o nation_n as_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o same_o state_n with_o they_o unto_o these_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o produce_v the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o will_v evidence_n itself_o unto_o they_o so_o to_o be_v for_o this_o have_v be_v to_o despise_v the_o wisdom_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o their_o own_o ministry_n but_o they_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o unto_o they_o ground_v themselves_o on_o the_o divine_a revelation_n contain_v therein_o and_o this_o proposition_n of_o the_o truth_n or_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o leave_v of_o god_n to_o work_v itself_o into_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n by_o the_o suitableness_n of_o it_o thereunto_o but_o be_v his_o own_o institution_n for_o their_o illumination_n and_o conversion_n he_o accompany_v it_o with_o divine_a power_n and_o make_v it_o effectual_a unto_o the_o end_v design_v rom._n 1._o 16._o and_o the_o event_n hereof_o among_o mankind_n be_v that_o by_o some_o this_o new_a doctrine_n be_v deride_v and_o scorn_v by_o other_o who_o heart_n god_n open_v to_o attend_v unto_o it_o it_o be_v embrace_v and_o submit_v unto_o among_o those_o who_o after_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v bear_v as_o they_o say_v within_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o church_n the_o same_o doctrine_n be_v various_o instill_v into_o person_n according_a unto_o the_o several_a duty_n and_o concern_v of_o other_o to_o instruct_v they_o principal_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v ordain_v of_o god_n unto_o that_o end_n whereon_o the_o church_n be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n those_o of_o both_o sort_n unto_o who_o the_o doctrine_n mention_v be_v preach_v or_o propose_v be_v direct_v unto_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o sacred_a repository_n thereof_o for_o they_o be_v tell_v that_o these_o thing_n come_v by_o revelation_n from_o god_n and_o that_o revelation_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o bible_n which_o be_v his_o word_n upon_o this_o proposal_n with_o enquiry_n into_o it_o and_o consideration_n of_o it_o god_n cooperate_a by_o his_o spirit_n there_o be_v that_o evidence_n of_o its_o divine_a original_a communicate_v unto_o their_o mind_n through_o its_o power_n and_o efficacy_n with_o the_o character_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o holiness_n implant_v on_o it_o which_o they_o be_v now_o enable_v to_o discern_v that_o they_o believe_v it_o and_o rest_n in_o it_o as_o the_o immediate_a word_n of_o god_n thus_o be_v it_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o sychar_n with_o respect_n unto_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n john_n 4._o 42._o this_o be_v the_o way_n whereby_o man_n ordinary_o be_v bring_v to_o believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n rom._n 10._o 14_o 15._o and_o that_o neither_o by_o external_a argument_n or_o motive_n which_o no_o one_o soul_n be_v ever_o convert_v unto_o god_n by_o nor_o by_o any_o mere_a naked_a proposal_n and_o offer_n of_o the_o book_n unto_o they_o
nor_o by_o miracle_n nor_o by_o immediate_a revelation_n or_o private_a subjective_n testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n nor_o be_v their_o faith_n a_o persuasion_n of_o mind_n that_o they_o can_v give_v no_o reason_n of_o but_o only_o that_o they_o be_v so_o persuade_v but_o it_o will_v be_v yet_o further_o object_v that_o if_o there_o be_v such_o clear_a evidence_n in_o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o be_v in_o the_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o none_o who_o free_o use_v their_o reason_n can_v deny_v it_o than_o it_o lie_v either_o in_o the_o naked_a proposal_n of_o the_o thing_n unto_o the_o understanding_n and_o if_o so_o than_o every_o one_o that_o assent_v unto_o this_o proposition_n that_o the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o the_o part_n must_v likewise_o assent_v unto_o this_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o the_o evidence_n must_v not_o lie_v in_o the_o naked_a proposal_n but_o in_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o they_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v propose_v answ._n 1._o i_o know_v no_o divine_a ancient_a or_o modern_a popish_a or_o protestant_n who_o do_v not_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v a_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n necessary_a unto_o a_o due_a belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o consideration_n hereof_o ought_v not_o by_o any_o christian_n to_o be_v exclude_v but_o they_o say_v not_o that_o this_o be_v the_o objective_a testimony_n or_o evidence_n on_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n concern_v which_o alone_a be_v our_o enquiry_n 2._o we_o do_v not_o dispute_v how_o far_o or_o by_o what_o mean_v this_o proposition_n the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v be_v evidence_v mere_o unto_o our_o reason_n but_o unto_o our_o understanding_n as_o capable_a of_o give_v a_o assent_n upon_o testimony_n it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o this_o be_v a_o first_o principle_n of_o reason_n though_o it_o be_v of_o faith_n nor_o that_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o mathematical_a demonstration_n that_o the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o the_o part_n be_v self-evident_a unto_o our_o reason_n upon_o its_o first_o proposal_n but_o such_o none_o pretend_v to_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n because_o it_o be_v a_o subject_n not_o capable_a of_o it_o nor_o do_v those_o who_o deny_v the_o self-evidence_n of_o the_o scripture_n pretend_v by_o their_o argument_n for_o its_o divine_a authority_n to_o give_v such_o a_o evidence_n of_o it_o unto_o reason_n as_o be_v in_o first_o principles_n or_o mathematical_a demonstration_n but_o content_v themselves_o with_o that_o which_o they_o call_v a_o moral_a certainty_n but_o it_o be_v by_o faith_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n which_o respect_v the_o power_n of_o our_o mind_n of_o assent_n unto_o truth_n upon_o testimony_n infallible_o on_o that_o which_o be_v infallible_a and_o hereunto_o it_o evidence_v its_o own_o truth_n not_o with_o the_o same_o but_o with_o a_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n and_o noble_a kind_n than_o that_o of_o the_o strict_a demonstration_n in_o thing_n natural_a or_o the_o most_o forcible_a arguman_n in_o thing_n moral_a 3._o it_o will_v be_v object_v that_o if_o this_o be_v so_o then_o none_o can_v be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o have_v not_o faith_n and_o none_o have_v faith_n but_o those_o in_o who_o it_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o thereinto_o all_o will_v be_v resolve_v at_o last_o answ._n 1._o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o this_o objection_n for_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v plead_v only_o as_o he_o be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o believe_v and_o not_o the_o objective_n or_o reason_n why_o we_o do_v believe_v but_o 2._o we_o must_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o resolve_v all_o we_o do_v well_o spiritual_o and_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o efficacious_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o we_o unless_o we_o intend_v to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n but_o this_o still_o make_v his_o internal_a operation_n to_o be_v the_o efficient_a and_o not_o his_o internal_a testimony_n to_o be_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o faith_n 3._o it_o be_v another_o question_n whether_o all_o obligation_n unto_o duty_n be_v and_o must_v be_v proportionate_a unto_o our_o own_o strength_n without_o divine_a assistance_n which_o we_o deny_v and_o affirm_v that_o we_o be_v oblige_v unto_o many_o thing_n by_o virtue_n of_o god_n command_n which_o we_o have_v no_o power_n to_o answer_v but_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o grace_n 4._o where_o the_o proposal_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v make_v in_o the_o way_n before_o describe_v those_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v propose_v be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v it_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o evidence_n which_o it_o give_v of_o itself_o so_o to_o be_v yea_o every_o real_a true_a divine_a revelation_n make_v unto_o man_n or_o every_o proposal_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o divine_a providence_n have_v that_o evidence_n of_o its_o be_v from_o god_n accompany_v of_o it_o as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o oblige_v they_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v make_v to_o believe_v it_o on_o pain_n of_o his_o displeasure_n if_o this_o be_v otherwise_o then_o either_o be_v god_n oblige_v to_o confirm_v every_o particular_a divine_a revelation_n with_o a_o miracle_n which_o as_o to_o its_o obligation_n unto_o believe_v want_v not_o its_o difficulty_n which_o he_o do_v not_o as_o in_o many_o of_o the_o prophet_n nor_o do_v at_o this_o day_n at_o the_o first_o proposal_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o heathen_a or_o else_o when_o he_o require_v faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o such_o way_n as_o in_o his_o wisdom_n he_o judge_v meet_v that_o be_v in_o the_o ordinary_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n they_o be_v not_o oblige_v thereby_o nor_o be_v it_o their_o sin_n to_o refuse_v a_o compliance_n with_o his_o will._n 5._o if_o this_o difficulty_n can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o avoid_v but_o by_o affirm_v that_o the_o faith_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o with_o respect_n unto_o his_o word_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o natural_a assent_n unto_o it_o upon_o rational_a argument_n and_o consideration_n which_o we_o have_v a_o ability_n for_o without_o any_o spiritual_a aid_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o respect_n unto_o his_o testimony_n as_o before_o describe_v which_o overthrow_v all_o faith_n especial_o that_o which_o be_v divine_a i_o shall_v rather_o ten_o thousand_o time_n allow_v of_o all_o the_o just_a consequence_n that_o can_v follow_v on_o the_o supposition_n mention_v than_o admit_v of_o this_o relief_n but_o of_o those_o consequence_n this_o be_v none_o that_o any_o unto_o who_o the_o scripture_n be_v propose_v be_v except_v from_o a_o obligation_n unto_o believe_v in_o like_a manner_n there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n in_o the_o usual_a objection_n which_o respect_v particular_a book_n of_o the_o scripture_n why_o we_o receive_v they_o as_o canonical_a and_o reject_v other_o as_o namely_o the_o book_n of_o proverb_n and_o not_o of_o wisdom_n of_o ecclesiaste_n and_o not_o ecclesiasticus_fw-la for_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o have_v the_o canon_n of_o they_o give_v we_o in_o the_o new_a where_o it_o be_v affirm_v that_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n which_o both_o confirm_v all_o that_o we_o receive_v and_o exclude_v all_o that_o we_o exclude_v and_o unto_o the_o new_a there_o be_v no_o pretender_n nor_o ever_o be_v to_o the_o least_o exercise_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o any_o 2._o all_o book_n whatever_o that_o have_v either_o themselves_o pretend_a unto_o a_o divine_a original_a or_o have_v be_v plead_v by_o other_o to_o be_v of_o that_o extract_v have_v be_v and_o may_v be_v from_o themselves_o without_o further_a help_n evict_v of_o falsehood_n in_o that_o pretence_n they_o have_v all_o of_o they_o hitherto_o in_o matter_n or_o manner_n in_o plain_a confession_n or_o other_o sufficient_a evidence_n manifest_v themselves_o to_o be_v of_o a_o human_a original_a and_o much_o danger_n be_v not_o to_o be_v fear_v from_o any_o that_o for_o the_o future_a shall_v set_v forth_o with_o the_o same_o pretence_n 3._o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o refuse_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o advantage_n of_o providence_n whereby_o the_o scripture_n be_v bring_v unto_o we_o with_o the_o testimony_n which_o either_o direct_o or_o collateral_o any_o one_o part_n of_o it_o give_v unto_o another_o although_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o believe_v for_o itself_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o ordinary_o to_o be_v believe_v by_o itself_o without_o
scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v mere_o human_a how_o firm_a soever_o the_o persuasion_n in_o it_o may_v be_v but_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o that_o whereby_o we_o believe_v the_o thing_n themselves_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n 7._o we_o can_v thus_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o any_o divine_a truth_n therein_o contain_v without_o the_o effectual_a illumination_n of_o our_o mind_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o exclude_v the_o consideration_n of_o his_o work_n herein_o be_v to_o cast_v the_o whole_a enquiry_n out_o of_o the_o limit_n of_o christian_a religion_n 8._o yet_o be_v not_o this_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o illumination_n of_o our_o mind_n whereby_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o believe_v in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n with_o faith_n supernatural_a and_o divine_a the_o ground_n and_o reason_n why_o we_o do_v believe_v or_o the_o evidence_n whereon_o we_o do_v so_o nor_o be_v our_o faith_n resolve_v thereinto_o 9_o whereas_o also_o there_o be_v sundry_a other_o act_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o and_o upon_o our_o mind_n establish_v this_o faith_n against_o temptation_n unto_o the_o contrary_a and_o further_o ascertain_v we_o of_o the_o divine_a original_a of_o the_o scripture_n or_o testify_v it_o unto_o we_o yet_o be_v they_o none_o of_o they_o several_o nor_o all_o of_o they_o joint_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o faith_n nor_o the_o ground_n which_o we_o believe_v upon_o yet_o be_v they_o such_o as_o that_o as_o without_o the_o first_o work_n of_o divine_a illumination_n we_o can_v believe_v at_o all_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n so_o without_o his_o other_o consequent_a operation_n we_o can_v believe_v steadfast_o against_o temptation_n and_o opposition_n wherefore_o 10._o those_o only_a can_v believe_v the_o scripture_n aright_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n who_o mind_n be_v enlighten_v and_o who_o be_v enable_v to_o believe_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 11._o those_o who_o believe_v not_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n for_o they_o be_v either_o such_o as_o oppose_v and_o gainsay_v the_o word_n as_o a_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n or_o such_o as_o be_v willing_a without_o prejudice_n to_o attend_v unto_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o the_o former_a sort_n may_v be_v resist_v oppose_a and_o rebuke_v by_o external_a argument_n and_o such_o moral_a consideration_n as_o vehement_o persuade_v the_o divine_a original_a of_o the_o scripture_n and_o from_o the_o same_o principle_n may_v their_o mouth_n be_v stop_v as_o to_o their_o cavil_n and_o exception_n against_o it_o the_o other_o sort_v be_v to_o be_v lead_v on_o unto_o believe_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n itself_o which_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n unto_o that_o purpose_n but_o 12._o neither_o sort_n do_v ever_o come_v true_o to_o believe_v either_o mere_o induce_v thereunto_o by_o force_n of_o moral_a argument_n only_o or_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o church_n by_o who_o ministry_n the_o scripture_n be_v propose_v unto_o they_o to_o be_v believe_v wherefore_o 13._o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a whereby_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o duty_n and_o as_o it_o be_v require_v of_o we_o be_v the_o authority_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n alone_o evidence_v themselves_o unto_o our_o mind_n and_o conscience_n in_o and_o by_o the_o scripture_n itself_o and_o herein_o consist_v that_o divine_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o testimony_n give_v our_o assent_n unto_o the_o scripture_n the_o general_a nature_n of_o faith_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o divine_a testimony_n give_v it_o the_o especial_a nature_n of_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a 14._o this_o divine_a testimony_n give_v unto_o the_o divine_a original_a of_o the_o scripture_n in_o and_o by_o itself_o whereinto_o our_o faith_n be_v ultimate_o resolve_v be_v evidence_v and_o make_v know_v as_o by_o the_o character_n of_o the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o be_v in_o it_o and_o upon_o it_o so_o by_o the_o authority_n power_n and_o efficacy_n over_o and_o upon_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o the_o satisfactory_a excellency_n of_o the_o truth_n contain_v therein_o wherewith_o it_o be_v accompany_v 15._o wherefore_o although_o there_o be_v many_o cogent_a external_a argument_n whereby_o a_o moral_a steadfast_a perwasion_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v attain_v and_o it_o be_v the_o principal_a duty_n of_o the_o true_a church_n in_o all_o age_n to_o give_v testimony_n thereunto_o which_o it_o have_v do_v successive_o at_o all_o all_o time_n since_o first_o it_o be_v entrust_v with_o it_o and_o so_o although_o there_o be_v many_o other_o mean_v whereby_o we_o be_v induce_v persuade_v and_o enable_v to_o believe_v it_o yet_o be_v it_o for_o its_o own_o sake_n only_o efficacious_o manifest_v itself_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o upon_o the_o divine_a testimony_n that_o be_v give_v in_o it_o and_o by_o it_o thereunto_o that_o we_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v so_o with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a corel_n those_o who_o either_o deny_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o internal_a subjective_n work_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n enable_v we_o to_o believe_v or_o the_o objective_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n give_v unto_o the_o scripture_n in_o and_o by_o itself_o or_o do_v deny_v their_o joint_a concurrence_n in_o and_o unto_o our_o believe_v do_v deny_v all_o faith_n proper_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o be_v declare_v and_o plead_v for_o in_o the_o precede_a treatise_n to_o prevent_v the_o obloquy_n of_o some_o and_o confirm_v the_o judgement_n of_o other_o i_o shall_v add_v the_o suffrage_n of_o ancient_n and_o modern_a writer_n give_v unto_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o and_o whereon_o all_o other_o thing_n assert_v in_o it_o do_v depend_v clemens_n alexandrinus_n discourse_v at_o large_a unto_o this_o purpose_n stromat_n 7._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o have_v the_o lord_n himself_o for_o the_o principle_n or_o beginning_n of_o doctrine_n who_o by_o the_o prophet_n the_o gospel_n and_o bless_a apostle_n in_o various_a manner_n and_o by_o divers_a degree_n go_v before_o we_o or_o lead_v we_o unto_o knowledge_n this_n be_v that_o which_o we_o lie_v down_o as_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o faith_n namely_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o lord_n himself_o instruct_v we_o by_o the_o scripture_n so_o he_o add_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o if_o any_o one_o suppose_v that_o he_o need_v any_o oâ—her_a principle_n the_o principle_n will_v not_o be_v keep_v that_o be_v if_o we_o need_v any_o other_o principle_n whereinto_o to_o resolve_v our_o faith_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v no_o more_o a_o principle_n unto_o we_o but_o he_o who_o be_v faithful_a from_o himself_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o his_o sovereign_n write_v and_o voice_n which_o as_o it_o appear_v be_v administer_v by_o the_o lord_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o man_n and_o certain_o we_o use_v it_o as_o a_o rule_n of_o judge_v for_o the_o invention_n of_o thing_n but_o whatever_o be_v judge_v be_v not_o credible_a or_o to_o be_v believe_v until_o it_o be_v judge_v and_o that_o be_v no_o principle_n which_o stand_v in_o need_n to_o be_v judge_v the_o intention_n of_o his_o word_n be_v that_o god_n who_o alone_o be_v to_o believe_v for_o himself_o have_v give_v we_o his_o word_n as_o the_o rule_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o judge_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o this_o word_n be_v so_o to_o be_v believe_v as_o not_o to_o be_v subject_a unto_o any_o other_o judgement_n because_o if_o it_o be_v so_o it_o can_v be_v either_o a_o principle_n or_o a_o rule_n and_o so_o he_o proceed_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d wherefore_o it_o be_v meet_v that_o embrace_v by_o faith_n the_o most_o sufficient_a indemonstrable_a principle_n and_o take_v the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o principle_n from_o the_o principle_n itself_o we_o be_v instruct_v by_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n himself_o unto_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o few_o word_n he_o declare_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o we_o have_v plead_v for_o no_o more_o do_v we_o maintain_v in_o this_o cause_n but_o what_o clemens_n do_v here_o assert_v namely_o that_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n for_o itself_o as_o that_o which_o need_v no_o antecedent_n or_o external_a demonstration_n but_o all_o the_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o its_o divine_a original_a be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o itself_o alone_o which_o yet_o
god_n preach_v write_a or_o teach_v of_o it_o but_o yet_o as_o if_o we_o have_v see_v he_o we_o believe_v and_o firm_o hold_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o read_v proceed_v from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o may_v be_v this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o we_o so_o firm_o adhere_v unto_o it_o that_o truth_n be_v more_o solid_a in_o it_o though_o not_o more_o clear_a than_o in_o other_o write_n for_o all_o truth_n have_v a_o persuasive_a power_n the_o great_a truth_n the_o great_a power_n and_o that_o which_o be_v great_a the_o great_a efficacy_n of_o all_o but_o why_o then_o do_v not_o all_o believe_v the_o gospel_n answ._n because_o all_o be_v not_o draw_v of_o god_n but_o what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o any_o long_a disputation_n we_o therefore_o firm_o believe_v the_o scripture_n because_o we_o have_v receive_v a_o divine_a inspiration_n assure_v of_o we_o and_o in_o what_o sense_n this_o be_v allow_v have_v be_v declare_v in_o the_o precede_a discourse_n i_o shall_v close_v the_o 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affirm_v that_o there_o be_v a_o inward_a testimony_n or_o witness_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n whereby_o he_o assure_v and_o confirm_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o scripture_n with_o a_o efficacy_n exceed_v all_o the_o persuasive_a evidence_n of_o outward_a argument_n and_o motive_n this_o also_o by_o some_o they_o be_v traduce_v for_o and_o yet_o those_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n who_o be_v look_v on_o as_o most_o averse_a from_o that_o resolution_n of_o faith_n which_o most_o protestant_n acquiesce_v in_o do_v express_o maintain_v both_o these_o assertion_n the_o design_n of_o stapleton_n de_fw-fr principiis_fw-la fidei_fw-la controver_n 4._o lib._n 8._o cap._n 1._o be_v to_o prove_v impossibile_fw-it esse_fw-la sine_fw-la speciali_fw-la gratia_fw-la ac_fw-la dono_fw-la fidei_fw-la divinitùs_fw-la infuso_fw-la actum_fw-la verae_fw-la fidei_fw-la producere_fw-la aut_fw-la ex_fw-la very_fw-la nominis_fw-la fide_fw-la credere_fw-la which_o he_o there_o prove_v with_o sundry_a argument_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o produce_v any_o act_n of_o faith_n or_o to_o believe_v with_o faith_n right_o so_o call_v without_o special_a grace_n and_o the_o divine_a infusion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o faith_n and_o bellarmin_n speak_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n argumenta_fw-la quae_fw-la articulos_fw-la fidei_fw-la nostrae_fw-la credibiles_fw-la faciunt_fw-la non_fw-la talia_fw-la sunt_fw-la ut_fw-la fidem_fw-la omnino_fw-la indubitatam_fw-la reddant_fw-la nisi_fw-la mens_fw-la divinitùs_fw-la adjuvetur_fw-la de_fw-fr grat._n &_o lib._n arbit_n lib._n 6._o cap._n 3._o the_o argument_n which_o render_v the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n credible_a be_v not_o such_o as_o produce_v a_o undoubted_a faith_n unless_o the_o mind_n be_v divine_o assist_v melchior_n canus_n loc_n theol._n lib._n 2._o cap._n 8._o dispute_n express_o to_o this_o purpose_n id_fw-la statuendum_fw-la est_fw-la authoritatem_fw-la humanam_fw-la &_o incitamenta_fw-la omne_fw-la illa_fw-la praedicta_fw-la sive_fw-la alia_fw-la quaecunque_fw-la adhibita_fw-la ab_fw-la eo_fw-la qui_fw-la proponit_fw-la fidem_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la sufficientes_fw-la causas_fw-la ad_fw-la credendum_fw-la ut_fw-la credere_fw-la tenemur_fw-la sed_fw-la praeterea_fw-la opus_fw-la esse_fw-la interiori_fw-la causa_fw-la efficiente_a id_fw-la est_fw-la dei_fw-la speciali_fw-la auxilio_fw-la moventis_fw-la ad_fw-la credendum_fw-la this_o be_v firm_o to_o be_v hold_v that_o human_a authority_n and_o all_o the_o motive_n before_o mention_v nor_o any_o other_o which_o may_v be_v use_v by_o he_o who_o propose_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v believe_v be_v not_o sufficient_a cause_n of_o believe_v as_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v but_o there_o be_v moreover_o necessary_a a_o internal_a efficient_a cause_n move_v we_o to_o believe_v which_o be_v the_o especial_a help_n or_o aid_n of_o god_n and_o a_o little_a after_o he_o speak_v yet_o more_o plain_o externae_fw-la igitur_fw-la omnes_fw-la &_o humanae_fw-la persuasiones_fw-la non_fw-la sunt_fw-la satis_fw-la ad_fw-la credendum_fw-la quantumcunque_fw-la ab_fw-la hominibus_fw-la competenter_fw-la ea_fw-la quae_fw-la sunt_fw-la fidei_fw-la proponantur_fw-la sed_fw-la necessaria_fw-la est_fw-la insuper_fw-la causa_fw-la interior_a hoc_fw-la est_fw-la divinum_fw-la quoddam_fw-la lumen_fw-la incitans_fw-la ad_fw-la credendum_fw-la &_o oculi_fw-la quidam_fw-la interiores_fw-la dei_fw-la beneficio_fw-la ad_fw-la videndum_fw-la dati_fw-la wherefore_o all_o external_a human_a persuasion_n or_o argument_n be_v not_o sufficient_a cause_n of_o faith_n however_o the_o thing_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v sufficient_o propose_v by_o man_n there_o be_v moreover_o necessary_a a_o internal_a cause_n that_o be_v a_o certain_a divine_a light_n incite_v to_o believe_v or_o certain_a internal_a eye_n to_o see_v give_v we_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n yea_o all_o other_o learned_a man_n of_o the_o same_o profession_n do_v speak_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n the_o other_o assertion_n also_o they_o do_v no_o less_o comply_v withal_o arcanum_n divini_fw-la spiritus_fw-la testimonium_fw-la prorsus_fw-la necessarium_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la quis_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la testimonio_fw-la ac_fw-la judicio_fw-la circa_fw-la scripturarum_fw-la approbationem_fw-la credat_fw-la say_v stapleton_n the_o secret_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v altogether_o necessary_a that_o a_o man_n may_v believe_v the_o testimony_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n about_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o word_n of_o gregory_n de_fw-fr valentia_n be_v remarkable_a cum_fw-la hactenus_fw-la ejusmodi_fw-la argumenta_fw-la pro_fw-la authoritate_fw-la christianae_n doctrinae_fw-la fecerimus_fw-la quae_fw-la per_fw-la seipsa_fw-la satis_fw-la prudentibus_fw-la esse_fw-la debeant_fw-la ut_fw-la animum_fw-la inducant_fw-la velle_fw-la credere_fw-la tamen_fw-la nescio_fw-la a_o non_fw-la sit_fw-la argumentum_fw-la iis_fw-la omnibus_fw-la majus_fw-la quod_fw-la qui_fw-la veer_fw-la christiani_n sunt_fw-la ita_fw-la se_fw-la animo_fw-la affectos_fw-la esse_fw-la quod_fw-la ad_fw-la fidem_fw-la attinet_fw-la sentiunt_fw-la ut_fw-la praecipue_fw-la quidem_fw-la propter_fw-la nullum_fw-la argumentum_fw-la quod_fw-la vel_fw-la hactenus_fw-la fecimus_fw-la vel_fw-la ratione_fw-la similiter_fw-la excogitari_fw-la possit_fw-la sed_fw-la propter_fw-la aliud_fw-la nescio_fw-la quid_fw-la quod_fw-la alio_fw-la quodam_fw-la modo_fw-la &_o long_o fortius_fw-la quam_fw-la ulla_fw-la argumenta_fw-la persuadet_fw-la at_o ad_fw-la firmiter_fw-la credendum_fw-la se_fw-la intelligant_fw-la tom._n 3._o in_o thom._n disp._n 7._o qu._n 1._o punc_fw-la 4._o §._o 2._o let_v any_o man_n compare_v these_o word_n with_o those_o of_o calvin_n institut_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 7._o sect_n 5._o which_o as_o i_o remember_v i_o have_v cite_v before_o and_o he_o will_v know_v whence_o the_o sense_n of_o they_o be_v take_v whereas_o say_v he_o we_o have_v hitherto_o plead_v argument_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o even_o by_o themselves_o ought_v to_o suffice_v prudent_a person_n to_o induce_v their_o mind_n to_o belief_n yet_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o there_o be_v not_o a_o argument_n great_a than_o they_o all_o namely_o that_o those_o who_o be_v true_o christian_n do_v find_v or_o feel_v by_o experience_n their_o mind_n so_o affect_v in_o this_o matter_n of_o faith_n that_o they_o be_v move_v and_o oblige_v firm_o to_o believe_v neither_o for_o any_o argument_n that_o we_o have_v use_v nor_o for_o any_o of_o the_o like_a sort_n that_o can_v be_v find_v out_o by_o reason_n but_o for_o somewhat_o else_o which_o persuade_v our_o mind_n in_o another_o manner_n and_o far_o more_o effectual_o than_o any_o argument_n whatever_o and_o to_o show_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o this_o internal_a argument_n and_o persuasion_n he_o affirm_v elsewhere_o that_o deus_fw-la ipse_fw-la imprimis_fw-la est_fw-la qui_fw-la christianam_fw-la doctrinam_fw-la atque_fw-la adeo_fw-la scripturam_fw-la sacram_fw-la veram_fw-la esse_fw-la voce_fw-la revelationis_fw-la suae_fw-la &_o interno_fw-la quodam_fw-la instinctu_fw-la &_o impulsu_fw-la humanis_fw-la mentibus_fw-la contestatur_fw-la it_o be_v god_n himself_o who_o by_o the_o voice_n of_o his_o revelation_n and_o by_o a_o certain_a internal_a instinct_n and_o impulse_n witness_v unto_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o truth_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n or_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n these_o few_o testimony_n have_v i_o produce_v among_o the_o many_o that_o may_v be_v urge_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n not_o to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n which_o we_o have_v plead_v for_o which_o stand_v on_o far_o sure_a foundation_n but_o only_o to_o obviate_v prejudices_fw-la in_o the_o mind_n of_o some_o who_o be_v not_o much_o conversant_a in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v ready_a to_o charge_v what_o have_v be_v deliver_v unto_o this_o purpose_n with_o singularity_n finis_fw-la de_fw-fr naturae_fw-la theologiae_n lib._n 3._o 3._o de_fw-fr naturae_fw-la theologiae_n lib._n cap._n cap._n vbi_fw-la supra_fw-la de_fw-la origine_fw-la &_o progressu_fw-la idololatriae_fw-la idololatriae_fw-la exercitat_fw-la on_o the_o epist._n to_o the_o heb._n exer._n 1._o