this_o divine_a knowledge_n and_o assurance_n illuminate_v our_o understanding_n renew_v our_o will_n and_o sanctify_v our_o heart_n and_o affection_n in_o which_o sense_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o we_o a_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n open_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n that_o we_o may_v see_v by_o a_o spiritual_a light_n the_o excellency_n of_o those_o divine_a mystery_n that_o be_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n ephes_n 1.17_o 18._o now_o this_o doctrine_n of_o we_o be_v no_o such_o circle_n as_o the_o papist_n pretend_v it_o to_o be_v but_o a_o plain_a and_o strait_a way_n for_o a_o sober_a christian_n to_o walk_v in_o thus_o how_o know_v you_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v god_n word_n we_o answer_v by_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o by_o that_o wonderful_a light_n and_o excellency_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n that_o shine_v in_o they_o here_o we_o will_v rest_v and_o go_v no_o further_o but_o yet_o if_o we_o be_v ask_v how_o we_o come_v to_o see_v this_o light_n we_o answer_v it_o be_v by_o the_o only_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n give_v we_o eye_n to_o see_v and_o heart_n to_o embrace_v and_o love_v the_o light_n if_o we_o be_v further_o urge_v for_o some_o be_v thus_o importunate_a but_o how_o know_v you_o that_o you_o do_v indeed_o perceive_v such_o a_o heavenly_a light_n as_o you_o speak_v of_o or_o how_o can_v you_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o other_o that_o you_o be_v not_o deceive_v now_o true_o this_o be_v but_o a_o vain_a question_n it_o be_v a_o absurd_a thing_n to_o demand_v a_o reason_n of_o sense_n which_o be_v as_o if_o one_o shall_v ask_v he_o that_o gaze_v on_o the_o sun_n how_o know_v you_o that_o you_o see_v the_o light_n why_o he_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o see_v it_o and_o know_v that_o he_o be_v not_o deceive_v though_o he_o can_v convince_v a_o blind_a man_n of_o it_o and_o if_o in_o case_n he_o that_o be_v blind_a require_v he_o that_o see_v to_o prove_v unto_o he_o by_o sound_a argument_n that_o he_o behold_v such_o a_o object_n he_o demand_v a_o impossible_a thing_n of_o he_o unless_o he_o can_v give_v he_o eye_n to_o see_v it_o some_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a papist_n after_o all_o their_o dispute_v and_o wrangle_v be_v drive_v at_o last_o to_o acknowledge_v this_o inward_a illumination_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n stapleton_n himself_o even_o in_o that_o book_n where_o he_o defend_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n say_v that_o the_o godly_a be_v bring_v to_o faith_n by_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n but_o be_v once_o bring_v and_o enlighten_v with_o the_o light_n of_o divine_a inspiration_n than_o they_o believe_v no_o more_o for_o the_o church_n voice_n but_o because_o of_o the_o heavenly_a light_n and_o again_o in_o the_o last_o book_n that_o ever_o he_o write_v against_o learned_a whitaker_n he_o tell_v we_o plain_o that_o the_o inward_a persuasion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v so_o necessary_a and_o effectual_a for_o the_o believe_v of_o every_o object_n of_o faith_n that_o without_o it_o neither_o can_v any_o thing_n by_o any_o man_n be_v believe_v though_o the_o church_n testify_v with_o it_o a_o thousand_o time_n and_o by_o it_o alone_o any_o matter_n may_v be_v believe_v though_o the_o church_n hold_v her_o peace_n or_o be_v never_o hear_v hereby_o it_o appear_v that_o we_o may_v be_v infallible_o assure_v of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n though_o the_o authority_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o so_o regard_v by_o we_o as_o the_o papist_n will_v have_v it_o but_o yet_o when_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o infidel_n and_o atheist_n that_o scoff_n at_o this_o divine_a light_n and_o inward_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o have_v more_o reason_n on_o our_o side_n as_o have_v be_v show_v at_o large_a to_o convince_v they_o and_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n do_v contain_v the_o word_n and_o law_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n than_o any_o other_o religion_n nay_o then_o all_o other_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n as_o for_o the_o inward_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n witness_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v take_v these_o follow_a rule_n testimony_n rule_n rule_n concern_v the_o spirit_n testimony_n for_o prevent_a mistake_n first_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v assure_o persuade_v the_o conscience_n of_o a_o christian_a that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n not_o by_o a_o immediate_a vision_n or_o revelation_n under_o which_o pretence_n satan_n transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n have_v delude_v and_o ensnare_v many_o poor_a soul_n but_o by_o enlighten_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n to_o behold_v the_o light_n write_v the_o law_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o inward_a part_n as_o god_n have_v promise_v in_o the_o new_a covenant_n seal_v up_o the_o promise_n to_o our_o soul_n and_o cause_v we_o experimental_o to_o feel_v the_o powerful_a effect_n thereof_o second_o this_o divine_a supernatural_a persuasion_n wrought_v in_o believer_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v more_o certain_a and_o more_o satisfactory_a than_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o our_o weak_a imperfect_a reason_n or_o express_v in_o word_n for_o thing_n doubtful_a may_v be_v prove_v but_o as_o for_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o themselves_o most_o clear_a and_o certain_a we_o say_v they_o need_v no_o rational_a proof_n or_o demonstration_n as_o the_o shine_a of_o the_o sun_n which_o discover_v itself_o by_o its_o own_o light_n need_v not_o be_v confirm_v by_o any_o rational_a argument_n to_o he_o that_o have_v his_o eye_n open_a to_o see_v the_o light_n thereof_o three_o it_o be_v such_o a_o testimony_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o be_v certain_a and_o manifest_a to_o he_o that_o have_v the_o spirit_n for_o it_o make_v itself_o evident_a where_o it_o come_v but_o this_o be_v private_a and_o particular_a not_o public_a and_o common_a testify_v only_o to_o he_o who_o be_v endue_v therewith_o but_o not_o convince_a other_o nor_o confirm_a doctrine_n to_o they_o in_o this_o case_n man_n must_v have_v recourse_n to_o the_o visible_a stand_a rule_n to_o the_o write_a law_n and_o testimony_n if_o any_o man_n speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o let_v he_o pretend_v never_o so_o much_o to_o the_o inward_a testimony_n and_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v because_o the_o light_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o he_o four_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v sever_v from_o the_o word_n which_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o his_o public_a authentic_a testimony_n nor_o be_v it_o injurious_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o word_n see_v there_o be_v a_o mutual_a relation_n and_o correspondence_n between_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o party_n witness_v and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n witness_v and_o this_o holy_a spirit_n the_o author_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v every_o where_o like_a unto_o and_o do_v every_o where_o agree_v with_o himself_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o pair_n of_o indenture_n there_o be_v no_o difference_n at_o all_o between_o they_o but_o the_o very_a same_o thing_n that_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o one_o be_v also_o mention_v in_o the_o other_o so_o it_o be_v between_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v and_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n five_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o teach_v or_o assure_v all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o letter_n syllable_n and_o word_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v only_o as_o a_o vessel_n to_o carry_v and_o convey_v the_o heavenly_a light_n unto_o we_o but_o it_o do_v seal_v in_o our_o heart_n the_o save_a truth_n contain_v in_o those_o sacred_a write_n into_o what_o language_n soever_o they_o be_v translate_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o corinthian_n that_o they_o be_v the_o epistle_n of_o christ_n write_v not_o with_o ink_n but_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o live_a god_n not_o in_o table_n of_o stone_n but_o in_o the_o fleshly_a table_n of_o the_o heart_n 2_o cor._n 3.3_o six_o and_o last_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o lead_v they_o in_o who_o he_o dwell_v and_o witness_v absolute_o and_o at_o once_o into_o every_o truth_n of_o god_n so_o as_o utter_o to_o dispel_v all_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n out_o of_o the_o soul_n but_o he_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o by_o degree_n john_n 16.12_o 13._o be_v a_o free_a voluntary_a agent_n he_o work_v when_o and_o
have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o he_o he_o be_v none_o of_o he_o the_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o to_o they_o it_o be_v give_v by_o the_o father_n to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n mat._n 13.11_o hereby_o say_v the_o apostle_n we_o know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v free_o give_v we_o of_o god_n even_o by_o his_o spirit_n which_o search_v all_o thing_n yea_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 2.10_o for_o a_o man_n profess_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n to_o swallow_v down_o without_o trial_n or_o consideration_n all_o that_o he_o read_v and_o hear_v if_o it_o come_v from_o a_o person_n that_o he_o admire_v which_o yet_o be_v the_o practice_n not_o only_o of_o the_o blind_a papist_n but_o of_o many_o seem_a zealous_a protestant_n that_o be_v too_o much_o addict_v to_o a_o party_n non_fw-la est_fw-la opus_fw-la virilis_fw-la intelligentiae_fw-la sed_fw-la puerilis_fw-la inscitiae_fw-la this_o rather_o become_v the_o simplicity_n and_o ignorance_n of_o a_o child_n than_o the_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n of_o a_o serious_a christian_a luther_n speak_v of_o the_o blind_a implicit_a faith_n and_o obedience_n too_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o opinion_n and_o practice_n as_o render_v a_o man_n brutist_n and_o deprive_v he_o of_o reason_n and_o manhood_n and_o for_o this_o wicked_a opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o they_o namely_o for_o exercise_v a_o absolute_a dominion_n over_o the_o faith_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n the_o roman_a prelate_n deserve_v to_o be_v drive_v out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o wolf_n and_o tyrant_n but_o what_o shall_v every_o private_a spirit_n will_v you_o say_v take_v this_o upon_o he_o be_v not_o this_o to_o judge_v his_o judge_n and_o to_o pass_v sentence_n upon_o his_o superior_a to_o which_o we_o answer_v that_o those_o person_n be_v they_o never_o so_o great_a and_o learned_a judge_v of_o divine_a thing_n by_o a_o private_a spirit_n who_o depend_v upon_o their_o own_o corrupt_a reason_n and_o fancy_n and_o according_o judge_v and_o determine_v and_o not_o he_o though_o but_o a_o private_a christian_a that_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n and_o judge_v of_o the_o point_n of_o religion_n by_o and_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o do_v we_o say_v that_o every_o private_a man_n be_v to_o judge_v by_o way_n of_o authority_n in_o foro_fw-la publico_fw-la a_o public_a authoritative_a disquisition_n and_o trial_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o a_o private_a rational_a christian_a examination_n be_v another_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n judicare_fw-la to_o judge_v of_o my_o own_o act_n and_o another_o thing_n judicem_fw-la agere_fw-la to_o act_n as_o a_o judge_n indeed_o the_o spiritual_a man_n judge_v all_o thing_n but_o how_o not_o in_o a_o juridical_a authoritative_a way_n but_o only_o so_o far_o as_o concern_v his_o call_n and_o capacity_n if_o he_o be_v a_o private_a christian_a rational_a judgement_n belong_v to_o he_o but_o magistratica_n and_o ministerial_a judgement_n belong_v to_o other_o that_o be_v in_o a_o more_o public_a capacity_n and_o office_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n he_o be_v to_o try_v and_o judge_v with_o much_o modesty_n and_o humility_n not_o rash_o and_o heady_o as_o be_v self-conceited_a and_o lean_v too_o much_o to_o his_o own_o understanding_n let_v he_o walk_v orderly_o and_o keep_v his_o place_n and_o station_n give_v due_a respect_n and_o reverence_n to_o christian_a magistrate_n and_o godly_a pastor_n and_o submit_v to_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n heb._n 13.7_o 17._o and_o this_o will_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o preserve_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n from_o anarchy_n and_o confusion_n thus_o we_o have_v show_v how_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v prove_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o every_o christian_n ought_v to_o exercise_v himself_o in_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o judge_v of_o doctrine_n but_o yet_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o those_o external_a rational_a argument_n which_o be_v bring_v to_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o internal_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o most_o clear_a certain_a infallible_a public_a testimony_n and_o of_o itself_o worthy_a to_o be_v believe_v for_o it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n himself_o hereof_o we_o shall_v treat_v more_o particular_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n chap._n fourteen_o of_o the_o internal_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n witness_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n although_o there_o be_v rational_a argument_n which_o have_v be_v already_o mention_v to_o prove_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o the_o inward_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o be_v necessary_a to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o which_o testimony_n be_v better_a and_o more_o certain_a than_o all_o our_o reason_n for_o as_o god_n be_v a_o sufficient_a witness_n of_o himself_o in_o his_o own_o word_n so_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n will_v never_o be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n till_o the_o same_o be_v seal_v and_o confirm_v to_o they_o by_o the_o inward_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n till_o than_o they_o will_v be_v much_o in_o the_o dark_a often_o doubt_v and_o waver_v notwithstanding_o all_o other_o reason_n and_o proof_n 5._o proof_n calv._n instit_fw-la lib._n 1._o chap._n 7._o s._n 5._o we_o shall_v so_o believe_v the_o scripture_n for_o itself_o and_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n witness_v the_o same_o as_o not_o to_o subject_v the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o to_o our_o reason_n and_o demonstration_n when_o our_o understanding_n be_v once_o powerful_o convince_v and_o enlighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o indict_v the_o holy_a scripture_n then_o do_v we_o not_o believe_v by_o our_o own_o judgement_n or_o reason_n or_o other_o man_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v from_o god_n and_o by_o divine_a inspiration_n but_o above_o all_o humane_a reason_n and_o judgement_n we_o hold_v it_o most_o certain_a even_o as_o if_o we_o behold_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n himself_o there_o present_a john_n 4.42_o and_o have_v attain_v this_o we_o seek_v not_o after_o humane_a argument_n to_o rest_v our_o faith_n upon_o but_o as_o a_o thing_n that_o admit_v of_o no_o doubt_n or_o dispute_v we_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v and_o do_v full_o captivate_v and_o submit_v our_o judgement_n and_o reason_n to_o it_o such_o therefore_o be_v the_o persuasion_n of_o a_o true_a spiritual_a christian_a of_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n far_o different_a from_o other_o mens_fw-la as_o require_v no_o humane_a reason_n such_o be_v his_o knowledge_n and_o certainty_n as_o have_v the_o best_a reason_n for_o it_o even_o that_o wherein_o the_o mind_n more_o assure_o and_o steadfast_o rest_v then_o upon_o any_o humane_a testimony_n or_o reason_n whatsoever_o such_o be_v the_o inward_a spiritual_a experience_n of_o the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o if_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v oppose_v the_o same_o yet_o he_o be_v full_o resolve_v to_o give_v credit_n and_o adhere_v thereunto_o by_o nature_n every_o man_n be_v blind_a in_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o ignorant_a of_o the_o mind_n and_o mystery_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o shine_a light_n in_o itself_o yet_o unless_o our_o understanding_n be_v open_v and_o enlighten_v we_o can_v behold_v it_o no_o more_o than_o a_o blind_a man_n can_v see_v the_o sun_n when_o it_o shine_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o supernatural_a light_n and_o faith_n by_o the_o inspiration_n thereof_o be_v the_o scripture_n first_o write_v the_o secret_n and_o mystery_n of_o god_n be_v full_o know_v unto_o and_o effectual_o reveal_v by_o this_o spirit_n the_o same_o law_n and_o word_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o scripture_n this_o spirit_n do_v also_o write_v and_o impress_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o they_o that_o be_v endue_v therewith_o and_o therefore_o the_o testimony_n of_o this_o spirit_n where_o it_o come_v in_o power_n must_v needs_o full_o persuade_v and_o assure_v the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o a_o christian_a that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o infallible_a word_n of_o god_n as_o in_o other_o science_n there_o be_v always_o some_o principle_n per_fw-la se_fw-la nota_fw-la &_o indemonstrabilia_fw-la whence_o other_o thing_n be_v prove_v and_o demonstrate_v so_o it_o be_v in_o divinity_n which_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a science_n all_o conclusion_n in_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n
in_o maintain_v and_o promote_a the_o doctrine_n and_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n seven_o that_o sweet_a and_o admirable_a harmony_n and_o consent_n which_o be_v find_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n can_v be_v rational_o ascribe_v to_o any_o but_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n each_o part_n agree_v so_o exact_o with_o itself_o and_o with_o the_o whole_a which_o sufficient_o appear_v by_o compare_v the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n touch_v christ_n the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n the_o reception_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o other_o remarkable_a thing_n with_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o they_o as_o the_o same_o be_v plain_o declare_v and_o reveal_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n such_o exact_a consent_n and_o agreement_n as_o be_v here_o to_o be_v find_v be_v impossible_a to_o be_v feign_v of_o man_n or_o angel_n from_o who_o the_o thing_n foretell_v be_v hide_v till_o they_o be_v reveal_v nor_o can_v there_o be_v forgery_n in_o these_o writing_n if_o we_o consider_v in_o a_o way_n of_o reason_n the_o length_n of_o time_n in_o which_o these_o writing_n have_v continue_v and_o be_v judge_v authentic_a that_o they_o be_v not_o write_v in_o one_o or_o two_o but_o in_o many_o age_n that_o there_o be_v a_o multitude_n of_o book_n and_o of_o writer_n employ_v in_o this_o service_n and_o that_o these_o writer_n be_v distant_a in_o place_n one_o from_o another_o so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o confer_v together_o and_o withal_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o deep_a silence_n of_o the_o adversary_n who_o in_o all_o that_o long_a time_n whilst_o the_o scripture_n be_v in_o writing_n can_v never_o detect_v any_o thing_n in_o those_o book_n as_o false_a or_o forge_a who_o silence_n in_o this_o case_n be_v of_o great_a importance_n because_o they_o be_v eye_n witness_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o our_o saviour_n teach_v do_v and_o suffer_v according_a as_o it_o be_v prophesy_v of_o he_o so_o that_o they_o know_v the_o prophecy_n see_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o they_o and_o be_v acquaint_v with_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n have_v write_v yea_o many_o or_o most_o of_o the_o thing_n relate_v to_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o prophecy_n be_v mention_v and_o record_v in_o the_o writing_n of_o some_o heathen_a author_n that_o live_v and_o write_v not_o long_o after_o those_o time_n if_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n in_o their_o writing_n seem_v to_o dissent_v one_o from_o another_o for_o it_o be_v but_o a_o seem_a not_o a_o real_a dissent_n in_o any_o circumstance_n this_o derogate_v nothing_o from_o their_o authority_n for_o in_o themselves_o they_o differ_v not_o the_o fault_n be_v in_o our_o ignorance_n and_o misapprehension_n for_o by_o a_o right_n and_o just_a interpretation_n they_o may_v be_v easy_o reconcile_v and_o that_o dissonancy_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v among_o they_o in_o small_a thing_n do_v free_v they_o from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o fraud_n and_o their_o sweet_a harmony_n and_o consent_n in_o all_o matter_n of_o importance_n may_v in_o reason_n convince_v we_o that_o they_o write_v by_o the_o guidance_n and_o direction_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o truth_n if_o they_o have_v all_o write_v one_o thing_n they_o may_v seem_v superfluous_a if_o each_o have_v write_v a_o new_a history_n there_o can_v not_o have_v be_v such_o a_o full_a harmony_n and_o agreement_n when_o they_o relate_v the_o same_o story_n with_o the_o same_o circumstance_n they_o have_v their_o use_n and_o benefit_n one_o sometime_o speak_v more_o plain_o than_o the_o other_o and_o when_o they_o agree_v in_o matter_n and_o only_o seem_v to_o dissent_v in_o some_o circumstance_n the_o truth_n be_v the_o more_o confirm_v and_o a_o argument_n of_o full_a credit_n and_o certainty_n may_v be_v draw_v out_o of_o that_o seem_a dissent_n for_o as_o it_o be_v true_o and_o wise_o observe_v too_o exact_a diligence_n in_o every_o little_a circumstance_n be_v neither_o approve_v by_o all_o nor_o do_v it_o want_v suspicion_n there_o be_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o a_o learned_a man_n write_v in_o defence_n of_o their_o authority_n say_v a_o majestic_a kind_n of_o security_n under_o many_o seem_a contradiction_n which_o yet_o neither_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o truth_n nor_o that_o harmony_n which_o they_o have_v in_o and_o with_o themselves_o do_v or_o shall_v at_o all_o suffer_v by_o nor_o do_v the_o scripture_n stand_v to_o excuse_v and_o purge_v themselves_o as_o if_o there_o be_v any_o cause_n to_o suspect_v they_o of_o any_o contrariety_n or_o contradiction_n no_o they_o speak_v from_o place_n to_o place_n whatever_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o say_v with_o that_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n as_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o say_v by_o they_o elsewhere_o that_o either_o be_v like_a to_o suffer_v the_o least_o prejudice_n by_o it_o or_o to_o cast_v the_o least_o prejudice_n on_o it_o to_o that_o sweet_a agreement_n and_o consent_n that_o be_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n with_o itself_o we_o may_v further_o add_v that_o it_o agree_v with_o all_o other_o truth_n whatsoever_o there_o be_v nothing_o true_a in_o divinity_n which_o be_v false_a in_o true_a philosophy_n nothing_o in_o philosophy_n be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o truth_n in_o divinity_n but_o it_o may_v be_v overthrow_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o right_a and_o true_a philosophy_n which_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o divinity_n eight_o the_o matter_n treat_v of_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v divine_a and_o wonderful_a which_o may_v convince_v we_o that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n it_o open_v and_o reveal_v the_o great_a and_o most_o glorious_a mystery_n as_o the_o nature_n property_n attribute_n and_o high_a act_n of_o god_n and_o how_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v and_o adore_v it_o describe_v the_o person_n nature_n virtue_n and_o excellency_n of_o christ_n so_o full_o so_o clear_o that_o if_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n consider_v it_o attentive_o he_o must_v of_o necessity_n acknowledge_v that_o it_o do_v far_o exceed_v the_o reach_n of_o a_o finite_a understanding_n and_o humane_a capacity_n it_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o corruption_n and_o misery_n of_o man_n by_o nature_n the_o great_a and_o unparalled_a love_n of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n towards_o lose_a man_n and_o the_o happy_a agreement_n of_o his_o infinite_a justice_n mercy_n and_o wisdom_n in_o ordain_v christ_n to_o be_v our_o mediator_n and_o reveal_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o god_n make_v with_o man_n after_o the_o fall_n for_o restore_v he_o again_o to_o god_n favour_n all_o which_o can_v be_v derive_v from_o no_o other_o fountain_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n 1_o cor._n 2.7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o eph._n 1.17_o 18._o the_o scripture_n also_o contain_v the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o teach_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n in_o the_o precept_n of_o scripture_n there_o be_v divers_a note_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o wisdom_n as_o first_o the_o surpass_a excellency_n of_o the_o act_n require_v of_o we_o namely_o that_o we_o shall_v deny_v ourselves_o and_o conform_v our_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o the_o image_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n second_o the_o wonderful_a equity_n that_o do_v appear_v in_o every_o commandment_n three_o the_o admirable_a strangeness_n of_o some_o act_n and_o duty_n as_o regeneration_n self-abasement_n the_o renounce_n of_o our_o own_o righteousness_n and_o part_v with_o all_o we_o have_v for_o christ_n which_o a_o mere_a natural_a man_n will_v count_v foolishness_n and_o madness_n yet_o prescribe_v as_o necessary_a four_o the_o manner_n how_o obedience_n be_v require_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o we_o it_o must_v proceed_v from_o a_o inward_a spiritual_a principle_n even_o from_o a_o pure_a heart_n a_o good_a conscience_n and_o faith_n unfeigned_a five_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a law_n of_o god_n command_v and_o allow_v all_o good_a and_o forbid_v and_o condemn_v all_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n whatsoever_o in_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n not_o only_o the_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o also_o the_o filthiness_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o with_o reference_n to_o all_o person_n time_n and_o place_n without_o exception_n bind_v the_o conscience_n and_o reach_v the_o very_a thought_n and_o secret_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o do_v not_o all_o these_o thing_n which_o will_v fill_v a_o great_a volume_n if_o i_o shall_v treat_v of_o they_o at_o large_a clear_o and_o convince_o set_v forth_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n so_o as_o we_o shall_v acknowledge_v no_o other_o author_n of_o those_o sacred_a writing_n but_o god_n himself_o for_o who_o can_v contrive_v these_o thing_n but_o he_o who_o be_v infinite_a in_o power_n and_o wisdom_n who_o can_v give_v eternal_a life_n
the_o heart_n and_o the_o brain_n and_o in_o these_o god_n have_v place_v the_o natural_a vital_a and_o animal_n spirit_n these_o spirit_n be_v carry_v by_o the_o vein_n artery_n and_o nerve_n the_o vein_n carry_v the_o vital_a spirit_n from_o the_o liver_n the_o artery_n carry_v the_o natural_a spirit_n from_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o nerve_n carry_v the_o animal_n spirit_n from_o the_o brain_n the_o several_a member_n of_o the_o body_n be_v helpful_a and_o serviceable_a one_o to_o another_o the_o superior_a rule_n the_o inferior_a as_o the_o eye_n guide_v and_o direct_v the_o whole_a body_n and_o the_o inferior_a support_n and_o uphold_v the_o superior_a as_o the_o foot_n leg_n and_o thigh_n support_v the_o whole_a body_n and_o as_o for_o the_o middle_a member_n they_o defend_v the_o body_n and_o provide_v thing_n necessary_a for_o it_o as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o hand_n and_o arms._n this_o variety_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n show_v the_o excellent_a wisdom_n of_o god_n for_o if_o all_o be_v a_o eye_n where_o will_v the_o see_v be_v 1_o cor._n 12.15_o so_o excellent_a be_v the_o body_n of_o man_n that_o there_o be_v sundry_a member_n thereof_o which_o god_n ascribe_v to_o himself_o as_o the_o head_n the_o heart_n the_o eye_n the_o ear_n the_o foot_n to_o express_v his_o attribute_n to_o we_o yea_o god_n have_v make_v the_o body_n of_o man_n a_o temple_n for_o himself_o to_o dwell_v in_o and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v assume_v the_o body_n of_o man_n in_o one_o person_n to_o his_o godhead_n a_o dignity_n which_o the_o angel_n be_v not_o call_v unto_o after_o the_o make_n of_o man_n he_o leave_v nothing_o unmake_v but_o to_o make_v himself_o man_n second_o man_n be_v curious_o wrought_v and_o contrive_v in_o respect_n of_o his_o rational_a immortal_a soul_n and_o those_o two_o noble_a faculty_n the_o understandtng_a and_o the_o will_n wherein_o man_n far_o excel_v all_o the_o sensitive_a creature_n the_o rational_a soul_n be_v the_o better_a part_n of_o man_n more_o worth_a than_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o mark_v 8.36_o 37._o what_o be_v the_o body_n of_o man_n without_o the_o soul_n but_o a_o dead_a trunk_n a_o empty_a case_n it_o be_v the_o soul_n that_o be_v the_o pearl_n or_o precious_a jewel_n the_o creation_n infusion_n and_o operation_n whereof_o be_v like_o a_o curious_a piece_n of_o embroidery_n well_o become_v the_o creator_n and_o contriver_n thereof_o who_o be_v a_o simple_a immaterial_a immortal_a spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o spirit_n the_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a spirit_n the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o spirit_n numb_a 16.22_o bless_v god_n o_o man_n that_o have_v give_v thou_o a_o reasonable_a soul_n and_o inspire_v thou_o with_o a_o immortal_a spirit_n wherein_o thou_o far_o excelle_v other_o creature_n for_o first_o the_o reasonable_a soul_n of_o man_n can_v conceive_v of_o thing_n by_o the_o light_n of_o understanding_n as_o well_o as_o by_o sense_n yea_o it_o can_v conceive_v of_o thing_n that_o never_o be_v in_o the_o sense_n as_o thing_n absent_a which_o the_o sense_n never_o see_v nor_o apprehend_v it_o can_v conceive_v of_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o immaterial_a as_o angel_n and_o spirit_n yea_o of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n of_o god_n and_o that_o which_o be_v invisible_a by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v visible_a we_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n who_o be_v invisible_a rom._n 1.20_o second_o the_o rational_a soul_n be_v able_a to_o reflect_v upon_o its_o self_n and_o its_o own_o act_n and_o operation_n which_o no_o mere_a sensitive_a creature_n can_v do_v it_o understand_v that_o it_o do_v understand_v and_o know_v that_o it_o do_v know_v and_o this_o understanding_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o rational_a soul_n be_v large_a and_o extensive_a for_o it_o can_v in_o a_o moment_n go_v over_o almost_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o view_v it_o all_o as_o it_o be_v at_o once_o whereas_o the_o sense_n be_v limit_v and_o confine_v to_o a_o very_a narrow_a compass_n three_o the_o rational_a soul_n can_v invent_v thing_n that_o be_v never_o before_o in_o be_v what_o strange_a thing_n for_o number_n and_o skill_n and_o variety_n be_v daily_o invent_v and_o contrive_v by_o man_n wit_n and_o reason_n by_o which_o also_o many_o great_a matter_n both_o civil_a military_a and_o ecclesiastical_a be_v order_v and_o regulate_v this_o be_v that_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o search_v all_o the_o inward_a part_n of_o the_o belly_n prov._n 20.27_o and_o god_n have_v set_v the_o world_n in_o man_n heart_n in_o regard_n of_o that_o reason_n and_o understanding_n that_o be_v in_o he_o eccles_n 3.11_o four_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o reasonable_a soul_n of_o man_n appear_v in_o this_o that_o his_o understanding_n after_o a_o sort_n be_v make_v one_o with_o and_o become_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v understand_v in_o that_o it_o conceive_v a_o true_a image_n and_o idea_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v understand_v and_o herein_o the_o rational_a soul_n do_v somewhat_o resemble_v god_n himself_o who_o have_v the_o perfect_a idea_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n in_o himself_o so_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n do_v as_o it_o be_v form_n world_n of_o thing_n within_o itself_o five_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o rational_a soul_n appear_v in_o that_o divine_a thing_n call_v conscience_n which_o be_v more_o than_o a_o thousand_o witness_n yet_o subordinate_a to_o a_o high_a tribunal_n being_n god_n deputy_n for_o god_n be_v great_a than_o conscience_n 1_o john_n 3.20_o no_o man_n be_v he_o never_o so_o great_a and_o potent_a can_v always_o bribe_v conscience_n but_o it_o will_v give_v a_o impartial_a verdict_n at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o either_o accuse_v or_o excuse_v he_o in_o these_o and_o other_o particular_n man_n may_v contemplate_v the_o excellency_n of_o reason_n and_o praise_n god_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o three_o and_o last_o the_o rational_a soul_n of_o man_n become_v much_o more_o excellent_a and_o be_v like_o a_o curious_a piece_n of_o embroidery_n by_o a_o new_a creation_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n whereas_o by_o sin_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v corrupt_v and_o alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n yet_o now_o be_v bear_v again_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v spiritual_o form_v therein_o it_o recover_v the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o be_v restore_v to_o a_o holy_a fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o and_o will_v be_v a_o curious_a excellent_a piece_n indeed_o when_o she_o be_v perfect_o transform_v as_o she_o shall_v be_v into_o the_o divine_a image_n and_o clothe_v with_o glory_n and_o immortality_n psal_n 45.14_o 2_o cor._n 5.2_o let_v we_o now_o brief_o recapitulate_v the_o head_n of_o this_o discourse_n head_n discourse_n a_o recapitulation_n of_o the_o several_a head_n touch_v faith_n and_o reason_n so_o far_o as_o we_o have_v proceed_v it_o require_v much_o spiritual_a skill_n as_o have_v be_v say_v right_o to_o distinguish_v between_o they_o and_o give_v to_o each_o its_o due_a though_o man_n reason_n be_v much_o weaken_v and_o obscure_v yet_o a_o good_a use_n may_v be_v make_v thereof_o both_o in_o civil_a and_o divine_a thing_n there_o be_v a_o light_n in_o reason_n though_o far_o inferior_a to_o that_o of_o faith_n how_o far_o this_o light_n of_o reason_n extend_v we_o have_v show_v the_o best_a heathen_a philosopher_n be_v sensible_a of_o great_a defect_n and_o languish_n in_o their_o natural_a reason_n and_o ability_n though_o they_o ascribe_v too_o much_o thereunto_o some_o there_o be_v among_o christian_n that_o give_v too_o little_a to_o reason_n in_o religious_a and_o ecclesiastical_a concern_v but_o other_o more_o general_o offend_v in_o give_v too_o much_o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v here_o declare_v how_o and_o in_o what_o respect_v reason_n and_o moral_a prudence_n shall_v be_v exercise_v by_o we_o both_o in_o civil_a and_o church_n affair_n the_o light_n of_o reason_n prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o supreme_a be_v and_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v immortal_a and_o also_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v of_o excellent_a use_n in_o compare_v and_o interpret_n the_o scripture_n and_o judge_v of_o controversy_n but_o though_o reason_n be_v useful_a in_o these_o respect_n yet_o the_o internal_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v principal_o witness_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o satisfy_v conscience_n touch_v the_o same_o here_o be_v show_v when_o it_o be_v that_o reason_n be_v right_o use_v and_o when_o abuse_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o likewise_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o mere_a rational_a and_o spiritual_a man_n and_o their_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o operation_n in_o and_o about_o