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to_o be_v send_v from_o god_n as_o we_o have_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n we_o be_v as_o secure_v that_o we_o be_v not_o deceive_v in_o he_o as_o we_o be_v that_o we_o be_v not_o deceive_v in_o the_o plain_a matter_n of_o sense_n for_o the_o best_a the_o only_a security_n that_o we_o have_v that_o our_o sense_n do_v not_o deceive_v we_o and_o that_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o quite_o otherwise_o than_o it_o appear_v to_o we_o to_o be_v be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o this_o same_o security_n we_o have_v that_o we_o be_v not_o deceive_v in_o our_o saviour_n divine_a mission_n nay_o we_o be_v more_o secure_a of_o this_o than_o we_o be_v of_o that_o because_o it_o be_v more_o plain_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o deceive_v we_o in_o a_o matter_n on_o which_o our_o everlasting_a welfare_n depend_v than_o in_o matter_n only_o of_o this_o life_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a thing_n for_o which_o our_o bodily_a sense_n be_v of_o use_n to_o we_o and_o if_o indeed_o we_o be_v deceive_v in_o our_o saviour_n it_o must_v be_v say_v that_o god_n himself_o have_v deceive_v we_o have_v give_v we_o all_o the_o reason_n imaginable_a to_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v as_o he_o say_v he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o now_o have_v be_v so_o large_a in_o show_v the_o evidence_n that_o there_o be_v from_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n record_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o be_v a_o teacher_n send_v from_o god_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o spend_v much_o time_n in_o show_v that_o his_o apostle_n be_v likewise_o commission_v by_o god_n to_o instruct_v the_o world_n and_o consequent_o that_o we_o ought_v also_o to_o receive_v all_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o they_o whether_o in_o their_o epistle_n or_o in_o their_o discourse_n interweave_v by_o st._n luke_n with_o his_o history_n of_o their_o act_n as_o true_a and_o divine_a for_o 1._o there_o be_v plain_o no_o reason_n why_o we_o 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there_o may_v be_v a_o mistake_n in_o believe_v he_o see_v whether_o the_o man_n be_v inspire_a or_o no_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o doctrine_n be_v but_o 2._o if_o there_o be_v any_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o we_o do_v not_o see_v be_v teach_v before_o by_o our_o saviour_n i_o say_v there_o be_v however_o from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n evidence_n enough_o of_o their_o divine_a mission_n also_o so_o that_o we_o may_v very_o secure_o take_v upon_o their_o credit_n as_o true_a and_o divine_a any_o doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v instruct_v we_o in_o for_o 1._o that_o they_o be_v send_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v past_o all_o dispute_n if_o the_o gospel-history_n be_v true_a joh._n xx_o 21._o as_o
self_n and_o if_o what_o he_o report_v be_v that_o he_o himself_o have_v receive_v such_o a_o revelation_n from_o god_n with_o order_n to_o publish_v it_o to_o the_o world_n i_o say_v that_o this_o report_n in_o the_o general_n be_v a_o credible_a report_n because_o it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o not_o unlikely_a that_o he_o shall_v impart_v to_o man_n by_o a_o special_a revelation_n such_o thing_n as_o be_v very_o useful_a for_o they_o to_o know_v and_o which_o can_v not_o be_v know_v or_o not_o so_o well_o not_o so_o full_o clear_o and_o certain_o any_o other_o way_n as_o by_o revelation_n and_o it_o be_v certain_o not_o incredible_a that_o he_o that_o have_v give_v we_o a_o tongue_n to_o utter_v word_n and_o skill_n to_o express_v thereby_o our_o thought_n to_o one_o another_o shall_v have_v power_n and_o mean_n to_o reveal_v and_o express_v his_o own_o mind_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o a_o man_n may_v understand_v his_o mean_v and_o it_o be_v likewise_o certain_o not_o incredible_a in_o its_o self_n that_o god_n intend_v to_o declare_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n shall_v make_v use_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o man_n for_o this_o purpose_n and_o have_v make_v know_v his_o will_n to_o one_o man_n give_v he_o commission_n to_o communicate_v the_o same_o to_o other_o if_o therefore_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n incredible_a in_o the_o report_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n it_o must_v be_v in_o the_o special_a matter_n of_o it_o but_o although_o the_o particular_a matter_n of_o any_o such_o divine_a revelation_n be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o we_o can_v never_o have_v find_v out_o by_o natural_a reason_n i_o say_v it_o be_v nevertheless_o credible_a as_o a_o matter_n divine_o reveal_v if_o it_o imply_v no_o contradiction_n if_o it_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o natural_a reason_n if_o it_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o a_o former_a divine_a revelation_n that_o be_v well_o attest_v and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n worthy_a of_o god_n that_o be_v if_o in_o its_o true_a consequence_n it_o have_v no_o tendency_n to_o encourage_v sin_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a have_v a_o plain_a tendency_n to_o promote_v the_o practice_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n among_o men._n against_o such_o a_o revelation_n as_o this_o there_o can_v be_v no_o just_a objection_n make_v from_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o there_o be_v no_o improbability_n that_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n or_o if_o what_o he_o report_v be_v that_o he_o himself_o be_v by_o when_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v private_o do_v or_o speak_v by_o another_o in_o this_o case_n the_o matter_n of_o his_o report_n be_v credible_a in_o its_o self_n if_o what_o he_o say_v he_o be_v a_o eye_n or_o earwitness_n of_o be_v a_o proper_a object_n of_o those_o sense_n if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o impossible_a thing_n if_o it_o do_v not_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n and_o in_o this_o case_n the_o difficulty_n the_o strangeness_n the_o uncommonness_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v be_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v never_o know_v to_o be_v do_v or_o say_v before_o or_o which_o no_o account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o by_o reason_n or_o natural_a cause_n be_v no_o just_a exception_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o kind_n absolute_o incredible_a but_o what_o be_v plain_o impossible_a but_o 2._o the_o credibility_n of_o any_o report_n suppose_v the_o matter_n of_o it_o to_o be_v credible_a depend_v in_o good_a measure_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o its_o author_n and_o then_o a_o man_n may_v reasonable_o be_v think_v a_o author_n or_o a_o witness_n of_o good_a credit_n in_o matter_n of_o his_o own_o knowledge_n when_o he_o appear_v and_o by_o all_o his_o other_o word_n and_o action_n show_v himself_o to_o be_v grave_n sober_a considerate_a and_o in_o his_o right_a wit_n when_o he_o be_v a_o person_n of_o unblemished_a reputation_n when_o he_o be_v never_o know_v to_o lie_v or_o feign_v or_o deceive_v in_o other_o case_n when_o he_o give_v no_o just_a ground_n to_o suspect_v that_o he_o be_v a_o intrigue_n or_o design_v person_n and_o last_o when_o he_o himself_o be_v no_o party_n to_o the_o cause_n have_v no_o worldly_a interest_n carry_v on_o in_o it_o no_o design_n of_o honour_n or_o profit_n or_o other_o temporal_a advantage_n that_o to_o appearance_n can_v be_v serve_v by_o his_o give_v such_o testimony_n when_o he_o will_v be_v neither_o the_o better_a if_o his_o report_n be_v credit_v nor_o the_o worse_a if_o it_o be_v not_o believe_v such_o a_o witness_n as_o this_o can_v reasonable_o be_v except_v against_o 3._o but_o three_o even_o such_o a_o report_n make_v by_o such_o a_o person_n be_v still_o further_o credible_a in_o case_n he_o give_v also_o the_o best_a proof_n that_o can_v be_v give_v or_o that_o the_o case_n will_v bear_v of_o his_o veracity_n in_o that_o particular_a and_o it_o be_v one_o very_o good_a token_n of_o a_o man_n be_v own_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v if_o he_o give_v his_o testimony_n in_o a_o grave_n and_o serious_a manner_n and_o if_o he_o appear_v to_o have_v at_o that_o time_n a_o good_a sense_n of_o religion_n in_o his_o mind_n upon_o which_o account_n a_o solemn_a oath_n by_o which_o god_n be_v call_v upon_o to_o witness_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v say_v be_v reck'n_v the_o great_a assurance_n that_o ordinary_o can_v be_v give_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o humane_a testimony_n and_o therefore_o by_o evidence_n give_v upon_o oath_n all_o question_n of_o the_o great_a consequence_n to_o man_n in_o this_o world_n be_v final_o decide_v 6.16_o heb._n 6.16_o a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n be_v to_o man_n a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n see_v therefore_o that_o the_o great_a credit_n that_o be_v give_v to_o a_o oath_n be_v ground_v upon_o that_o serious_a sense_n of_o religion_n which_o the_o witness_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v in_o his_o mind_n when_o he_o declare_v that_o he_o speak_v as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o almighty_a god_n whenever_o there_o be_v good_a evidence_n give_v by_o any_o person_n of_o the_o same_o serious_a sense_n of_o religion_n his_o testimony_n '_o though_o without_o the_o formality_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v not_o less_o credible_a again_o it_o be_v a_o further_a token_n of_o a_o man_n firm_a belief_n of_o what_o he_o report_v or_o affirm_v in_o case_n the_o matter_n of_o his_o report_n be_v such_o as_o be_v natural_o influential_a upon_o practice_n he_o himself_o live_v and_o act_n in_o all_o respect_n agreeable_o thereto_o and_o especial_o if_o in_o consequence_n thereof_o he_o decline_v make_v such_o gain_n and_o profit_n to_o himself_o as_o it_o be_v probable_a he_o will_v have_v do_v have_v he_o be_v otherwise_o persuade_v and_o deny_v himself_o those_o worldly_a pleasure_n and_o sensual_a gratification_n which_o other_o man_n not_o so_o persuade_v do_v free_o allow_v themselves_o in_o and_o voluntary_o undertake_v such_o labour_n and_o endure_v such_o hardship_n as_o it_o can_v hardly_o be_v suppose_v any_o man_n of_o another_o persuasion_n will_v undergo_v but_o the_o sure_a token_n that_o any_o man_n can_v give_v of_o his_o veracity_n be_v persist_v in_o the_o evidence_n he_o have_v once_o give_v to_o the_o last_o when_o no_o promise_n of_o wealth_n honour_n or_o promotion_n can_v persuade_v he_o to_o forbear_v speak_v the_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v when_o be_v bring_v before_o king_n and_o ruler_n and_o strait_o threaten_v to_o hold_v his_o peace_n he_o be_v thereby_o rather_o the_o more_o embolden_v to_o speak_v when_o be_v rack_v and_o torture_v to_o retract_v his_o evidence_n he_o continue_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o great_a torment_n to_o witness_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o he_o do_v before_o and_o in_o fine_a when_o have_v a_o certain_a prospect_n before_o he_o of_o lose_v all_o that_o can_v be_v dear_a to_o he_o in_o this_o world_n and_o even_o 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other_o matter_n that_o he_o have_v relate_v as_o of_o his_o own_o knowledge_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a there_o may_v be_v mistake_n in_o the_o sign_n and_o proof_n of_o the_o divine_a revelation_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o revelation_n its_o self_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o report_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o prophet_n himself_o or_o any_o other_o man_n who_o have_v report_v the_o miracle_n do_v by_o the_o prophet_n as_o matter_n of_o his_o own_o knowledge_n do_v imagine_v he_o see_v thing_n which_o he_o do_v not_o see_v and_o that_o he_o hear_v thing_n which_o he_o do_v not_o hear_v but_o if_o this_o be_v suppose_v possible_a that_o any_o man_n and_o much_o more_o that_o several_a man_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o report_n the_o organ_n of_o who_o sense_n be_v right_o dispose_v and_o who_o by_o all_o their_o other_o action_n and_o discourse_n appear_v to_o be_v sober_a and_o considerate_a and_o judicious_a shall_v yet_o in_o the_o day_n time_n and_o in_o a_o clear_a light_n and_o when_o they_o be_v sure_o they_o be_v broad_a awake_a be_v mistake_v in_o the_o plain_a matter_n of_o sense_n then_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o certainty_n in_o the_o world_n then_o they_o that_o make_v the_o objection_n can_v be_v no_o more_o sure_a of_o what_o they_o themselves_o see_v and_o hear_v than_o other_o man_n can_v be_v and_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o hold_v a_o argument_n with_o such_o as_o dare_v not_o believe_v their_o own_o eye_n and_o ear_n the_o only_a sense_n whereby_o i_o think_v such_o man_n can_v be_v convince_v must_v be_v feel_v and_o it_o will_v be_v well_o for_o they_o if_o they_o can_v carry_v the_o same_o scepticism_n with_o they_o into_o the_o other_o world_n and_o when_o they_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n can_v be_v able_a to_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o real_a or_o a_o paint_a fire_n whether_o they_o be_v torment_v in_o that_o flame_n or_o not_o leave_v these_o therefore_o to_o be_v convince_v in_o the_o other_o world_n as_o be_v i_o think_v not_o capable_a of_o conviction_n here_o i_o shall_v content_v myself_o with_o have_v say_v what_o i_o suppose_v be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v other_o that_o the_o witness_n of_o a_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n may_v be_v sure_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o witness_n and_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o god_n to_o speak_v so_o plain_o to_o man_n that_o they_o may_v be_v certain_a they_o have_v have_v a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o that_o such_o evidence_n may_v be_v give_v of_o the_o veracity_n of_o a_o author_n and_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o book_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v a_o reasonable_a man._n and_o by_o this_o and_o what_o be_v say_v before_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o a_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n may_v be_v so_o well_o contrive_v and_o so_o well_o attest_v as_o to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o effect_v its_o design_n viz._n to_o bring_v man_n to_o repentance_n whether_o the_o stand_a revelation_n which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v sufficient_a for_o this_o purpose_n will_v be_v matter_n of_o enquiry_n in_o the_o next_o discourse_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v may_v serve_v to_o dispose_v we_o to_o hear_v without_o prejudice_n the_o argument_n that_o may_v be_v offer_v to_o prove_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o 1._o if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o there_o may_v be_v such_o a_o stand_a revelation_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o there_o be_v one_o for_o from_o that_o natural_a notion_n that_o we_o have_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n it_o may_v be_v fair_o argue_v that_o he_o be_v not_o want_v to_o man_n in_o the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v not_o new_a revelation_n make_v every_o day_n it_o may_v be_v reasonable_o conclude_v that_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o there_o be_v already_o some_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n extant_a that_o be_v sufficient_a to_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n and_o 2._o if_o there_o be_v already_o any_o such_o stand_a revelation_n extant_a it_o may_v be_v strong_o presume_v that_o it_o be_v that_o which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o book_n that_o we_o know_v of_o which_o have_v such_o good_a evidence_n of_o divine_a authority_n and_o inspiration_n as_o that_o have_v let_v we_o then_o be_v prepare_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o religion_n with_o unprejudiced_a mind_n with_o a_o sincere_a love_n and_o desire_n of_o truth_n and_o with_o a_o resolution_n to_o hear_v reason_n and_o to_o be_v convince_v by_o it_o and_o above_o all_o which_o indeed_o be_v the_o best_a preparation_n for_o truth_n and_o the_o best_a security_n against_o error_n let_v we_o in_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o heart_n apply_v ourselves_o to_o god_n for_o his_o help_n and_o direction_n and_o that_o our_o prayer_n may_v be_v effectual_a let_v we_o be_v careful_a to_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o he_o by_o a_o conscientious_a discharge_n of_o all_o those_o duty_n of_o piety_n justice_n temperance_n and_o charity_n which_o be_v clear_o teach_v even_o by_o natural_a reason_n and_o be_v ready_o dispose_v to_o practice_v whatever_o else_o we_o shall_v learn_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n by_o any_o far_a illumination_n 7.17_o joh._n 7.17_o for_o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la in_o epist_n ded._n l._n 3._o r._n archbishop_n p._n 8._o l._n 31._o r._n forbear_v p._n 13._o l._n 19_o r._n he_o who_o p._n 14._o l._n 16._o r._n a_o book_n the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture-revelation_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral-church_n of_o st._n paul_n february_n the_o 5_o the_o 1699_o 700._o be_v the_o second_o for_o the_o year_n 1700_o of_o the_o lecture_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n by_o offspring_n blackall_n rector_n of_o st._n marry_o aldermary_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v by_o j._n leake_n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1700._o st._n luke_n xvi_o 29_o 30_o 31._o abraham_n say_v unto_o he_o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o and_o he_o say_v nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o first_o thing_n which_o i_o propound_v to_o do_v in_o discourse_v on_o these_o word_n be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o the_o present_a stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o persuade_v man_n to_o repentance_n if_o they_o be_v not_o unreasonable_o blind_a and_o obstinate_a they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n they_o have_v also_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o and_o if_o that_o stand_a revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o we_o of_o his_o will_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n can_v upon_o any_o account_n be_v think_v insufficient_a to_o effect_v this_o design_n it_o must_v be_v i_o think_v either_o 1._o because_o no_o stand_a revelation_n can_v be_v sufficient_a for_o this_o purpose_n or_o 2._o because_o there_o be_v some_o particular_a defect_n in_o that_o revelation_n which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o render_v it_o not_o so_o sufficient_a for_o this_o purpose_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a a_o stand_a revelation_n may_v be_v i_o have_v therefore_o in_o a_o former_a discourse_n upon_o 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of_o the_o apostle_n or_o else_o in_o after_o time_n and_o if_o they_o be_v destroy_v by_o the_o christian_n this_o must_v have_v be_v do_v either_o soon_o after_o they_o be_v write_v or_o else_o after_o they_o have_v be_v for_o some_o time_n receive_v and_o allow_v as_o true_a history_n by_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n now_o if_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o these_o book_n be_v not_o write_v till_o a_o good_a while_n after_o the_o apostle_n have_v preach_v and_o the_o evangelist_n write_v the_o gospel_n they_o be_v write_v too_o late_o to_o be_v of_o sufficient_a authority_n to_o weaken_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o gospel-history_n for_o how_o can_v those_o that_o be_v not_o bear_v when_o the_o thing_n record_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v say_v to_o be_v do_v pretend_v to_o contradict_v the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o be_v live_v at_o that_o time_n and_o who_o testify_v either_o that_o they_o see_v they_o with_o their_o own_o eye_n or_o that_o they_o receive_v that_o account_n of_o they_o which_o they_o publish_v from_o very_o credible_a person_n who_o say_v they_o have_v be_v eye_n witness_n thereof_o but_o if_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o these_o book_n be_v write_v soon_o even_o as_o soon_o almost_o as_o the_o evangelist_n write_v or_o the_o apostle_n begin_v to_o publish_v by_o their_o preach_v the_o gospel_n history_n then_o i_o say_v it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v suppress_v and_o destroy_v by_o the_o christian_n either_o then_o or_o afterward_o not_o then_o for_o though_o we_o grant_v that_o christianity_n from_o the_o very_a first_o preach_v of_o it_o make_v a_o very_a swift_a progress_n in_o the_o world_n and_o from_o a_o beginning_n no_o big_a than_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n grow_v up_o quick_o to_o be_v a_o goodly_a tree_n shadow_v many_o nation_n under_o the_o branch_n of_o it_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o spring_v up_o like_o a_o mushroom_n in_o a_o night_n it_o do_v not_o grow_v to_o this_o bigness_n all_o at_o 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alone_o present_o reject_v either_o of_o they_o but_o we_o inquire_v which_o of_o they_o be_v in_o the_o best_a capacity_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o which_o of_o they_o be_v the_o least_o liable_a to_o the_o suspicion_n of_o falsehood_n and_o which_o story_n be_v the_o most_o probable_o relate_v and_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o that_o we_o incline_v if_o therefore_o there_o be_v any_o man_n that_o think_v there_o be_v any_o truth_n in_o history_n and_o who_o do_v give_v credit_n to_o other_o history_n and_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o do_v so_o and_o yet_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o allow_v that_o the_o gospel_n history_n be_v very_o credible_a which_o contain_v a_o relation_n only_o of_o such_o matter_n of_o sense_n as_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v any_o cheat_n or_o deceit_n in_o and_o in_o which_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o deceit_n or_o mistake_v it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v discover_v and_o disprove_v and_o which_o yet_o neither_o be_v now_o nor_o ever_o be_v contradict_v by_o any_o history_n of_o competent_a antiquity_n and_o good_a credit_n i_o think_v we_o may_v very_o well_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v not_o reason_n or_o judgement_n but_o prejudice_n or_o interest_n or_o the_o love_n of_o some_o vice_n or_o lust_n that_o make_v he_o a_o infidel_n the_o end_n of_o the_o four_o sermon_n the_o five_o sermon_n st._n luke_n xvi_o 29_o 30_o 31._o abraham_n say_v unto_o he_o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o and_o he_o say_v nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o subject_n i_o be_v upon_o in_o my_o last_o discourse_n on_o these_o word_n and_o which_o i_o leave_v unfinished_a be_v to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v full_a credit_n to_o the_o author_n of_o the_o historical_a book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o their_o relation_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o have_v record_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o which_o i_o propose_v these_o follow_a thing_n to_o be_v consider_v 1_o the_o nature_n condition_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o matter_n they_o have_v record_v and_o of_o the_o history_n its_o self_n 2_o the_o good_a capacity_n they_o be_v in_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o have_v relate_v 3_o the_o strong_a obligation_n they_o be_v under_o to_o write_v nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o knowledge_n or_o information_n 4_o the_o good_a evidence_n that_o we_o have_v of_o their_o honesty_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o 5_o last_o the_o confirmation_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o history_n by_o god_n himself_o the_o last_o discourse_n be_v spend_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o first_o of_o these_o thing_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o viz._n 2._o the_o good_a capacity_n that_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o evangelical_n history_n be_v in_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v relate_v now_o the_o matter_n of_o history_n which_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o epistle_n be_v but_o few_o and_o those_o for_o the_o most_o part_n such_o as_o have_v be_v do_v by_o or_o have_v happen_v to_o either_o the_o person_n that_o write_v they_o or_o the_o church_n or_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v write_v so_o that_o of_o these_o we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o say_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o bulk_n or_o body_n of_o the_o evangelical_n history_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o four_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o author_n of_o these_o book_n there_o be_v no_o controversy_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o if_o they_o be_v write_v by_o the_o repute_a author_n a_o few_o word_n will_v suffice_v to_o show_v that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o very_a good_a capacity_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o have_v record_v much_o better_a than_o most_o other_o ancient_a historian_n who_o relation_n nevertheless_o be_v general_o think_v worthy_a of_o credit_n for_o st._n matthew_n and_o st._n john_n two_o of_o the_o four_o evangelist_n be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o twelve_o who_o be_v in_o constant_a attendance_n upon_o our_o lord_n from_o the_o time_n that_o he_o first_o begin_v to_o preach_v and_o to_o make_v disciple_n until_o he_o be_v take_v up_o into_o heaven_n so_o that_o they_o be_v themselves_o eye_n or_o ear-witness_n of_o most_o of_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v record_v of_o st._n mark_n and_o st._n luke_n indeed_o the_o same_o can_v be_v say_v neither_o be_v it_o certain_a that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n though_o that_o be_v affirm_v by_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n but_o this_o i_o think_v be_v agree_v to_o by_o all_o that_o st._n mark_n be_v for_o some_o part_n of_o his_o life_n a_o constant_a companion_n of_o st._n peter_n who_o be_v not_o only_o one_o of_o the_o twelve_o but_o most_o probable_o the_o first_o that_o be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o apostle_n and_o who_o be_v also_o one_o of_o the_o three_o with_o who_o our_o lord_n be_v most_o intimate_a and_o familiar_a for_o we_o often_o read_v that_o peter_n 5.37_o matt._n 17.4.26_o 37._o mark_v 5.37_o and_o james_n and_o john_n be_v single_v from_o the_o rest_n to_o be_v witness_n of_o some_o of_o the_o most_o private_a transaction_n of_o his_o life_n and_o it_o be_v general_o believe_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n that_o st._n peter_n be_v more_o true_o the_o author_n of_o the_o gospel_n call_v st._n mark_n be_v then_o st._n mark_v himself_o he_o be_v only_o the_o scribe_n or_o amanuensis_fw-la and_o st._n peter_n the_o person_n that_o dictate_v the_o thing_n write_v by_o he_o whence_o also_o this_o gospel_n 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think_v thereon_o he_o weep_v it_o be_v likewise_o agree_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o st._n luke_n if_o not_o one_o of_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n which_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a he_o be_v not_o be_v however_o a_o very_a early_a convert_n to_o christianity_n that_o he_o converse_v frequent_o with_o the_o apostle_n and_o immediate_a disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o be_v a_o constant_a companion_n of_o st._n paul_n for_o a_o good_a while_n in_o his_o preach_a and_o travel_n so_o that_o of_o almost_o all_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o relate_v in_o his_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n he_o may_v be_v and_o of_o much_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a and_o of_o some_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o be_v a_o eye_n or_o earwitness_a so_o then_o there_o be_v three_o of_o the_o five_o historical_a book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o be_v write_v by_o those_o who_o be_v present_a at_o most_o of_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v relate_v viz._n the_o gospel_n of_o st._n matthew_n and_o st._n john_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o another_o of_o they_o though_o it_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o st._n mark_v the_o person_n by_o who_o it_o be_v pen_v yet_o if_o it_o be_v as_o have_v be_v general_o believe_v dictate_v by_o st._n peter_n may_v be_v add_v to_o that_o number_n and_o be_v likewise_o reckon_v the_o testimony_n of_o one_o who_o be_v a_o eye_n witness_v of_o the_o thing_n he_o have_v relate_v in_o this_o respect_n therefore_o the_o gospel_n history_n be_v manifest_o as_o credible_a as_o it_o be_v possible_a any_o history_n shall_v be_v for_o no_o historian_n can_v record_v any_o thing_n upon_o better_a assurance_n of_o its_o truth_n than_o the_o
time_n can_v have_v no_o possible_a doubt_n of_o their_o supernatural_a assistance_n they_o that_o hear_v they_o speak_v with_o tongue_n which_o they_o have_v never_o learn_v can_v not_o but_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o give_v they_o this_o utterance_n 2.4_o act_n 2.4_o because_o nothing_o else_o can_v give_v it_o so_o that_o this_o be_v not_o only_o as_o their_o other_o miracle_n be_v a_o proof_n of_o inspiration_n but_o likewise_o a_o instance_n and_o example_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o proof_n of_o a_o inward_a and_o invisible_a inspiration_n by_o a_o inspiration_n that_o be_v as_o i_o may_v say_v outward_a and_o visible_a by_o a_o inspiration_n that_o be_v discernible_a even_o by_o the_o bodily_a sense_n of_o all_o those_o that_o be_v present_a but_o be_v it_o so_o perhaps_o the_o infidel_n will_v say_v that_o they_o that_o see_v the_o miracle_n which_o the_o apostle_n be_v report_v to_o have_v do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n have_v reason_n enough_o to_o believe_v their_o testimony_n concern_v he_o and_o as_o well_o that_o which_o they_o have_v leave_v in_o write_v as_o that_o which_o they_o give_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n yet_o what_o be_v this_o to_o we_o that_o live_v now_o for_o we_o neither_o see_v the_o miracle_n that_o they_o wrought_v nor_o hear_v they_o speak_v with_o tongue_n neither_o have_v we_o any_o assurance_n that_o they_o ever_o do_v either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o but_o only_o from_o themselves_o they_o indeed_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o do_v a_o great_a many_o wonderful_a thing_n such_o as_o we_o be_v willing_a enough_o to_o grant_v can_v not_o be_v do_v but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n in_o confirmation_n of_o their_o testimony_n concern_v jesus_n but_o we_o see_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o believe_v this_o their_o testimony_n concern_v themselves_o than_o there_o be_v to_o believe_v their_o other_o testimony_n concern_v he_o so_o that_o this_o can_v in_o reason_n be_v reckon_v a_o proof_n or_o confirmation_n of_o that_o nay_o rather_o we_o think_v they_o be_v less_o credible_a witness_n in_o their_o own_o case_n than_o they_o be_v in_o he_o so_o that_o to_o we_o the_o history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n grant_v it_o to_o be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v of_o no_o more_o authority_n than_o their_o write_n it_o consider_v only_o with_o respect_n to_o their_o natural_a and_o moral_a capacity_n and_o qualification_n can_v give_v to_o it_o because_o that_o seal_n of_o miracle_n which_o be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v affix_v thereto_o by_o god_n be_v now_o by_o length_n of_o time_n quite_o wear_v off_o or_o at_o least_o the_o impression_n thereof_o be_v now_o so_o deface_v that_o we_o can_v distinguish_v who_o seal_v it_o be_v or_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o true_a seal_n or_o a_o counterfeit_a one_o and_o that_o this_o seal_n be_v ever_o affix_v to_o their_o testimony_n be_v testify_v only_o by_o those_o same_o witness_n who_o the_o testimony_n its_o self_n be_v to_o this_o objection_n therefore_o which_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v have_v some_o appearance_n of_o weight_n and_o reason_n in_o it_o i_o answer_v 1._o by_o deny_v the_o ground_n it_o be_v build_v upon_o viz._n that_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v the_o only_a proof_n we_o have_v of_o the_o miracle_n which_o they_o wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o testimony_n concern_v jesus_n for_o beside_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o epistle_n and_o in_o the_o act_n witness_v their_o own_o miracle_n we_o have_v likewise_o the_o testimony_n of_o all_o the_o other_o christian_a writer_n who_o book_n be_v preserve_v that_o live_v in_o or_o near_o the_o apostle_n time_n witness_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o this_o testimony_n not_o only_o give_v as_o it_o be_v in_o secret_a in_o order_n to_o the_o make_v proselyte_n of_o such_o as_o they_o find_v to_o be_v easy_a and_o credulous_a but_o in_o the_o most_o public_a manner_n in_o those_o apology_n for_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o they_o present_v to_o magistrate_n and_o publish_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n in_o which_o for_o proof_n that_o these_o miracle_n have_v be_v wrought_v by_o the_o apostle_n they_o appeal_v to_o all_o the_o history_n and_o record_n of_o the_o apostle_n time_n then_o extant_a in_o which_o they_o challenge_v any_o that_o can_v do_v it_o to_o contradict_v their_o testimony_n in_o which_o they_o testify_v that_o the_o same_o miraculous_a power_n do_v still_o continue_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o be_v sometime_o exert_v often_o enough_o and_o open_o enough_o to_o prove_v its_o be_v though_o not_o so_o frequent_o as_o it_o have_v be_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o when_o there_o be_v more_o need_n of_o show_v it_o viz._n at_o their_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n now_o these_o thing_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v true_a the_o first_o christian_n in_o the_o circumstance_n they_o be_v then_o in_o will_v not_o have_v dare_v to_o affirm_v and_o if_o they_o have_v be_v false_a they_o may_v easy_o have_v be_v disprove_v and_o they_o will_v most_o certain_o have_v be_v at_o least_o bold_o deny_v and_o contradict_v by_o the_o profess_a adversary_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o they_o do_v not_o deny_v or_o contradict_v they_o do_v not_o offer_v to_o disprove_v the_o report_n that_o be_v then_o general_o believe_v of_o the_o miracle_n that_o have_v be_v do_v by_o the_o apostle_n nay_o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o this_o that_o there_o be_v good_a evidence_n from_o antiquity_n still_o remain_v that_o several_a even_o of_o those_o who_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o oppose_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n do_v yet_o express_o own_o that_o great_a and_o mighty_a work_n have_v indeed_o be_v do_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o well_o as_o of_o their_o master_n but_o than_o they_o have_v be_v do_v they_o say_v and_o that_o be_v all_o they_o can_v say_v in_o the_o case_n by_o magic_a art_n by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o devil_n just_a as_o the_o jew_n have_v say_v before_o of_o our_o saviour_n mat._n 12.24_o this_o fellow_n do_v not_o cast_v out_o devil_n but_o by_o beelzebub_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o devil_n i_o shall_v not_o stay_v now_o to_o show_v how_o groundless_a as_o well_o as_o malicious_a this_o suggestion_n be_v with_o reference_n both_o to_o our_o lord_n miracle_n and_o to_o they_o because_o i_o suppose_v i_o shall_v have_v a_o better_a occasion_n to_o do_v it_o hereafter_o in_o my_o next_o discourse_n it_o be_v enough_o for_o my_o present_a purpose_n if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n only_o be_v grant_v viz._n that_o the_o apostle_n do_v do_v many_o miracle_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o confirm_v their_o testimony_n concern_v he_o and_o that_o they_o do_v so_o can_v i_o say_v be_v reasonable_o doubt_v because_o it_o be_v witness_v not_o only_o by_o themselves_o but_o by_o all_o the_o christian_a writer_n of_o those_o or_o the_o succeed_a time_n and_o be_v not_o 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and_o a_o manifest_a contradiction_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o thus_o i_o say_v we_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n only_o to_o a_o firm_a belief_n of_o some_o truth_n which_o yet_o we_o can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o by_o our_o reason_n and_o i_o think_v it_o be_v very_o hard_a that_o we_o will_v not_o receive_v a_o incomprehensible_a doctrine_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o a_o very_a plain_a and_o well_o attest_v divine_a revelation_n as_o well_o as_o we_o do_v and_o must_v do_v the_o same_o upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o natural_a reason_n especial_o consider_v the_o subject_a of_o this_o incomprehensible_a doctrine_n which_o be_v the_o essence_n or_o substance_n of_o god_n who_o be_v a_o infinite_a be_v and_o so_o must_v needs_o be_v incomprehensible_a by_o our_o finite_a understanding_n by_o our_o understanding_n i_o say_v which_o be_v so_o very_o shallow_a that_o i_o believe_v i_o may_v true_o say_v we_o understand_v not_o the_o essence_n or_o substance_n of_o any_o thing_n for_o we_o understand_v not_o what_o be_v the_o essence_n or_o substance_n of_o matter_n or_o body_n though_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o all_o our_o sense_n be_v continual_o exercise_v about_o all_o that_o we_o know_v of_o it_o be_v some_o property_n or_o accident_n thereof_o that_o it_o be_v something_o but_o what_o we_o know_v not_o that_o have_v figure_n and_o dimension_n that_o be_v hard_a soft_a fix_a fluid_a or_o the_o like_a and_o we_o understand_v no_o more_o but_o rather_o less_o what_o the_o essence_n or_o substance_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v all_o that_o we_o know_v of_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v something_o that_o think_v and_o because_o it_o think_v we_o know_v it_o must_v be_v something_o and_o because_o none_o of_o those_o property_n which_o we_o observe_v in_o matter_n have_v any_o relation_n at_o all_o to_o thought_n we_o conclude_v that_o the_o think_v soul_n be_v a_o immaterial_a something_o though_o what_o be_v immaterial_a can_v be_v explain_v by_o we_o unless_o we_o can_v say_v what_o be_v material_a see_v therefore_o as_o the_o wise_a hebrew_n speak_v we_o do_v hardly_o guess_v aright_o at_o thing_n that_o be_v upon_o earth_n 9.16_o wisd_v 9.16_o and_o with_o labour_n do_v find_v out_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v before_o we_o be_v it_o any_o wonder_n that_o we_o can_v search_v out_o and_o full_o know_v and_o comprehend_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n if_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o understand_v even_o our_o own_o essence_n and_o how_o by_o a_o ineffable_a union_n of_o spirit_n with_o matter_n the_o whole_a together_o become_v one_o man_n be_v it_o any_o wonder_n 11.7_o job_n 11.7_o that_o by_o all_o our_o search_v we_o can_v find_v out_o god_n that_o we_o can_v find_v out_o the_o almighty_a unto_o perfection_n and_o what_o have_v be_v thus_o brief_o say_v be_v i_o hope_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o a_o divine_a revelation_n can_v reasonable_o be_v except_v against_o or_o refuse_v only_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o some_o mysterious_a and_o incomprehensible_a doctrine_n that_o be_v therein_o contain_v and_o if_o not_o then_o i_o hope_v what_o be_v say_v before_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v any_o consider_a man_n that_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o true_a divine_a revelation_n to_o conclude_v all_o therefore_o have_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n continual_o preach_v to_o we_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n 22._o jam._n 1.21_o 22._o let_v we_o as_o the_o text_n say_v hear_v they_o let_v we_o reverence_n these_o sacred_a write_n as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o receive_v with_o meekness_n the_o engraft_a word_n which_o be_v able_a to_o save_v our_o soul_n but_o let_v we_o be_v doer_n of_o the_o word_n and_o not_o hearer_n only_o deceive_v our_o own_o self_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n argue_v heb._n 11.3_o etc._n etc._n if_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o angel_n be_v steadfast_a and_o every_o transgression_n and_o disobedience_n receive_v a_o just_a recompense_n of_o reward_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n which_o at_o the_o first_o begin_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v confirm_v unto_o we_o by_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o god_n also_o bear_v they_o witness_n both_o with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o with_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la in_o sermon_n iv_o and_o v._o page_n 14._o line_n 23._o for_o more_o read_v most_o p._n 47._o l._n 12._o for_o they_o r._n be_v l._n 27._o for_o there_o r._n they_o in_o sermon_n vi_o p._n 5._o l._n 3._o for_o he_o r._n by'r_o no_o reason_n to_o desire_v new_a revelation_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral-church_n of_o st._n paul_n october_n seven_o