to_o consider_v what_o be_v their_o condition_n or_o what_o it_o be_v like_a to_o be_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o they_o talk_v of_o these_o thing_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o these_o day_n without_o any_o impression_n on_o their_o mind_n and_o affection_n or_o influence_n on_o the_o practical_a understanding_n but_o our_o enquiry_n be_v after_o what_o be_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n for_o the_o conviction_n of_o rational_a and_o unprejudiced_a person_n and_o the_o defeat_n of_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_a which_o these_o and_o the_o like_a argument_n do_v every_o way_n answer_v some_o think_v fit_a here_o to_o stay_v that_o be_v in_o these_o or_o the_o like_a external_a argument_n or_o rational_a motive_n of_o faith_n such_o as_o render_v the_o scripture_n so_o credible_a as_o that_o it_o be_v a_o unreasonable_a thing_n not_o to_o assent_v unto_o they_o that_o certainty_n which_o may_v be_v attain_v on_o these_o argument_n and_o motive_n be_v as_o they_o say_v the_o high_a 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in_o thing_n natural_a a_o man_n shall_v say_v our_o sight_n be_v green_a when_o we_o see_v that_o which_o be_v so_o and_o blow_v when_o we_o see_v that_o which_o be_v blue_a and_o this_o will_v be_v so_o in_o thing_n moral_a if_o the_o specification_n of_o act_n be_v from_o their_o material_a object_n but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n always_o with_o the_o thing_n they_o be_v conversant_a about_o nor_o be_v they_o change_v thereby_o from_o what_o their_o nature_n be_v in_o themselves_o be_v it_o natural_a or_o supernatural_a humane_a or_o divine_a now_o thing_n divine_a be_v only_o the_o material_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n as_o have_v be_v show_v before_o and_o by_o a_o enumeration_n of_o they_o do_v we_o answer_v unto_o the_o question_n what_o be_v it_o that_o you_o do_v believe_v but_o it_o be_v the_o formal_a object_n or_o reason_n of_o all_o our_o act_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v denominate_v or_o by_o which_o they_o be_v specify_v 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nor_o capable_a of_o a_o scientifical_a demonstration_n but_o must_v be_v receive_v upon_o such_o reason_n and_o argument_n as_o carry_v it_o above_o the_o high_a probability_n though_o they_o leave_v it_o beneath_o science_n or_o knowledge_n or_o infallible_a assurance_n if_o such_o a_o persuasion_n of_o mind_n there_o be_v but_o yet_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o although_o those_o external_a argument_n whereby_o learned_a and_o rational_a man_n have_v prove_v or_o may_v yet_o further_o prove_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n give_v of_o god_n and_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o to_o be_v a_o heavenly_a truth_n be_v of_o singular_a use_n for_o the_o strengthen_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v by_o relieve_v the_o mind_n against_o temptation_n and_o objection_n that_o will_v arise_v to_o the_o contrary_a as_o also_o for_o the_o conviction_n of_o gainsayer_n yet_o to_o say_v that_o they_o contain_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o that_o assent_n which_o be_v require_v of_o we_o unto_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o our_o faith_n be_v the_o effect_n and_o product_v of_o they_o which_o it_o rest_v upon_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o be_v both_o contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n destructive_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o divine_a faith_n and_o exclusive_a of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o this_o whole_a matter_n wherefore_o i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n before_o i_o proceed_v to_o our_o principal_a argument_n design_v 1._o i_o shall_v give_v some_o few_o reason_n prove_v that_o the_o faith_n whereby_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o a_o mere_a firm_a moral_a persuasion_n build_v upon_o external_a argument_n and_o motive_n of_o credibility_n but_o be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a because_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o it_o be_v so_o also_o 2._o i_o shall_v show_v what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o faith_n whereby_o we_o do_v or_o aught_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n what_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n about_o it_o and_o what_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o it_o in_o the_o first_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o brief_a for_o my_o design_n be_v to_o strengthen_v the_o faith_n of_o all_o and_o not_o to_o weaken_v the_o opinion_n of_o any_o divine_a revelation_n be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o divine_a faith_n with_o such_o faith_n we_o can_v believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v so_o and_o what_o be_v so_o can_v be_v receive_v no_o otherwise_o by_o we_o if_o we_o believe_v it_o not_o with_o divine_a faith_n we_o believe_v it_o not_o at_o all_o such_o be_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n every_o where_o propose_v unto_o we_o and_o we_o be_v require_v to_o believe_v that_o be_v first_o to_o
believe_v it_o so_o to_o be_v and_o then_o to_o believe_v the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o for_o this_o proposition_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o so_o to_o be_v believe_v but_o god_n no_o where_o require_v nor_o ever_o do_v that_o we_o shall_v believe_v any_o divine_a revelation_n upon_o such_o ground_n much_o less_o on_o such_o ground_n and_o motive_n only_o they_o be_v leave_v unto_o we_o as_o consequential_a unto_o our_o believe_v to_o plead_v with_o other_o in_o behalf_n of_o what_o we_o profess_v and_o for_o the_o justification_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o world_n but_o that_o which_o require_v our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n unto_o in_o the_o receive_n of_o divine_a revelation_n whether_o immediate_o give_v and_o declare_v or_o as_o record_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v his_o own_o authority_n and_o veracity_n i_o be_o the_o lord_n the_o high_a and_o lofty_a one._n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n this_o be_v my_o son_n hear_v he_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n believe_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o prophet_n this_o alone_a be_v that_o which_o he_o require_v we_o to_o resolve_v our_o faith_n into_o so_o when_o he_o give_v unto_o we_o the_o law_n of_o our_o life_n the_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a rule_n of_o our_o obedience_n unto_o he_o in_o the_o ten_o commandment_n he_o give_v no_o other_o reason_n to_o oblige_v we_o thereunto_o but_o this_o only_a i_o be_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n the_o sole_a formal_a reason_n of_o all_o our_o obedience_n be_v take_v from_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o our_o relation_n unto_o he_o nor_o do_v he_o propose_v any_o other_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v believe_v he_o or_o the_o revelation_n which_o he_o make_v of_o his_o mind_n and_o will._n and_o our_o faith_n be_v part_n of_o our_o obedience_n the_o root_n and_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o therefore_o the_o reason_n of_o both_o be_v the_o same_o neither_o do_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n ever_o make_v use_n of_o such_o argument_n or_o motive_n for_o the_o ingenerate_v of_o faith_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n nor_o have_v they_o give_v direction_n for_o the_o use_n of_o any_o such_o argument_n to_o this_o end_n and_o purpose_n but_o when_o they_o be_v accuse_v to_o have_v follow_v cunning_o devise_v fable_n they_o appeal_v unto_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n to_o the_o revelation_n they_o have_v themselves_o receive_v and_o those_o that_o be_v before_o record_v it_o be_v true_a they_o wrought_v miracle_n in_o confirmation_n of_o their_o own_o divine_a mission_n and_o of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v but_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v all_o of_o they_o wrought_v among_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o whole_a scripture_n then_o give_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o those_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v before_o the_o write_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n their_o doctrine_n therefore_o material_o consider_v and_o their_o warranty_n to_o teach_v it_o be_v sufficient_o yea_o abundant_o confirm_v by_o they_o but_o divine_a revelation_n formal_o consider_v and_o as_o write_v be_v leave_v upon_o the_o old_a foundation_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n who_o give_v it_o no_o such_o method_n be_v prescribe_v no_o such_o example_n be_v propose_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n to_o make_v use_n of_o these_o argument_n and_o motive_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n unto_o god_n and_o the_o ingenerate_v of_o faith_n in_o they_o yea_o in_o some_o case_n the_o use_n of_o such_o mean_n be_v decry_v as_o unprofitable_a and_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o god_n put_v forth_o his_o power_n in_o and_o by_o his_o word_n be_v appeal_v unto_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 4_o 5_o 13._o chap._n 14._o 26_o 27._o 2_o cor._n 4._o 7._o but_o yet_o in_o a_o way_n of_o preparation_n subservient_fw-fr unto_o the_o receive_n the_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o against_o gainsayer_n and_o their_o objection_n their_o use_n have_v be_v grant_v and_o prove_v but_o from_o first_o to_o last_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n the_o authority_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v constant_o and_o uniform_o propose_v as_o the_o immediate_a ground_n and_o reason_n of_o believe_v his_o revelation_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v that_o he_o do_v accept_v or_o approve_v of_o any_o kind_n of_o faith_n or_o assent_n but_o what_o be_v build_v thereon_o and_o resolve_v thereinto_o the_o sum_n be_v we_o be_v oblige_v in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n when_o they_o be_v ministerial_o or_o providential_o propose_v unto_o we_o whereof_o afterward_o the_o ground_n whereon_o we_o be_v to_o receive_v they_o be_v the_o authority_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o they_o we_o believe_v they_o because_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o this_o faith_n whereby_o we_o so_o believe_v be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a because_o the_o mal_fw-fr reason_n of_o it_o be_v so_o namely_o god_n truth_n and_o authority_n wherefore_o we_o do_v not_o nor_o aught_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n as_o high_o probable_a or_o with_o a_o moral_a persuasion_n and_o assurance_n build_v upon_o argument_n absolute_o fallible_a and_o humane_a only_o for_o if_o this_o be_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o faith_n namely_o the_o veracity_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n if_o we_o believe_v not_o with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a we_o believe_v not_o at_o all_o 2._o the_o moral_a certainty_n treat_v of_o be_v a_o mere_a effect_n of_o reason_n there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v unto_o it_o but_o that_o the_o reason_n propose_v for_o the_o assent_n require_v be_v such_o as_o the_o mind_n judge_v to_o be_v convince_a and_o prevalent_a whence_o a_o inferior_a kind_a of_o knowledge_n or_o a_o firm_a opinion_n or_o some_o kind_n of_o persuasion_n which_o have_v not_o yet_o get_v a_o intelligible_a name_n do_v necessary_o ensue_v there_o be_v therefore_o on_o this_o supposition_n no_o need_n of_o any_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o believe_v or_o to_o work_v faith_n in_o we_o for_o no_o more_o be_v require_v herein_o but_o what_o necessary_o arise_v from_o a_o naked_a exercise_n of_o reason_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o enquiry_n be_v not_o about_o what_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o we_o but_o concern_v the_o reason_n and_o motive_n to_o believe_v that_o be_v propose_v unto_o we_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v grant_v but_o that_o we_o urge_v herein_o be_v that_o the_o act_n which_o be_v exert_v on_o such_o motive_n or_o the_o persuasion_n which_o be_v beget_v in_o our_o mind_n by_o they_o be_v pure_o natural_a and_o such_o as_o require_v no_o especial_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o we_o for_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o now_o this_o be_v not_o faith_n nor_o can_v we_o be_v say_v in_o the_o scripture_n sense_n to_o believe_v thereby_o and_o so_o in_o particular_a not_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o be_v not_o of_o ourselves_o ephes_n 2._o 8._o it_o be_v give_v unto_o some_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o christ_n phil._n 1._o 29._o and_o not_o unto_o other_o mat._n 11._o 29._o chap._n 13._o 11._o but_o this_o assent_n on_o external_a argument_n and_o motive_n be_v of_o ourselves_o equal_o common_a and_o expose_v unto_o all_o no_o man_n can_v say_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 3._o but_o he_o who_o believe_v the_o scripture_n true_o aright_o and_o according_a to_o his_o duty_n do_v say_v so_o no_o man_n come_v to_o christ_n but_o he_o that_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v of_o the_o father_n john_n 6._o 45._o and_o as_o this_o be_v contrary_n to_o the_o scripture_n so_o it_o be_v express_o condemn_v by_o the_o ancient_a church_n particular_o by_o the_o second_o arausican_n council_n can._n 5._o 7._o si_fw-mi quis_fw-la sicut_fw-la augmentum_fw-la ita_fw-la etià m_fw-la initium_fw-la fidei_fw-la ipsumque_fw-la credulitatis_fw-la affectum_fw-la non_fw-la per_fw-la gratiae_fw-la donum_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la per_fw-la inspirationem_fw-la spiritus_fw-la sancti_fw-la corrigentem_fw-la voluntatem_fw-la nostram_fw-la ab_fw-la infidelitate_fw-la ad_fw-la fidem_fw-la ab_fw-la impietate_fw-la ad_fw-la pietatem_fw-la sed_fw-la naturalitèr_fw-la nobis_fw-la inesse_fw-la dicit_fw-la apostolicis_fw-la dogmatibus_fw-la adversarius_fw-la approbatur_fw-la and_o plain_o can._n 7._o si_fw-mi quis_fw-la per_fw-la naturae_fw-la vigorem_fw-la bonum_fw-la aliquod_fw-la quod_fw-la ad_fw-la salutem_fw-la pertinet_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la eternae_fw-la cogitare_fw-la ut_fw-la expedit_fw-la aut_fw-la eligere_fw-la sive_fw-la salutari_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la evangelicae_fw-la praedicaiioni_fw-la consentire_fw-la
shall_v be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n john_n 6._o 45._o that_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a excellency_n in_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v deny_v by_o any_o who_o on_o any_o ground_n or_o motive_n whatever_o do_v own_o its_o divine_a original_a for_o all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n do_v set_v forth_o his_o praise_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o thing_n shall_v proceed_v immediate_o from_o he_o but_o that_o there_o will_v be_v express_a character_n of_o divine_a excellency_n upon_o it_o and_o as_o to_o the_o communication_n of_o these_o character_n of_o himself_o he_o have_v magnify_v his_o word_n above_o all_o his_o name_n but_o these_o we_o can_v discern_v be_v they_o in_o themselves_o never_o so_o illustrious_a without_o the_o effectual_a communication_n of_o the_o light_n mention_v unto_o our_o mind_n that_o be_v without_o divine_a supernatural_a illumination_n herein_o he_o who_o command_v light_a to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n shine_v into_o our_o heart_n 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 he_o irradiate_v the_o mind_n with_o a_o spiritual_a light_n whereby_o it_o be_v enable_v to_o discern_v the_o glory_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n this_o they_o can_v do_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o eye_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v into_o they_o v_o 6._o those_o who_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o their_o natural_a darkness_n and_o blindness_n especial_o where_o there_o be_v in_o they_o also_o superad_v prejudices_fw-la begotten_a and_o increase_v by_o the_o craft_n of_o satan_n as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o whole_a world_n of_o unbeliever_n can_v see_v nor_o discern_v that_o divine_a excellency_n in_o the_o scripture_n without_o a_o apprehension_n whereof_o no_o man_n can_v believe_v it_o a_o right_a to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n such_o person_n may_v assent_v unto_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o its_o divine_a original_a upon_o external_a argument_n and_o rational_a motive_n but_o believe_v it_o with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a on_o those_o argument_n and_o motive_n only_o they_o can_v there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o hinder_v or_o disenable_a man_n from_o believe_v with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a when_o any_o divine_a revelation_n be_v objective_o propose_v unto_o they_o first_o the_o natural_a blindness_n and_o darkness_n of_o their_o mind_n which_o be_v come_v upon_o all_o by_o the_o fall_n and_o the_o depravation_n of_o our_o nature_n that_o ensue_v thereon_o second_o the_o prejudices_fw-la that_o through_o the_o craft_n of_o satan_n the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n their_o mind_n be_v possess_v with_o by_o tradition_n education_n and_o converse_v in_o the_o world_n this_o last_o obstruction_n or_o hindrance_n may_v be_v so_o far_o remove_v by_o external_a argument_n and_o motive_n of_o credibility_n as_o that_o man_n may_v upon_o they_o attain_v unto_o a_o moral_a persuasion_n concern_v the_o divine_a original_a of_o the_o scripture_n but_o these_o argument_n can_v remove_v or_o take_v away_o the_o native_a blindness_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v remove_v by_o their_o renovation_n and_o divine_a illumination_n alone_o wherefore_o none_o i_o think_v will_v positive_o affirm_v that_o we_o can_v believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n which_o god_n require_v without_o a_o supernatural_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o our_o mind_n in_o the_o illumination_n of_o they_o so_o david_n pray_v that_o god_n will_v open_v his_o eye_n that_o he_o may_v behold_v wondrous_a thing_n out_o of_o the_o law_n psal._n 119._o 10._o that_o he_o will_v make_v he_o understand_v the_o way_n of_o his_o precept_n v_o 27._o that_o he_o will_v give_v he_o understanding_n and_o he_o shall_v keep_v the_o law_n v_o 34._o so_o the_o lord_n christ_n also_o open_v the_o understanding_n of_o his_o disciple_n that_o they_o may_v understand_v the_o scripture_n luk._n 24._o 45._o as_o he_o have_v affirm_v before_o that_o it_o be_v give_v unto_o some_o to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o not_o unto_o other_o mat._n 11._o 25._o chap._n 13._o 11._o and_o neither_o be_v these_o thing_n speak_v in_o vain_a nor_o be_v the_o grace_n intend_v in_o they_o needless_a the_o communication_n of_o this_o light_n unto_o we_o the_o scripture_n call_v reveal_v and_o revelation_n mat._n 11._o 25._o thou_o have_v hide_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a and_o have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o babe_n that_o be_v give_v they_o to_o understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n when_o they_o be_v preach_v unto_o they_o and_o no_o man_n know_v the_o father_n but_o he_o to_o who_o the_o son_n reveal_v he_o v_o 27._o so_o the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o the_o ephesian_n that_o god_n will_v give_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o understanding_n be_v enlighten_v they_o may_v know_v etc._n etc._n chap._n 1._o v._n 17_o 18_o 19_o it_o be_v true_a these_o ephesian_n be_v already_o believer_n or_o consider_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o such_o but_o if_o he_o judge_v it_o necessary_a to_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n to_o enlighten_v the_o eye_n of_o their_o understanding_n with_o respect_n unto_o further_a degree_n of_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n or_o as_o he_o speak_v in_o another_o place_n that_o they_o may_v come_v unto_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o understanding_n to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n col._n 2._o 2._o then_o it_o be_v much_o more_o necessary_a to_o make_v they_o believer_n who_o before_o be_v not_o so_o but_o utter_a stranger_n unto_o the_o faith_n but_o as_o a_o pretence_n hereof_o have_v be_v abuse_v as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o so_o the_o plead_n of_o it_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v mistake_v for_o some_o be_v ready_a to_o apprehend_v that_o this_o retreat_n unto_o a_o spirit_n of_o revelation_n be_v but_o a_o pretence_n to_o discard_v all_o rational_a argument_n and_o to_o introduce_v enthusiasm_n into_o their_o room_n now_o although_o the_o charge_n be_v grievous_a yet_o because_o it_o be_v groundless_a we_o must_v not_o forego_v what_o the_o scripture_n plain_o affirm_v and_o instruct_v we_o in_o thereby_o to_o avoid_v it_o scripture_n testimony_n may_v be_v expound_v according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n but_o deny_v or_o despise_v seem_v they_o never_o so_o contrary_a unto_o our_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n they_o must_v not_o be_v some_o i_o confess_v seem_v to_o disregard_n both_o the_o objective_n work_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o this_o matter_n whereof_o we_o shall_v treat_v afterward_o and_o his_o subjective_n work_v also_o in_o our_o mind_n that_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o sense_n and_o reason_n but_o we_o must_v grant_v that_o a_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n to_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n be_v needful_a to_o enable_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n or_o forgo_v the_o gospel_n and_o our_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o pray_v continual_o for_o that_o spirit_n if_o we_o intend_v to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o faith_n thereof_o but_o yet_o we_o plead_v not_o for_o external_a immediate_a revelation_n such_o as_o be_v grant_v unto_o the_o prophet_n apostle_n and_o other_o penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o revelation_n we_o intend_v differ_v from_o they_o both_o in_o its_o especial_a subject_n and_o formal_a reason_n or_o nature_n that_o be_v in_o the_o whole_a kind_n for_o 1._o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o divine_a prophetical_a revelation_n by_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o immediate_a divine_a inspiration_n be_v thing_n not_o make_v know_v before_o thing_n they_o be_v hide_v in_o god_n or_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o will_n and_o reveal_v unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n by_o the_o spirit_n ephes._n 2._o 5_o 9_o 10._o whether_o they_o be_v doctrine_n or_o thing_n they_o be_v at_o least_o as_o unto_o their_o present_a circumstance_n make_v know_v from_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n by_o their_o revelation_n but_o the_o matter_n and_o subject_n of_o the_o revelation_n we_o treat_v of_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v already_o reveal_v it_o be_v a_o internal_a revelation_n of_o that_o which_o be_v outward_o and_o antecedent_n unto_o it_o beyond_o the_o bound_n thereof_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v extend_v and_o if_o any_o pretend_v unto_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o thing_n not_o before_o reveal_v we_o have_v no_o concernment_n in_o
upon_o they_o that_o they_o can_v see_v nor_o discern_v spiritual_a thing_n no_o not_o when_o they_o be_v external_o propose_v unto_o they_o as_o i_o have_v at_o large_a evince_v elsewhere_o and_o no_o man_n can_v give_v a_o great_a evidence_n that_o it_o be_v so_o than_o he_o who_o deny_v it_o so_o to_o be_v with_o respect_n unto_o both_o these_o kind_n of_o darkness_n the_o scripture_n be_v a_o light_n and_o accompany_v with_o a_o spiritual_a illuminate_a efficacy_n thereby_o evidence_v itself_o to_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n for_o what_o but_o divine_a truth_n can_v recall_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o all_o their_o wander_n in_o error_n superstition_n and_o other_o effect_n of_o darkness_n which_o of_o themselves_o they_o love_v more_o than_o truth_n all_o thing_n be_v fill_v with_o vanity_n error_n confusion_n misapprehension_n about_o god_n and_o ourselves_o our_o duty_n and_o end_n our_o misery_n and_o blessedness_n the_o scripture_n where_o it_o be_v communicate_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n come_v in_o as_o a_o light_n into_o a_o dark_a place_n discover_v all_o thing_n clear_o and_o steady_o that_o concern_v either_o god_n or_o ourselves_o our_o present_a or_o future_a condition_n cause_v all_o the_o ghost_n and_o false_a image_n of_o thing_n which_o man_n have_v frame_v and_o fancy_v unto_o themselves_o in_o the_o dark_a to_o vanish_v and_o disappear_v digitus_fw-la dei_fw-la this_o be_v none_o other_o but_o the_o power_n of_o god_n but_o principal_o it_o evidence_v this_o its_o divine_a efficacy_n by_o that_o spiritual_a save_v light_n which_o it_o convey_v into_o and_o implant_v on_o the_o mind_n of_o believer_n hence_o there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o who_o have_v gain_v any_o experience_n by_o the_o observation_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o they_o but_o shall_v although_o they_o know_v not_o the_o way_n and_o method_n of_o the_o spirit_n operation_n by_o the_o word_n yea_o can_v say_v with_o the_o man_n unto_o who_o the_o lord_n jesus_n restore_v his_o sight_n one_o thing_n i_o know_v that_o whereas_o i_o be_v bear_v blind_a now_o i_o see_v this_o power_n of_o the_o word_n as_o the_o instrument_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o the_o communication_n of_o save_v light_n and_o knowledge_n unto_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o apostle_n declare_v 2_o cor._n 3._o 18._o chap._n 4._o 4_o 6._o by_o the_o efficacy_n of_o this_o power_n do_v he_o evidence_n the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n those_o who_o believe_v find_v by_o it_o a_o glorious_a supernatural_a light_n introduce_v into_o their_o mind_n whereby_o they_o who_o before_o see_v nothing_o in_o a_o distinct_a affect_a manner_n in_o spiritual_n do_v now_o clear_o discern_v the_o truth_n the_o glory_n the_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n of_o heavenly_a mystery_n and_o have_v their_o mind_n transform_v into_o their_o image_n and_o likelineness_n and_o there_o be_v no_o person_n who_o have_v the_o witness_n in_o himself_o of_o the_o kindle_v of_o this_o heavenly_a light_n in_o his_o mind_n by_o the_o word_n but_o have_v also_o the_o evidence_n in_o himself_o of_o its_o divine_a original_a 3._o it_o do_v in_o like_a manner_n evidence_n its_o divine_a authority_n by_o the_o awe_n which_o it_o put_v on_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n unto_o who_o it_o be_v make_v know_v that_o they_o dare_v not_o absolute_o reject_v it_o multitude_n there_o be_v unto_o who_o the_o word_n be_v declare_v who_o hate_v all_o its_o precept_n despise_v all_o its_o promise_n abhor_v all_o its_o threaten_n like_v nothing_o approve_v of_o nothing_o of_o what_o it_o declare_v or_o propose_v and_o yet_o dare_v not_o absolute_o refuse_v or_o reject_v it_o they_o deal_v with_o it_o as_o they_o do_v with_o god_n himself_o who_o they_o hate_v also_o according_a to_o the_o revelation_n which_o he_o have_v make_v of_o himself_o in_o his_o word_n they_o wish_v he_o be_v not_o sometime_o they_o hope_v he_o be_v not_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o be_v free_a of_o his_o rule_n but_o yet_o dare_v not_o can_v absolute_o deny_v and_o disow_v he_o because_o of_o that_o testimony_n for_o himself_o which_o he_o keep_v alive_a in_o they_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no._n the_o same_o be_v the_o frame_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o mind_n towards_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o manifest_v it_o selfsso_n to_o be_v they_o hate_v it_o wish_v it_o be_v not_o hope_v it_o be_v not_o true_a but_o be_v not_o by_o any_o mean_v able_a to_o shake_v off_o a_o disquiet_a in_o the_o sense_n of_o its_o divine_a authority_n this_o testimony_n it_o have_v fix_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o multitude_n of_o its_o enemy_n psal._n 45._o 5._o 4._o it_o evidence_n its_o divine_a power_n in_o administer_a strong_a consolation_n in_o the_o deep_a and_o most_o unrelievable_a distress_n some_o such_o there_o be_v and_o such_o many_o man_n fall_v into_o wherein_o all_o mean_n and_o hope_n of_o relief_n may_v be_v utter_o remove_v and_o take_v away_o so_o be_v it_o when_o the_o misery_n of_o man_n be_v not_o know_v unto_o any_o that_o will_v so_o much_o as_o pity_v they_o or_o wish_v they_o relief_n or_o if_o they_o have_v be_v know_v and_o there_o have_v be_v a_o eye_n to_o pity_v they_o yet_o there_o have_v be_v no_o hand_n to_o help_v they_o such_o have_v be_v the_o condition_n of_o innumerable_a soul_n as_o on_o other_o account_n so_o in_o particular_a under_o the_o power_n of_o persecutor_n when_o they_o have_v be_v shut_v up_o in_o filthy_a and_o nasty_a dungeon_n not_o to_o be_v bring_v out_o but_o unto_o death_n by_o the_o most_o exquisite_a torture_n that_o the_o malice_n of_o hell_n can_v invent_v or_o the_o bloody_a cruelty_n of_o man_n inflict_v yet_o in_o these_o and_o the_o like_a distress_n do_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o its_o divine_a power_n and_o efficacy_n break_v through_o all_o interpose_v difficulty_n all_o dark_a and_o discourage_a circumstance_n support_v refresh_a and_o comfort_v such_o poor_a distress_a sufferer_n yea_o common_o fill_v they_o under_o overwhelm_a calamity_n with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n though_o they_o be_v in_o bond_n yet_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n not_o bind_v neither_o can_v all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n nor_o all_o the_o diligence_n or_o fury_n of_o man_n keep_v out_o the_o word_n from_o enter_v into_o prison_n dungeon_n flame_n and_o to_o administer_v strong_a consolation_n against_o all_o fear_n pain_n want_n danger_n death_n or_o whatever_o we_o may_v in_o this_o mortal_a life_n be_v expose_v unto_o and_o sundry_a other_o instance_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n may_v be_v plead_v wherein_o the_o word_n give_v evident_a demonstration_n unto_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n of_o its_o own_o divine_a power_n and_o authority_n which_o be_v the_o second_o way_n whereby_o the_o holy_a ghost_n its_o author_n give_v testimony_n unto_o its_o original_a but_o it_o be_v not_o mere_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n whereon_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o we_o design_v to_o declare_v the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n enable_v we_o to_o believe_v they_o so_o to_o be_v be_v propose_v unto_o consideration_n and_o beyond_o what_o we_o have_v insist_v on_o there_o be_v yet_o a_o further_a peculiar_a work_n of_o he_o whereby_o he_o effectual_o ascertain_v our_o mind_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n whereby_o we_o be_v ultimate_o establish_v in_o the_o faith_n thereof_o and_o i_o can_v but_o both_o admire_v and_o bewail_v that_o this_o shall_v be_v deny_v by_o any_o that_o will_v be_v esteem_v christian_n wherefore_o if_o there_o be_v any_o necessity_n thereof_o i_o shall_v take_v occasion_n in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o discourse_n further_o to_o confirm_v this_o part_n of_o the_o truth_n thus_o far_o debate_v namely_o that_o god_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n do_v secret_o and_o effectual_o persuade_v and_o satisfy_v the_o mind_n and_o soul_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o divine_a truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n whereby_o he_o infallible_o secure_v their_o faith_n against_o all_o objection_n and_o temptation_n whatsoever_o so_o that_o they_o can_v safe_o and_o comfortable_o dispose_v of_o their_o soul_n in_o all_o their_o concernment_n with_o respect_n unto_o this_o life_n and_o eternity_n according_a unto_o the_o undeceivable_a truth_n and_o guidance_n of_o it_o but_o i_o shall_v no_o further_o insist_v on_o these_o thing_n at_o present_a three_o thing_n do_v offer_v themselves_o unto_o consideration_n from_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v 1._o what_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n why_o the_o mean_a and_o most_o unlearned_a sort_n of_o believer_n do_v assent_v unto_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v
divine_a and_o supernatural_a as_o it_o be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n 2._o how_o or_o by_o what_o mean_v we_o may_v come_v to_o understand_v aright_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o revelation_n that_o be_v make_v unto_o we_o of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_v therein_o for_o by_o illumination_n in_o general_n as_o it_o denote_v a_o effect_n wrought_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n i_o understand_v that_o supernatural_a knowledge_n that_o any_o man_n have_v or_o may_v have_v of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n as_o reveal_v unto_o he_o by_o supernatural_a mean_n for_o the_o law_n of_o his_o faith_n life_n and_o obedience_n and_o this_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v comprise_v in_o the_o first_o of_o these_o inquiry_n be_v that_o who_o declaration_n we_o at_o present_a design_n reserve_v the_o latter_a unto_o a_o distinct_a discourse_n by_o itself_o also_o unto_o the_o former_a some_o thing_n may_v be_v premise_v first_o supernatural_a revelation_n be_v the_o only_a objective_n cause_n and_o mean_n of_o supernatural_a illumination_n these_o thing_n be_v commensurate_a there_o be_v a_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o supernatural_a thing_n and_o that_o both_o theoretical_a and_o practical_a rom._n 1._o 19_o chap._n 2._o 14_o 15._o and_o there_o may_v be_v a_o supernatural_a knowledge_n of_o natural_a thing_n 1_o king_n 4._o 31_o 32_o 33_o 34._o exod._n 31._o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o but_o unto_o this_o supernatural_a illumination_n it_o be_v require_v both_o that_o its_o object_n be_v thing_n only_o supernatural_o reveal_v or_o as_o supernatural_o reveal_v 1_o cor._n 2._o 9_o 10._o and_o that_o it_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o a_o supernatural_a efficiency_n or_o the_o immediate_a efficacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n ephes._n 1._o 17_o 18_o 19_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o this_o david_n pray_v for_o psal._n 119._o 18._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d reveal_v or_o uncover_v my_o eye_n bring_v light_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n into_o my_o mind_n that_o i_o may_v behold_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o open_a face_n or_o as_o in_o the_o syriack_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o a_o reveal_v or_o uncovered_a face_n the_o vail_n be_v take_v away_o 2_o cor._n 3._o 18._o wondrous_a thing_n out_o of_o thy_o law_n the_o light_n he_o pray_v for_o within_o do_v mere_o respect_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n without_o this_o the_o apostle_n full_o declare_v heb._n 1._o 1_o 2._o the_o various_a supernatural_a revelation_n that_o god_n have_v make_v of_o himself_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n from_o first_o to_o last_o be_v the_o sole_a and_o adequate_a object_n of_o supernatural_a illumination_n second_o this_o divine_a external_a revelation_n be_v original_o by_o various_a way_n which_o we_o have_v elsewhere_o declare_v give_v unto_o sundry_a person_n immediate_o partly_o for_o their_o own_o instruction_n and_o guidance_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o will_n and_o partly_o by_o their_o ministry_n to_o be_v communicate_v unto_o the_o church_n so_o be_v it_o grant_v unto_o enoch_n the_o seven_o from_o adam_n who_o thereon_o prophesy_v to_o the_o warning_n and_o instruction_n of_o other_o judas_n 14_o 15._o and_o to_o noah_n who_o become_v thereby_o a_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n 2_o pet._n 2._o 5._o and_o to_o abraham_n who_o thereon_o command_v his_o child_n and_o household_n to_o keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n gen._n 18._o 19_o and_o other_o instance_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n may_v be_v give_v gen._n 4._o 26._o chap._n 5._o 28._o and_o this_o course_n do_v god_n continue_v a_o long_a time_n even_o from_o the_o first_o promise_n to_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n before_o any_o revelation_n be_v commit_v to_o writing_n for_o the_o space_n of_o 2460_o year_n for_o so_o long_a a_o season_n do_v god_n enlighten_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o supernatural_a external_a immediate_a occasional_a revelation_n sundry_a thing_n may_v be_v observe_v of_o this_o divine_a dispensation_n as_o 1._o that_o it_o do_v sufficient_o evidence_n its_o self_n to_o be_v from_o god_n unto_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v grant_v and_o they_o also_o unto_o who_o these_o revelation_n be_v by_o they_o communicate_v for_o during_o this_o season_n satan_n use_v his_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o possess_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o his_o delusion_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o divine_a supernatural_a inspiration_n for_o hereunto_o belong_v the_o original_a of_o all_o his_o oracle_n and_o enthusisasme_n among_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n there_o be_v therefore_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o efficacy_n attend_v all_o divine_a revelation_n ascertain_v and_o infallable_o assure_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n of_o their_o be_v from_o god_n for_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v so_o man_n have_v never_o be_v able_a to_o secure_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v not_o impose_v on_o by_o the_o crafty_a deceit_n of_o satan_n especial_o in_o such_o revelation_n as_o seem_v to_o contain_v thing_n contrary_a to_o their_o reason_n as_o in_o the_o command_n give_v to_o abraham_n for_o the_o sacrifice_a his_o son_n gen._n 22._o 2._o wherefore_o these_o immediate_a revelation_n have_v not_o be_v a_o sufficient_a mean_n to_o secure_v the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o church_n if_o they_o have_v not_o carry_v along_o with_o they_o their_o own_o evidence_n that_o they_o be_v from_o god_n of_o what_o nature_n that_o evidence_n be_v we_o shall_v afterward_o inquire_v for_o the_o present_a i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n unto_o faith_n and_o not_o to_o sense_n as_o be_v that_o also_o which_o we_o have_v now_o by_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v not_o like_o that_o which_o the_o sun_n give_v of_o itself_o by_o its_o light_n which_o there_o need_v no_o exercise_n of_o reason_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o for_o sense_n be_v irresistible_o affect_v with_o it_o but_o it_o be_v like_o the_o evidence_n which_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n give_v of_o their_o be_v make_v and_o create_v of_o god_n and_o thereby_o of_o his_o be_v and_o power_n this_o they_o do_v undeniable_o and_o infallible_o psal._n 19_o 1_o 2._o rom._n 1._o 19_o 20_o 21._o yet_o be_v it_o require_v hereunto_o that_o man_n do_v use_v and_o exercise_v the_o best_a of_o their_o rational_a ability_n in_o the_o consideration_n and_o contemplation_n of_o they_o where_o this_o be_v neglect_v notwithstanding_o their_o open_a and_o visible_a evidence_n unto_o the_o contrary_a man_n degenerate_a into_o atheism_n god_n so_o give_v out_o these_o revelation_n of_o himself_o as_o to_o require_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o faith_n conscience_n obedience_n and_o reason_n of_o they_o unto_o who_o they_o be_v make_v and_o therein_o they_o give_v full_a assurance_n of_o their_o proceed_n from_o he_o so_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o his_o word_n differ_v from_o all_o other_o pretend_a revelation_n as_o the_o wheat_n do_v from_o the_o chaff_n jer._n 23._o 28._o but_o yet_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o try_v and_o sift_v the_o wheat_n from_o the_o chaff_n or_o we_o may_v not_o evident_o discern_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o 2._o the_o thing_n so_o reveal_v be_v sufficient_a to_o guide_v and_o direct_v all_o person_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o god_n in_o all_o that_o be_v require_v of_o they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o faith_n or_o obedience_n god_n from_o the_o beginning_n give_v out_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o sundry_a part_n and_o degree_n yet_o so_o that_o every_o age_n and_o season_n have_v light_a enough_o to_o guide_v they_o in_o the_o whole_a obedience_n require_v of_o they_o and_o unto_o their_o edification_n therein_o they_o have_v knowledge_n enough_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o offer_v sacrifice_n in_o faith_n as_o do_v abel_n to_o walk_v with_o god_n as_o do_v enoch_n and_o to_o teach_v their_o family_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o do_v abraham_n the_o world_n perish_v not_o for_o want_v of_o sufficient_a revelation_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n at_o any_o time_n indeed_o when_o we_o go_v to_o consider_v those_o divine_a instruction_n which_o be_v upon_o record_n that_o god_n grant_v unto_o they_o we_o be_v scarce_o able_a to_o discern_v how_o they_o be_v sufficient_o enlighten_v in_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o to_o believe_v and_o do_v but_o they_o be_v unto_o they_o as_o a_o light_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n set_a up_o but_o a_o candle_n in_o a_o dark_a room_n and_o it_o will_v sufficient_o enlighten_v it_o for_o man_n to_o attend_v their_o necessary_a occasion_n therein_o but_o when_o the_o sun_n be_v rise_v and_o shine_v in_o at_o all_o the_o window_n the_o light_n of_o the_o candle_n grow_v so_o dim_a and_o useless_a that_o it_o seem_v strange_a that_o any_o can_v
they_o on_o their_o lust_n hos._n 2._o 8._o it_o be_v a_o high_a aggravation_n when_o man_n in_o sin_v abuse_n and_o dishonour_v their_o own_o body_n for_o these_o be_v the_o principal_a external_a workmanship_n of_o god_n be_v make_v for_o eternity_n and_o who_o preservation_n unto_o his_o glory_n be_v commit_v unto_o we_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n this_o the_o apostle_n declare_v to_o be_v the_o peculiar_a aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o fornication_n and_o uncleanness_n in_o any_o kind_n 1_o cor._n 6._o 18_o 19_o but_o the_o height_n of_o impiety_n consist_v in_o the_o abuse_n of_o the_o faculty_n and_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n wherewith_o we_o be_v endow_v purposely_o and_o immediate_o for_o the_o glorify_v of_o god_n hence_o proceed_v unbelief_n profaneness_n blasphemy_n atheism_n and_o the_o like_a pollution_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o mind_n and_o these_o be_v sin_n of_o the_o high_a provocation_n for_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o our_o mind_n be_v give_v we_o only_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o live_v unto_o god_n the_o divert_v of_o their_o principal_a exercise_n unto_o other_o end_n be_v a_o act_n of_o enmity_n against_o he_o and_o affront_v unto_o he_o 1._o he_o make_v himself_o know_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o innate_a principle_n of_o our_o nature_n unto_o which_o he_o have_v communicate_v as_o a_o power_n of_o apprehend_v so_o a_o indelible_a sense_n of_o his_o be_v his_o authority_n and_o his_o will_n so_o far_o as_o our_o natural_a dependence_n on_o he_o and_o moral_a subjection_n unto_o he_o do_v require_v for_o whereas_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n in_o this_o natural_a light_n and_o first_o dictate_v of_o reason_n first_o a_o power_n of_o conceive_v discern_v and_o assent_v and_o second_o a_o power_n of_o judge_v and_o determine_v upon_o the_o thing_n so_o discern_v and_o assent_v unto_o by_o the_o one_o god_n make_v know_v his_o be_v and_o essential_a property_n by_o the_o other_o his_o sovereign_a authority_n over_o all_o as_o to_o the_o first_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rom._n 1._o 19_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n his_o essence_n be_v subsistence_n his_o natural_a necessary_a essential_a property_n be_v manifest_a in_o they_o that_o be_v it_o have_v a_o self_n evidence_v power_n act_v itself_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o man_n endue_v with_o natural_a light_n and_o reason_n and_o as_o unto_o his_o sovereign_a authority_n he_o do_v evidence_n it_o in_o and_o by_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n which_o be_v the_o judgement_n that_o they_o make_v and_o can_v but_o make_v of_o themselves_o and_o their_o action_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o authority_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n rom._n 2._o 14_o 15._o and_o thus_o the_o mind_n do_v assent_v unto_o the_o principle_n of_o god_n be_v and_o authority_n antecedent_o unto_o any_o actual_a exercise_n of_o the_o discursive_a faculty_n of_o reason_n or_o other_o testimony_n whatever_o 2._o he_o do_v it_o unto_o our_o reason_n in_o its_o exercise_n by_o propose_v such_o thing_n unto_o its_o consideration_n as_o from_o whence_o it_o may_v and_o can_v but_o conclude_v in_o a_o assent_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o god_n intend_v to_o reveal_v unto_o we_o that_o way_n this_o he_o do_v by_o the_o work_v of_o creation_n and_o providence_n which_o present_v themselves_o unavoidable_o unto_o reason_n in_o its_o exercise_n to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o nature_n be_v and_o property_n of_o god_n thus_o the_o heaven_n declare_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o firmament_n show_v his_o handiwork_a day_n unto_o day_n utter_v speech_n and_o night_n unto_o night_n show_v knowledge_n there_o be_v no_o speech_n nor_o language_n where_o their_o voice_n be_v not_o hear_v psal._n 19_o 1_o 2_o 3._o but_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o thus_o declare_v evidence_n and_o reveal_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o first_o principle_n and_o notion_n of_o natural_a light_n without_o the_o actual_a exercise_n of_o reason_n only_o they_o do_v so_o when_o we_o consider_v his_o heaven_n the_o work_n of_o his_o finger_n the_o moon_n and_o the_o star_n which_o he_o have_v ordain_v as_o the_o same_o psalmist_n speak_v psal._n 8._o 3._o a_o rational_a consideration_n of_o they_o their_o greatness_n order_n beauty_n and_o use_v be_v require_v unto_o that_o testimony_n and_o evidence_n which_o god_n give_v in_o they_o and_o by_o they_o unto_o himself_o his_o glorious_a be_v power_n to_o this_o purpose_n the_o apostle_n discourse_v at_o large_a concern_v the_o work_n of_o creation_n rom._n 1._o 20_o 21_o 22._o as_o also_o of_o those_o of_o providence_n act_v 14._o 15_o 16_o 17._o chap._n 17._o 24_o 25_o 26_o 27_o 28._o and_o the_o rational_a use_v we_o be_v to_o make_v of_o they_o verse_n 29._o so_o god_n call_v unto_o man_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o reason_n about_o these_o thing_n reproach_v they_o with_o stupidity_n and_o brutishness_n where_o they_o be_v want_v therein_o isa_n 46._o 7_o 8_o 9_o chap._n 44._o 18_o 19_o 20._o 3._o god_n reveal_v himself_o unto_o our_o faith_n or_o that_o power_n of_o our_o soul_n whereby_o we_o be_v able_a to_o assent_v unto_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v propose_v unto_o we_o upon_o testimony_n and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o his_o word_n or_o the_o scripture_n propose_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o manner_n and_o way_n before_o express_v he_o do_v not_o reveal_v himself_o by_o his_o word_n unto_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a light_n nor_o unto_o reason_n in_o its_o exercise_n but_o yet_o these_o principle_n and_o reason_n itself_o with_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o mind_n be_v consequential_o affect_v with_o that_o revelation_n and_o be_v draw_v forth_o into_o their_o proper_a exercise_n by_o it_o but_o in_o the_o gospel_n the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o faith_n to_o faith_n rom._n 1._o 17._o not_o to_o natural_a light_n sense_n or_o reason_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o it_o be_v faith_n that_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v as_o reveal_v in_o the_o word_n heb._n 11._o 1._o unto_o this_o kind_n of_o revelation_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o assent_n and_o that_o assent_n be_v the_o assent_n of_o faith_n because_o it_o be_v resolve_v into_o testimony_n alone_o and_o concern_v these_o several_a way_n of_o the_o communication_n or_o revelation_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n it_o must_v be_v always_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o perfect_a consonancy_n in_o the_o thing_n reveal_v by_o they_o all_o if_o any_o thing_n pretend_v from_o the_o one_o what_o be_v absolute_o contradictory_n unto_o the_o other_o or_o our_o sense_n as_o the_o mean_n of_o they_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o whole_a as_o of_o all_o the_o act_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v in_o the_o inbred_a principle_n of_o natural_a light_n or_o first_o necessary_a dictate_v of_o our_o intellectual_a rational_a nature_n this_o so_o far_o as_o it_o extend_v be_v a_o rule_n unto_o our_o apprehension_n in_o all_o that_o follow_v wherefore_o if_o any_o pretend_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o reason_n to_o conclude_v unto_o any_o thing_n concern_v the_o nature_n be_v or_o will_v of_o god_n that_o be_v direct_o contradictory_n unto_o those_o principle_n and_o dictate_v it_o be_v no_o divine_a revelation_n unto_o our_o reason_n but_o a_o paralogism_n from_o the_o defect_n of_o reason_n in_o its_o exercise_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n charge_v on_o and_o vehement_o urge_v against_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n inbred_a notion_n they_o have_v in_o themselves_o of_o the_o be_v and_o eternal_a power_n of_o god_n and_o these_o be_v so_o manifest_a in_o they_o thereby_o that_o they_o can_v not_o but_o own_v they_o hereon_o they_o set_v their_o rational_a discursive_a faculty_n at_o work_n in_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n and_o his_o be_v but_o herein_o be_v they_o so_o vain_a and_o foolish_a as_o to_o draw_v conclusion_n direct_o contrary_a unto_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o natural_a light_n and_o the_o unavoidable_a notion_n which_o they_o have_v of_o the_o eternal_a be_v of_o god_n rom._n 1._o 21_o 22_o 23_o 24._o and_o many_o upon_o their_o pretend_a rational_a consideration_n of_o the_o promiscuous_a event_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n have_v foolish_o conclude_v that_o all_o thing_n have_v a_o fortuitous_a beginning_n and_o have_v fortuitous_a event_n or_o such_o as_o from_o a_o concatenation_n of_o antecedent_n cause_n be_v fatal_o necessary_o and_o be_v not_o dispose_v by_o a_o infinite_o wise_a unerring_a holy_a providence_n and_o this_o also_o be_v direct_o contradictory_n unto_o the_o first_o principle_n and_o notion_n of_o natural_a light_n whereby_o it_o open_o proclaim_v itself_o not_o to_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o reason_n in_o its_o due_a
insist_v on_o especial_o ought_v they_o to_o be_v plead_v when_o the_o scripture_n be_v attack_v by_o a_o atheism_n arise_v from_o the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o those_o lust_n and_o sin_n which_o be_v severe_o condemn_v therein_o and_o threaten_v with_o the_o utmost_a vengeance_n with_o other_o they_o may_v be_v consider_v as_o previous_a inducement_n unto_o believe_v or_o concomitant_a mean_n of_o strengthen_v faith_n in_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v in_o the_o first_o way_n i_o confess_v to_o the_o best_a of_o my_o observation_n of_o thing_n past_a and_o present_a their_o use_n be_v not_o great_a nor_o ever_o have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o assure_o the_o most_o that_o do_v sincere_o believe_v the_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v it_o without_o any_o great_a consideration_n of_o they_o or_o be_v much_o influence_v by_o they_o and_o there_o be_v many_o who_o as_o austin_n speak_v be_v save_v simplicitate_fw-la credendi_fw-la and_o not_o subtilitate_fw-la disputandi_fw-la that_o be_v not_o able_a to_o inquire_v much_o into_o they_o nor_o yet_o to_o apprehend_v much_o of_o their_o force_n and_o efficacy_n when_o they_o be_v propose_v unto_o they_o most_o person_n therefore_o be_v effectual_o convert_v to_o god_n and_o have_v save_v faith_n whereby_o they_o believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o virtual_o all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o before_o they_o have_v ever_o once_o consider_v they_o and_o god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v think_v that_o none_o believe_v the_o scripture_n aright_o but_o those_o who_o be_v able_a to_o apprehend_v and_o manage_v the_o subtle_a argument_n of_o learned_a man_n produce_v in_o their_o confirmation_n yea_o we_o affirm_v on_o the_o contrary_a that_o those_o who_o believe_v they_o on_o no_o other_o ground_n have_v indeed_o no_o true_a divine_a faith_n at_o all_o hence_o they_o be_v not_o of_o old_a insist_v on_o for_o the_o ingenerate_v of_o faith_n in_o they_o to_o who_o the_o word_n be_v preach_v nor_o ordinary_o be_v so_o to_o this_o day_n by_o any_o who_o understand_v what_o be_v their_o work_n and_o duty_n but_o in_o the_o second_o way_n wherever_o there_o be_v occasion_n from_o objection_n opposition_n or_o temptation_n they_o may_v be_v plead_v to_o good_a use_n and_o purpose_n and_o they_o may_v do_v well_o to_o be_v furnish_v with_o they_o who_o be_v unavoidable_o expose_v unto_o trial_n of_o that_o nature_n for_o as_o for_o that_o course_n which_o some_o take_v in_o all_o place_n and_o at_o all_o time_n to_o be_v dispute_v about_o the_o scripture_n and_o their_o authority_n it_o be_v a_o practice_n give_v countenance_n unto_o atheism_n and_o be_v to_o be_v abhor_v of_o all_o that_o fear_n god_n and_o the_o consequent_n of_o it_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_a 2._o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n hold_v it_o up_o and_o declare_v it_o be_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n previous_o necessary_a unto_o believe_v for_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o itself_o alone_o but_o not_o by_o itself_o alone_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v the_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o declaration_n and_o make_v know_v the_o testimony_n which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n give_v in_o the_o scripture_n unto_o its_o divine_a original_a and_o this_o be_v the_o ordinary_a way_n whereby_o man_n be_v bring_v to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o church_n in_o its_o ministry_n own_v witness_v and_o avow_v it_o so_o to_o be_v instruct_v all_o sort_n of_o person_n out_o of_o it_o there_o be_v together_o with_o a_o sense_n and_o apprehension_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o the_o thing_n teach_v and_o reveal_v in_o it_o faith_n in_o itself_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n ingenerate_v in_o they_o 3._o we_o do_v also_o here_o suppose_v the_o internal_a effectual_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n beget_v faith_n in_o we_o as_o be_v before_o declare_v without_o which_o we_o can_v believe_v neither_o the_o scripture_n nor_o any_o thing_n else_o with_o faith_n divine_a not_o for_o want_v of_o evidence_n in_o they_o but_o of_o faith_n in_o ourselves_o these_o thing_n be_v suppose_v we_o do_v affirm_v that_o it_o be_v the_o authority_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n as_o manifest_v themselves_o in_o the_o supernatural_a revelation_n make_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o our_o faith_n arise_v from_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o and_o herein_o consist_v that_o testimony_n which_o the_o spirit_n give_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v so_o for_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o bear_v witness_v because_o the_o spirit_n be_v truth_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o immediate_a author_n of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n do_v therein_o and_o thereby_o give_v testimony_n unto_o the_o divine_a truth_n and_o original_a of_o it_o by_o the_o character_n of_o divine_a authority_n and_o veracity_n impress_v on_o it_o and_o evidence_v themselves_o in_o its_o power_n and_o efficacy_n and_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o what_o we_o assert_v respect_n the_o revelation_n itself_o the_o scripture_n the_o write_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o not_o mere_o the_o thing_n write_v or_o contain_v in_o it_o the_o argument_n produce_v by_o some_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n reach_v not_o the_o cause_n in_o hand_n for_o our_o enquiry_n be_v not_o about_o believe_v the_o truth_n reveal_v but_o about_o believe_v the_o revelation_n itself_o the_o scripture_n itself_o to_o be_v divine_a and_o this_o we_o do_v only_o because_o of_o the_o authority_n and_o veracity_n of_o the_o revealer_n that_o be_v of_o god_n himself_o manifest_v themselves_o therein_o to_o manifest_v this_o full_o i_o shall_v do_v these_o thing_n 1._o prove_v that_o our_o faith_n be_v so_o resolve_v into_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o not_o into_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o its_o own_o sake_n and_o not_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o thing_n else_o either_o external_a argument_n or_o authoritative_a testimony_n of_o man_n whatever_o 2._o show_v how_o or_o by_o what_o mean_v the_o scripture_n do_v evidence_n its_o own_o divine_a original_a or_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v so_o evidence_v in_o it_o and_o by_o it_o as_o that_o we_o need_v no_o other_o formal_a cause_n or_o reason_n of_o our_o faith_n whatever_o motive_n or_o mean_n of_o believe_v we_o may_v make_v use_n of_o and_o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o 1._o that_o be_v the_o formal_a reason_n whereon_o we_o do_v believe_v which_o the_o scripture_n propose_v as_o the_o only_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v so_o do_v why_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o do_v so_o and_o whereunto_o it_o require_v our_o assent_n now_o this_o be_v to_o itself_o as_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o because_o it_o be_v so_o or_o it_o propose_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o itself_o and_o that_o alone_a which_o we_o be_v to_o acquiesce_v in_o and_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o that_o alone_a which_o our_o faith_n be_v to_o rest_v on_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o it_o do_v not_o require_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o any_o church_n or_o on_o any_o other_o argument_n that_o it_o give_v we_o to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v from_o god_n but_o speak_v unto_o we_o immediate_o in_o his_o name_n and_o thereon_o require_v faith_n and_o obedience_n some_o it_o may_v be_v will_v ask_v whether_o this_o prove_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o it_o say_v so_o of_o itself_o when_o any_o other_o write_v may_v say_v the_o same_o but_o we_o be_v not_o now_o give_v argument_n to_o prove_v unto_o other_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o only_o prove_v and_o show_v what_o our_o own_o faith_n rest_v on_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o or_o at_o least_o ought_v so_o to_o be_v how_o it_o evidence_v itself_o unto_o our_o faith_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v afterward_o declare_v it_o be_v sufficient_a unto_o our_o present_a purpose_n that_o god_n require_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o it_o be_v his_o word_n or_o a_o divine_a revelation_n from_o he_o and_o if_o so_o his_o authority_n and_o truth_n be_v the_o formal_a reason_n why_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n or_o any_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o to_o this_o purpose_n do_v testimony_n abound_v in_o particular_a beside_o that_o general_a attestation_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o it_o in_o that_o sole_a preface_n of_o divine_a revelation_n thus_o say_v the_o
exercise_n but_o a_o mere_a delusion_n so_o if_o any_o pretend_v unto_o revelation_n by_o faith_n which_o be_v contradictory_n unto_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o natural_a light_n or_o reason_n in_o its_o proper_a exercise_n about_o its_o proper_a object_n it_o be_v a_o delusion_n on_o this_o ground_n the_o roman_a doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n be_v just_o reject_v for_o it_o propose_v that_o as_o a_o revelation_n by_o faith_n which_o be_v express_o contradictory_n unto_o our_o sense_n and_o reason_n in_o their_o proper_a exercise_n about_o their_o proper_a object_n and_o a_o supposition_n of_o the_o possibility_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n will_v make_v the_o way_n whereby_o god_n reveal_v and_o make_v know_v himself_o to_o cross_v and_o enterfere_v one_o with_o another_o which_o will_v leave_v we_o no_o certainty_n in_o any_o thing_n divine_a or_o humane_a but_o yet_o as_o these_o mean_n of_o divine_a revelation_n do_v harmonise_v and_o perfect_o agree_v one_o with_o the_o other_o so_o they_o be_v not_o objective_o equal_a or_o equal_o extensive_a nor_o be_v they_o coordinate_a but_o subordinate_a unto_o one_o another_o wherefore_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n discernible_a by_o reason_n in_o its_o exercise_n which_o do_v not_o appear_v unto_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o natural_a light_n so_o the_o sober_a philosopher_n of_o old_a attain_v unto_o many_o true_a and_o great_a conception_n of_o god_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o nature_n above_o what_o they_o arrive_v unto_o who_o either_o do_v not_o or_o can_v not_o cultivate_v and_o improve_v the_o principle_n of_o natural_a light_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o they_o do_v it_o be_v therefore_o folly_n to_o pretend_v that_o thing_n so_o make_v know_v of_o god_n be_v not_o infallible_o true_a and_o certain_a because_o they_o be_v not_o obvious_a unto_o the_o first_o conception_n of_o natural_a light_n without_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o reason_n provide_v they_o be_v not_o contradictory_n thereunto_o and_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n reveal_v unto_o faith_n that_o be_v above_o and_o beyond_o the_o comprehension_n of_o reason_n in_o the_o best_a and_o utmost_a of_o its_o most_o proper_a exercise_n such_o be_v all_o the_o principal_a mystery_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o it_o be_v the_o height_n of_o folly_n to_o reject_v they_o as_o some_o do_v because_o they_o be_v not_o discernible_a and_o comprehensible_a by_o reason_n see_v they_o be_v not_o contradictory_n thereunto_o wherefore_o these_o way_n of_o god_n revelation_n of_o himself_o be_v not_o equal_o extensive_a or_o commensurate_n but_o be_v so_o subordinate_a one_o unto_o another_o that_o what_o be_v want_v unto_o the_o one_o be_v supply_v by_o the_o other_o unto_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o entire_a end_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v the_o same_o in_o they_o all_o the_o revelation_n which_o god_n make_v of_o himself_o in_o the_o first_o way_n by_o the_o inbred_a principle_n of_o natural_a light_n do_v sufficient_o and_o infallible_o evidence_n itself_o to_o be_v from_o he_o it_o do_v it_o in_o unto_z and_o by_o those_o principle_n themselves_o this_o revelation_n of_o god_n be_v infallible_a the_o assent_n unto_o it_o be_v infallible_a which_o the_o infallible_a evidence_n it_o give_v of_o itself_o make_v to_o be_v so_o we_o dispute_v not_o now_o what_o a_o few_o atheistical_a sceptic_n pretend_v unto_o who_o folly_n have_v be_v sufficient_o detect_v by_o other_o all_o the_o sobriety_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n consent_v in_o this_o that_o the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o and_o by_o the_o inbred_a principle_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o conscience_n do_v sufficient_o uncontrollable_o and_o infallible_o manifest_v itself_o to_o be_v from_o he_o and_o that_o the_o mind_n neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v possible_o impose_v on_o in_o its_o apprehension_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o if_o the_o first_o dictate_v of_o reason_n concern_v god_n do_v not_o evidence_n themselves_o to_o be_v from_o god_n they_o be_v neither_o of_o any_o use_n nor_o force_n for_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v confirm_v by_o external_a argument_n and_o what_o be_v write_v about_o they_o be_v to_o show_v their_o force_n and_o evidence_n not_o to_o give_v they_o any_o wherefore_o this_o first_o way_n of_o god_n revelation_n of_o himself_o unto_o we_o be_v infallible_a and_o infallible_o evidence_v itself_o in_o our_o mind_n according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o our_o nature_n 2._o the_o revelation_n that_o god_n make_v of_o himself_o by_o the_o work_v of_o creation_n and_o providence_n unto_o our_o reason_n in_o exercise_n or_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n as_o discursive_a conclude_v rational_o one_o thing_n from_o another_o do_v sufficient_o yea_o infallible_o evidence_n and_o demonstrate_v itself_o to_o be_v from_o he_o so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v be_v deceive_v therein_o it_o do_v not_o do_v so_o unto_o the_o inbred_a principle_n of_o natural_a light_n unless_o they_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o rational_a exercise_n about_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o revelation_n make_v that_o be_v we_o must_v rational_o consider_v the_o work_n of_o god_n both_o of_o creation_n and_o providence_n or_o we_o can_v learn_v by_o they_o what_o god_n intend_v to_o reveal_v of_o himself_o and_o in_o our_o do_v so_o we_o can_v be_v deceive_v for_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n rom._n 1._o 20._o they_o be_v clear_o see_v and_o therefore_o may_v be_v perfect_o understand_v as_o to_o what_o they_o teach_v of_o god_n without_o any_o possibility_n of_o mistake_n and_o wherever_o man_n do_v not_o receive_v the_o revelation_n intend_v in_o the_o way_n intend_v that_o be_v do_v not_o certain_o conclude_v that_o what_o god_n teach_v by_o his_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n namely_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n with_o the_o essential_a property_n thereof_o infinite_a wisdom_n goodness_n righteousness_n and_o the_o like_a be_v certain_o and_o infallible_o so_o believe_v it_o according_o it_o be_v not_o from_o any_o defect_n in_o the_o revelation_n or_o its_o self-evidencing_a efficacy_n but_o only_o from_o the_o deprave_a vicious_a habit_n of_o their_o mind_n their_o enmity_n against_o god_n and_o dislike_n of_o he_o and_o so_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o they_o who_o reject_v or_o improve_v not_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n do_v it_o because_o they_o do_v not_o like_a to_o retain_v god_n in_o their_o knowledge_n rom._n 1._o 28._o for_o which_o cause_n god_n do_v so_o severe_o revenge_v their_o natural_a unbelief_n as_o be_v there_o express_v see_v isa._n 46._o 8._o chap_n 44._o 15_o 19_o 20._o that_o which_o i_o principal_o insist_v on_o from_o hence_o be_v that_o the_o revelation_n which_o god_n make_v of_o himself_o by_o the_o work_v of_o creation_n and_o providence_n do_v not_o evidence_n itself_o unto_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o natural_a light_n so_o as_o that_o a_o assent_n shall_v be_v give_v thereunto_o without_o the_o actual_a exercise_n of_o reason_n or_o the_o discursive_a faculty_n of_o our_o mind_n about_o they_o but_o thereunto_o it_o do_v infallible_o evidence_n itself_o so_o may_v the_o scripture_n have_v and_o have_v a_o self_n evidence_v efficacy_n though_o this_o appear_v not_o unto_o the_o light_n of_o first_o natural_a principle_n no_o nor_o to_o bare_a reason_n in_o its_o exercise_n for_o 3._o unto_o our_o faith_n god_n reveal_v himself_o by_o the_o scripture_n or_o his_o word_n which_o he_o have_v magnify_v above_o all_o his_o name_n psal._n 138._o 2._o that_o be_v implant_v on_o it_o more_o character_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o property_n than_o on_o any_o other_o way_n whereby_o he_o reveal_v or_o make_v himself_o know_v unto_o we_o and_o this_o revelation_n of_o god_n by_o his_o word_n we_o confess_v be_v not_o sufficient_a nor_o suit_v to_o evidence_n itself_o unto_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o our_o understanding_n so_o that_o by_o bare_a proposal_n of_o it_o to_o be_v from_o god_n we_o shall_v by_o virtue_n of_o they_o immediate_o assent_v unto_o it_o as_o man_n assent_v unto_o self-evident_a natural_a principle_n as_o that_o the_o part_n be_v lesser_a than_o the_o whole_a or_o the_o like_a nor_o do_v it_o evidence_n itself_o unto_o our_o reason_n in_o its_o mere_a natural_a exercise_n as_o that_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o we_o can_v demonstrative_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v from_o god_n and_o that_o what_o be_v declare_v therein_o be_v certain_o and_o infallible_o true_a it_o have_v indeed_o such_o external_a evidence_n accompany_v it_o as_o make_v a_o great_a impression_n on_o reason_n itself_o but_o the_o power_n of_o our_o soul_n whereunto_o it_o be_v propose_v
the_o help_n of_o other_o mean_n 4._o on_o these_o supposition_n i_o fear_v not_o to_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v on_o every_o individual_a book_n of_o the_o scripture_n particular_o those_o name_v those_o divine_a character_n and_o criteria_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o difference_n they_o from_o all_o other_o write_n whatever_n and_o to_o testify_v their_o divine_a authority_n unto_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o believer_n i_o say_v of_o believer_n for_o we_o inquire_v not_o on_o what_o ground_n unbeliever_n or_o those_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v do_v believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o yet_o direct_o on_o what_o outward_a motive_n such_o person_n may_v be_v induce_v so_o to_o do_v but_o our_o sole_a enquiry_n at_o present_a be_v what_o the_o faith_n of_o they_o who_o do_v believe_v be_v resolve_v into_o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o say_v that_o when_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n of_o the_o first_o give_v out_o of_o divine_a revelation_n as_o be_v of_o the_o scripture_n come_v and_o preach_v unto_o the_o jew_n that_o those_o mere_a word_n i_o be_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n or_o the_o like_a have_v all_o this_o evidence_n in_o they_o or_o with_o they_o for_o nothing_o he_o say_v of_o that_o kind_n may_v be_v separate_v from_o its_o circumstance_n but_o suppose_v the_o testimony_n give_v in_o the_o scripture_n before_o hand_n to_o his_o person_n work_n time_n and_o manner_n of_o come_v with_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n with_o he_o in_o the_o declaration_n that_o he_o make_v of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n the_o jew_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v what_o he_o teach_v and_o himself_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o do_v many_o of_o they_o upon_o his_o preach_a only_o john_n 4._o 42._o and_o in_o like_a manner_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o john_n baptist_n and_o to_o submit_v unto_o his_o institution_n although_o he_o wrought_v no_o miracle_n and_o those_o who_o do_v not_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n for_o their_o good_a and_o perish_v in_o their_o unbelief_n but_o although_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n wrought_v no_o miracle_n to_o prove_v the_o scripture_n then_o extant_a to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n see_v he_o wrought_v they_o among_o such_o only_a as_o by_o who_o that_o be_v firm_o believe_v yet_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n see_v it_o necessary_a to_o confirm_v his_o personal_a ministry_n by_o they_o and_o without_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o divine_a truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n propose_v miracle_n themselves_o will_v be_v despise_v so_o they_o be_v by_o some_o who_o be_v afterward_o convert_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n act_v 2._o 13._o chap._n 3._o 7_o 8._o or_o they_o will_v produce_v only_o a_o false_a faith_n or_o a_o ravish_a assent_n upon_o a_o amazement_n that_o will_v not_o abide_v act_v 8._o 13_o 21._o appendix_n a_o summary_n representation_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o that_o faith_n wherewith_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o some_o attestation_n give_v unto_o the_o substance_n of_o what_o have_v be_v deliver_v concern_v it_o shall_v give_v a_o close_a to_o this_o discourse_n as_o to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o design_n the_o thing_n that_o follow_v be_v propose_v i._o unto_o the_o enquiry_n on_o what_o ground_n or_o for_o what_o reason_n we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n many_o thing_n be_v suppose_v as_o on_o all_o hand_n agree_v upon_o who_o demonstration_n or_o proof_n belong_v not_o unto_o our_o present_a work_n such_o be_v 1._o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o his_o self-subsistence_n with_o all_o the_o essential_a property_n of_o his_o nature_n 2._o our_o relation_n unto_o he_o and_o dependence_n on_o he_o as_o our_o creator_n benefactor_n preserver_n judge_n and_o rewarder_n both_o as_o unto_o thing_n temporal_a and_o eternal_a wherefore_o 3._o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whatever_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n whatever_o be_v manifest_a in_o or_o from_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n or_o providence_n and_o necessary_a act_n of_o conscience_n as_o to_o the_o be_v rule_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v suppose_v as_o acknowledge_v in_o this_o enquiry_n 4._o that_o beyond_o the_o conduct_n and_o guidance_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n that_o man_n may_v live_v unto_o god_n believe_v and_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o according_a to_o their_o duty_n in_o that_o obedience_n which_o he_o require_v of_o they_o so_o as_o to_o come_v unto_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o a_o supernatural_a revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n unto_o they_o especial_o in_o that_o condition_n wherein_o all_o mankind_n be_v since_o the_o entrance_n of_o sin_n be_v necessary_a 5._o that_o all_o those_o unto_o who_o god_n have_v grant_v divine_a revelation_n immediate_o from_o himself_o for_o their_o own_o use_n and_o that_o of_o all_o other_o man_n unto_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v communicate_v be_v infallible_o assure_v that_o they_o come_v from_o god_n and_o that_o their_o mind_n be_v no_o way_n impose_v on_o in_o they_o 6._o that_o all_o these_o divine_a revelation_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v any_o way_n necessary_a to_o guide_v and_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o that_o obedience_n which_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o he_o be_v now_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o those_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v common_o receive_v and_o own_a among_o all_o sort_n of_o christian_n these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v suppose_v unto_o our_o present_a enquiry_n and_o take_v for_o grant_v so_o as_o that_o the_o reader_n be_v not_o to_o look_v for_o any_o direct_a proof_n of_o they_o in_o the_o precede_a discourse_n but_o on_o these_o supposition_n it_o be_v allege_v and_o prove_v 1._o that_o all_o man_n unto_o who_o it_o be_v due_o propose_v as_o such_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v this_o scripture_n these_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o contain_v and_o exhibit_v a_o immediate_a divine_a supernatural_a revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n so_o far_o as_o be_v any_o way_n needful_a that_o they_o may_v live_v unto_o he_o and_o that_o nothing_o be_v contain_v in_o they_o but_o what_o be_v of_o the_o same_o divine_a original_a 2._o the_o obligation_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o thus_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n arise_v partly_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o partly_o from_o the_o especial_a command_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v that_o revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n without_o the_o knowledge_n whereof_o and_o assent_v whereunto_o we_o can_v live_v unto_o god_n as_o we_o ought_v nor_o come_v unto_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v believe_v it_o unto_o those_o end_n and_o god_n require_v it_o of_o we_o that_o so_o we_o shall_v do_v 3._o we_o can_v thus_o believe_v it_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n but_o upon_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n and_o prevalent_a testimony_n that_o so_o it_o be_v 4._o there_o be_v many_o cogent_a argument_n testimony_n and_o motive_n to_o persuade_v convince_v and_o satisfy_v unprejudiced_a person_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o every_o way_n sufficient_a to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o gainsayers_a proceed_v on_o such_o principle_n of_o reason_n as_o be_v own_a and_o approve_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n and_o argument_n of_o this_o nature_n may_v be_v take_v from_o almost_o all_o consideration_n of_o the_o property_n of_o god_n and_o his_o government_n of_o the_o world_n of_o our_o relation_n unto_o he_o of_o what_o belong_v unto_o our_o present_a peace_n and_o future_a happiness_n 5._o from_o the_o argument_n and_o testimony_n of_o this_o nature_n a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o mind_n defensible_a against_o all_o objection_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v be_v attain_v and_o that_o such_o as_o that_o those_o who_o live_v not_o in_o contradiction_n unto_o their_o own_o light_n and_o reason_n through_o the_o power_n of_o their_o lust_n can_v but_o judge_v it_o their_o wisdom_n duty_n and_o interest_n to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o his_o will_n as_o reveal_v therein_o 6._o but_o yet_o that_o persuasion_n of_o mind_n which_o may_v be_v thus_o attain_v and_o which_o rest_v whole_o upon_o these_o argument_n and_o testimony_n be_v not_o entire_o that_o faith_n wherewith_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v the_o