they_o and_o this_o light_n be_v so_o glorious_a as_o those_o atocryphals_n dare_v not_o pretend_v to_o it_o but_o rather_o seem_v willing_a to_o be_v in_o a_o low_a form_n for_o this_o i_o instance_n in_o 2_o mac._n 2._o 24._o where_o the_o author_n whoever_o he_o be_v consess_v that_o he_o have_v take_v what_o he_o write_v out_o of_o jason_n of_o cyrene_n and_o contract_v five_o book_n of_o his_o into_o one_o volume_n and_o whoever_o please_v to_o read_v on_o in_o that_o chapter_n may_v easy_o perceive_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o speak_v by_o the_o holy_a prophet_n can_v never_o frame_v to_o speak_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n god_n in_o scripture_n as_o have_v be_v already_o say_v speak_v pro_fw-la imperio_fw-la as_o the_o only_o most_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o never_o make_v apology_n for_o himself_o to_o be_v excuse_v with_o those_o to_o who_o he_o speak_v for_o why_o shall_v he_o see_v they_o be_v all_o his_o vassal_n his_o creature_n the_o distance_n be_v so_o infinite_o great_a between_o he_o and_o they_o as_o it_o can_v be_v reasonable_o imagine_v that_o he_o shall_v court_v they_o as_o that_o author_n do_v for_o the_o many_o fiction_n and_o tale_n tell_v in_o some_o of_o those_o apocryphal_o i_o â—…all_v not_o mention_v they_o because_o they_o be_v so_o well_o know_v to_o such_o as_o have_v peruse_v they_o and_o may_v be_v to_o other_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v satisfy_v what_o need_n have_v we_o then_o of_o tradition_n to_o determine_v in_o this_o case_n and_o whoever_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v further_o satisfy_v may_v find_v enough_o in_o all_o our_o divine_n who_o have_v maintain_v scripture_n authority_n against_o our_o adversary_n but_o the_o great_a question_n be_v about_o the_o scripture_n translâ—…ted_v for_o our_o adversary_n think_v we_o can_v never_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n the_o rule_n say_v they_o must_v be_v certain_a and_o infallible_a but_o translation_n be_v many_o and_o various_a and_o much_o different_a if_o not_o in_o many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o one_o another_o and_o then_o how_o shall_v the_o vulgar_a understand_v which_o of_o they_o do_v indeed_o declare_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n or_o how_o shall_v the_o unlearned_a be_v infallible_o sure_a that_o this_o or_o that_o translation_n do_v not_o err_v now_o to_o clear_v ourselves_o in_o this_o puzzle_v question_n i_o say_v what_o papist_n can_v deny_v that_o the_o whole_a canon_n be_v at_o first_o write_v in_o two_o language_n which_o very_o few_o in_o comparison_n for_o these_o many_o age_n have_v understand_v better_o than_o our_o common_a people_n do_v but_o when_o the_o scripture_n be_v pen_v these_o language_n viz._n hebrew_n and_o greek_n be_v best_a know_v to_o the_o church_n of_o any_o other_o hebrew_n be_v the_o mother_n tongue_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o greek_a be_v a_o language_n very_o familiar_a to_o such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v scatter_v abroad_o before_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o then_o see_v they_o be_v call_v hellenist_n or_o grecist_n for_o use_v the_o greek_a translation_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o the_o seventy_o for_o the_o gentile_n unto_o who_o the_o gospel_n come_v as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o jew_n many_o of_o they_o have_v it_o for_o their_o mother-tongue_n and_o other_o familiar_o use_v it_o because_o the_o grecian_a monarchy_n have_v not_o long_o before_o sway_v in_o all_o those_o part_n of_o the_o world_n this_o i_o think_v good_a to_o mention_v that_o it_o may_v appear_v the_o more_o probable_a that_o god_n mind_n be_v to_o have_v his_o word_n understand_v by_o all_o but_o there_o be_v other_o people_n who_o obj._n understand_v neither_o of_o those_o language_n there_o be_v and_o be_v still_o such_o sol._n and_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v it_o but_o this_o be_v evident_a that_o god_n be_v not_o please_v to_o cause_v his_o word_n to_o be_v write_v at_o first_o in_o the_o vulgar_a language_n of_o all_o nation_n for_o if_o he_o have_v we_o shall_v not_o be_v poze_v as_o now_o we_o be_v with_o this_o question_n however_o what_o i_o have_v say_v and_o can_v be_v deny_v serve_v to_o hint_n this_o that_o god_n mind_n be_v to_o have_v his_o word_n understand_v by_o those_o to_o who_o it_o come_v see_v he_o write_v to_o the_o jew_n in_o hebrew_n and_o to_o the_o grecian_n in_o greek_a true_o other_o people_n can_v not_o understand_v it_o without_o a_o translation_n and_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v in_o this_o case_n god_n do_v not_o cause_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v pen_v at_o first_o in_o the_o several_a language_n of_o all_o people_n and_o nation_n we_o must_v here_o leave_v out_o adversary_n to_o question_n god_n for_o it_o for_o we_o can_v deny_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v pen_v at_o first_o only_o in_o two_o laguage_n which_o many_o can_v not_o possible_o understand_v without_o a_o miracle_n unless_o it_o have_v be_v translate_v only_o since_o it_o be_v thus_o we_o hope_v our_o adversary_n will_v not_o say_v it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v translate_v see_v there_o be_v a_o necessity_n for_o it_o in_o order_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o it_o which_o else_o can_v never_o have_v be_v without_o a_o miracle_n but_o how_o shall_v the_o vulgar_a know_v qâ—…est_n whether_o translation_n be_v according_a to_o the_o original_n and_o then_o how_o can_v the_o scripture_n translate_v be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o must_v be_v such_o as_o a_o man_n may_v be_v sure_a that_o there_o be_v no_o error_n in_o it_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o question_n sol._n where_o with_o they_o go_v about_o to_o puzzle_v we_o for_o the_o scripture_n say_v they_o as_o translate_v into_o the_o english_a tongue_n can_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n because_o not_o infallible_a and_o to_o this_o we_o intend_v wotton_n to_o answer_v though_o other_o have_v answer_v it_o long_o ago*_n and_o our_o answer_n be_v that_o 1._o we_o know_v of_o no_o infallible_a spiâ—…it_n promise_v or_o give_v of_o god_n for_o translate_n scripture_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o our_o adversaty_n think_v will_v give_v the_o cause_n whole_o on_o their_o side_n for_o see_v all_o translation_n be_v liable_a to_o mistake_n the_o vulgar_a and_o unlearned_a can_v never_o have_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n in_o scripture_n say_v they_o but_o we_o shall_v not_o quit_v ouâ—…_n claim_v to_o scripture_n for_o all_o this_o for_o we_o can_v distinguish_v as_o that_o learned_a divine_a have_v between_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v in_o church_n the_o scriptu_fw-la e_fw-la and_o the_o mean_n whereby_o the_o doctrine_n be_v 〈◊〉_d to_o our_o capacity_n as_o between_o thing_n and_o word_n the_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v the_o infallible_a word_n of_o god_n be_v say_v we_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n the_o translation_n be_v only_a mean_n to_o show_v it_o we_o and_o the_o vessel_n wherein_o it_o be_v present_v to_o we_o and_o thus_o in_o rigour_n of_o speech_n we_o do_v not_o count_v the_o english_a or_o any_o other_o translation_n no_o nor_o the_o greek_a or_o hebrew_a the_o rule_n because_o all_o language_n be_v but_o a_o certain_a form_n or_o manner_n or_o mean_n whereby_o it_o come_v to_o we_o but_o because_o the_o doctrine_n be_v not_o make_v know_v but_o by_o word_n and_o language_n therefore_o the_o scripture_n translate_v into_o english_a be_v a_o divine_a authority_n for_o faith_n so_o man_n believe_v a_o divine_a truth_n although_o deliver_v by_o humane_a voice_n in_o pâ—…eaching_v and_o just_o so_o we_o have_v the_o infallible_a doctrine_n of_o the_o scriptute_fw-la immediate_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n though_o by_o a_o humane_a translation_n it_o be_v manifest_v to_o we_o 2._o but_o how_o do_v we_o know_v that_o our_o translation_n be_v right_a and_o according_a to_o the_o original_n or_o how_o can_v our_o unlearned_a people_n be_v sure_a of_o it_o and_o if_o they_o can_v how_o can_v the_o english_a bibles_n be_v to_o they_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n sol._n our_o english_a bible_n say_v our_o learned_a white_a contain_v in_o it_o two_o thing_n viz._n the_o doctrine_n and_o the_o translation_n the_o doctrine_n be_v inspire_v by_o god_n and_o write_v by_o man_n infallible_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o translation_n be_v do_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n and_o industry_n of_o certain_a man_n who_o thâ—…ugh_v they_o haâ—…_n no_o supernatural_a inspiration_n yet_o we_o know_v infallible_o they_o have_v not_o err_v in_o the_o mattâ—…r_n by_o the_o same_o mean_n whereby_o we_o know_v other_o truth_n and_o discern_v other_o article_n of_o chriâ—…ian_a faith_n viz._n the_o light_n of_o the_o doctrine_n transl._n .ted_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n the_o rulâ—…s_n of_o art_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o tongue_n etc._n etc._n obj._n some_o translation_n have_v err_v and_o how_o
earth_n yea_o worship_v god_n in_o a_o image_n be_v against_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n if_o the_o apostle_n speak_v truth_n rom._n 1._o 19_o 20_o 21_o &_o c._n and_o particular_o ver_n 25._o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o heathen_n idolatry_n be_v serve_v the_o creature_n with_o the_o crea_n or_o to_o return_v where_o we_o be_v before_o we_o call_v scriâ—…ture_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o reveal_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o command_v our_o belief_n for_o if_o we_o have_v not_o such_o a_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_v in_o scripture_n we_o know_v not_o where_o to_o look_v for_o it_o and_o they_o who_o question_v we_o about_o this_o shall_v do_v well_o to_o show_v we_o another_o revelation_n of_o god_n mind_n then_o what_o we_o have_v in_o scripture_n for_o as_o we_o believe_v in_o god_n only_o so_o we_o acknowledge_v no_o other_o to_o have_v dominion_n over_o our_o faith_n and_o hence_o we_o can_v acknowledge_v no_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o what_o god_n himself_o have_v make_v for_o certain_a what_o be_v the_o rule_n must_v be_v the_o law_n of_o our_o belief_n and_o who_o can_v make_v a_o law_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o god_n only_o and_o this_o i_o leave_v to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n whether_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v the_o law_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v not_o a_o law_n of_o god_n what!_o shall_v man_n or_o any_o creature_n prescribe_v we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v concern_v god_n it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o imagine_v it_o and_o then_o let_v it_o be_v further_o consider_v if_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o all_o one_o for_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o prove_v that_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o do_v not_o command_v we_o to_o believe_v prescribe_v what_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o secuâ—…e_v â—…s_n of_o the_o promise_v good_a viz._n eternal_a life_n upon_o our_o believe_v as_o we_o be_v command_v and_o this_o lead_v we_o to_o our_o second_o argument_n from_o the_o office_n and_o work_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v such_o a_o believe_a god_n in_o reveal_v truth_n as_o lead_v we_o to_o our_o bliss_n there_o be_v a_o faith_n that_o save_v not_o as_o all_o grant_n and_o i_o need_v not_o show_v what_o it_o be_v but_o we_o mean_v a_o true_a faith_n or_o a_o sincere_a and_o save_a faith_n and_o this_o be_v undeniable_a let_v it_o be_v consider_v how_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o this_o faith_n beside_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a revelation_n but_o of_o this_o we_o may_v take_v more_o notice_n hereafter_o in_o the_o interim_n we_o appeal_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o sober_a man_n whether_o we_o be_v not_o rational_a in_o make_v divine_a revelation_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o divine_a faith_n for_o sure_a foot_n to_o our_o faith_n we_o hope_v we_o have_v it_o where_o alone_o it_o be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o this_o will_v appear_v more_o plain_o in_o the_o discourse_n of_o the_o question_n whether_o tradition_n the_o church_n testimony_n or_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v or_o can_v bâ—…_n the_o rule_n of_o faâ—…th_n the_o second_o part._n wherein_o be_v debate_v this_o question_n viz._n whether_o tradition_n the_o church_n testimony_n or_o any_o thing_n beside_o scripture_n be_v or_o can_v be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n in_o this_o question_v protestant_n hold_v the_o negative_a and_o say_v that_o scripture_n alone_o be_v and_o tradition_n can_v be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o now_o i_o must_v first_o show_v what_o papist_n mean_v by_o tradition_n not_o as_o they_o say_v the_o doctrine_n deliver_v but_o a_o delivery_n down_o from_o hand_n to_o hand_n bâ—…_n word_n and_o a_o constâ—…t_a course_n of_o frequent_a and_o visible_a action_n conformable_a to_o those_o word_n of_o the_o sense_n and_o faith_n oâ—…_n fâ—…re-fathers_n this_o they_o call_v oral_a or_o practical_a tradition_n and_o this_o they_o will_v have_v to_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n for_o they_o charge_v scripture_n with_o imperfection_n and_o obscurity_n and_o affirm_v it_o to_o be_v no_o competent_a rule_n as_o be_v not_o evident_a or_o certain_a in_o itself_o and_o therefore_o not_o sufficient_a to_o ascertain_v other_o hence_o they_o speak_v of_o scripture_n as_o a_o rule_n regulate_v by_o tradition_n which_o be_v indeed_o to_o say_v it_o be_v none_o at_o all_o and_o this_o they_o avouch_v some_o of_o they_o in_o express_a term_n before_o all_o the_o world_n now_o if_o we_o protestant_n be_v once_o compeâ—…led_v to_o let_v go_v all_o scripture_n authority_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n i_o know_v nothing_o we_o have_v to_o do_v more_o then_o burn_v our_o bibles_n and_o as_o fast_o as_o we_o can_v turn_z roman_z catholic_n papist_n do_v not_o indeed_o say_v as_o far_o as_o i_o know_v that_o scripture_n be_v not_o of_o divine_a inspiration_n but_o they_o say_v plain_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o scripture_n can_v be_v ascertain_v to_o we_o without_o tradition_n and_o so_o tradition_n be_v the_o rule_n rule_v as_o iâ—…_n aâ—…lures_v we_o what_o be_v canonical_a scripture_n and_o what_o not_o yea_o they_o say_v express_o tradition_n be_v a_o competent_a rule_n and_o scripture_n be_v not_o now_o in_o this_o we_o can_v yield_v to_o they_o and_o we_o have_v this_o argument_n for_o our_o dissent_n tradition_n by_o their_o own_o concession_n be_v but_o a_o certain_a way_n of_o deliver_v down_o the_o faith_n and_o can_v be_v no_o other_o at_o most_o and_o that_o it_o be_v so_o much_o we_o can_v yield_v but_o suppose_v it_o only_o we_o say_v therefore_o it_o can_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o it_o only_o deliver_v down_o to_o we_o the_o rule_n and_o if_o any_o think_v this_o reason_n weak_a let_v he_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o also_o to_o back_o it_o that_o tradition_n be_v but_o a_o humane_a testimony_n and_o can_v therefore_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o divine_a faith_n what!_o the_o faith_n divine_a and_o the_o testimony_n receive_v by_o it_o humane_a what_o reason_n be_v in_o this_o let_v any_o reasonable_a man_n judge_v i_o need_v say_v no_o more_o nor_o will_v it_o help_v in_o this_o case_n to_o allege_v the_o supernatural_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o our_o argument_n be_v that_o our_o faith_n be_v as_o the_o testimony_n receive_v by_o it_o if_o therefore_o the_o testimony_n be_v humane_a the_o faith_n be_v such_o and_o where_o be_v we_o then_o be_v our_o faith_n in_o god_n that_o must_v save_v our_o soul_n only_o a_o humane_a and_o not_o a_o divine_a faith_n who_o ever_o hear_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o if_o it_o be_v say_v again_o that_o this_o humane_a testimony_n serve_v to_o ascertain_v we_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n even_o so_o it_o can_v be_v the_o rule_n for_o it_o be_v of_o man_n and_o it_o must_v be_v somewhat_o of_o god_n whatever_o it_o be_v that_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n in_o god_n fâ—…r_n i_o may_v just_o question_v in_o this_o case_n in_o who_o do_v we_o believe_v to_o the_o save_n of_o our_o soul_n sure_o no_o man_n will_v say_v other_o then_o that_o we_o believe_v in_o god_n well_o and_o if_o we_o believe_v in_o god_n it_o must_v be_v because_o of_o some_o revelation_n he_o have_v make_v of_o himself_o and_o this_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o his_o promise_n in_o christ_n of_o grace_n and_o pardon_v to_o poor_a sinner_n this_o be_v the_o testimony_n or_o record_n that_o god_n have_v give_v to_o we_o 5._o eternal_a life_n and_o this_o life_n be_v in_o his_o son_n and_o this_o be_v the_o testimony_n we_o receive_v by_o faith_n and_o so_o our_o faith_n be_v divine_a if_o we_o receive_v the_o testimony_n of_o man_n our_o faith_n be_v only_o humane_a this_o i_o say_v again_o be_v our_o argument_n that_o our_o faith_n be_v divine_a the_o testimony_n receive_v by_o it_o be_v so_o also_o and_o therefore_o we_o receive_v only_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n by_o faith_n it_o can_v be_v reasonable_o imagine_v that_o our_o faith_n shall_v have_v its_o foundation_n and_o sure_a foot_n in_o any_o thing_n of_o man_n but_o here_o they_o ferch_v in_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o to_o little_a purpose_n see_v those_o assistance_n be_v yield_v we_o most_o likely_a to_o help_v we_o in_o believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n and_o may_v not_o protestant_n more_o rational_o by_o far_o say_v they_o believe_v the_o scripture_n by_o the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n than_o papist_n say_v that_o tradition_n receive_v incomparable_a strength_n by_o the_o supernatural_a assistance_n of_o the_o same_o holy_a ghost_n sure_o if_o god_n have_v make_v any_o revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n his_o spiâ—…it_n most_o likely_a will_v help_v we_o to_o believe_v
and_o meaning_n in_o iâ—…_n and_o so_o we_o produce_v they_o in_o any_o matter_n of_o question_n as_o man_n do_v their_o write_a evidence_n in_o a_o trial_n at_o law_n will_v it_o be_v allow_v in_o such_o a_o case_n that_o a_o lawyer_n if_o any_o such_o can_v possible_o be_v find_v shall_v evade_v a_o full_a and_o clear_a evidence_n by_o abstract_v the_o letter_n from_o the_o sense_n all_o man_n of_o common_a reason_n know_v that_o write_v evidence_n be_v intend_v to_o show_v man_n sense_n and_o meaning_n and_o that_o the_o letter_n and_o the_o sense_n can_v be_v separate_v though_o every_o puny_a sophister_n can_v distinguish_v they_o in_o this_o distinguish_n between_o the_o letter_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o say_v that_o protestant_n have_v only_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n for_o their_o rule_n we_o can_v guess_v at_o no_o design_n but_o this_o that_o 〈◊〉_d will_v have_v we_o run_v as_o far_o as_o rome_n to_o fetch_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n thence_o and_o then_o we_o may_v have_v it_o senâ—…ed_v as_o it_o have_v be_v heretofore_o by_o some_o of_o they_o for_o instance_n â—…ehold_v here_o be_v two_o sword_n lâ—…ke_v 22._o 38._o that_o be_v the_o pope_n have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o spiâ—…itual_a and_o temporal_a sword_n then_o â—…ast_v put_v all_o thing_n under_o his_o fâ—…et_n 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o fi_fw-la 〈◊〉_d pâ—…l_n 8._o 6_o 7._o and_o this_o be_v apply_v to_o christ_n heb._n 2._o but_o the_o roman_a sense_n be_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o pope_n by_o catteâ—…_n they_o will_v have_v we_o understand_v man_n on_o earth_n by_o the_o fish_n in_o the_o sea_n the_o soul_n in_o purgatory_n and_o the_o bird_n be_v the_o bless_a soul_n in_o heaven_n or_o as_o they_o all_o seem_v to_o sense_n that_o command_n of_o christ_n drink_v you_o all_o of_o this_o drink_v you_o not_o not_o all_o of_o this_o these_o seem_v foâ—…_n certain_a to_o make_v neither_o the_o letter_n nor_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n bâ—…t_v someâ—…hat_o else_o but_o the_o letter_n can_v be_v a_o rule_n obâ—…_n say_v they_o see_v the_o letter_n speak_v thing_n otherwise_o then_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v understand_v for_o the_o letter_n attribute_n hand_n and_o sit_fw-mi 〈◊〉_d to_o 〈◊〉_d which_o must_v not_o be_v so_o much_o as_o imagine_v see_v he_o be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d we_o need_v not_o for_o all_o this_o be_v behold_v sol._n to_o tradition_n oâ—…_n seek_v for_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n our_o reason_n if_o we_o have_v no_o other_o thing_n to_o help_v we_o will_v reach_v we_o that_o god_n have_v no_o limb_n nor_o sense_n as_o we_o man_n have_v and_o therefore_o we_o abhor_v to_o make_v any_o representation_n of_o god_n in_o any_o bodily_a shape_n as_o know_v it_o unreasonable_a to_o represent_v god_n by_o the_o similitude_n of_o any_o creature_n what_o reasonable_a man_n can_v be_v ignerant_a that_o god_n hand_n 〈◊〉_d his_o power_n and_o his_o eye_n his_o providence_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o such_o expression_n be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o a_o way_n of_o condescension_n to_o our_o inâ—…rmity_n to_o say_v no_o more_o these_o reason_n be_v no_o better_a than_o 〈◊〉_d and_o be_v best_a 〈◊〉_d by_o take_v least_o notice_n oâ—…_n they_o for_o give_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n we_o have_v the_o ministry_n which_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n appoint_v for_o that_o end_n so_o 〈◊〉_d el_fw-es have_v a_o law_n and_o priest_n to_o give_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o malac._n 2._o 7._o and_o we_o have_v a_o precedent_n record_v nâ—…hem_n 8._o 8._o and_o we_o think_v that_o papist_n meaning_n be_v the_o people_n shall_v seek_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n at_o the_o pâ—…iests_n lip_n see_v they_o allow_v they_o to_o have_v no_o bibles_n but_o what_o need_v they_o make_v such_o ado_n about_o this_o be_v they_o or_o can_v they_o be_v ignorant_a that_o all_o the_o great_a necessary_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v set_v down_o so_o plain_o in_o scripture_n as_o no_o man_n can_v miss_v of_o the_o true_a sense_n if_o he_o do_v but_o read_v they_o with_o deliberation_n there_o be_v no_o translation_n but_o have_v all_o these_o and_o no_o man_n in_o his_o sense_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o if_o he_o will_v but_o read_v the_o bible_n and_o this_o be_v the_o love_n and_o kindness_n of_o god_n to_o we_o to_o give_v we_o a_o plain_a and_o a_o easy_a rule_n what_o though_o some_o thing_n be_v hard_a to_o exercise_v our_o diligence_n yet_o all_o the_o necessary_a save_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v open_a and_o obvious_a to_o such_o as_o be_v willing_a to_o understand_v and_o to_o use_v mean_n for_o that_o end_n thus_o god_n have_v write_v law_n as_o man_n do_v for_o such_o as_o be_v concern_v and_o both_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n may_v be_v understand_v by_o all_o if_o they_o will_v do_v what_o be_v their_o duty_n in_o order_n to_o it_o there_o be_v record_n of_o man_n law_n which_o we_o may_v call_v the_o original_n and_o there_o be_v statute-b_a ok_n print_v for_o man_n to_o read_v and_o know_v the_o law_n and_o therefore_o all_o that_o transgress_v these_o law_n be_v question_v and_o punish_v though_o there_o be_v many_o that_o can_v read_v they_o because_o they_o know_v not_o a_o letter_n for_o it_o be_v just_o and_o reasonable_o presuâ—…ed_v that_o all_o that_o have_v a_o mind_n may_v come_v to_o know_v the_o law_n so_o much_o as_o concern_v they_o and_o so_o may_v our_o people_n say_v we_o come_v to_o know_v the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n if_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o it_o therefore_o such_o query_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n &_o c._n be_v no_o better_o than_o quibble_n they_o that_o bâ—…sie_n themselves_o to_o trouble_v we_o with_o such_o captious_a question_n may_v do_v well_o to_o bestow_v their_o pain_n about_o some_o other_o who_o may_v give_v they_o more_o thanks_o than_o we_o can_v for_o their_o labour_n i_o mean_v our_o untoward_o people_n who_o be_v some_o of_o they_o sometime_o try_v for_o their_o life_n be_v indict_v upon_o the_o law_n and_o statute_n of_o our_o land_n let_v they_o prompt_v these_o poor_a wretch_n to_o plead_v that_o the_o law_n be_v no_o rule_n for_o they_o to_o walk_v by_o see_v they_o never_o can_v read_v they_o nor_o perhaps_o ever_o see_v a_o statute-book_n and_o they_o can_v be_v sure_a the_o print_a staâ—…utes_n be_v the_o same_o word_n for_o word_n with_o the_o original_a record_n nor_o can_v they_o be_v sure_a what_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o law_n for_o lawyer_n be_v sometime_o divide_v in_o their_o opinion_n about_o it_o o_o what_o a_o brave_a piece_n of_o service_n this_o will_v be_v count_v by_o some_o thus_o to_o make_v void_a all_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n but_o the_o law_n of_o england_n must_v not_o be_v lay_v down_o upon_o such_o preâ—…ences_n and_o we_o hope_v the_o lâ—…ws_n of_o god_n in_o scâ—…ipture_n shall_v not_o be_v make_v void_a upon_o no_o better_a ground_n for_o our_o vulgar_a they_o have_v as_o many_o advantage_n to_o know_v the_o rule_n of_o â—…aith_n in_o scripture_n as_o they_o have_v to_o know_v the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o no_o â—…ber_a man_n can_v say_v or_o think_v otherwise_o for_o as_o we_o have_v such_o as_o be_v study_v and_o understand_v in_o the_o law_n of_o england_n so_o we_o have_v such_o as_o be_v by_o office_n bind_v to_o cause_v other_o to_o know_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o thus_o have_v god_n provide_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n that_o his_o people_n may_v not_o perish_v for_o lack_v of_o knowledge_n true_a the_o priest_n may_v as_o once_o they_o do_v mâ—…l_a c._n 2._o 8._o depart_n out_o of_o the_o war_n and_o cause_n mâ—…ny_o to_o stumbâ—…e_v at_o the_o law_n and_o when_o it_o be_v thus_o no_o marvel_n if_o tradition_n in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o so_o 〈◊〉_d a_o witness_n of_o the_o say_v of_o forefather_n see_v most_o as_o be_v the_o pâ—…iest_n so_o be_v the_o people_n however_o this_o have_v be_v god_n ordinary_a way_n for_o teach_v his_o people_n and_o god_n ordinance_n be_v not_o the_o worse_a for_o man_n abuse_n his_o law_n be_v plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v know_v by_o such_o as_o be_v willing_a and_o will_v use_v mean_n to_o learn_v they_o because_o he_o have_v appoint_v officer_n to_o teach_v the_o good_a knowledge_n of_o his_o way_n and_o will_n hence_o we_o may_v just_o say_v of_o these_o exception_n that_o they_o be_v to_o small_a purpose_n and_o whoever_o weigh_v the_o argument_n will_v find_v it_o to_o strike_v almost_o direct_o at_o the_o deal_n of_o god_n in_o declare_v and_o dispense_n the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n
for_o this_o be_v confess_v and_o can_v be_v reasonable_o deny_v that_o scripture_n be_v pen_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n not_o in_o the_o several_a language_n of_o all_o people_n but_o in_o two_o only_a which_o few_o now_o adays_o in_o compâ—…on_n do_v understand_v hence_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o translate_n and_o inâ—…erpreting_v scripture_n and_o for_o this_o purpose_n god_n have_v give_v gift_n to_o man_n and_o these_o gift_n we_o use_v as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v what_o need_v our_o adversary_n quarrel_v we_o about_o what_o we_o can_v help_v but_o we_o know_v what_o lie_v at_o bottom_n they_o will_v fain_o have_v we_o go_v down_o to_o they_o to_o sharpen_v our_o share_n and_o our_o coulter_n &_o c._n which_o we_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o do_v so_o long_o as_o we_o have_v smith_n enough_o at_o home_n to_o make_v we_o sword_n and_o spear_n i_o shall_v now_o conclude_v our_o answer_n with_o that_o which_o we_o count_v the_o pillar_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o as_o i_o may_v say_v the_o sure-footing_a of_o our_o faith_n in_o scripture_n we_o do_v indeed_o make_v the_o scripture_n our_o only_a rule_n and_o believe_v that_o in_o they_o alone_o be_v prescribe_v to_o we_o whatever_o god_n will_v have_v we_o to_o know_v and_o do_v in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n and_o in_o this_o our_o faith_n we_o own_o the_o divine_a authority_n whereof_o we_o see_v so_o many_o evident_a token_n in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o but_o yet_o we_o say_v that_o as_o god_n only_o be_v a_o competent_a witness_n of_o himself_o speak_v to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n so_o his_o word_n be_v never_o well_o root_v in_o our_o heart_n till_o it_o be_v seal_v to_o we_o by_o the_o inward_a testimony_n of_o his_o spirit_n that_o spirit_n which_o speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n pierâ—…ing_v our_o heart_n and_o persuade_v we_o that_o what_o god_n command_v have_v be_v faithful_o deliver_v to_o we_o according_o and_o this_o promise_n we_o have_v isa._n 59_o 21._o not_o his_o word_n only_o but_o his_o spirit_n also_o to_o seal_v it_o upon_o the_o soul_n of_o every_o true_a believer_n to_o this_o seal_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o owe_v all_o that_o acquiescency_n we_o have_v in_o scripture_n for_o when_o we_o be_v therewith_o enlighten_v and_o enliven_v we_o do_v no_o more_o trust_v our_o own_o or_o other_o judgement_n but_o be_v carry_v up_o above_o whatever_o be_v of_o man_n and_o so_o we_o resolve_v beyond_o all_o doubt_n and_o fear_n that_o scripture_n be_v of_o god_n alone_o then_o we_o look_v no_o more_o after_o proof_n or_o probability_n but_o submit_v our_o reason_n and_o all_o we_o have_v to_o that_o authority_n which_o we_o dare_v not_o any_o long_a to_o deny_v or_o dispute_v for_o than_o we_o have_v a_o inward_a lively_a sense_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o scripture_n and_o be_v effectual_o draw_v witting_o and_o willing_o to_o submit_v to_o our_o master_n in_o heaven_n so_o we_o account_v as_o we_o have_v reason_n that_o only_o to_o be_v faith_n unfeigned_a which_o god_n by_o his_o spirit_n seal_v upon_o our_o heart_n in_o our_o hear_n and_o read_v the_o scripture_n but_o this_o may_v seem_v strange_a doctrine_n to_o such_o as_o know_v nothing_o of_o these_o matter_n by_o experience_n therefore_o i_o shall_v discourse_v it_o a_o little_a that_o i_o may_v if_o possible_a make_v it_o manifest_v even_o to_o reason_n the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o our_o adversary_n be_v about_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n this_o faith_n iâ—…_n be_v grant_v be_v such_o as_o lead_v we_o to_o our_o bliss_n hence_o we_o protestant_n conclude_v that_o this_o faith_n can_v be_v wrought_v in_o we_o but_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o alone_o work_v all_o spiriâ—…ual_a good_a and_o this_o alâ—…o_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_v it_o ordinary_o at_o least_o by_o the_o word_n as_o its_o most_o proper_a instrument_n will_v any_o put_v we_o to_o prove_v this_o sure_o they_o must_v have_v too_o much_o of_o the_o aâ—…heist_n that_o question_n it_o for_o how_o be_v all_o the_o world_n convert_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n be_v it_o not_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o christ_n word_n and_o his_o spirit_n open_v their_o heart_n to_o receive_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o it_o do_v not_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n open_a and_o expound_v the_o old_a teslament_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n luke_n 24._o 27._o act_n 26._o 22._o and_o do_v not_o the_o spirit_n work_v that_o faith_n whereby_o thousand_o believe_v that_o truth_n but_o this_o be_v scâ—…ipture_n and_o it_o must_v not_o be_v allow_v if_o our_o adversary_n be_v judge_n to_o give_v evidence_n for_o we_o in_o this_o case_n we_o shall_v therefore_o require_v they_o to_o show_v what_o service_n tradition_n do_v when_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n pâ—…eached_v the_o gospel_n we_o hope_v they_o viz._n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v assure_v some_o other_o way_n that_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o if_o they_o make_v use_v of_o it_o to_o open_v the_o blind_a eye_n we_o may_v be_v excuse_v for_o say_v that_o god_n work_v faith_n in_o man_n by_o his_o word_n as_o the_o most_o usual_a instrument_n and_o if_o this_o also_o be_v question_v let_v papist_n show_v how_o faith_n which_o save_v our_o soul_n be_v or_o can_v be_v wrought_v by_o their_o oâ—…al_n or_o practical_a tradition_n we_o know_v well_o that_o child_n be_v apt_a enough_o to_o take_v up_o what_o they_o see_v or_o hear_v their_o progenâ—…tors_n do_v or_o say_v before_o they_o and_o so_o they_o common_o p_o ofess_v the_o religion_n whatever_o it_o be_v which_o they_o find_v ready_a to_o their_o hand_n yea_o it_o be_v with_o many_o the_o great_a argument_n for_o their_o religion_n that_o their_o forefather_n be_v so_o mind_v but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o bring_v we_o unto_o a_o sound_n believe_v on_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o save_n of_o our_o soul_n we_o believe_v scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o it_o be_v the_o witness_n which_o god_n have_v give_v of_o himself_o nor_o do_v we_o know_v any_o other_o way_n of_o receive_v any_o testimony_n nor_o our_o adversary_n neither_o as_o we_o think_v we_o know_v too_o that_o a_o man_n may_v believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o that_o faith_n which_o will_v bring_v he_o to_o his_o happiness_n the_o devil_n it_o be_v say_v cite_v and_o urge_v scripture_n 6._o as_o god_n word_n though_o to_o a_o very_a bad_a purpose_n certain_o that_o faith_n which_o bring_v man_n to_o their_o happiness_n be_v somewhat_o more_o than_o a_o bare_a belief_n of_o scripture-truth_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o receive_n of_o christ_n offer_v in_o the_o promise_n such_o as_o cause_n we_o to_o account_v all_o but_o loss_n and_o dung_n for_o christ._n and_o for_o this_o purpose_n god_n shine_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o now_o it_o almost_o amaze_v we_o to_o hear_v of_o such_o a_o faith_n wrought_v by_o tradition_n what!_o have_v god_n no_o word_n at_o all_o or_o have_v he_o give_v no_o testimony_n nor_o witness_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o will_n beside_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o scripture_n if_o this_o strange_a doctrine_n take_v place_n for_o say_v our_o adversary_n tradition_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o it_o have_v admirable_a strength_n by_o the_o supernatural_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n nay_o further_o we_o must_v be_v all_o fanatic_n if_o we_o hold_v to_o scripture_n and_o let_v go_v tradition_n but_o this_o need_v no_o answer_n with_o those_o who_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v a_o word_n of_o his_o own_o to_o be_v a_o witness_n of_o his_o will_n and_o shall_v we_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n be_v great_a than_o that_o of_o god_n there_o may_v be_v we_o grant_v and_o question_n nor_o some_o force_n of_o tradition_n for_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o main_a body_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o purpose_n unless_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n while_o by_o it_o and_o not_o by_o his_o word_n he_o bring_v man_n to_o believe_v alas_o what_o faith_n do_v our_o adversary_n count_v upon_o do_v they_o dream_v of_o be_v save_v only_o by_o a_o certain_a persuasion_n that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o truth_n and_o no_o lie_n if_o they_o do_v let_v they_o keep_v their_o faith_n to_o themselves_o we_o count_v upon_o somewhat_o else_o which_o we_o be_v sure_a can_v never_o be_v effectual_o
this_o rule_n do_v i_o consult_v god_n and_o his_o word_n when_o i_o undertake_v such_o a_o business_n be_v the_o way_n i_o be_o now_o in_o answerable_a to_o what_o god_n have_v command_v do_v not_o i_o in_o such_o a_o design_n or_o undertake_n clash_n with_o some_o commandment_n or_o other_o o_o that_o so_o many_o loose_a and_o vicious_a person_n as_o be_v now_o adays_o will_v be_v persuade_v to_o sit_v down_o and_o serious_o question_v themselves_o whether_o their_o uncleanness_n excess_n revel_n and_o rioting_n curse_a oâ—…ths_n and_o blasphemy_n and_o many_o other_o horrid_a impiety_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n but_o i_o must_v let_v they_o alone_o and_o leave_v they_o till_o the_o time_n come_v when_o they_o will_v be_v make_v to_o know_v that_o god_n word_n be_v such_o a_o rule_n as_o will_v over-rule_v yea_o and_o run_v they_o down_o so_o as_o they_o shall_v never_o rise_v more_o to_o contradict_v it_o as_o now_o they_o do_v for_o such_o as_o be_v more_o civil_a and_o sober_a so_o as_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n sometime_o which_o those_o other_o likely_a seldom_o or_o never_o do_v i_o hearty_o wish_v they_o will_v henceforward_o observe_v what_o have_v be_v say_v before_o and_o lay_v their_o life_n to_o the_o rule_n and_o line_n which_o i_o hope_v they_o will_v do_v if_o they_o hearty_o believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v that_o law_n by_o which_o they_o and_o all_o mankind_n shall_v one_o day_n be_v judge_v and_o try_v how_o eâ—se_n can_v they_o hope_v to_o stand_v and_o abide_v the_o trial_n and_o when_o shall_v they_o do_v this_o work_n of_o search_v and_o try_v their_o heart_n and_o way_n if_o they_o set_v not_o about_o it_o now_o when_o they_o have_v nothinh_v else_o to_o do_v but_o to_o frame_v their_o work_n and_o do_n unto_o that_o which_o god_n have_v lay_v out_o to_o lead_v and_o guide_v they_o to_o their_o happiness_n 7_o let_v they_o in_o read_v observe_v and_o attend_v chief_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v often_o inculcate_v and_o most_o insist_v upon_o in_o scripture_n if_o any_o shall_v ask_v why_o i_o answer_v because_o those_o to_o be_v sure_a be_v matter_n of_o great_a concernment_n it_o be_v a_o great_a vanity_n special_o in_o man_n of_o weak_a part_n and_o small_a gift_n to_o pry_v and_o poor_a much_o as_o some_o will_v do_v upon_o such_o passage_n as_o have_v difficulty_n enough_o in_o they_o to_o pose_v and_o puzzle_v the_o wise_a and_o their_o vanity_n to_o say_v no_o worse_o be_v the_o more_o because_o those_o difficult_a passage_n have_v for_o the_o most_o part_n nothing_o in_o they_o but_o what_o we_o may_v be_v safe_o ignorant_a of_o and_o yet_o some_o thing_n of_o great_a concernment_n may_v be_v more_o obscure_o in_o some_o place_n deliver_v but_o still_o i_o affirm_v confident_o they_o be_v otherwhere_o express_v more_o full_o and_o plain_o so_o as_o no_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n can_v doubt_v or_o make_v any_o question_n about_o they_o and_o if_o any_o shall_v object_v against_o what_o i_o have_v say_v that_o we_o may_v be_v safe_o ignorant_a of_o some_o thing_n declare_v in_o scripture_n i_o answer_v that_o in_o this_o i_o be_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o of_o the_o same_o mind_n with_o all_o divine_n in_o the_o world_n who_o hold_v some_o thing_n to_o be_v of_o the_o foundation_n so_o as_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n and_o other_o only_o superstructive_a such_o as_o ignorance_n or_o error_n about_o they_o be_v not_o in_o itself_o damnable_a who_o can_v rational_o suppose_v that_o '_o â—…is_n of_o the_o same_o consequence_n to_o know_v every_o passage_n of_o scripture-history_n as_o to_o know_v and_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o rise_v again_o for_o our_o justication_n no_o question_n the_o lord_n who_o never_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o vain_a will_v never_o have_v reveal_v and_o record_v any_o the_o small_a matter_n but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o cause_n but_o thereupon_o it_o will_v never_o follow_v that_o all_o thing_n reveal_v do_v alike_o concern_v we_o to_o instance_n that_o the_o dead_a shall_v rise_v again_o and_o come_v to_o judgement_n be_v as_o i_o take_v it_o a_o fundamental_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o that_o the_o dead_a in_o christ_n shall_v rise_v first_o before_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v find_v alive_a at_o the_o last_o day_n shall_v 4._o be_v change_v be_v not_o i_o think_v of_o so_o much_o consequence_n though_o this_o also_o be_v a_o truth_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v believe_v if_o the_o dead_a be_v not_o raise_v our_o faith_n be_v vain_a 1._o cor._n 15._o but_o so_o long_o as_o we_o believe_v the_o resurrection_n i_o suppose_v we_o may_v be_v save_v though_o we_o shall_v not_o know_v the_o order_n that_o will_v be_v in_o raise_v the_o dead_a and_o change_v they_o who_o will_v be_v then_o alive_a all_o this_o however_o must_v be_v so_o understand_v and_o interpret_v as_o i_o intend_v it_o not_o to_o allow_v or_o countenance_v any_o wilful_a neglect_n or_o affect_a ignorance_n of_o any_o scripture-truths_n but_o only_o to_o salve_v the_o conscience_n of_o such_o as_o can_v after_o all_o their_o most_o careful_a enquiry_n come_v to_o know_v all_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o every_o particular_a as_o scripture_n have_v it_o can_v any_o man_n reasonable_o think_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o mind_n and_o remember_v every_o descent_n in_o all_o the_o genealogy_n as_o we_o be_v to_o have_v in_o mind_n the_o birth_n death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o know_v not_o the_o dâ—…fference_n that_o have_v be_v among_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o still_o be_v in_o reconcile_a the_o genealogy_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o it_o be_v with_o some_o difference_n record_v in_o two_o evangelist_n and_o be_v there_o not_o think_v we_o many_o in_o heaven_n who_o never_o much_o study_a christ_n pedigree_n after_o the_o flesh_n to_o return_v therefore_o where_o we_o leave_v i_o say_v again_o observe_v those_o thing_n especial_o which_o be_v most_o insist_v on_o because_o those_o be_v of_o most_o concernment_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n often_o repeat_v they_o for_o this_o reason_n that_o we_o may_v the_o better_a mind_n and_o remember_v they_o we_o know_v and_o believe_v that_o in_o some_o one_o or_o more_o book_n of_o scripture_n there_o be_v reveal_v so_o much_o of_o god_n mind_n and_o will_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n and_o yet_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o give_v we_o his_o mind_n in_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n about_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o many_o other_o beside_o that_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o many_o may_v the_o more_o confirm_v our_o faith_n and_o we_o may_v in_o that_o which_o so_o much_o concern_v our_o soul_n have_v full_a measure_n press_v down_o and_o run_v over_o witness_v the_o evangelist_n all_o record_v the_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n with_o some_o variety_n though_o no_o contradiction_n in_o the_o least_o as_o also_o paul_n epistle_n so_o often_o repeat_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n alone_o through_o faith_n in_o his_o blood_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o christian_n in_o all_o their_o relation_n now_o i_o say_v again_o observe_v and_o attend_v those_o thing_n as_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n and_o other_o also_o in_o their_o order_n for_o in_o so_o do_v we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o know_v so_o much_o as_o we_o need_v to_o do_v in_o a_o word_n read_v attentive_o and_o that_o as_o often_o as_o may_v be_v with_o all_o humility_n and_o a_o earnest_a sincere_a desire_n to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o your_o do_v it_o always_o beg_v the_o assistance_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n who_o alone_o teach_v we_o to_o 〈◊〉_d then_o will_v your_o own_o experience_n convince_v you_o against_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n that_o there_o be_v a_o clear_a light_n in_o scripture_n such_o as_o may_v easy_o be_v see_v of_o all_o who_o eye_n the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v not_o blind_v lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o 3._o not_o to_o rest_v themselves_o satisfy_v in_o a_o notional_a knowledge_n of_o 〈◊〉_d re-truth_n 〈◊〉_d to_o labour_n for_o and_o never_o leave_v till_o they_o come_v to_o that_o which_o be_v practical_a and_o experimental_a for_o than_o man_n be_v indeed_o ground_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o truth_n when_o they_o have_v taste_v of_o it_o so_o as_o to_o know_v it_o by_o experience_n then_o they_o believe_v scripture_n to_o be_v the_o divine_a truth_n as_o a_o man_n believe_v snow_n to_o be_v white_a because_o he_o see_v it_o or_o honey_n
λογος_n αυτοπιστος_n or_o scripture_n self-evidence_n to_o prove_v its_o existence_n authority_n certainty_n in_o itself_o and_o sufficiency_n in_o its_o kind_n to_o ascertain_v other_o that_o it_o be_v inspire_a of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n publish_a as_o a_o plea_n for_o protestant_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o intend_v only_o for_o the_o use_n and_o instruction_n of_o the_o vulgar_a sort_n isa._n 8._o 20._o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n john_n 5._o 39_o search_v the_o scripture_n etc._n etc._n canonica_n autoritas_fw-la veteris_fw-la &_o novi_fw-la testamenti_fw-la quae_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la consirmata_fw-la temporibus_fw-la per_fw-la successiones_fw-la episcoporum_fw-la &_o propagationes_fw-la ecclesiâ—rum_fw-la tanquam_fw-la in_o sede_fw-la quâdam_fw-la sublimitèr_fw-la constituta_fw-la est_fw-la aug._n contr_n faust._n ma._n 1._o 11._o c._n 5._o london_n print_v for_o edward_n brewster_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o mr._n marriotts_n a_o scrivener_n over_o against_o hicks-hall_n in_o st._n john_n street_n 1667._o to_o all_o well-meaning_n protestant_n who_o desire_n and_o resolve_v to_o hold_v fast_o their_o profession_n especial_o those_o who_o be_v least_o able_a to_o dispute_v controversy_n sir_n i_o marvel_v not_o if_o you_o think_v yourselves_o well_o ground_a in_o your_o religion_n while_o you_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o by_o prove_v the_o article_n of_o your_o faith_n out_o of_o scripture_n for_o in_o this_o persuasion_n you_o be_v of_o 〈◊〉_d same_o mind_n with_o i_o whoever_o you_o be_v however_o i_o must_v admonish_v you_o that_o what_o please_v you_o and_o i_o do_v not_o satisfy_v all_o for_o there_o be_v still_o as_o of_o late_o have_v be_v such_o as_o will_v ask_v you_o how_o you_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n therefore_o it_o concern_v you_o and_o i_o too_o as_o the_o time_n be_v to_o bethink_v ourselves_o what_o to_o answer_n when_o we_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o the_o question_n and_o that_o you_o may_v have_v some_o what_o to_o reply_v i_o have_v in_o this_o ensue_a discourse_n give_v you_o some_o of_o those_o thought_n which_o i_o have_v take_v up_o by_o occasion_n of_o this_o question_n that_o may_v be_v put_v to_o we_o i_o know_v well_o that_o divers_a learned_a both_o english_a and_o outlandish_a divine_v have_v bestow_v their_o pain_n to_o prove_v the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n such_o as_o we_o account_v it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o labour_n of_o those_o learned_a man_n be_v such_o either_o for_o language_n or_o somewhat_o else_o as_o they_o will_v be_v to_o you_o if_o you_o have_v they_o by_o you_o as_o the_o word_n of_o a_o book_n that_o be_v seal_v i_o have_v therefore_o compose_v this_o discourse_n in_o a_o plain_a english_a style_n and_o phrase_n and_o of_o no_o great_a price_n to_o ease_v your_o purse_n that_o you_o may_v have_v by_o you_o somewhat_o to_o answer_v your_o adversary_n in_o it_o i_o use_v and_o urge_v scripture_n very_o little_a or_o nothing_o at_o all_o in_o a_o manner_n because_o i_o will_v cut_v off_o occasion_n from_o our_o adversary_n who_o will_v else_o say_v i_o prove_v my_o conclusion_n by_o that_o which_o be_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n how_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o you_o to_o be_v well_o inform_v in_o this_o case_n and_o to_o be_v fortify_v against_o the_o assault_n of_o such_o as_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o undermine_v you_o and_o turn_v up_o the_o foundation_n of_o your_o faith_n i_o must_v leave_v you_o to_o be_v judge_n for_o our_o adversary_n i_o be_o resolve_v never_o to_o draw_v the_o see_v against_o they_o partly_o because_o of_o my_o insufficiency_n many_o way_n to_o enter_v the_o list_n with_o such_o giantlike_a man_n and_o especial_o because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o worthy_n on_o our_o side_n who_o great_a ability_n and_o advantage_n such_o as_o i_o want_v can_v but_o encourage_v they_o to_o what_o i_o dare_v not_o undertake_v all_o my_o design_n be_v to_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a who_o desire_n be_v to_o learn_v and_o to_o such_o i_o offer_v these_o weak_a endeavour_n of_o i_o in_o hope_n they_o may_v suggest_v somewhat_o that_o may_v serve_v to_o stay_v and_o uphold_v the_o weak_a till_o they_o be_v further_o establish_v by_o the_o help_n of_o some_o more_o able_a hand_n and_o if_o this_o be_v i_o have_v all_o my_o design_n so_o as_o god_n may_v have_v all_o the_o glory_n scripture_n the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n protestant's_n have_v always_o count_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v the_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o that_o they_o may_v abide_v and_o increase_v more_o and_o more_o in_o this_o persuasion_n be_v and_o shall_v be_v my_o heart_n desire_n and_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o they_o but_o though_o they_o hold_v scripture_n for_o a_o principle_n and_o ground-plot_n of_o their_o faith_n yet_o they_o be_v call_v upon_o somewhat_o methinks_v beside_o the_o law_n of_o science_n to_o prove_v it_o and_o this_o task_n i_o be_o willing_a in_o their_o behalf_n to_o undertake_v because_o the_o lord_n have_v command_v we_o to_o be_v always_o ready_a 15._o to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o for_o this_o consideration_n and_o nothing_o else_o have_v embolden_v i_o to_o let_v the_o world_n know_v the_o rational_a ground_n which_o protestant_n have_v to_o persuade_v they_o that_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o write_v by_o his_o command_n to_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n unto_o all_o christian_n and_o what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v upon_o this_o account_n i_o shall_v reduce_v unto_o these_o two_o particular_n 1._o i_o shall_v allege_v some_o of_o those_o rational_a ground_n by_o which_o protestant_n be_v induce_v to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v divine_o inspire_v with_o the_o conclusion_n which_o we_o think_v must_v unavoidable_o follow_v viz._n that_o it_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n 2._o i_o shall_v a_o little_a discuss_v the_o queflion_n wherhe_a tradition_n the_o church_n testimony_n or_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n can_v be_v rational_o allow_v this_o great_a privilege_n of_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o then_o conclude_v all_o with_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o grand_a objection_n of_o papist_n against_o scripture_n because_o as_o it_o be_v all_o they_o can_v say_v worth_a our_o notice_n so_o it_o be_v look_v on_o by_o they_o as_o a_o invincible_a achilles_n and_o a_o short_a but_o serious_a admonition_n to_o all_o protestant_n who_o mind_n the_o concernment_n of_o their_o soul_n or_o may_v be_v persuade_v to_o it_o the_o former_a part_n show_v the_o rational_a ground_n upon_o which_o protestant_n believe_v scripture_n to_o be_v inspire_v of_o god_n etc._n etc._n scripture_n be_v as_o it_o call_v itself_o a_o light_n and_o therefore_o be_v best_a see_v in_o and_o by_o and_o of_o itself_o though_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o to_o show_v it_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o when_o we_o have_v say_v as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v to_o prove_v its_o divine_a authority_n we_o must_v â—…i_v i_o leave_v it_o to_o be_v see_v in_o its_o own_o light_n and_o to_o prove_v it_o selâ—…_n the_o manitestation_n of_o god_n mind_n and_o will_n make_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o upon_o due_a consideration_n it_o will_v appear_v so_o to_o any_o that_o be_v judicious_a and_o impartial_a for_o how_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v what_o it_o be_v by_o any_o argument_n beside_o the_o attestation_n give_v it_o by_o god_n and_o his_o spirit_n and_o the_o evident_a token_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o it_o and_o so_o it_o prove_v itself_o just_a as_o a_o learned_a man_n prove_v himself_o a_o scholar_n by_o his_o learned_a exercise_n when_o he_o be_v call_v to_o they_o or_o as_o god_n prove_v himself_o to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v by_o what_o he_o say_v and_o do_v however_o we_o be_v put_v to_o prove_v our_o principle_n and_o we_o be_v content_v so_o to_o do_v as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v i_o say_v as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v because_o all_o scholar_n know_v that_o principle_n be_v most_o hard_o prove_v against_o such_o as_o have_v impudence_n enough_o to_o deny_v they_o and_o here_o i_o must_v in_o order_n to_o my_o intend_a work_n request_v the_o reader_n to_o grant_v i_o somewhat_o which_o seem_v very_o reasonable_a and_o i_o hope_v will_v be_v suppose_v such_o by_o all_o that_o be_v indifferent_a and_o impartial_a 1._o that_o in_o this_o case_n i_o can_v allege_v no_o rational_a argument_n other_o than_o such_o as_o scripture_n yield_v and_o offer_v to_o prove_v itself_o inspire_v of_o
god_n so_o that_o my_o work_n be_v to_o let_v other_o see_v the_o light_n wherein_o scripture_n show_v itself_o 2._o i_o do_v not_o in_o this_o undertake_n charge_n papist_n as_o deny_v in_o term_n the_o scripture_n to_o be_v divine_o inspire_v for_o they_o grant_v it_o in_o a_o sort_n when_o they_o say_v the_o church_n testimony_n make_v it_o not_o authentical_a and_o canonical_a in_o itself_o but_o quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la in_o respect_n to_o we_o who_o can_v otherwise_o be_v ascertain_v of_o its_o divine_a authority_n 3._o i_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o be_v expect_v from_o i_o that_o i_o shall_v prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n so_o as_o to_o silence_v all_o gainsayers_a since_o nothing_o can_v be_v so_o prove_v as_o there_o will_v not_o be_v some_o to_o make_v exception_n what_o can_v be_v more_o certain_a than_o god_n existence_n and_o yet_o how_o many_o be_v there_o who_o deny_v or_o question_n i._o christ_n come_v a_o light_n into_o the_o world_n and_o what_o christian_n dare_v say_v or_o think_v he_o do_v not_o sufficient_o prove_v himself_o to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n yet_o all_o he_o can_v say_v or_o do_v for_o that_o purpose_n be_v not_o enough_o to_o satisfy_v the_o most_o of_o his_o countryman_n and_o kindred_n that_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n christ._n all_o that_o i_o can_v reasonable_o design_n be_v to_o show_v that_o scripture_n be_v a_o shine_a light_n that_o do_v sufficient_o prove_v itself_o to_o be_v inspire_v of_o god_n though_o many_o have_v not_o eye_n to_o see_v it_o 4._o it_o must_v be_v suppose_v in_o this_o discourse_n that_o as_o there_o be_v one_o live_v and_o true_a god_n so_o this_o god_n be_v to_o be_v honour_v and_o adore_v by_o his_o reasonable_a creature_n with_o that_o service_n and_o worship_n which_o may_v become_v his_o infinite_a and_o most_o excellent_a majesty_n hence_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o revelation_n make_v by_o god_n himself_o concern_v that_o way_n of_o worship_n wherein_o he_o will_v have_v his_o creature_n to_o serve_v he_o for_o who_o can_v know_v what_o please_v god_n but_o he_o himself_o and_o they_o to_o who_o he_o make_v know_v the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n now_o suppose_v some_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_v in_o order_n to_o that_o service_n which_o he_o will_v accept_v and_o be_v well_o please_v with_o i_o may_v ask_v this_o question_n viz._n if_o scripture_n be_v not_o this_o revelation_n where_o be_v it_o and_o this_o will_v lie_v hard_a upon_o all_o who_o acknowledge_v one_o only_o true_a god_n that_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o show_v some_o other_o and_o better_a manifestation_n concern_v the_o will_n and_o way_n of_o god_n than_o what_o he_o have_v make_v in_o his_o write_a word_n but_o this_o be_v to_o be_v discuss_v hereafter_o and_o for_o the_o present_a i_o be_o to_o show_v how_o and_o wherein_o scripture_n speak_v itself_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o by_o consequence_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n rational_a ground_n upon_o which_o protestant_n be_v persuade_v that_o scripture_n be_v divine_o inspire_v 1._o there_o be_v nothing_o which_o do_v so_o full_o and_o clear_o so_o punctual_o and_o perfect_o declare_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o all_o particular_n which_o concern_v his_o glory_n or_o man_n everlasting_a happiness_n as_o scripture_n do_v to_o enforce_v this_o a_o little_a we_o ready_o grant_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n to_o be_v a_o light_n show_v we_o somewhat_o yea_o very_o much_o of_o god_n and_o concern_v our_o duty_n towards_o he_o but_o how_o imperfect_a and_o obscure_a be_v this_o light_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o which_o shine_v out_o to_o we_o in_o scripture_n scripture_n indeed_o do_v not_o contradict_v it_o how_o shall_v it_o both_o be_v of_o god_n and_o one_o truth_n can_v possible_o contradict_v another_o nay_o further_o as_o scripture_n consent_v to_o and_o concur_v with_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n so_o it_o reprove_v the_o neglect_n and_o incite_v to_o a_o due_a improvement_n of_o it_o as_o may_v be_v show_v in_o many_o particular_n if_o we_o be_v put_v to_o it_o but_o how_o dim_a and_o dark_a be_v nature_n light_n as_o to_o the_o way_n of_o reconcile_a the_o world_n unto_o god_n when_o it_o teach_v nothing_o at_o all_o about_o it_o the_o heathen_n have_v their_o offering_n and_o sacrifice_n to_o appease_v their_o god_n and_o in_o these_o for_o aught_o any_o can_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a they_o have_v light_a from_o god_n people_n who_o have_v the_o divine_a oracle_n but_o all_o those_o offering_n of_o they_o be_v lie_v vanity_n because_o they_o have_v not_o any_o the_o least_o apprebension_n of_o god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n to_o be_v a_o saviour_n of_o sinner_n and_o what_o revelation_n have_v god_n make_v of_o his_o mind_n about_o this_o great_a concernment_n beside_o what_o we_o have_v in_o scripture_n do_v ever_o any_o of_o the_o learned_a heathen_n so_o much_o as_o dream_v of_o such_o a_o work_n as_o god_n reconcile_a the_o world_n to_o himself_o by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o yet_o papist_n i_o hope_v will_v acknowledge_v with_o we_o that_o he_o alone_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o propitiation_n between_o god_n and_o man_n now_o how_o come_v we_o and_o they_o to_o know_v this_o great_a mystery_n if_o we_o learn_v it_o not_o from_o scripture_n and_o can_v any_o but_o god_n reveal_v it_o to_o we_o and_o since_o it_o be_v reveal_v in_o scripture_n have_v we_o not_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v write_v by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n for_o the_o only_a way_n of_o purge_a sin_n and_o sanctify_v our_o sinful_a nature_n what_o have_v any_o heathen_n do_v by_o their_o utmost_a improvement_n of_o their_o natural_a light_n they_o have_v indeed_o many_o of_o they_o commend_a virtue_n to_o the_o sky_n and_o exhort_v other_o to_o it_o but_o what_o be_v that_o moral_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n which_o the_o philosopher_n and_o learned_a man_n of_o the_o world_n have_v labour_v to_o promote_v among_o man_n be_v it_o not_o of_o a_o far_o inferior_a nature_n and_o quite_o another_o thing_n from_o that_o true_a holiness_n which_o be_v teach_v in_o scripture_n for_o this_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o a_o learned_a discourse_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n not_o long_o since_o print_v and_o only_o say_v though_o many_o heathen_n by_o their_o natural_a light_n discover_v many_o vice_n to_o shun_v the_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o be_v sober_a just_a and_o temperate_a in_o comparison_n of_o other_o yet_o all_o this_o moral_a righteousness_n in_o they_o be_v far_o short_a of_o god_n image_n and_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o those_o who_o be_v renew_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o as_o different_a as_o a_o live_a man_n and_o his_o statue_n or_o picture_n though_o draw_v as_o we_o say_v to_o the_o life_n and_o to_o prove_v this_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o true_a holiness_n consist_v especial_o in_o the_o inward_a impression_n and_o disposition_n which_o make_v a_o man_n meet_v for_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o in_o the_o inclination_n and_o carriage_n of_o the_o soul_n towards_o god_n immediate_o such_o as_o meet_v moralist_n never_o know_v there_o be_v a_o fountain_n and_o root_n within_o from_o whence_o spring_v all_o that_o honesty_n and_o integrity_n and_o purity_n which_o appear_v in_o the_o outward_a conversation_n and_o all_o be_v from_o a_o man_n be_v ingraft_v into_o christ_n and_o receive_v from_o he_o a_o continual_a supply_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o this_o i_o hope_v papist_n will_v not_o deny_v viz._n that_o all_o spiritual_a good_a be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n now_o this_o way_n of_o holiness_n be_v teach_v we_o in_o scripture_n we_o conclude_v scripture_n to_o be_v write_v with_o god_n finger_n because_o no_o other_o than_o god_n can_v reveal_v such_o glorious_a truth_n to_o we_o let_v it_o be_v show_v we_o how_o these_o thing_n come_v to_o be_v write_v where_o we_o find_v they_o and_o who_o write_v they_o if_o god_n do_v not_o once_o we_o think_v it_o a_o rational_a and_o unquestionable_a conclusion_n that_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n because_o we_o find_v in_o it_o the_o only_a way_n of_o our_o access_n to_o and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o the_o only_a way_n of_o purify_n we_o so_o as_o we_o may_v be_v meet_a for_o communion_n with_o he_o for_o ever_o and_o why_o even_o because_o god_n alone_o can_v teach_v we_o these_o thing_n which_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n or_o angel_n otherwise_o can_v never_o have_v conceive_v all_o this_o while_n we_o grant_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v reveal_v to_o some_o man_n before_o they_o be_v record_v in_o the_o write_a word_n but_o we_o expect_v papist_n will_v not_o send_v we_o
to_o revelation_n now_o adays_o and_o for_o any_o other_o way_n of_o know_v these_o mystery_n then_o by_o scripture_n we_o know_v none_o and_o therefore_o resolve_v it_o be_v of_o god_n and_o can_v be_v of_o any_o other_o how_o much_o will_v this_o argument_n be_v enforce_v when_o we_o further_o consider_v of_o many_o other_o particular_n reveal_v in_o scripture_n which_o none_o but_o god_n can_v 14._o possible_o know_v as_o that_o there_o be_v three_o that_o bear_v record_n in_o heaven_n that_o god_n be_v manifest_v in_o our_o flâ—…sh_n so_o as_o the_o alone_a mediator_n be_v god-man_n in_o one_o person_n can_v any_o creature_n declare_v these_o if_o it_o be_v not_o inspire_v and_o â—…ht_n of_o god_n again_o how_o can_v any_o creature_n come_v to_o know_v how_o â—…he_a world_n be_v make_v or_o how_o can_v man_n come_v to_o know_v how_o himself_o be_v first_o make_v out_o of_o the_o dust_n can_v the_o creature_n remember_v the_o time_n or_o know_v the_o manner_n of_o its_o own_o creation_n and_o where_o have_v we_o these_o but_o in_o scripture_n you_o will_v say_v these_o and_o the_o like_a be_v quest._n reveal_v in_o scripture_n but_o how_o do_v the_o argument_n hold_v good_a that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o god_n because_o these_o thing_n be_v reveal_v in_o it_o the_o argument_n be_v good_a and_o can_v sol._n be_v otherwise_o account_v by_o any_o that_o be_v not_o profess_v antichristian_n because_o they_o own_o these_o revelation_n as_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a truth_n for_o i_o say_v again_o see_v we_o have_v in_o scripture_n the_o great_a concernment_n of_o our_o eternity_n and_o so_o many_o thing_n past_o find_v out_o by_o any_o creature_n we_o must_v of_o necessity_n own_o and_o acknowledge_v god_n alone_o to_o have_v write_v this_o word_n nay_o atheist_n themselves_o can_v but_o know_v that_o they_o be_v dust_n and_o now_o i_o shall_v enforce_v this_o by_o show_v further_o that_o scripture_n can_v be_v the_o work_n or_o invention_n of_o any_o creature_n either_o angel_n or_o man_n good_a or_o bad_a good_a man_n or_o angel_n will_v never_o devise_v such_o thing_n and_o say_v they_o be_v of_o god_n for_o that_o will_v be_v such_o a_o belie_n god_n as_o we_o can_v rational_o believe_v they_o capable_a of_o wicked_a man_n and_o devil_n will_v never_o attempt_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o pen_v &_o publish_v such_o a_o book_n which_o tend_v so_o much_o to_o the_o exalt_v of_o god_n and_o the_o abase_v of_o themselves_o this_o will_v have_v be_v to_o destroy_v and_o overthrow_v all_o which_o they_o labour_v so_o much_o to_o uphold_v hence_o we_o make_v this_o challenge_n who_o it_o be_v that_o compose_v this_o book_n we_o call_v the_o bible_n if_o god_n do_v not_o if_o any_o object_n that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o collection_n obj._n of_o many_o thing_n make_v up_o out_o of_o the_o monument_n of_o many_o age_n we_o may_v just_o demand_v what_o hand_n they_o sol._n be_v that_o compile_v they_o and_o when_o and_o where_o they_o live_v if_o they_o live_v in_o moses_n time_n how_o can_v they_o write_v of_o the_o king_n if_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o former_a king_n how_o can_v they_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o latter_a if_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o latter_a how_o come_v the_o disperse_a jew_n to_o have_v so_o many_o copy_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n in_o a_o word_n how_o can_v any_o man_n or_o man_n write_v of_o so_o many_o thing_n do_v in_o so_o many_o age_n so_o far_o distant_a one_o from_o another_o or_o how_o can_v any_o man_n give_v a_o account_n of_o what_o be_v do_v from_o the_o very_a beginning_n and_o before_o man_n be_v make_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o many_o in_o several_a age_n we_o desire_v to_o be_v satisfy_v how_o all_o shall_v agree_v so_o exact_o together_o and_o who_o be_v they_o that_o compile_v our_o bibles_n or_o how_o come_v they_o all_o to_o agree_v in_o call_v it_o the_o word_n of_o god_n mahomet_n indeed_o compile_v a_o book_n which_o be_v to_o turk_n and_o other_o as_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o we_o for_o those_o delude_a soul_n count_v the_o alcoran_n their_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o mahomet_n call_v himself_o a_o great_a prophet_n and_o so_o his_o follower_n account_v of_o he_o to_o this_o day_n but_o what_o reasonable_a man_n see_v not_o a_o bundle_n of_o fallacy_n and_o folly_n in_o that_o book_n which_o by_o its_o contradiction_n and_o ridiculous_a relation_n confute_v itself_o without_o more_o ado_n there_o be_v many_o passage_n in_o scripture_n which_o seem_v to_o contradict_v one_o obj._n another_o there_o be_v so_o but_o they_o seem_v only_a contradiction_n and_o be_v not_o such_o sol._n indeed_o and_o who_o be_v they_o which_o apprehend_v such_o contraciction_n be_v they_o not_o common_o such_o as_o be_v most_o ignorant_a or_o least_o affect_a to_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o mutual_a consâ—…ency_n of_o all_o those_o passage_n may_v be_v soon_o find_v out_o by_o all_o that_o be_v intelligent_a and_o will_v use_v their_o diligence_n for_o that_o end_n and_o what_o be_v there_o be_v some_o passage_n to_o we_o irreconcilable_a will_v it_o follow_v they_o be_v such_o in_o themselves_o sure_o the_o general_a consistency_n of_o scripture_n with_o itself_o may_v be_v enough_o to_o persuade_v we_o rather_o to_o charge_v ourselves_o with_o ignorance_n then_o to_o suspect_v it_o of_o any_o mistake_n and_o here_o i_o can_v omit_v what_o a_o learned_a man_n have_v observe_v viz._n a_o majestic_a kind_n of_o security_n as_o he_o be_v goodwin_n please_v to_o câ—…ll_v it_o in_o the_o scripture_n under_o many_o 〈◊〉_d yea_o maâ—…_n sâ—…mingly_o bold_a and_o â—…urous_a contradiction_n that_o yâ—…_n either_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o truth_n nor_o that_o unity_n which_o they_o have_v in_o and_o with_o themselves_o shall_v as_o he_o say_v at_o all_o suffer_v by_o for_o reconcile_a those_o seem_a contradiction_n it_o be_v not_o my_o work_n at_o present_a only_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o one_o consideration_n which_o i_o find_v in_o the_o same_o author_n and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o scripture_n do_v not_o stand_v to_o excuse_v or_o purge_v themselves_o as_o if_o there_o be_v any_o cause_n to_o â—…ffect_v they_o of_o any_o crossâ—…_n or_o contrariety_n unto_o one_o another_o no_o they_o speak_v from_o place_n to_o place_n what_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o say_v with_o that_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n as_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o say_v by_o they_o elsewhere_o that_o either_o be_v like_a to_o suffer_v the_o least_o prejudice_n by_o it_o or_o else_o to_o cast_v the_o least_o prejudice_n on_o it_o they_o that_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o satisfy_v themselves_o further_o about_o this_o consideration_n may_v read_v his_o discourse_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n pag._n 55_o 56_o &_o c._n i_o shall_v add_v for_o a_o further_a confirmation_n of_o scripture_n divine_a authority_n that_o whatever_o it_o have_v foretell_v have_v be_v according_o fulfil_v and_o that_o not_o as_o stâ—…gazers_n prognoflication_n atrandom_n and_o adventure_n but_o punctual_o and_o precise_o in_o every_o particular_a circumstance_n so_o the_o new_a testament_n confirm_v the_o old_a by_o show_v how_o what_o be_v foretell_v many_o age_n and_o some_o thousand_o of_o year_n before_o come_v to_o be_v fulfil_v and_o accomplish_v in_o every_o particular_a just_a as_o it_o be_v foretell_v many_o thing_n we_o know_v may_v be_v foresee_v in_o their_o cause_n so_o as_o intelligent_a and_o observant_a man_n may_v foretell_v they_o as_o more_o than_o mere_a surmise_n or_o conjecture_n and_o the_o devil_n probable_o can_v do_v very_o much_o this_o way_n but_o scripture_n foretell_v those_o thing_n of_o which_o no_o reason_n of_o man_n can_v make_v any_o probable_a conjecture_n because_o as_o they_o be_v high_a and_o heavenly_a so_o they_o be_v pure_o contingent_a depend_v only_o on_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o exact_a performance_n of_o those_o thing_n in_o all_o particular_n be_v a_o strong_a evidence_n to_o prove_v it_o write_v by_o the_o singer_n of_o god_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v so_o often_o repeat_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o it_o may_v be_v fulfil_v etc._n etc._n but_o here_o be_v no_o warrant_n more_o than_o obj._n scripture_n who_o authority_n be_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v question_v 1._o we_o have_v the_o consent_n and_o testimony_n sol._n of_o a_o ient_a heathen_a writer_n who_o have_v record_v and_o hint_v many_o of_o those_o particular_n beside_o none_o of_o the_o heathen_n ever_o contradict_v those_o prophecy_n or_o the_o fulfil_n of_o they_o as_o for_o instance_n our_o saviour_n birth_n death_n resurrection_n &_o c._n though_o questionless_a they_o will_v have_v do_v their_o utmost_a have_v they_o not_o be_v silence_v by_o the_o notoriety_n