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
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
for_o we_o can_v believe_v nothing_o on_o their_o account_n unless_o it_o be_v evidence_v unto_o we_o and_o this_o evidence_n of_o they_o be_v in_o that_o revelation_n which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v of_o himself_o for_o that_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n whereby_o our_o conscience_n and_o mind_n be_v affect_v with_o his_o truth_n and_o authority_n we_o do_v therefore_o no_o otherwise_o rest_n on_o the_o truth_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n in_o any_o thing_n than_o we_o rest_v on_o the_o revelation_n which_o he_o make_v unto_o we_o for_o that_o be_v the_o only_a way_n whereby_o we_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o not_o the_o lord_n be_v true_a absolute_o but_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v be_v that_o which_o we_o have_v immediate_a regard_n unto_o hereby_o alone_o be_v our_o mind_n affect_v with_o the_o authority_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n and_o by_o what_o way_n soever_o it_o be_v make_v unto_o we_o it_o be_v sufficient_a and_o able_a so_o to_o affect_v we_o at_o first_o as_o have_v be_v show_v it_o be_v give_v immediate_o to_o some_o person_n and_o preserve_v for_o the_o use_n of_o other_o in_o a_o oral_a ministry_n but_o now_o all_o revelation_n as_o have_v also_o be_v declare_v be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n only_o 6._o it_o follow_v that_o our_o faith_n whereby_o we_o believe_v any_o divine_a supernatural_a truth_n be_v resolve_v into_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n of_o divine_a revelation_n affect_v our_o mind_n and_o conscience_n with_o the_o authority_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n or_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o only_a immediate_a divine_a infallible_a revelation_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o first_o immediate_a formal_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o sole_a reason_n why_o and_o ground_n whereon_o we_o do_v believe_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v reveal_v with_o faith_n divine_a supernatural_a and_o infallible_a we_o do_v believe_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n why_o do_v we_o so_o do_v on_o what_o ground_n or_o reason_n it_o be_v because_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n command_v we_o so_o to_o do_v and_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n testify_v thereunto_o but_o how_o or_o by_o what_o mean_n be_v our_o mind_n and_o conscience_n affect_v with_o the_o authority_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n so_o as_o to_o believe_v with_o respect_n unto_o they_o which_o make_v our_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a it_o be_v alone_o the_o divine_a supernatural_a infallible_a revelation_n that_o he_o have_v make_v of_o this_o sacred_a truth_n and_o of_o his_o will_n that_o we_o shall_v believe_v it_o but_o what_o be_v this_o revelation_n or_o where_o be_v it_o to_o be_v find_v it_o be_v the_o scripture_n alone_o which_o contain_v the_o entire_a revelation_n that_o god_n have_v make_v of_o himself_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o believe_v or_o do_v hence_o 7._o the_o last_o enquiry_n arise_v how_o or_o on_o what_o ground_n for_o what_o reason_n do_v we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n proceed_v immediate_o from_o god_n or_o to_o be_v that_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v truth_n divine_a and_o infallible_a whereunto_o we_o answer_v it_o be_v sole_o on_o the_o evidence_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o and_o by_o the_o scripture_n itself_o give_v unto_o we_o that_o it_o be_v give_v by_o immediate_a inspiration_n from_o god_n or_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 be_v the_o authority_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n evidence_v themselves_o in_o and_o by_o it_o unto_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o men._n hereon_o as_o whatever_o we_o assent_v unto_o as_o propose_v in_o the_o scripture_n our_o faith_n rest_v on_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o the_o veracity_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n so_o be_v it_o also_o in_o this_o of_o believe_v the_o scripture_n itself_o to_o be_v the_o infallible_a word_n of_o god_n see_v we_o do_v it_o on_o no_o other_o ground_n but_o its_o own_o evidence_n that_o so_o it_o be_v this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v principal_o to_o be_v prove_v and_o therefore_o to_o prepare_v for_o it_o and_o to_o remove_v prejudices_fw-la something_o be_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o prepare_v the_o way_n thereunto_o 1._o there_o be_v sundry_a cogent_a argument_n which_o be_v take_v from_o external_n consideration_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o evince_n it_o on_o rational_a ground_n to_o be_v from_o god_n all_o these_o be_v motive_n of_o credibility_n or_o effectual_a persuasive_n to_o account_n and_o esteem_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o although_o they_o neither_o be_v nor_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o ever_o shall_v be_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n whereon_o we_o believe_v it_o so_o to_o be_v with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a yet_o be_v they_o necessary_a unto_o the_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n herein_o against_o temptation_n opposition_n and_o objection_n these_o argument_n have_v be_v plead_v by_o many_o and_o that_o useful_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o needful_a for_o i_o to_o insist_v upon_o they_o and_o they_o be_v the_o same_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o in_o ancient_a and_o modern_a writer_n however_o manage_v by_o some_o with_o more_o learning_n dexterity_n and_o force_v of_o reason_v than_o by_o other_o it_o may_v not_o be_v expect_v therefore_o that_o in_o this_o short_a discourse_n design_v unto_o another_o purpose_n i_o shall_v give_v they_o much_o improvement_n however_o i_o shall_v a_o little_a touch_n on_o those_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v most_o cogent_a and_o that_o in_o they_o wherein_o in_o my_o apprehension_n their_o strength_n do_v lie_v and_o i_o shall_v do_v this_o to_o manifest_v that_o although_o we_o plead_v that_o no_o man_n can_v believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o faith_n divine_a supernatural_a and_o infallible_a but_o upon_o its_o own_o internal_a divine_a evidence_n and_o efficacy_n yet_o we_o allow_v and_o make_v use_n of_o all_o those_o external_a argument_n of_o its_o sacred_a truth_n and_o divine_a original_a which_o be_v plead_v by_o other_o ascribe_v unto_o they_o as_o much_o weight_n and_o cogency_n as_o they_o can_v do_v acknowledge_v the_o persuasion_n which_o they_o beget_v and_o effect_v to_o be_v as_o firm_a as_o they_o can_v pretend_v it_o to_o be_v only_o we_o do_v not_o judge_v they_o to_o contain_v the_o whole_a of_o the_o evidence_n which_o we_o have_v for_o faith_n to_o rest_v in_o or_o to_o be_v resolve_v into_o yea_o not_o that_o at_o all_o which_o render_v it_o divine_a supernatural_a and_o infallible_a the_o rational_a argument_n we_o say_v which_o be_v or_o may_v be_v use_v in_o this_o matter_n with_o the_o humane_a testimony_n whereby_o they_o be_v corroborate_v may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o and_o insist_v on_o and_o it_o be_v but_o vain_o pretend_v that_o their_o use_n be_v supersede_v by_o our_o other_o assertion_n as_o though_o where_o faith_n be_v require_v all_o the_o subservient_fw-fr use_n of_o reason_n be_v absolute_o discard_v and_o our_o faith_n thereby_o render_v irrational_a and_o the_o assent_n unto_o the_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o the_o mind_n ought_v to_o give_v upon_o they_o we_o grant_v to_o be_v of_o as_o high_a a_o nature_n as_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v namely_o a_o moral_a certainty_n moreover_o the_o conclusion_n which_o unprejudiced_a reason_n will_v make_v upon_o these_o argument_n be_v more_o firm_a better_o ground_v and_o more_o pleadable_a than_o that_o which_o be_v build_v mere_o on_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o any_o church_n whatever_o but_o this_o we_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v a_o assent_n of_o another_o kind_n unto_o the_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n require_v of_o we_o namely_o that_o of_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a of_o this_o none_o will_v say_v that_o it_o can_v be_v effect_v by_o or_o resolve_v into_o the_o best_a and_o most_o cogent_a of_o rational_a argument_n and_o external_a testimony_n which_o be_v absolute_o humane_a and_o fallible_a for_o it_o do_v imply_v a_o contradiction_n to_o believe_v infallible_o upon_o fallible_a evidence_n wherefore_o i_o shall_v prove_v that_o beyond_o all_o these_o argument_n and_o their_o effect_n upon_o our_o mind_n there_o be_v a_o assent_n unto_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n require_v of_o we_o with_o faith_n divine_a supernatural_a and_o infallible_a and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v a_o divine_a evidence_n which_o be_v the_o formal_a object_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o which_o alone_o it_o rest_v on_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o which_o shall_v also_o be_v declare_v and_o prove_v but_o yet_o as_o be_v say_v in_o the_o first_o place_n because_o their_o
unto_o it_o as_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o prove_v at_o large_a we_o shall_v therefore_o proceed_v there_o be_v two_o thing_n considerable_a with_o respect_n unto_o our_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n or_o according_a to_o our_o duty_n the_o first_o respect_v the_o subject_a or_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n how_o it_o be_v enable_v thereunto_o the_o other_o the_o object_n to_o be_v believe_v with_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o we_o do_v believe_v the_o scripture_n with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a the_o first_o of_o these_o must_v of_o necessity_n fall_v under_o our_o consideration_n herein_o as_o that_o without_o which_o what_o ever_o reason_n evidence_n or_o motive_n be_v propose_v unto_o we_o we_o shall_v never_o believe_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n for_o whereas_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n or_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o man_n be_v by_o nature_n deprave_v corrupt_a carnal_a and_o enmity_n against_o god_n they_o can_v of_o themselves_o or_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o innate_a ability_n of_o their_o own_o understand_v or_o assent_v unto_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n which_o we_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v and_o confirm_v before_o wherefore_o that_o assent_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o mere_a external_a argument_n consist_v in_o the_o rational_a conclusion_n and_o judgement_n which_o we_o make_v upon_o their_o truth_n and_o evidence_n be_v not_o that_o faith_n wherewith_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n wherefore_o that_o we_o may_v believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n according_a to_o our_o duty_n as_o god_n require_v it_o of_o we_o in_o a_o useful_a profitable_a and_o save_a manner_n above_z and_o beyond_o that_o natural_a humane_a faith_n and_o assent_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o argument_n and_o motive_n of_o credibility_n before_o insist_v on_o with_o all_o other_o of_o the_o like_a kind_n there_o be_v and_o must_v be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n faith_n supernatural_a and_o divine_a whereby_o we_o be_v enable_v so_o to_o do_v or_o rather_o whereby_o we_o do_v so_o this_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v distinct_a from_o so_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v antecedent_n unto_o all_o divine_a objective_n evidence_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o the_o formal_a reason_n move_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o wherefore_o without_o it_o whatever_o argument_n or_o motive_n be_v propose_v unto_o we_o we_o can_v believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o duty_n require_v of_o we_o some_o it_o may_v be_v will_v suppose_v these_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o impertinent_a unto_o our_o present_a purpose_n for_o while_o we_o be_v inquire_v on_o what_o ground_n we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o seem_v to_o fly_v to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o our_o own_o mind_n which_o be_v irrational_a but_o we_o must_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o because_o some_o do_v not_o understand_v or_o will_v not_o due_o consider_v what_o be_v propose_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v return_v unto_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n not_o with_o peculiar_a respect_n unto_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v but_o unto_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o that_o faith_n wherewith_o they_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n but_o the_o power_n whereby_o we_o be_v enable_v so_o to_o do_v which_o at_o present_a we_o inquire_v after_o 1._o that_o the_o faith_n whereby_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n can_v be_v deny_v only_o on_o two_o principle_n or_o supposition_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v not_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a whereby_o we_o believe_v they_o so_o to_o be_v but_o only_o we_o have_v other_o moral_a assurance_n thereof_o 2._o that_o this_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a be_v of_o ourselves_o and_o be_v not_o wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o first_o of_o these_o have_v be_v already_o disprove_v and_o shall_v be_v further_o evict_v afterward_o and_o it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v very_o few_o who_o be_v of_o that_o judgement_n for_o general_o whatever_o man_n suppose_v the_o prime_a object_n principal_a motive_n and_o formal_a reason_n of_o that_o faith_n to_o be_v yet_o that_o it_o be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a they_o all_o acknowledge_v and_o as_o to_o the_o second_o what_o be_v so_o it_o be_v of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o to_o say_v it_o be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a be_v to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o of_o ourselves_o but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o grace_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n wrought_v in_o we_o by_o his_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a power_n and_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o will_v resolve_v our_o faith_n in_o this_o matter_n objective_o into_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o church_n yet_o subjective_o acknowledge_v the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n ingenerate_v faith_n in_o we_o and_o that_o work_v to_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o believe_v the_o scripture_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n externae_fw-la omnes_fw-la &_o humanae_fw-la persuasiones_fw-la non_fw-la sunt_fw-la satis_fw-la ad_fw-la credendum_fw-la quantumcunque_fw-la ab_fw-la hominibus_fw-la competenter_fw-la ea_fw-la quae_fw-la sunt_fw-la fidei_fw-la proponantur_fw-la sed_fw-la necessaria_fw-la est_fw-la insuper_fw-la causa_fw-la interior_a hoc_fw-la est_fw-la divinum_fw-la quoddam_fw-la lumen_fw-la incitans_fw-la ad_fw-la credendum_fw-la &_o oculi_fw-la quidam_fw-la interni_fw-la dei_fw-la beneficio_fw-la ad_fw-la videndum_fw-la dati_fw-la say_v canus_n loc._n theol._n lib._n 2._o cap._n 8._o nor_o be_v there_o any_o of_o the_o divine_n of_o that_o church_n which_o dissent_n herein_o we_o do_v not_o therefore_o assert_v any_o such_o divine_a formal_a reoson_n of_o believe_v as_o that_o the_o mind_n shall_v not_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o supernatural_a assistance_n enable_v it_o to_o assent_v thereunto_o nay_o we_o affirm_v that_o without_o this_o there_o be_v in_o no_o man_n any_o true_a faith_n at_o all_o let_v the_o argument_n and_o motive_n whereon_o he_o believe_v be_v as_o forcible_a and_o pregnant_a with_o evidence_n as_o can_v be_v imagine_v it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n as_o in_o thing_n natural_a neither_o the_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n nor_o any_o persuasive_a argument_n unto_o man_n to_o look_v up_o unto_o it_o will_v enable_v they_o to_o discern_v it_o unless_o they_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o due_a visive_a faculty_n and_o this_o the_o scripture_n be_v express_v in_o beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o contradiction_n neither_o be_v it_o that_o i_o know_v of_o by_o any_o as_o yet_o in_o express_a term_n deny_v for_o indeed_o that_o all_o which_o be_v proper_o call_v faith_n with_o respect_n unto_o divine_a revelation_n and_o be_v accept_v with_o god_n as_o such_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o we_o or_o be_v bestow_v on_o we_o by_o he_o can_v be_v question_v by_o any_o who_o own_o the_o gospel_n i_o have_v also_o prove_v it_o elsewhere_o so_o full_o and_o large_o as_o that_o i_o shall_v give_v it_o at_o present_v no_o other_o confirmation_n but_o what_o will_v necessary_o fall_v in_o with_o the_o description_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o faith_n whereby_o we_o do_v believe_v and_o the_o way_n or_o manner_n of_o its_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n unto_o this_o purpose_n consist_v in_o the_o save_a illumination_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o be_v a_o supernatural_a light_n whereby_o the_o mind_n be_v renew_v see_v rom._n 12._o 1._o ephes._n 1._o 18_o 19_o chap._n 3._o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o it_o be_v call_v a_o heart_n to_o understand_v eye_n to_o see_v ear_n to_o hear_v deut._n 29._o 4._o the_o open_n of_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o vunderstanding_n ephes._n 1._o 18._o the_o give_v of_o a_o understanding_n 1_o john_n 5._o 20._o hereby_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o discern_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v in_o itself_o as_o well_o as_o assent_v unto_o the_o truth_n contain_v in_o it_o and_o without_o it_o we_o can_v do_v so_o for_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o neither_o can_v be_v know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v 1_o cor._n 2._o 14._o and_o unto_o this_o end_n it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o prophet_n that_o we_o
they_o some_o it_o may_v be_v can_v give_v no_o other_o account_n hereof_o but_o that_o they_o have_v be_v so_o instruct_v by_o they_o who_o they_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v credit_n unto_o or_o that_o they_o have_v so_o receive_v they_o by_o tradition_n from_o their_o father_n now_o whatever_o persuasion_n these_o reason_n may_v beget_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o profess_v to_o believe_v be_v true_a yet_o if_o they_o be_v alone_o it_o be_v not_o divine_a faith_n whereby_o they_o do_v believe_v but_o that_o which_o be_v mere_o humane_a as_o be_v resolve_v into_o humane_a testimony_n only_o or_o a_o opinion_n on_o probable_a argument_n for_o no_o faith_n can_v be_v of_o any_o other_o kind_n than_o be_v the_o evidence_n it_o reflect_v on_o or_o arise_v from_o i_o say_v it_o be_v so_o where_o they_o be_v alone_o for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o some_o who_o have_v never_o further_o consider_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o believe_v than_o the_o teach_n of_o their_o instructor_n have_v yet_o that_o evidence_n in_o their_o own_o soul_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o what_o they_o believe_v that_o with_o respect_n thereunto_o their_o faith_n be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a the_o faith_n of_o most_o have_v a_o beginning_n and_o progress_n not_o unlike_a that_o of_o the_o samaritan_n john_n 4._o 40_o 41_o 42._o as_o shall_v be_v afterward_o declare_v 3._o when_o we_o inquire_v after_o faith_n that_o be_v infallible_a or_o believe_v infallible_o which_o as_o we_o shall_v show_v hereafter_o be_v necessary_a in_o this_o case_n we_o do_v not_o intend_v a_o inherent_a quality_n in_o the_o subject_a as_o though_o he_o that_o believe_v with_o faith_n infallible_a must_n himself_o also_o be_v infallible_a much_o less_o do_v we_o speak_v of_o infallibility_n absolute_o which_o be_v a_o property_n of_o god_n who_o alone_o from_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n can_v neither_o deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v but_o it_o be_v that_o property_n or_o adjunct_n of_o the_o assent_n of_o our_o mind_n unto_o divine_a truth_n or_o supernatural_a revelation_n whereby_o it_o be_v difference_v from_o all_o other_o kind_n of_o assent_n whatever_o and_o this_o it_o have_v from_o its_o formal_a object_n or_o the_o evidence_n whereon_o we_o give_v this_o assent_n for_o the_o nature_n of_o every_o assent_n be_v give_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o evidence_n which_o it_o proceed_v from_o or_o rely_v on_o this_o in_o divine_a faith_n be_v divine_a revelation_n which_o be_v infallible_a render_v the_o faith_n that_o rest_v on_o it_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o it_o infallible_a also_o no_o man_n can_v believe_v that_o which_o be_v false_a or_o which_o may_v be_v false_a with_o divine_a faith_n for_o that_o which_o render_v it_o divine_a be_v the_o divine_a truth_n and_o infallibility_n of_o the_o ground_n and_o evidence_n which_o it_o be_v build_v upon_o but_o a_o man_n may_v believe_v that_o which_o be_v true_a infallible_o so_o and_o yet_o his_o faith_n not_o be_v infallible_a that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v infallible_o true_a yet_o the_o faith_n whereby_o a_o man_n believe_v it_o so_o to_o be_v may_v be_v fallible_a for_o it_o be_v such_o as_o his_o evidence_n be_v and_o no_o other_o he_o may_v believe_v it_o to_o be_v so_o on_o tradition_n or_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n only_o or_o on_o outward_a argument_n all_o which_o be_v fallible_a his_o faith_n be_v so_o also_o although_o the_o thing_n he_o assent_v unto_o be_v infallible_o true_a wherefore_o unto_o this_o faith_n divine_a and_o infallible_a it_o be_v not_o require_v that_o the_o person_n in_o who_o it_o be_v be_v infallible_a nor_o be_v it_o enough_o that_o the_o thing_n itself_o believe_v be_v infallible_o true_a but_o moreover_o that_o the_o evidence_n whereon_o he_o do_v believe_v it_o be_v infallible_a also_o so_o it_o be_v with_o they_o who_o receive_v divine_a revelation_n immediate_o from_o god_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o the_o thing_n reveal_v unto_o they_o be_v infallible_o true_a but_o they_o be_v to_o have_v infallible_a evidence_n of_o the_o revelation_n itself_o then_o be_v their_o faith_n infallible_a though_o their_o person_n be_v fallible_a with_o this_o faith_n then_o a_o man_n can_v believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v divine_o true_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v infallible_a and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o god_n veracity_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n be_v the_o only_a object_n of_o it_o hence_o say_v the_o prophet_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o chron._n 20._o 20._o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v establish_v or_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o god_n and_o his_o word_n be_v fix_v on_o truth_n or_o be_v infallible_a hence_o the_o enquiry_n in_o this_o case_n be_v what_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o we_o believe_v any_o thing_n with_o this_o faith_n divine_a or_o supernatural_a or_o what_o it_o be_v the_o believe_v whereof_o make_v our_o faith_n divine_a infallible_a and_o supernatural_a wherefore_o 4._o the_o authority_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n reveal_v the_o material_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o what_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o believe_v be_v the_o formal_a object_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o faith_n from_o whence_o it_o arise_v and_o whereinto_o it_o be_v ultimate_o resolve_v that_o be_v the_o only_a reason_n why_o we_o do_v believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o god_n be_v one_o single_a essence_n subsist_v in_o three_o person_n be_v because_o that_o god_n who_o be_v truth_n the_o god_n of_o truth_n deut._n 32._o 4._o who_o can_v lie_v tit._n 1._o 2._o and_o who_o word_n be_v truth_n john_n 17._o 17._o and_o the_o spirit_n which_o give_v it_o out_o be_v truth_n 1_o john_n 5_o 6._o have_v reveal_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v so_o and_o our_o believe_v these_o thing_n on_o that_o ground_n render_v our_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a suppose_v also_o a_o respect_n unto_o the_o subjective_a efficiency_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n inspire_v it_o into_o our_o mind_n whereof_o afterward_o for_o to_o speak_v distinct_o our_o faith_n be_v supernatural_a with_o respect_n unto_o the_o production_n of_o it_o in_o our_o mind_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o infallible_a with_o respect_n unto_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o it_o which_o be_v divine_a revelation_n and_o be_v divine_a in_o opposition_n unto_o what_o be_v mere_o humane_a on_o both_o account_n as_o thing_n be_v propose_v unto_o we_o to_o be_v believe_v as_o true_a faith_n in_o its_o assent_n respect_v only_o the_o truth_n or_o veracity_n of_o god_n but_o whereas_o this_o faith_n be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o a_o way_n of_o obedience_n and_o be_v consider_v not_o only_o physical_o in_o its_o nature_n but_o moral_o also_o as_o our_o duty_n it_o respect_v also_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n which_o i_o therefore_o join_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n as_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o faith_n see_v 2_o sam._n 7._o 28._o and_o these_o thing_n the_o scripture_n plead_v and_o and_o argue_v when_o faith_n be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o obedience_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n be_v that_o which_o be_v propose_v unto_o we_o as_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v believe_v what_o be_v speak_v whereunto_o often_o time_n other_o divine_a name_n and_o title_n be_v add_v signify_v his_o authority_n who_o require_v we_o to_o believe_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n god_n the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n isa._n 30._o 15._o thus_o say_v the_o high_a and_o lofty_a one_o who_o inhabit_v eternity_n who_o name_n be_v holy_a isa._n 57_o 15._o believe_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n 2_o chron._n 20._o 20._o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n precede_v most_o revelation_n in_o the_o prophet_n and_o other_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v believe_v the_o scripture_n propose_v none_o heb._n 1._o 1_o 2._o yea_o the_o interposition_n of_o any_o other_o authority_n between_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o our_o soul_n and_o conscience_n beside_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n overthrow_v the_o nature_n of_o divine_a faith_n i_o do_v not_o say_v the_o interposition_n of_o any_o other_o mean_n whereby_o we_o shall_v believe_v of_o which_o sort_n god_n have_v appoint_v many_o but_o the_o interposition_n of_o anyother_n authority_n upon_o which_o we_o shall_v believe_v as_o that_o pretend_a in_o and_o by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n no_o man_n can_v be_v lord_n of_o our_o faith_n though_o they_o may_v be_v helper_n of_o our_o joy_n 5._o the_o authority_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n consider_v in_o themselves_o absolute_o be_v not_o the_o immediate_a formal_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n though_o they_o be_v the_o ultimate_a whereinto_o it_o be_v resolve_v
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
nempe_fw-la in_fw-la qua_fw-la securius_fw-la constantiusque_fw-la mens_fw-la qui_fw-la scat_fw-la quam_fw-la in_o ullis_fw-la rationibus_fw-la talis_fw-la denique_fw-la sensus_fw-la qui_fw-la nisi_fw-la ex_fw-la caelesti_fw-la revelatione_fw-la nequeat_fw-la non_fw-la aliud_fw-la loquor_fw-la quam_fw-la quod_fw-la apud_fw-la se_fw-la experitur_fw-la fidelium_fw-la unusquisque_fw-la nisi_fw-la quod_fw-la long_o infra_fw-la justam_fw-la rei_fw-la explicationem_fw-la verba_fw-la subsidunt_fw-la calv._n instit._n lib._n 2._o cap._n 7_o 8_o 9_o and_o we_o may_v here_o brief_o call_v over_o what_o we_o have_v attain_v or_o pass_v through_o for_o 1._o we_o have_v show_v in_o general_a both_o what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o divine_a illumination_n with_o their_o mutual_a respect_n unto_o one_o another_o 2._o what_o be_v the_o principal_a external_a argument_n or_o motive_n of_o credibility_n whereby_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v prove_v to_o bâ—_n of_o a_o divine_a original_a 3._o what_o kind_n of_o persuasion_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o they_o or_o what_o be_v the_o assent_n which_o we_o give_v unto_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n on_o their_o account_n 4._o what_o objective_a evidence_n there_o be_v unto_o reason_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o induce_v the_o mind_n to_o assent_v unto_o they_o 5._o what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o faith_n whereby_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o how_o it_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 6._o what_o be_v that_o internal_a testimony_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n what_o be_v the_o force_n and_o use_v thereof_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o our_o work_n do_v yet_o remain_v that_o which_o we_o have_v thus_o far_o make_v way_n for_o and_o which_o be_v now_o our_o only_a remain_a enquiry_n be_v what_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o objective_a evidence_n which_o we_o have_v concern_v the_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o whereinto_o it_o be_v resolve_v that_o be_v we_o come_v to_o inquire_v and_o to_o give_v a_o direct_a answer_n unto_o that_o question_n why_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n what_o it_o be_v that_o our_o faith_n rest_v upon_o herein_o and_o what_o it_o be_v that_o make_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o man_n to_o believe_v it_o so_o to_o be_v unto_o who_o it_o be_v propose_v and_o the_o reason_n why_o i_o shall_v be_v the_o brief_a herein_o be_v because_o i_o have_v long_o since_o in_o another_o discourse_n clear_v this_o argument_n and_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o again_o call_v over_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v deliver_v therein_o because_o what_o have_v be_v unto_o this_o day_n gainsay_v unto_o it_o or_o except_v against_o it_o have_v be_v of_o little_a weight_n or_o consideration_n unto_o this_o great_a enquiry_n therefore_o i_o say_v we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o divine_a faith_n for_o its_o own_o sake_n only_o or_o our_o faith_n be_v resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n only_o as_o reveal_v himself_o unto_o we_o therein_o and_o thereby_o and_o this_o authority_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n do_v infallible_o manifest_v or_o evince_v themselves_o unto_o our_o faith_n or_o our_o mind_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o by_o the_o revelation_n itself_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o no_o otherwise_o or_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v and_o why_o we_o do_v so_o why_o we_o believe_v at_o all_o in_o general_n and_o why_o we_o believe_v any_o thing_n in_o particular_a and_o this_o we_o call_v the_o formal_a object_n or_o reason_n of_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o be_v not_o god_n himself_o absolute_o consider_v for_o so_o he_o be_v only_o the_o material_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n he_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v heb._n 11._o 6._o nor_o be_v it_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n absolute_o for_o that_o we_o believe_v as_o we_o do_v other_o essential_a property_n of_o his_o nature_n but_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n reveal_v himself_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n unto_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n this_o be_v the_o sole_a reason_n why_o we_o believe_v any_o thing_n with_o divine_a faith_n it_o be_v or_o may_v be_v inquire_v wherefore_o we_o do_v believe_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o that_o god_n be_v one_o in_o nature_n subsist_v in_o three_o person_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v because_o god_n himself_o the_o first_o truth_n who_o can_v lie_v have_v reveal_v and_o declare_v these_o thing_n so_o to_o be_v and_o he_o who_o be_v our_o all_o require_v we_o so_o to_o believe_v if_o it_o be_v ask_v how_o wherein_o or_o whereby_o god_n have_v reveal_v and_o declare_v these_o thing_n so_o to_o be_v or_o what_o be_v that_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v hereof_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v the_o scripture_n and_o that_o only_o and_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v how_o i_o know_v this_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o answer_v 1._o i_o do_v not_o know_v it_o demonstrative_o upon_o rational_a scientifical_a principle_n because_o such_o a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o such_o a_o demonstration_n 1._o cor._n 2._o 9_o 2._o i_o do_v not_o assent_v unto_o it_o or_o think_v it_o to_o be_v so_o upon_o argument_n and_o motive_n high_o probable_a or_o moral_o uncontrollable_a only_o as_o i_o be_o assure_o persuade_v of_o many_o other_o thing_n whereof_o i_o can_v have_v no_o certain_a demonstration_n 1_o thes._n 2._o 15._o but_o i_o believe_v it_o so_o to_o be_v with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a rest_v on_o and_o resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n himself_o evidence_v themselves_o unto_o my_o mind_n my_o soul_n and_o conscience_n by_o this_o revelation_n itself_o and_o not_o otherwise_o here_o we_o rest_v and_o deny_v that_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n formal_o for_o any_o other_o reason_n but_o itself_o which_o assure_v we_o of_o its_o divine_a authority_n and_o if_o we_o rest_v not_o here_o we_o must_v run_v on_o the_o rock_n of_o a_o moral_a certainty_n only_o which_o shake_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o divine_a faith_n or_o fall_v into_o the_o gulf_n and_o labyrinth_n of_o a_o endless_a circle_n in_o prove_v two_o thing_n mutual_o by_o one_o another_o as_o the_o church_n by_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o church_n in_o a_o everlasting_a rotation_n unless_o we_o intend_v so_o to_o wander_v we_o must_v come_v to_o something_o wherein_o we_o may_v rest_v for_o its_o own_o sake_n and_o that_o not_o with_o a_o strong_a and_o firm_a opinion_n but_o with_o divine_a faith_n and_o nothing_o can_v rational_o pretend_v unto_o this_o privilege_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n manifest_v itself_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o those_o who_o will_v not_o allow_v it_o hereunto_o do_v some_o of_o they_o wise_o deny_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o object_n of_o divine_a faith_n direct_o but_o only_o of_o a_o moral_a persuasion_n from_o eternal_a argument_n and_o consideration_n and_o i_o do_v believe_v that_o they_o will_v grant_v that_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o to_o be_v believe_v it_o must_v be_v for_o its_o own_o sake_n for_o those_o who_o will_v have_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n propose_v it_o unto_o we_o and_o witness_v so_o to_o be_v though_o they_o make_v a_o fair_a appearance_n of_o a_o ready_a and_o easy_a way_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n yet_o when_o thing_n come_v to_o be_v sift_v and_o try_v they_o do_v so_o confound_v all_o sort_n of_o thing_n that_o they_o know_v not_o where_o to_o stand_v or_o abide_v but_o it_o be_v not_o now_o my_o business_n to_o examine_v their_o pretence_n i_o have_v do_v it_o elsewhere_o i_o shall_v therefore_o prove_v and_o establish_v the_o assertion_n lay_v down_o after_o i_o have_v make_v way_n to_o it_o by_o one_o or_o two_o previous_a observation_n 1._o we_o suppose_v herein_o all_o the_o motive_n of_o credibity_n before_o mention_v that_o be_v all_o the_o argument_n ab_fw-la extra_fw-la which_o vehement_o persuade_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o wherewith_o it_o may_v be_v protect_v against_o objection_n and_o temptation_n to_o the_o contrary_n they_o have_v all_o of_o they_o their_o use_n and_o may_v in_o their_o proper_a place_n be_v
place_n that_o the_o plea_n hitherto_o insist_v on_o can_v be_v manage_v without_o great_a disadvantage_n to_o christian_a religion_n for_o if_o we_o take_v away_o the_o rational_a ground_n on_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v true_a and_o divine_a and_o the_o whole_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v lay_v on_o thing_n not_o only_o deride_v by_o man_n of_o atheistical_a spirit_n but_o in_o themselves_o such_o as_o can_v be_v discern_v by_o any_o but_o such_o as_o do_v believe_v on_o what_o ground_n can_v we_o proceed_v to_o convince_v a_o unbeliever_n answer_v 1_o by_o the_o way_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o prove_v and_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v true_a and_o divine_a another_o to_o prove_v and_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n or_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o alone_o be_v propose_v unto_o consideration_n a_o doctrine_n true_a and_o divine_a may_v be_v write_v in_o and_o propose_v unto_o we_o by_o write_n that_o be_v not_o divine_o and_o infallible_o inspire_v and_o so_o may_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v but_o not_o without_o the_o unspeakable_a disadvantage_n of_o the_o church_n and_o there_o be_v sundry_a argument_n which_o forcible_o and_o effectual_o prove_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o have_v be_v true_a and_o divine_a which_o be_v not_o of_o any_o efficacy_n to_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n though_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n whatever_o do_v prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v equal_o prove_v the_o divine_a truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n 2._o there_o be_v two_o way_n of_o convince_a unbeliever_n the_o one_o insist_v on_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o follower_n the_o other_o by_o some_o learned_a man_n since_o their_o day_n the_o way_n principal_o insist_v on_o by_o the_o apostle_n be_v by_o preach_v the_o word_n itself_o unto_o they_o in_o the_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o the_o power_n whereof_o manifest_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o it_o they_o be_v convince_v and_o fall_v down_o acknowledge_v god_n to_o be_v in_o it_o of_o a_o truth_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 4_o 5._o ch_z 14._o 25_o 26._o it_o be_v likely_a that_o in_o this_o their_o proposal_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o doctrine_n and_o truth_n contain_v in_o it_o unto_o unbeliever_n that_o those_o of_o atheistical_a spirit_n will_v both_o deride_v they_o and_o it_o and_o so_o indeed_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v many_o esteem_v themselves_o to_o be_v babbler_n and_o their_o doctrine_n to_o be_v errant_a folly_n but_o yet_o they_o desist_v not_o from_o pursue_v their_o work_n in_o the_o same_o way_n whereunto_o god_n give_v success_n the_o other_o way_n be_v to_o prove_v unto_o unbeliever_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a and_o divine_a by_o rational_a argument_n wherein_o some_o learned_a person_n have_v labour_v especial_o in_o these_o last_o age_n to_o very_o good_a purpose_n and_o certain_o their_o labour_n be_v great_o to_o be_v commend_v whilst_o they_o attend_v unto_o these_o rule_n 1._o that_o they_o produce_v no_o argument_n but_o such_o as_o be_v cogent_a and_o not_o liable_a unto_o just_a exception_n for_o if_o to_o manifest_v their_o own_o skill_n or_o learning_n they_o plead_v such_o reason_n as_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o answer_n and_o solution_n they_o exceed_o prejudice_v the_o truth_n by_o subject_v it_o unto_o dubious_a disputation_n whereas_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v clear_a firm_a and_o sacred_a 2._o that_o they_o do_v not_o pretend_v their_o rational_a ground_n and_o argument_n to_o be_v the_o sole_a foundation_n that_o faith_n have_v to_o rest_v upon_o or_o which_o it_o be_v resolve_v into_o for_o this_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o set_v up_o a_o opinion_n instead_o of_o faith_n supernatural_a and_o divine_a accept_v but_o of_o these_o two_o limitation_n and_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o rational_a ground_n and_o argument_n intend_v may_v be_v rational_o plead_v and_o aught_o so_o to_o be_v unto_o the_o conviction_n of_o gainsayer_n for_o no_o man_n do_v so_o plead_v the_o self-evidencing_a power_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o to_o deny_v that_o the_o use_v of_o other_o external_a motive_n and_o argument_n be_v necessary_a to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o atheist_n as_o also_o unto_o the_o further_a establishment_n of_o they_o who_o do_v believe_v these_o thing_n be_v subordinate_a and_o no_o way_n inconsistent_a the_o truth_n be_v if_o we_o will_v attend_v unto_o our_o own_o and_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n the_o way_n whereby_o we_o come_v to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n ordinary_o be_v this_o and_o no_o other_o god_n have_v first_o give_v his_o word_n as_o the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n have_v appoint_v the_o ministry_n of_o man_n at_o first_o extraordinary_a afterward_o ordinary_a to_o propose_v unto_o we_o the_o doctrine_n truth_n precept_n promise_n and_o threaten_n contain_v therein_o together_o with_o this_o proposition_n of_o they_o they_o be_v appoint_v to_o declare_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o from_o themselves_o nor_o of_o their_o own_o invention_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o and_o this_o be_v do_v various_o unto_o some_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o this_o ministry_n thus_o come_v or_o be_v thus_o propose_v preach_v or_o declare_v whilst_o they_o be_v in_o a_o condition_n not_o only_o utter_o unacquainted_a with_o the_o mystery_n of_o it_o but_o fill_v with_o contrary_a apprehension_n and_o consequent_o prejudices_fw-la against_o it_o thus_o it_o come_v of_o old_a unto_o the_o pagan_a world_n and_o must_v do_v so_o unto_o such_o person_n and_o nation_n as_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o same_o state_n with_o they_o unto_o these_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o produce_v the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o will_v evidence_n itself_o unto_o they_o so_o to_o be_v for_o this_o have_v be_v to_o despise_v the_o wisdom_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o their_o own_o ministry_n but_o they_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o unto_o they_o ground_v themselves_o on_o the_o divine_a revelation_n contain_v therein_o and_o this_o proposition_n of_o the_o truth_n or_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o leave_v of_o god_n to_o work_v itself_o into_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n by_o the_o suitableness_n of_o it_o thereunto_o but_o be_v his_o own_o institution_n for_o their_o illumination_n and_o conversion_n he_o accompany_v it_o with_o divine_a power_n and_o make_v it_o effectual_a unto_o the_o end_v design_v rom._n 1._o 16._o and_o the_o event_n hereof_o among_o mankind_n be_v that_o by_o some_o this_o new_a doctrine_n be_v deride_v and_o scorn_v by_o other_o who_o heart_n god_n open_v to_o attend_v unto_o it_o it_o be_v embrace_v and_o submit_v unto_o among_o those_o who_o after_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v bear_v as_o they_o say_v within_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o church_n the_o same_o doctrine_n be_v various_o instill_v into_o person_n according_a unto_o the_o several_a duty_n and_o concern_v of_o other_o to_o instruct_v they_o principal_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v ordain_v of_o god_n unto_o that_o end_n whereon_o the_o church_n be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n those_o of_o both_o sort_n unto_o who_o the_o doctrine_n mention_v be_v preach_v or_o propose_v be_v direct_v unto_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o sacred_a repository_n thereof_o for_o they_o be_v tell_v that_o these_o thing_n come_v by_o revelation_n from_o god_n and_o that_o revelation_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o bible_n which_o be_v his_o word_n upon_o this_o proposal_n with_o enquiry_n into_o it_o and_o consideration_n of_o it_o god_n cooperate_a by_o his_o spirit_n there_o be_v that_o evidence_n of_o its_o divine_a original_a communicate_v unto_o their_o mind_n through_o its_o power_n and_o efficacy_n with_o the_o character_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o holiness_n implant_v on_o it_o which_o they_o be_v now_o enable_v to_o discern_v that_o they_o believe_v it_o and_o rest_n in_o it_o as_o the_o immediate_a word_n of_o god_n thus_o be_v it_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o sychar_n with_o respect_n unto_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n john_n 4._o 42._o this_o be_v the_o way_n whereby_o man_n ordinary_o be_v bring_v to_o believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n rom._n 10._o 14_o 15._o and_o that_o neither_o by_o external_a argument_n or_o motive_n which_o no_o one_o soul_n be_v ever_o convert_v unto_o god_n by_o nor_o by_o any_o mere_a naked_a proposal_n and_o offer_n of_o the_o book_n unto_o they_o
he_o further_o confirm_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o we_o will_v not_o attend_v or_o give_v credit_n simple_o to_o the_o definition_n of_o man_n see_v we_o have_v right_a also_o to_o define_v in_o contradiction_n unto_o they_o and_o see_v it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a mere_o to_o say_v or_o assert_v what_o appear_v to_o be_v truth_n but_o to_o beget_v a_o belief_n also_o of_o what_o be_v speak_v we_o expect_v not_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n but_o confirm_v that_o which_o be_v inquire_v about_o with_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v more_o full_a and_o firm_a than_o any_o demonstration_n yea_o which_o rather_o be_v the_o only_a demonstration_n thus_o we_o take_v our_o demonstration_n of_o the_o scripture_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n be_v assure_v by_o faith_n as_o by_o demonstration_n and_o in_o other_o place_n as_o strom._n 4._o he_o plain_o affirm_v that_o the_o way_n of_o christian_n be_v to_o prove_v the_o scripture_n by_o itself_o and_o all_o other_o thing_n by_o the_o scripture_n basilius_n speak_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n on_o psal._n 115._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i'faith_o which_o draw_v the_o soul_n to_o assent_v above_o all_o method_n of_o reason_v faith_n which_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o geometrical_a demonstration_n but_o of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o nature_n cause_n and_o efficacy_n of_o that_o faith_n whereby_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v assert_v by_o he_o nemesius_n the_o homin_v cap._n 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o divine_a oracle_n have_v its_o credibility_n from_o itself_o because_o of_o its_o divine_a inspiration_n the_o word_n of_o austin_n though_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o all_o yet_o may_v here_o be_v again_o report_v confess_v lib._n ii_o cap._n 3._o audiam_fw-la &_o intelligam_fw-la quo_fw-la modo_fw-la fecisti_fw-la coelum_fw-la &_o terram_fw-la scripsit_fw-la hoc_fw-la moses_n scripsit_fw-la &_o abiit_fw-la transivit_fw-la hinc_fw-la ad_fw-la te_fw-la neque_fw-la enim_fw-la nunc_fw-la ante_fw-la i_o est_fw-la nam_fw-la si_fw-la esset_fw-la tenerem_fw-la eum_fw-la &_o rogarem_fw-la eum_fw-la &_o per_fw-la te_fw-la obsecrarem_fw-la ut_fw-la mihi_fw-la ista_fw-la panderet_fw-la &_o praeberem_fw-la aures_fw-la corporis_fw-la mei_fw-la sonis_fw-la erumpentibus_fw-la ex_fw-la ore_fw-la ejus_fw-la at_o si_fw-la hebraea_n voce_fw-la loqueretur_fw-la frustra_fw-la pulsaret_fw-la sensum_fw-la meum_fw-la nec_fw-la inde_fw-la mentem_fw-la meam_fw-la quicquam_fw-la tangeret_fw-la si_fw-mi autem_fw-la latinè_n scirem_fw-la quid_fw-la diceret_fw-la sed_fw-la unde_fw-la scirem_fw-la a_o verum_fw-la diceret_fw-la quod_fw-la etsi_fw-la hoc_fw-la scirem_fw-la num_fw-la &_o ab_fw-la illo_fw-la scirem_fw-la intus_fw-la utique_fw-la mihi_fw-la intus_fw-la in_o domicilio_fw-la cogitationis_fw-la nec_fw-la hebraea_n nec_fw-la graeca_v nec_fw-la latina_fw-la nec_fw-la barbara_fw-la veritas_fw-la sine_fw-la oris_fw-la &_o linguae_fw-la organis_fw-la sine_fw-la strepitu_fw-la syllabarum_fw-la diceret_fw-la verum_fw-la dicit_fw-la at_o ego_fw-la statim_fw-la erectus_fw-la confidenter_fw-la illi_fw-la homini_fw-la tuo_fw-la dicerem_fw-la verum_fw-la dicis_fw-la cum_fw-la ergo_fw-la illum_fw-la interrogare_fw-la non_fw-la possim_fw-la te_fw-la quo_fw-la plenus_fw-la vera_fw-la dixit_fw-la veritas_fw-la te_fw-la deus_fw-la meus_fw-la rogo_fw-la parce_fw-la peccatis_fw-la meis_fw-la &_o qui_fw-la illi_fw-la servo_fw-la tuo_fw-la dedisti_fw-la haec_fw-la dicere_fw-la da_fw-la &_o mihi_fw-la haec_fw-la intelligere_fw-la i_o will_v hear_v i_o will_v understand_v how_o thou_o make_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n moses_n write_v this_o he_o write_v it_o and_o be_v go_v hence_o to_o thou_o for_o he_o be_v not_o now_o before_o i_o for_o if_o he_o be_v i_o will_v hold_v he_o and_o ask_v he_o and_o beseech_v he_o for_o thy_o sake_n that_o he_o will_v open_v these_o thing_n unto_o i_o and_o i_o will_v apply_v the_o ear_n of_o my_o body_n to_o the_o sound_n break_v forth_o from_o his_o mouth_n but_o if_o he_o shall_v use_v the_o hebrew_n language_n in_o vain_a shall_v he_o affect_v my_o sense_n for_o he_o will_v not_o at_o all_o touch_n my_o mind_n if_o he_o shall_v speak_v latin_a i_o shall_v know_v what_o he_o say_v but_o whence_o shall_v i_o know_v that_o he_o speak_v the_o truth_n and_o if_o i_o shall_v know_v this_o also_o shall_v i_o know_v it_o of_o he_o within_o i_o in_o the_o habitation_n of_o my_o own_o thought_n truth_n neither_o in_o hebrew_n greek_a latin_a nor_o any_o barbarous_a language_n without_o the_o organ_n of_o mouth_n or_o tongue_n without_o the_o noise_n of_o syllable_n will_v say_v he_o speak_v the_o truth_n and_o i_o be_v immediate_o assure_v or_o certain_a of_o it_o will_v say_v unto_o that_o servant_n of_o thou_o thou_o speak_v truth_n whereas_o therefore_o i_o can_v ask_v he_o i_o ask_v thou_o o_o truth_n with_o which_o he_o be_v fill_v speak_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v true_a o_o my_o god_n i_o ask_v of_o thou_o pardon_v my_o sin_n and_o thou_o who_o give_v unto_o this_o thy_o servant_n to_o speak_v these_o thing_n give_v unto_o i_o to_o understand_v they_o that_o which_o be_v most_o remarkable_a in_o these_o word_n be_v that_o he_o plain_o affirm_v that_o faith_n will_v not_o ensue_v on_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o if_o they_o be_v present_a with_o we_o unless_o there_o be_v a_o internal_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o our_o mind_n to_o enable_v we_o and_o persuade_v they_o thereunto_o and_o indeed_o he_o seem_v to_o place_v all_o assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o divine_a revelation_n in_o the_o inward_a assurance_n which_o god_n give_v we_o of_o they_o by_o his_o spirit_n which_o we_o have_v before_o consider_v the_o second_o arausican_n council_n give_v full_a testimony_n unto_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o internal_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o we_o may_v believe_v can._n 7._o siquis_fw-la evangelicae_fw-la proedicationi_fw-la consentire_fw-la posse_fw-la confirmat_fw-la absque_fw-la illuminatione_fw-la &_o inspiratione_n spiritus_fw-la sancti_fw-la haeretico_fw-la fallitur_fw-la spiritu_fw-la to_o descend_v unto_o late_a time_n wherein_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v much_o dispute_v yet_o the_o truth_n have_v beam_v such_o light_n into_o the_o eye_n of_o many_o as_o to_o enforce_v a_o acknowledgement_n from_o they_o when_o they_o have_v examine_v themselves_o about_o it_o the_o word_n of_o baptista_n mantuanus_fw-la be_v remarkable_a the_o patient_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 2._o saepe_fw-la mecum_fw-la cogitavi_fw-la unde_fw-la tam_fw-la suadibilis_fw-la sit_fw-la ipsa_fw-la scriptura_fw-la unde_fw-la tam_fw-la potenter_fw-la influat_fw-la in_o animos_fw-la auditorum_fw-la unde_fw-la tantum_fw-la habeat_fw-la energiae_fw-la ut_fw-la non_fw-la ad_fw-la opinandum_fw-la tantum_fw-la sed_fw-la ad_fw-la solid_a credendum_fw-la omnes_fw-la inflectat_fw-la non_fw-fr est_fw-fr hoc_fw-la imputandum_fw-la rationum_fw-la evidentiae_fw-la quas_fw-la non_fw-la adducit_fw-la non_fw-la artis_fw-la industriae_fw-la aut_fw-la verbis_fw-la suavibus_fw-la ad_fw-la persuadendum_fw-la accomodatis_fw-la quibus_fw-la non_fw-la utitur_fw-la sed_fw-la vide_fw-la a_o id_fw-la in_o causa_fw-la sit_fw-la quod_fw-la persuasi_fw-la sumus_fw-la eam_fw-la a_o prima_fw-la veritate_fw-la fluxisse_fw-la sed_fw-la unde_fw-la sumus_fw-la ita_fw-la persuasi_fw-la nisi_fw-la ab_fw-la ipsa_fw-la quasi_fw-la ad_fw-la ei_fw-la credendum_fw-la nos_fw-la suiipsius_fw-la contrahat_fw-la authoritas_fw-la sed_fw-la unde_fw-la oro_fw-la hanc_fw-la authoritatem_fw-la sibi_fw-la vendicavit_fw-la neque_fw-la enim_fw-la vidimus_fw-la nos_fw-la deum_fw-la concionantem_fw-la scribentem_fw-la docentem_fw-la tamen_fw-la ac_fw-la si_fw-la vidissemus_fw-la credimus_fw-la &_o tenemus_fw-la a_o spiritu_fw-la sancto_fw-la fluxisse_fw-la quae_fw-la legimus_fw-la forsan_fw-la fuerit_fw-la haec_fw-la ratio_fw-la firmiter_fw-la adhaerendi_fw-la quod_fw-la in_o ea_fw-la veritas_fw-la sit_fw-la solidior_fw-la quamvis_fw-la non_fw-la clarior_fw-la habet_fw-la enim_fw-la omnis_fw-la veritas_fw-la vim_o inclinativam_fw-la &_o major_a majorem_fw-la &_o maxima_fw-la maximam_fw-la sed_fw-la cur_n ergo_fw-la non_fw-la omnes_fw-la credunt_fw-la evangelio_n respond_v quod_fw-la non_fw-la omnes_fw-la trahuntur_fw-la a_o deo_fw-la sed_fw-la long_fw-mi opus_fw-la est_fw-la disputatione_n firmiter_fw-la sacris_fw-la scripture_n ideo_fw-la credimus_fw-la quod_fw-la divinam_fw-la inspirationem_fw-la intus_fw-la accipimus_fw-la i_o have_v often_o think_v with_o myself_o whence_o the_o scripture_n itself_o be_v so_o persuasive_a from_o whence_o it_o do_v so_o powerful_o influence_n the_o mind_n of_o its_o hearer_n that_o it_o incline_v or_o lead_v they_o not_o only_o to_o receive_v a_o opinion_n but_o sure_o to_o believe_v this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o evidence_n of_o reason_n which_o it_o do_v not_o produce_v nor_o unto_o the_o industry_n of_o art_n with_o word_n smooth_a and_o fit_a to_o persuade_v which_o it_o use_v not_o see_v then_o if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o that_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o it_o come_v from_o the_o first_o truth_n or_o verity_n but_o whence_o be_v we_o so_o persuade_v but_o from_o itself_o alone_o as_o if_o its_o own_o authority_n shall_v effectual_o draw_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o but_o whence_o i_o pray_v have_v it_o this_o authority_n we_o see_v not_o