so_o many_o uncertain_a and_o fierce_a digladiation_n wherein_o not_o any_o one_o truth_n be_v assert_v nor_o any_o one_o duty_n prescribe_v that_o be_v not_o spoil_v and_o vitiate_a by_o its_o circumstance_n and_o end_n beside_o they_o never_o rise_v up_o so_o much_o as_o to_o a_o surmise_n of_o or_o about_o the_o most_o important_a matter_n of_o religion_n without_o which_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a by_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v ever_o attain_v the_o end_n for_o which_o we_o be_v make_v nor_o the_o blessedness_n whereof_o we_o be_v capable_a no_o account_n can_v they_o ever_o give_v of_o our_o apostasy_n from_o god_n of_o the_o depravation_n of_o our_o nature_n of_o the_o cause_n or_o necessary_a cure_n of_o it_o in_o this_o lose_a and_o wander_a condition_n of_o mankind_n the_o scripture_n present_v itself_o as_o a_o light_n rule_n and_o guide_n unto_o all_o to_o direct_v they_o in_o their_o whole_a course_n unto_o their_o end_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o unto_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o this_o it_o do_v with_o that_o clearness_n and_o evidence_n as_o to_o dispel_v all_o the_o darkness_n and_o put_v a_o end_n unto_o all_o the_o confusion_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o the_o sun_n with_o rise_v do_v the_o shade_n of_o the_o night_n unless_o they_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o it_o love_a darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a for_o all_o the_o confusion_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o extricate_v themselves_o from_o whence_o they_o find_v out_o and_o immix_v themselves_o in_o endless_a question_n to_o no_o purpose_n arise_v from_o their_o ignorance_n of_o what_o we_o be_v original_o of_o what_o we_o now_o be_v and_o how_o we_o come_v so_o to_o be_v by_o what_o way_n or_o mean_n we_o may_v be_v deliver_v or_o relieve_v what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o life_n or_o what_o be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o live_n to_o god_n as_o our_o chief_a end_n and_o wherein_o the_o blessedness_n of_o our_o nature_n do_v consist_v all_o the_o world_n be_v never_o able_a to_o give_v a_o answer_n tolerable_o satisfactory_a unto_o any_o one_o of_o these_o inquiry_n &_o yet_o unless_o they_o be_v all_o infallible_o determine_v we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o the_o least_o rest_n or_o happiness_n above_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v but_o now_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o clear_o declare_v and_o state_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o it_o come_v with_o a_o evidence_n like_o a_o light_n from_o heaven_n on_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o unprejudiced_a person_n what_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o nature_n in_o its_o first_o creation_n and_o constitution_n with_o the_o blessedness_n and_o advantage_n of_o that_o condition_n how_o we_o fall_v from_o it_o and_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n what_o be_v the_o nature_n and_o what_o the_o consequent_n and_o effect_n of_o our_o present_a depravation_n and_o apostasy_n from_o god_n how_o help_n and_o relief_n be_v provide_v for_o we_o herein_o by_o infinite_a wisdom_n grace_n and_o bounty_n what_o that_o help_n be_v how_o we_o may_v be_v interest_v in_o it_o and_o make_v partaker_n of_o it_o what_o be_v that_o system_fw-la of_o duty_n or_o course_n of_o obedience_n unto_o god_n which_o be_v require_v of_o we_o and_o wherein_o our_o eternal_a felicity_n do_v consist_v be_v all_o of_o they_o so_o plain_o and_o clear_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o in_o general_a to_o leave_v mankind_n no_o ground_n for_o doubt_n enquiry_n or_o conjecture_n set_v aside_o inveterate_a prejudices_fw-la from_o tradition_n education_n false_a notion_n into_o the_o mould_n whereof_o the_o mind_n be_v cast_v the_o love_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o conduct_n of_o lust_n which_o thing_n have_v a_o inconceivable_a power_n over_o the_o mind_n soul_n and_o affection_n of_o man_n and_o the_o light_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o these_o thing_n be_v like_o that_o of_o the_o sun_n at_o noonday_n which_o shut_v up_o the_o way_n unto_o all_o further_a enquiry_n and_o efficacious_o necessitate_v unto_o a_o acquiescency_n in_o it_o and_o in_o particular_a in_o that_o direction_n which_o it_o give_v unto_o the_o live_v of_o man_n in_o order_n unto_o that_o obedience_n which_o they_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o that_o reward_v which_o they_o expect_v from_o he_o there_o be_v no_o instance_n conceivable_a of_o any_o thing_n conduce_v thereunto_o which_o be_v not_o prescribe_v therein_o nor_o of_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a unto_o it_o that_o fall_v not_o under_o its_o prohibition_n those_o therefore_o who_o desire_n or_o interest_n it_o be_v that_o the_o bound_n and_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n shall_v be_v unfixed_a and_o confound_v who_o be_v afraid_a to_o know_v what_o they_o be_v what_o they_o be_v or_o what_o they_o shall_v come_v unto_o who_o care_n to_o know_v neither_o god_n nor_o themselves_o their_o duty_n nor_o their_o reward_n may_v despise_v this_o book_n and_o deny_v its_o divine_a original_a other_o will_v retain_v a_o sacred_a veneration_n of_o it_o as_o of_o the_o offspring_n of_o god_n 4._o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n may_v in_o like_a manner_n be_v plead_v unto_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o i_o shall_v also_o insist_v upon_o it_o partly_o to_o manifest_v wherein_o its_o true_a nature_n and_o efficacy_n do_v consist_v and_o partly_o to_o evince_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o old_a pretence_n that_o even_o we_o also_o who_o be_v depart_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v receive_v the_o scripture_n upon_o the_o authority_n thereof_o whence_o it_o be_v further_o pretend_v that_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n and_o reason_n we_o ought_v to_o receive_v whatever_o else_o it_o propose_v unto_o we_o 1._o the_o church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 15._o which_o be_v the_o only_a text_n plead_v with_o any_o sobriety_n to_o give_v countenance_n unto_o the_o assertion_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n with_o respect_n unto_o we_o to_o depend_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o weakness_n of_o a_o plea_n to_o that_o purpose_n from_o hence_o have_v be_v so_o full_o manifest_v by_o many_o already_o that_o it_o need_v no_o more_o to_o be_v insist_v on_o in_o short_a it_o can_v be_v so_o the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n that_o the_o truth_n shall_v be_v as_o it_o be_v build_v and_o rest_n upon_o it_o as_o its_o foundation_n for_o this_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o same_o apostle_n who_o teach_v we_o that_o the_o church_n itself_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n eph._n 2._o 20._o the_o church_n can_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o truth_n the_o ground_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n or_o kind_n wherefore_o the_o church_n be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n in_o that_o it_o hold_v up_o and_o declare_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o thing_n contain_v therein_o so_o to_o be_v 2._o in_o receive_v any_o thing_n from_o a_o church_n we_o may_v consider_v the_o authority_n of_o it_o or_o its_o ministry_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o matter_n we_o intend_v no_o more_o but_o the_o weight_n and_o importance_n that_o be_v in_o its_o testimony_n as_o testimony_n do_v vary_v according_a to_o the_o worth_n gravity_n honesty_n honour_n and_o reputation_n of_o they_o by_o who_o they_o be_v give_v for_o to_o suppose_v a_o authority_n proper_o so_o call_v in_o any_o church_n or_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o world_n whereon_o our_o reception_n of_o the_o scripture_n shall_v depend_v as_o that_o which_o give_v its_o authority_n towards_o we_o and_o a_o sufficient_a warranty_n to_o our_o faith_n be_v a_o nice_a imagination_n for_o the_o authority_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n stand_v not_o in_o need_n nor_o be_v capable_a of_o any_o such_o attestation_n from_o man_n all_o they_o will_v admit_v of_o from_o the_o child_n of_o man_n be_v that_o they_o do_v humble_o submit_v unto_o they_o and_o testify_v their_o so_o do_v with_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v that_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n whereby_o it_o propose_v and_o declare_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o as_o it_o have_v occasion_n to_o all_o the_o world_n and_o this_o ministry_n also_o may_v be_v consider_v either_o formal_o as_o it_o be_v appoint_v of_o god_n unto_o this_o end_n and_o bless_v by_o he_o or_o material_o only_o as_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v though_o the_o ground_n whereon_o it_o be_v do_v and_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o be_v not_o divine_o approve_v we_o whole_o deny_v that_o we_o receive_v the_o scripture_n or_o ever_o
always_o esteem_v no_o less_o traitor_n to_o christianity_n who_o give_v up_o their_o bibles_n to_o persecutor_n than_o those_o who_o deny_v jesus_n christ._n 3._o the_o manner_n wherein_o this_o testimony_n be_v give_v add_v to_o the_o importance_n of_o it_o for_o 1._o many_o of_o they_o especial_o in_o some_o season_n give_v it_o in_o and_o with_o sundry_a miraculous_a operation_n this_o our_o apostle_n plead_v as_o a_o corroboration_n of_o the_o witness_n give_v by_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o heb._n 2._o 4._o as_o the_o same_o be_v do_v by_o all_o the_o apostle_n together_o act._n 5._o 32._o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o these_o miracle_n be_v not_o wrought_v immediate_o to_o confirm_v this_o single_a truth_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n but_o the_o end_n of_o miracle_n be_v to_o be_v a_o immediate_a witness_n from_o heaven_n or_o god_n attestation_n to_o their_o person_n and_o ministry_n by_o who_o they_o be_v wrought_v his_o presence_n with_o they_o and_o approbation_n of_o their_o doctrine_n be_v public_o declare_v by_o they_o but_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n whereby_o god_n give_v immediate_a testimony_n unto_o the_o divine_a mission_n of_o their_o person_n and_o infallible_a truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n may_v either_o not_o have_v be_v write_v as_o most_o of_o they_o be_v not_o or_o they_o may_v have_v be_v write_v and_o their_o doctrine_n record_v in_o book_n not_o give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n beside_o as_o to_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n himself_o and_o most_o of_o those_o of_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v wrought_v among_o they_o by_o who_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v acknowledge_v as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o before_o the_o write_n of_o those_o of_o the_o new_a so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o immediate_a confirmation_n of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o neither_o have_v we_o any_o infallible_a testimony_n concern_v these_o miracle_n but_o the_o scripture_n itself_o wherein_o they_o be_v record_v whence_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v infallible_o true_a before_o we_o can_v believe_v on_o ground_n infallible_a the_o miracle_n therein_o record_v to_o be_v so_o wherefore_o i_o grant_v that_o the_o whole_a force_n of_o this_o consideration_n lie_v in_o this_o alone_a that_o those_o who_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v a_o attestation_n give_v unto_o their_o ministry_n by_o these_o miraculous_a operation_n concern_v which_o we_o have_v good_a collateral_a security_n also_o 2._o many_o of_o they_o confirm_v their_o testimony_n with_o their_o suffering_n be_v not_o only_a witness_n but_o martyr_n in_o the_o peculiar_a church_n notion_n of_o that_o word_n ground_v on_o the_o scripture_n act._n 22._o 20._o rev._n 2._o 13._o chap._n 17._o 7._o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o any_o worldly_a advantage_n by_o the_o profession_n they_o make_v and_o the_o testimony_n they_o give_v as_o that_o in_o the_o confirmation_n of_o they_o they_o willing_o and_o cheerful_o undergo_v whatever_o be_v evil_a dreadful_a or_o destructive_a to_o humane_a nature_n in_o all_o its_o temporary_a concern_v it_o be_v therefore_o unquestionable_a that_o they_o have_v the_o high_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o these_o thing_n which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o management_n of_o this_o argument_n be_v the_o principal_a design_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o whole_a 11_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n for_o have_v declare_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n in_o general_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v the_o subsistence_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v ver_fw-la 1._o that_o be_v such_o a_o assent_n unto_o and_o confidence_n of_o invisible_a thing_n thing_n capable_a of_o no_o demonstration_n from_o sense_n or_o reason_n as_o respect_n divine_a revelation_n only_o whereinto_o alone_o it_o be_v resolve_v for_o our_o encouragement_n thereunto_o and_o establishment_n therein_o he_o produce_v a_o long_a catalogue_n of_o those_o who_o do_v suffer_v and_o obtain_v great_a thing_n thereby_o that_o which_o he_o principal_o insist_o upon_o be_v the_o hardship_n misery_n cruelty_n torture_n and_o several_a sort_n of_o death_n which_o they_o undergo_v especial_o from_o ver_fw-la 35._o to_o the_o end_n these_o he_o call_v a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n wherewith_o we_o be_v compass_v about_o chap._n 12._o 1._o give_v testimony_n unto_o what_o we_o do_v believe_v that_o be_v divine_a revelation_n and_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n the_o promise_n therein_o contain_v unto_o our_o encouragement_n in_o the_o same_o duty_n as_o he_o there_o declare_v and_o certain_o what_o be_v thus_o testify_v unto_o by_o so_o many_o great_a wise_a and_o holy_a person_n and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o manner_n have_v as_o great_a a_o outward_a evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n as_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o world_n 3._o they_o give_v not_o their_o testimony_n casual_o or_o on_o some_o extraordinary_a occasion_n only_o or_o by_o some_o one_o solemn_a act_n or_o in_o some_o one_o certain_a way_n as_o other_o testimony_n be_v give_v nor_o can_v be_v give_v otherwise_o but_o they_o give_v their_o testimony_n in_o this_o cause_n in_o their_o whole_a course_n in_o all_o that_o they_o think_v speak_v or_o do_v in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o whole_a disposal_n of_o their_o way_n life_n and_o action_n as_o every_o true_a believer_n continue_v to_o do_v at_o this_o day_n for_o a_o man_n when_o he_o be_v occasional_o call_v out_o to_o give_v a_o verbal_a testimony_n unto_o the_o divine_a original_n of_o the_o scripture_n order_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o conversation_n his_o hope_n design_n aim_n and_o end_n without_o any_o eminent_a respect_n or_o regard_n unto_o it_o his_o testimony_n be_v of_o no_o value_n nor_o can_v have_v any_o influence_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o sober_a and_o considerate_a man_n but_o when_o man_n do_v manifest_a and_o evince_n that_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n have_v a_o sovereign_n divine_a authority_n over_o their_o soul_n and_o conscience_n absolute_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n then_o be_v their_o witness_n cogent_a and_o efficacious_a there_o be_v to_o i_o a_o thousand_o time_n more_o force_n and_o weight_n in_o the_o testimony_n to_o this_o purpose_n of_o some_o holy_a person_n who_o universal_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n with_o respect_n unto_o this_o world_n and_o their_o future_a eternal_a condition_n in_o all_o their_o thought_n word_n action_n and_o way_n do_v real_o experiment_n in_o themselves_o and_o express_v to_o other_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o this_o word_n of_o god_n in_o their_o soul_n and_o conscience_n live_v do_v suffer_v and_o die_v in_o peace_n assurance_n of_o mind_n and_o consolation_n thereon_o then_o in_o the_o verbal_a declaration_n of_o the_o most_o splendid_a numerous_a church_n in_o the_o world_n who_o evidence_n not_o such_o a_o inward_a sense_n of_o its_o power_n and_o efficacy_n there_o be_v therefore_o that_o force_n in_o the_o real_a testimony_n which_o have_v be_v give_v in_o all_o age_n by_o all_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n not_o one_o except_v unto_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v high_o arrogant_a for_o any_o one_o to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o without_o evident_a conviction_n of_o its_o imposture_n which_o no_o person_n of_o any_o tolerable_a sobriety_n do_v ever_o yet_o pretend_v unto_o i_o shall_v add_v in_o the_o last_o place_n the_o consideration_n of_o that_o success_n which_o the_o doctrine_n derive_v sole_o from_o the_o scripture_n and_o resolve_v thereinto_o have_v have_v in_o the_o world_n upon_o the_o mind_n and_o life_n of_o man_n especial_o upon_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o two_o thing_n offer_v themselves_o hereon_o immediate_o unto_o our_o consideration_n first_o the_o person_n by_o who_o this_o doctrine_n be_v successful_o carry_v on_o in_o the_o world_n and_o second_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o propagation_n of_o it_o both_o which_o the_o scripture_n take_v notice_n of_o in_o particular_a as_o evidence_n of_o that_o divine_a power_n which_o the_o word_n be_v real_o accompany_v withal_o for_o the_o person_n unto_o who_o this_o work_n be_v commit_v i_o mean_v the_o apostle_n and_o first_o evangelist_n be_v as_o to_o their_o outward_a condition_n in_o the_o world_n poor_a low_a and_o every_o way_n despise_v and_o as_o unto_o the_o endowment_n of_o their_o mind_n destitute_a of_o all_o those_o ability_n and_o advantage_n which_o may_v give_v they_o either_o reputation_n or_o
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 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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 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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 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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
posse_fw-la affirmat_fw-la absque_fw-la illumi_fw-la natione_fw-la et_fw-la inspiratione_n spiritus_fw-la sancti_fw-la qui_fw-la that_fw-mi omnibus_fw-la suavitatem_fw-la consentiendo_fw-la et_fw-la credendo_fw-la veritati_fw-la haeretico_fw-la fallitur_fw-la spiritu_fw-la it_o be_v still_o grant_v that_o the_o argument_n intend_v that_o be_v all_o of_o they_o which_o be_v true_a indeed_o and_o will_v endure_v a_o strict_a examination_n for_o some_o be_v frequent_o make_v use_n of_o in_o this_o cause_n which_o will_v not_o endure_v a_o trial_n be_v of_o good_a use_n in_o their_o place_n and_o unto_o their_o proper_a end_n that_o be_v to_o beget_v such_o a_o assent_n unto_o the_o truth_n as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o effect_v for_o although_o this_o be_v not_o that_o which_o be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n but_o inferior_a to_o it_o yet_o the_o mind_n be_v prepare_v and_o dispose_v by_o they_o unto_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o its_o proper_a evidence_n 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christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n demand_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o do_v so_o and_o he_o will_v say_v because_o god_n who_o can_v lie_v have_v reveal_v and_o declare_v he_o so_o to_o be_v proceed_v yet_o further_o and_o ask_v he_o where_o or_o how_o god_n have_v reveal_v and_o declare_v this_o so_o to_o be_v and_o he_o will_v answer_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v his_o word_n inquire_v now_o further_o of_o he_o which_o be_v necessary_a wherefore_o he_o believe_v this_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o a_o immediate_a revelation_n give_v out_o from_o he_o for_o hereunto_o we_o must_v come_v and_o have_v somewhat_o that_o we_o may_v ultimate_o rest_v in_o exclude_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n all_o further_a inquiry_n or_o we_o can_v have_v neither_o certainty_n nor_o stability_n in_o our_o faith_n on_o this_o supposition_n his_o answer_n must_v be_v that_o he_o have_v many_o cogent_a argument_n that_o render_v it_o high_o propable_a so_o to_o be_v such_o as_o have_v prevail_v with_o he_o to_o judge_v it_o so_o to_o be_v and_o whereon_o he_o be_v full_o persuade_v as_o have_v the_o high_a assurance_n hereof_o that_o the_o matter_n will_v bear_v and_o so_o do_v firm_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n yea_o but_o it_o will_v be_v reply_v all_o these_o argument_n be_v in_o their_o kind_n or_o nature_n humane_a and_o therefore_o fallible_a such_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o may_v be_v false_a for_o every_o thing_n may_v be_v so_o that_o be_v not_o immediate_o from_o the_o first_o essential_a verity_n this_o assent_n therefore_o unto_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v humane_a fallible_a and_o such_o as_o wherein_o we_o may_v be_v deceive_v and_o our_o assent_n unto_o the_o thing_n reveal_v can_v be_v of_o no_o other_o kind_n than_o that_o we_o give_v unto_o the_o revelation_n itself_o for_o thereinto_o it_o be_v resolve_v and_o thereunto_o it_o must_v be_v reduce_v these_o water_n will_v rise_v no_o high_o than_o their_o fountain_n and_o thus_o at_o length_n we_o come_v to_o believe_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o a_o faith_n humane_a and_o fallible_a and_o which_o at_o last_o may_v deceive_v we_o which_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n and_o not_o as_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o word_n of_o god_n contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n 1_o thes._n 2._o 13._o wherefore_o 4._o if_o i_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o a_o humane_a faith_n only_o i_o do_v no_o otherwise_o believe_v whatever_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o which_o overthrow_v all_o faith_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o if_o i_o believe_v what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a i_o can_v but_o by_o the_o same_o faith_n believe_v the_o scripture_n itself_o which_o remove_v the_o moral_a certainty_n treat_v of_o out_o of_o our_o way_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v that_o we_o must_v believe_v the_o revelation_n and_o the_o thing_n reveal_v with_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o faith_n or_o we_o bring_v confusion_n on_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o believe_v no_o man_n live_a can_v distinguish_v in_o his_o experience_n between_o that_o faith_n wherewith_o he_o lieve_v the_o scripture_n and_o that_o wherewith_o he_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o or_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o such_o distinction_n or_o difference_n intimate_v in_o the_o scripture_n itself_o but_o all_o our_o believe_v be_v absolute_o resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n reveal_v nor_o can_v it_o be_v rational_o apprehend_v that_o our_o assent_n unto_o the_o thing_n reveal_v shall_v be_v of_o a_o kind_n and_o nature_n superior_a unto_o that_o which_o we_o yield_v unto_o the_o revelation_n itself_o for_o let_v the_o argument_n which_o it_o be_v resolve_v into_o be_v never_o so_o evident_a and_o cogent_a let_v the_o assent_v itself_o be_v as_o firm_a and_o certain_a as_o can_v be_v imagine_v yet_o be_v it_o humane_a still_o and_o natural_a and_o therein_o be_v inferior_a unto_o that_o which_o be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a and_o yet_o on_o this_o supposition_n that_o which_o be_v of_o a_o superior_a kind_n and_o nature_n be_v whole_o resolve_v into_o that_o which_o be_v of_o a_o inferior_a and_o must_v be_v take_v itself_o on_o all_o occasion_n thereunto_o for_o relief_n and_o confirmation_n for_o the_o faith_n whereby_o we_o believe_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v on_o all_o occasion_n absolute_o melt_v down_o into_o that_o whereby_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v my_o present_a especial_a design_n and_o therefore_o i_o have_v insist_v long_o enough_o upon_o they_o i_o be_o not_o inquire_v what_o ground_n man_n may_v have_v to_o build_v a_o opinion_n or_o any_o kind_n of_o humane_a persuasion_n upon_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o the_o word_n of_o god_n no_o nor_o yet_o how_o we_o may_v prove_v or_o maintain_v they_o so_o to_o be_v unto_o gainsayer_n but_o what_o be_v require_v hereunto_o that_o we_o may_v believe_v they_o to_o be_v so_o with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a and_o what_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n therein_o but_o it_o may_v be_v further_o say_v that_o these_o external_a argument_n and_o motive_n be_v not_o of_o themselves_o and_o consider_v separately_z from_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o testify_v unto_o the_o sole_a ground_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o believe_v for_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o a_o thousand_o argument_n of_o a_o like_a cogency_n with_o they_o be_v offer_v to_o confirm_v any_o truth_n or_o doctrine_n if_o it_o have_v not_o a_o divine_a worth_n and_o excellency_n in_o itself_o they_o can_v give_v the_o mind_n no_o assurance_n of_o it_o wherefore_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n itself_o or_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o they_o testify_v unto_o that_o animate_v they_o and_o give_v they_o their_o efficacy_n for_o there_o be_v such_o a_o majesty_n holiness_n and_o excellency_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o moreover_o such_o a_o suitableness_n in_o they_o unto_o unprejudiced_a reason_n and_o such_o a_o answerableness_n unto_o all_o the_o rational_a desire_n and_o expectation_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o evidence_n their_o procedure_n from_o the_o fountain_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n it_o can_v but_o be_v conceive_v impossible_a that_o such_o excellent_a heavenly_a mystery_n of_o such_o use_n and_o benefit_n unto_o all_o mankind_n shall_v be_v the_o product_n of_o any_o create_a industry_n let_v but_o a_o man_n know_v himself_o his_o state_n and_o condition_n in_o any_o measure_n with_o a_o desire_n of_o that_o blessedness_n which_o his_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o
and_o which_o he_o can_v but_o design_n when_o the_o scripture_n be_v propose_v unto_o he_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n attest_v by_o the_o argument_n insist_v on_o there_o will_v appear_v unto_o he_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o it_o or_o in_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o such_o a_o evidence_n of_o the_o majesty_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n as_o will_v prevail_v with_o he_o to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o this_o persuasion_n be_v such_o that_o the_o mind_n be_v establish_v in_o its_o assent_n unto_o the_o truth_n so_o as_o to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o all_o that_o be_v require_v of_o we_o and_o whereas_o our_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v in_o order_n only_o to_o the_o right_a performance_n of_o our_o duty_n or_o all_o that_o obedience_n which_o god_n expect_v from_o we_o our_o mind_n be_v guide_v by_o the_o precept_n and_o direction_n and_o due_o influence_v by_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o it_o thereunto_o there_o be_v no_o other_o faith_n require_v of_o we_o but_o what_o be_v sufficient_a to_o oblige_v we_o unto_o that_o obedience_n this_o be_v so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v apprehend_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o be_v by_o some_o learned_a man_n propose_v and_o adhere_v unto_o it_o shall_v be_v brief_o examine_v and_o i_o say_v here_o as_o on_o other_o occasion_n that_o i_o shall_v rejoice_v to_o see_v more_o of_o such_o a_o faith_n in_o the_o world_n as_o will_v effectual_o oblige_v man_n unto_o obedience_n out_o of_o a_o conviction_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o doctrine_n &_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o word_n though_o learned_a man_n shall_v never_o agree_v about_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o faith_n such_o notion_n of_o truth_n when_o most_o diligent_o inquire_v into_o be_v but_o as_o sacrifice_v compare_v with_o obedience_n but_o the_o truth_n itself_o be_v also_o to_o be_v inquire_v after_o diligent_o this_o opinion_n therefore_o either_o suppose_v what_o we_o shall_v immediate_o declare_v namely_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o internal_a effectual_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o illumination_n of_o our_o mind_n so_o enable_v we_o to_o believe_v with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a or_o it_o do_v not_o if_o it_o do_v it_o will_v be_v find_v as_o i_o suppose_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o to_o be_v co-incident_a with_o what_o we_o shall_v afterward_o assert_v and_o prove_v to_o be_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o believe_v however_o as_o it_o be_v usual_o propose_v i_o can_v absolute_o comply_v with_o it_o for_o these_o two_o reason_n among_o other_o 1._o it_o belong_v unto_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n of_o what_o sort_n soever_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v build_v on_o and_o resolve_v into_o testimony_n this_o be_v that_o which_o distinguish_v it_o from_o any_o other_o conception_n knowledge_n or_o assent_v of_o our_o mind_n on_o other_o reason_n and_o cause_n and_o if_o this_o testimony_n be_v divine_a so_o be_v that_o faith_n whereby_o we_o give_v assent_v unto_o it_o on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o object_n but_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o be_v believe_v have_v not_o in_o they_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o testimony_n but_o be_v the_o material_a not_o formal_a object_n of_o faith_n which_o must_v always_o differ_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o these_o truth_n or_o doctrine_n do_v so_o evidence_n themselves_o to_o be_v from_o god_n as_o that_o in_o and_o by_o they_o we_o have_v the_o witness_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n himself_o propose_v unto_o we_o to_o resolve_v our_o faith_n into_o i_o will_v not_o further_o contend_v about_o it_o but_o only_o say_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o so_o his_o veracity_n do_v manifest_v themselves_o primary_o in_o the_o revelation_n itself_o before_o they_o do_v so_o in_o the_o thing_n reveal_v which_o be_v that_o we_o plead_v for_o 2._o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o doctrine_n or_o thing_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n respect_v not_o so_o much_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o in_o speculation_n as_o their_o goodness_n and_o suitableness_n unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n as_o to_o their_o present_a condition_n and_o eternal_a end_n now_o thing_n under_o that_o consideration_n respect_v not_o so_o much_o faith_n as_o spiritual_a sense_n and_o experience_n neither_o can_v any_o man_n have_v a_o due_a apprehension_n of_o such_o a_o goodness_n suitable_a unto_o our_o constitution_n and_o condition_n with_o absolute_a usefulness_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o on_o a_o supposition_n of_o that_o antecedent_n assent_v of_o the_o mind_n unto_o they_o which_o be_v believe_v which_o therefore_o can_v be_v the_o reason_n why_o we_o do_v believe_v but_o if_o this_o opinion_n proceed_v not_o upon_o the_o aforesaid_a supposition_n immediate_o to_o be_v prove_v but_o require_v no_o more_o unto_o our_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o assent_n thereon_o but_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o reason_n or_o the_o natural_a faculty_n of_o our_o mind_n about_o they_o when_o propose_v unto_o we_o than_o i_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v most_o remote_a from_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o among_o many_o other_o reason_n for_o these_o that_o ensue_v 1._o on_o this_o supposition_n the_o whole_a work_n of_o believe_v will_v be_v a_o work_n of_o reason_n be_v it_o so_o say_v some_o nor_o be_v it_o meet_v it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o conceive_v but_o if_o so_o than_o the_o object_n of_o it_o must_v be_v thing_n so_o evident_a in_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o nature_n as_o that_o the_o mind_n be_v as_o it_o be_v compel_v by_o that_o evidence_n unto_o a_o assent_n and_o can_v do_v otherwise_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o light_n and_o evidence_n in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o with_o respect_n unto_o our_o reason_n in_o the_o right_a use_n and_o exercise_v of_o it_o then_o be_v the_o mind_n thereby_o necessitate_v unto_o its_o assent_n which_o both_o overthrow_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n substitute_v a_o assent_n upon_o natural_a evidence_n in_o the_o room_n thereof_o and_o be_v absolute_o exclusive_a of_o the_o necessity_n or_o use_n of_o any_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o our_o believe_v which_o sober_a christian_n will_v scarce_o comply_v withal_o 2._o there_o be_v some_o doctrine_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o those_o of_o the_o most_o importance_n that_o be_v so_o reveal_v which_o concern_v and_o contain_v thing_n so_o above_o our_o reason_n that_o without_o some_o previous_a supernatural_a disposition_n of_o mind_n they_o carry_v in_o they_o no_o evidence_n of_o truth_n unto_o mere_a reason_n nor_o of_o suitableness_n unto_o our_o constitution_n and_o end_n there_o be_v require_v unto_o such_o a_o apprehension_n both_o the_o spiritual_a elevation_n of_o the_o mind_n by_o supernatural_a illumination_n and_o a_o divine_a assent_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o revelation_n thereon_o before_o reason_n can_v be_v so_o much_o as_o satisfy_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o such_o doctrine_n such_o be_v those_o concern_v the_o holy_a trinity_n or_o the_o subsistence_n of_o one_o singular_a essence_n in_o three_o distinct_a person_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o sundry_a other_o that_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a subject_n of_o divine_a revelation_n there_o be_v a_o heavenly_a glory_n in_o some_o of_o these_o thing_n which_o as_o reason_n can_v never_o thorough_o apprehend_v because_o it_o be_v finite_a and_o limit_v so_o as_o it_o be_v in_o we_o by_o nature_n it_o can_v neither_o receive_v they_o nor_o delight_n in_o they_o as_o doctrinal_o propose_v unto_o we_o with_o all_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n before_o mention_v flesh_n and_o blood_n reveal_v not_o these_o thisg_n unto_o our_o mind_n but_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n nor_o do_v any_o man_n know_v these_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o he_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v give_v nor_o do_v any_o learn_v these_o thing_n aright_o but_o those_o that_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n 3._o take_v our_o reason_n single_o without_o the_o consideration_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o illumination_n and_o it_o be_v not_o only_o weak_a and_o limit_v but_o deprave_v and_o corrupt_v and_o the_o carnal_a mind_n can_v subject_v itself_o unto_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o any_o supernatural_a revelation_n whatever_o wherefore_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v pure_o and_o absolute_o so_o be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v a_o convince_a evidence_n in_o themselves_o of_o their_o divine_a truth_n excellency_n and_o goodness_n unto_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n as_o unrenewed_a by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o that_o they_o be_v foolishness_n and_o most_o undesirable_a
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 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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 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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
and_o supernatural_a rest_n upon_o that_o be_v it_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v for_o its_o own_o sake_n but_o say_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o if_o man_n will_v not_o hear_v that_o be_v believe_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o come_v and_o preach_v unto_o they_o a_o great_a miracle_n than_o which_o they_o can_v not_o desire_v now_o this_o can_v not_o be_v speak_v if_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o contain_v in_o itself_o the_o whole_a entire_a formal_a reason_n of_o believe_v for_o if_o it_o have_v not_o this_o something_o necessary_a unto_o believe_v will_v be_v want_v though_o that_o be_v enjoy_v and_o this_o be_v direct_o affirm_v john_n 20._o 30_o 31._o and_o many_o other_o sign_n true_o do_v jesus_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o disciple_n which_o be_v not_o write_v in_o this_o book_n but_o these_o be_v write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o believe_v you_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n the_o sign_n which_o christ_n wrought_v do_v evidence_n he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o how_o come_v we_o to_o know_v and_o believe_v these_o sign_n what_o be_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n thereof_o say_v the_o bless_a apostle_n these_o thing_n be_v write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v this_o writing_n of_o they_o by_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v so_o far_o sufficient_a to_o beget_v and_o assure_v faith_n in_o you_o as_o that_o thereby_o you_o may_v have_v eternal_a life_n through_o jesus_n christ._n for_o if_o the_o writing_n of_o divine_a thing_n and_o revelation_n be_v the_o mean_v appoint_v of_o god_n to_o cause_n man_n to_o believe_v unto_o eternal_a life_n than_o it_o must_v as_o such_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v believe_v and_o ground_n whereon_o we_o shall_v do_v so_o and_o in_o like_a manner_n be_v this_o matter_n determine_v by_o the_o apostle_n peter_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21._o for_o we_o have_v not_o follow_v cunning_o devise_v fable_n when_o we_o make_v know_v unto_o you_o the_o power_n and_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o majesty_n for_o he_o receive_v from_o god_n the_o father_n honour_n and_o glory_n when_o there_o come_v such_o a_o voice_n to_o he_o from_o the_o excellent_a glory_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v and_o this_o voice_n which_o come_v from_o heaven_n we_o hear_v when_o we_o be_v with_o he_o in_o the_o holy_a mount_n we_o have_v also_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n whereunto_o you_o do_v well_o that_o you_o take_v heed_n as_o unto_o a_o light_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n until_o the_o day_n dawn_n and_o the_o daystar_n arise_v in_o your_o heart_n know_v this_o first_o that_o no_o prophecy_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n for_o the_o prophecy_n come_v not_o in_o old_a time_n by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o question_n be_v about_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o powerful_a come_v of_o jesus_n christ_n whether_o it_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v or_o no_o and_o if_o it_o be_v upon_o what_o ground_n some_o say_v it_o be_v a_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n other_o that_o it_o be_v a_o fanatical_a story_n of_o mad_a man_n as_o festus_n think_v of_o it_o when_o preach_v by_o paul_n act_v 26._o 24._o and_o very_o many_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n still_o the_o apostle_n on_o the_o contrary_n aver_v that_o what_o be_v speak_v concern_v he_o be_v word_n of_o truth_n and_o soberness_n yea_o faithful_a saying_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 15._o that_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v for_o its_o worth_n and_o truth_n the_o ground_n and_o reason_n hereof_o be_v two_o 1._o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n 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foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n ephes._n 2._o 20._o but_o why_o shall_v we_o believe_v this_o word_n of_o prophecy_n may_v not_o that_o also_o be_v a_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n and_o the_o whole_a scripture_n be_v but_o the_o suggestion_n of_o man_n private_a spirit_n as_o be_v object_v ver._n 20._o all_o be_v final_o resolve_v into_o this_o that_o the_o writer_n of_o it_o be_v immediate_o move_v and_o act_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o which_o divine_a original_a it_o carry_v along_o its_o own_o evidence_n with_o it_o plain_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o be_v that_o we_o believe_v all_o other_o divine_a truth_n for_o the_o scripture_n sake_n or_o because_o they_o be_v declare_v therein_o but_o the_o scripture_n we_o believe_v for_o its_o own_o sake_n or_o because_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n write_v it_o as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o be_v the_o whole_a object_n of_o faith_n propose_v by_o the_o same_o apostle_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 2._o the_o word_n that_o be_v speak_v before_o by_o the_o holy_a prophet_n and_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o because_o our_o faith_n be_v resolve_v into_o they_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n as_o be_v say_v eph._n 2._o 20._o that_o be_v our_o faith_n rest_v sole_o as_o on_o its_o proper_a foundation_n which_o bear_v the_o weight_n of_o it_o on_o the_o authority_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o their_o write_n hereunto_o we_o may_v add_v that_o of_o paul_n rom._n 16._o 25_o 26._o according_a to_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o mystery_n which_o be_v keep_v secret_a since_o the_o world_n begin_v but_o now_o be_v make_v manifest_a and_o by_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o prophet_n according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o everlasting_a god_n make_v know_v unto_o all_o nation_n for_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n the_o matter_n to_o be_v believe_v be_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v keep_v secret_a since_o the_o world_n begin_v or_o from_o the_o give_v of_o the_o first_o promise_n not_o absolute_o but_o with_o respect_n unto_o that_o full_a manifestation_n which_o it_o have_v now_o receive_v this_o god_n command_v to_o be_v believe_v the_o everlasting_a god_n he_o who_o have_v sovereign_a authority_n over_o all_o require_v faith_n in_o a_o way_n of_o obedience_n hereunto_o but_o what_o ground_n or_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o this_o alone_a be_v propose_v namely_o the_o divine_a revelation_n make_v in_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o apostle_n and_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n for_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n rom._n 10._o 17._o this_o course_n and_o no_o other_o do_v our_o saviour_n even_o after_o his_o resurrection_n take_v to_o beget_v and_o confirm_v faith_n in_o the_o disciple_n luk._n 24._o 25_o 26_o 27._o that_o great_a testimony_n to_o this_o purpose_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o i_o do_v not_o plead_v in_o particular_a because_o i_o have_v so_o full_o insist_v on_o it_o in_o another_o discourse_n from_o these_o and_o many_o other_o testimony_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n which_o may_v be_v produce_v it_o be_v evident_a 1._o that_o it_o be_v the_o scripture_n itself_o the_o word_n or_o will_n of_o god_n as_o reveal_v or_o write_v which_o be_v propose_v unto_o we_o as_o the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o we_o be_v to_o receive_v and_o believe_v with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a 2._o that_o no_o other_o reason_n be_v propose_v unto_o we_o either_o as_o a_o motive_n to_o encourage_v we_o or_o as_o a_o argument_n to_o assure_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o
the_o help_n of_o other_o mean_n 4._o on_o these_o supposition_n i_o fear_v not_o to_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v on_o every_o individual_a book_n of_o the_o scripture_n particular_o those_o name_v those_o divine_a character_n and_o criteria_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o difference_n they_o from_o all_o other_o write_n whatever_n and_o to_o testify_v their_o divine_a authority_n unto_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o believer_n i_o say_v of_o believer_n for_o we_o inquire_v not_o on_o what_o ground_n unbeliever_n or_o those_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v do_v believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o yet_o direct_o on_o what_o outward_a motive_n such_o person_n may_v be_v induce_v so_o to_o do_v but_o our_o sole_a enquiry_n at_o present_a be_v what_o the_o faith_n of_o they_o who_o do_v believe_v be_v resolve_v into_o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o say_v that_o when_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n of_o the_o first_o give_v out_o of_o divine_a revelation_n as_o be_v of_o the_o scripture_n come_v and_o preach_v unto_o the_o jew_n that_o those_o mere_a word_n i_o be_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n or_o the_o like_a have_v all_o this_o evidence_n in_o they_o or_o with_o they_o for_o nothing_o he_o say_v of_o that_o kind_n may_v be_v separate_v from_o its_o circumstance_n but_o suppose_v the_o testimony_n give_v in_o the_o scripture_n before_o hand_n to_o his_o person_n work_n time_n and_o manner_n of_o come_v with_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n with_o he_o in_o the_o declaration_n that_o he_o make_v of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n the_o jew_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v what_o he_o teach_v and_o himself_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o do_v many_o of_o they_o upon_o his_o preach_a only_o john_n 4._o 42._o and_o in_o like_a manner_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o john_n baptist_n and_o to_o submit_v unto_o his_o institution_n although_o he_o wrought_v no_o miracle_n and_o those_o who_o do_v not_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n for_o their_o good_a and_o perish_v in_o their_o unbelief_n but_o although_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n wrought_v no_o miracle_n to_o prove_v the_o scripture_n then_o extant_a to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n see_v he_o wrought_v they_o among_o such_o only_a as_o by_o who_o that_o be_v firm_o believe_v yet_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n see_v it_o necessary_a to_o confirm_v his_o personal_a ministry_n by_o they_o and_o without_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o divine_a truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n propose_v miracle_n themselves_o will_v be_v despise_v so_o they_o be_v by_o some_o who_o be_v afterward_o convert_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n act_v 2._o 13._o chap._n 3._o 7_o 8._o or_o they_o will_v produce_v only_o a_o false_a faith_n or_o a_o ravish_a assent_n upon_o a_o amazement_n that_o will_v not_o abide_v act_v 8._o 13_o 21._o appendix_n a_o summary_n representation_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o that_o faith_n wherewith_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o some_o attestation_n give_v unto_o the_o substance_n of_o what_o have_v be_v deliver_v concern_v it_o shall_v give_v a_o close_a to_o this_o discourse_n as_o to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o design_n the_o thing_n that_o follow_v be_v propose_v i._o unto_o the_o enquiry_n on_o what_o ground_n or_o for_o what_o reason_n we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n many_o thing_n be_v suppose_v as_o on_o all_o hand_n agree_v upon_o who_o demonstration_n or_o proof_n belong_v not_o unto_o our_o present_a work_n such_o be_v 1._o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o his_o self-subsistence_n with_o all_o the_o essential_a property_n of_o his_o nature_n 2._o our_o relation_n unto_o he_o and_o dependence_n on_o he_o as_o our_o creator_n benefactor_n preserver_n judge_n and_o rewarder_n both_o as_o unto_o thing_n temporal_a and_o eternal_a wherefore_o 3._o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whatever_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n whatever_o be_v manifest_a in_o or_o from_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n or_o providence_n and_o necessary_a act_n of_o conscience_n as_o to_o the_o be_v rule_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v suppose_v as_o acknowledge_v in_o this_o enquiry_n 4._o that_o beyond_o the_o conduct_n and_o guidance_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n that_o man_n may_v live_v unto_o god_n believe_v and_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o according_a to_o their_o duty_n in_o that_o obedience_n which_o he_o require_v of_o they_o so_o as_o to_o come_v unto_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o a_o supernatural_a revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n unto_o they_o especial_o in_o that_o condition_n wherein_o all_o mankind_n be_v since_o the_o entrance_n of_o sin_n be_v necessary_a 5._o that_o all_o those_o unto_o who_o god_n have_v grant_v divine_a revelation_n immediate_o from_o himself_o for_o their_o own_o use_n and_o that_o of_o all_o other_o man_n unto_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v communicate_v be_v infallible_o assure_v that_o they_o come_v from_o god_n and_o that_o their_o mind_n be_v no_o way_n impose_v on_o in_o they_o 6._o that_o all_o these_o divine_a revelation_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v any_o way_n necessary_a to_o guide_v and_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o that_o obedience_n which_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o he_o be_v now_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o those_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v common_o receive_v and_o own_a among_o all_o sort_n of_o christian_n these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v suppose_v unto_o our_o present_a enquiry_n and_o take_v for_o grant_v so_o as_o that_o the_o reader_n be_v not_o to_o look_v for_o any_o direct_a proof_n of_o they_o in_o the_o precede_a discourse_n but_o on_o these_o supposition_n it_o be_v allege_v and_o prove_v 1._o that_o all_o man_n unto_o who_o it_o be_v due_o propose_v as_o such_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v this_o scripture_n these_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o contain_v and_o exhibit_v a_o immediate_a divine_a supernatural_a revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n so_o far_o as_o be_v any_o way_n needful_a that_o they_o may_v live_v unto_o he_o and_o that_o nothing_o be_v contain_v in_o they_o but_o what_o be_v of_o the_o same_o divine_a original_a 2._o the_o obligation_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o thus_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n arise_v partly_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o partly_o from_o the_o especial_a command_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v that_o revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n without_o the_o knowledge_n whereof_o and_o assent_v whereunto_o we_o can_v live_v unto_o god_n as_o we_o ought_v nor_o come_v unto_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v believe_v it_o unto_o those_o end_n and_o god_n require_v it_o of_o we_o that_o so_o we_o shall_v do_v 3._o we_o can_v thus_o believe_v it_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n but_o upon_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n and_o prevalent_a testimony_n that_o so_o it_o be_v 4._o there_o be_v many_o cogent_a argument_n testimony_n and_o motive_n to_o persuade_v convince_v and_o satisfy_v unprejudiced_a person_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o every_o way_n sufficient_a to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o gainsayers_a proceed_v on_o such_o principle_n of_o reason_n as_o be_v own_a and_o approve_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n and_o argument_n of_o this_o nature_n may_v be_v take_v from_o almost_o all_o consideration_n of_o the_o property_n of_o god_n and_o his_o government_n of_o the_o world_n of_o our_o relation_n unto_o he_o of_o what_o belong_v unto_o our_o present_a peace_n and_o future_a happiness_n 5._o from_o the_o argument_n and_o testimony_n of_o this_o nature_n a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o mind_n defensible_a against_o all_o objection_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v be_v attain_v and_o that_o such_o as_o that_o those_o who_o live_v not_o in_o contradiction_n unto_o their_o own_o light_n and_o reason_n through_o the_o power_n of_o their_o lust_n can_v but_o judge_v it_o their_o wisdom_n duty_n and_o interest_n to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o his_o will_n as_o reveal_v therein_o 6._o but_o yet_o that_o persuasion_n of_o mind_n which_o may_v be_v thus_o attain_v and_o which_o rest_v whole_o upon_o these_o argument_n and_o testimony_n be_v not_o entire_o that_o faith_n wherewith_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v the_o
god_n preach_v write_a or_o teach_v of_o it_o but_o yet_o as_o if_o we_o have_v see_v he_o we_o believe_v and_o firm_o hold_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o read_v proceed_v from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o may_v be_v this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o we_o so_o firm_o adhere_v unto_o it_o that_o truth_n be_v more_o solid_a in_o it_o though_o not_o more_o clear_a than_o in_o other_o write_n for_o all_o truth_n have_v a_o persuasive_a power_n the_o great_a truth_n the_o great_a power_n and_o that_o which_o be_v great_a the_o great_a efficacy_n of_o all_o but_o why_o then_o do_v not_o all_o believe_v the_o gospel_n answ._n because_o all_o be_v not_o draw_v of_o god_n but_o what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o any_o long_a disputation_n we_o therefore_o firm_o believe_v the_o scripture_n because_o we_o have_v receive_v a_o divine_a inspiration_n assure_v of_o we_o and_o in_o what_o sense_n this_o be_v allow_v have_v be_v declare_v in_o the_o precede_a discourse_n i_o shall_v close_v the_o whole_a with_o the_o testimony_n of_o they_o by_o who_o the_o truth_n which_o we_o assert_v be_v most_o vehement_o oppose_v when_o it_o rise_v in_o opposition_n unto_o a_o especial_a interest_n of_o their_o own_o two_o thing_n there_o be_v which_o be_v principal_o except_v against_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o protestant_n concern_v our_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o first_o be_v with_o respect_n unto_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o faith_n for_o whereas_o they_o teach_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 in_o a_o due_a manner_n and_o according_a unto_o his_o duty_n without_o the_o real_a internal_a aid_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n however_o it_o be_v propose_v unto_o he_o and_o with_o what_o argument_n soever_o the_o truth_n of_o its_o divine_a original_a be_v confirm_v this_o be_v charge_v on_o they_o as_o a_o error_n and_o a_o crime_n and_o second_o whereas_o they_o also_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v a_o inward_a testimony_n or_o witness_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n whereby_o he_o assure_v and_o confirm_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o scripture_n with_o a_o efficacy_n exceed_v all_o the_o persuasive_a evidence_n of_o outward_a argument_n and_o motive_n this_o also_o by_o some_o they_o be_v traduce_v for_o and_o yet_o those_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n who_o be_v look_v on_o as_o most_o averse_a from_o that_o resolution_n of_o faith_n which_o most_o protestant_n acquiesce_v in_o do_v express_o maintain_v both_o these_o assertion_n the_o design_n of_o stapleton_n de_fw-fr principiis_fw-la fidei_fw-la controver_n 4._o lib._n 8._o cap._n 1._o be_v to_o prove_v impossibile_fw-it esse_fw-la sine_fw-la speciali_fw-la gratia_fw-la ac_fw-la dono_fw-la fidei_fw-la divinitùs_fw-la infuso_fw-la actum_fw-la verae_fw-la fidei_fw-la producere_fw-la aut_fw-la ex_fw-la very_fw-la nominis_fw-la fide_fw-la credere_fw-la which_o he_o there_o prove_v with_o sundry_a argument_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o produce_v any_o act_n of_o faith_n or_o to_o believe_v with_o faith_n right_o so_o call_v without_o special_a grace_n and_o the_o divine_a infusion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o faith_n and_o bellarmin_n speak_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n argumenta_fw-la quae_fw-la articulos_fw-la fidei_fw-la nostrae_fw-la credibiles_fw-la faciunt_fw-la non_fw-la talia_fw-la sunt_fw-la ut_fw-la fidem_fw-la omnino_fw-la indubitatam_fw-la reddant_fw-la nisi_fw-la mens_fw-la divinitùs_fw-la adjuvetur_fw-la de_fw-fr grat._n &_o lib._n arbit_n lib._n 6._o cap._n 3._o the_o argument_n which_o render_v the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n credible_a be_v not_o such_o as_o produce_v a_o undoubted_a faith_n unless_o the_o mind_n be_v divine_o assist_v melchior_n canus_n loc_n theol._n lib._n 2._o cap._n 8._o dispute_n express_o to_o this_o purpose_n id_fw-la statuendum_fw-la est_fw-la authoritatem_fw-la humanam_fw-la &_o incitamenta_fw-la omne_fw-la illa_fw-la praedicta_fw-la sive_fw-la alia_fw-la quaecunque_fw-la adhibita_fw-la ab_fw-la eo_fw-la qui_fw-la proponit_fw-la fidem_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la sufficientes_fw-la causas_fw-la ad_fw-la credendum_fw-la ut_fw-la credere_fw-la tenemur_fw-la sed_fw-la praeterea_fw-la opus_fw-la esse_fw-la interiori_fw-la causa_fw-la efficiente_a id_fw-la est_fw-la dei_fw-la speciali_fw-la auxilio_fw-la moventis_fw-la ad_fw-la credendum_fw-la this_o be_v firm_o to_o be_v hold_v that_o human_a authority_n and_o all_o the_o motive_n before_o mention_v nor_o any_o other_o which_o may_v be_v use_v by_o he_o who_o propose_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v believe_v be_v not_o sufficient_a cause_n of_o believe_v as_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v but_o there_o be_v moreover_o necessary_a a_o internal_a efficient_a cause_n move_v we_o to_o believe_v which_o be_v the_o especial_a help_n or_o aid_n of_o god_n and_o a_o little_a after_o he_o speak_v yet_o more_o plain_o externae_fw-la igitur_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 interiores_fw-la dei_fw-la beneficio_fw-la ad_fw-la videndum_fw-la dati_fw-la wherefore_o all_o external_a human_a persuasion_n or_o argument_n be_v not_o sufficient_a cause_n of_o faith_n however_o the_o thing_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v sufficient_o propose_v by_o man_n there_o be_v moreover_o necessary_a a_o internal_a cause_n that_o be_v a_o certain_a divine_a light_n incite_v to_o believe_v or_o certain_a internal_a eye_n to_o see_v give_v we_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n yea_o all_o other_o learned_a man_n of_o the_o same_o profession_n do_v speak_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n the_o other_o assertion_n also_o they_o do_v no_o less_o comply_v withal_o arcanum_n divini_fw-la spiritus_fw-la testimonium_fw-la prorsus_fw-la necessarium_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la quis_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la testimonio_fw-la ac_fw-la judicio_fw-la circa_fw-la scripturarum_fw-la approbationem_fw-la credat_fw-la say_v stapleton_n the_o secret_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v altogether_o necessary_a that_o a_o man_n may_v believe_v the_o testimony_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n about_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o word_n of_o gregory_n de_fw-fr valentia_n be_v remarkable_a cum_fw-la hactenus_fw-la ejusmodi_fw-la argumenta_fw-la pro_fw-la authoritate_fw-la christianae_n doctrinae_fw-la fecerimus_fw-la quae_fw-la per_fw-la seipsa_fw-la satis_fw-la prudentibus_fw-la esse_fw-la debeant_fw-la ut_fw-la animum_fw-la inducant_fw-la velle_fw-la credere_fw-la tamen_fw-la nescio_fw-la a_o non_fw-la sit_fw-la argumentum_fw-la iis_fw-la omnibus_fw-la majus_fw-la quod_fw-la qui_fw-la veer_fw-la christiani_n sunt_fw-la ita_fw-la se_fw-la animo_fw-la affectos_fw-la esse_fw-la quod_fw-la ad_fw-la fidem_fw-la attinet_fw-la sentiunt_fw-la ut_fw-la praecipue_fw-la quidem_fw-la propter_fw-la nullum_fw-la argumentum_fw-la quod_fw-la vel_fw-la hactenus_fw-la fecimus_fw-la vel_fw-la ratione_fw-la similiter_fw-la excogitari_fw-la possit_fw-la sed_fw-la propter_fw-la aliud_fw-la nescio_fw-la quid_fw-la quod_fw-la alio_fw-la quodam_fw-la modo_fw-la &_o long_o fortius_fw-la quam_fw-la ulla_fw-la argumenta_fw-la persuadet_fw-la at_o ad_fw-la firmiter_fw-la credendum_fw-la se_fw-la intelligant_fw-la tom._n 3._o in_o thom._n disp._n 7._o qu._n 1._o punc_fw-la 4._o §._o 2._o let_v any_o man_n compare_v these_o word_n with_o those_o of_o calvin_n institut_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 7._o sect_n 5._o which_o as_o i_o remember_v i_o have_v cite_v before_o and_o he_o will_v know_v whence_o the_o sense_n of_o they_o be_v take_v whereas_o say_v he_o we_o have_v hitherto_o plead_v argument_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o even_o by_o themselves_o ought_v to_o suffice_v prudent_a person_n to_o induce_v their_o mind_n to_o belief_n yet_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o there_o be_v not_o a_o argument_n great_a than_o they_o all_o namely_o that_o those_o who_o be_v true_o christian_n do_v find_v or_o feel_v by_o experience_n their_o mind_n so_o affect_v in_o this_o matter_n of_o faith_n that_o they_o be_v move_v and_o oblige_v firm_o to_o believe_v neither_o for_o any_o argument_n that_o we_o have_v use_v nor_o for_o any_o of_o the_o like_a sort_n that_o can_v be_v find_v out_o by_o reason_n but_o for_o somewhat_o else_o which_o persuade_v our_o mind_n in_o another_o manner_n and_o far_o more_o effectual_o than_o any_o argument_n whatever_o and_o to_o show_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o this_o internal_a argument_n and_o persuasion_n he_o affirm_v elsewhere_o that_o deus_fw-la ipse_fw-la imprimis_fw-la est_fw-la qui_fw-la christianam_fw-la doctrinam_fw-la atque_fw-la adeo_fw-la scripturam_fw-la sacram_fw-la veram_fw-la esse_fw-la voce_fw-la revelationis_fw-la suae_fw-la &_o interno_fw-la quodam_fw-la instinctu_fw-la &_o impulsu_fw-la humanis_fw-la mentibus_fw-la contestatur_fw-la it_o be_v god_n himself_o who_o by_o the_o voice_n of_o his_o revelation_n and_o by_o a_o certain_a internal_a instinct_n and_o impulse_n witness_v unto_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o truth_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n or_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n these_o few_o testimony_n have_v i_o produce_v among_o the_o many_o that_o may_v be_v urge_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n not_o to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n which_o we_o have_v plead_v for_o which_o stand_v on_o far_o sure_a foundation_n but_o only_o to_o obviate_v prejudices_fw-la in_o the_o mind_n of_o some_o who_o be_v not_o much_o conversant_a in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v ready_a to_o charge_v what_o have_v be_v deliver_v unto_o this_o purpose_n with_o singularity_n finis_fw-la de_fw-fr naturae_fw-la theologiae_n lib._n 3._o 3._o de_fw-fr naturae_fw-la theologiae_n lib._n cap._n cap._n vbi_fw-la supra_fw-la de_fw-la origine_fw-la &_o progressu_fw-la idololatriae_fw-la idololatriae_fw-la exercitat_fw-la on_o the_o epist._n to_o the_o heb._n exer._n 1._o
the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o no_o less_o firmness_n certainty_n and_o assurance_n of_o mind_n than_o do_v the_o wise_a and_o most_o learned_a of_o they_o yea_o ofttimes_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o former_a sort_n herein_o be_v of_o the_o best_a growth_n and_o firm_a consistency_n against_o opposition_n and_o temptation_n now_o no_o assent_n of_o the_o mind_n can_v be_v accompany_v with_o any_o more_o assurance_n than_o the_o evidence_n who_o effect_n it_o be_v and_o which_o it_o be_v resolve_v into_o will_v afford_v nor_o do_v any_o evidence_n of_o truth_n beget_v a_o assent_n unto_o it_o in_o the_o mind_n but_o as_o it_o be_v apprehend_v and_o understand_v wherefore_o the_o evidence_n of_o this_o truth_n wherein_o soever_o it_o consist_v must_v be_v that_o which_o be_v perceive_v apprehend_v and_o understand_v by_o the_o mean_a and_o most_o unlearned_a sort_n of_o true_a believer_n for_o as_o be_v say_v they_o do_v no_o less_o firm_o assent_v and_o adhere_v unto_o it_o than_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o learned_a of_o they_o it_o can_v therefore_o consist_v in_o such_o subtle_a and_o learned_a argument_n who_o sense_n they_o can_v understand_v or_o comprehend_v but_o the_o thing_n we_o have_v plead_v be_v of_o another_o nature_n for_o those_o character_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n goodness_n holiness_n grace_n and_o sovereign_a authority_n which_o be_v implant_v on_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v as_o legible_a unto_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o mean_a as_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a believer_n and_o they_o also_o be_v no_o less_o capable_a of_o a_o experimental_a understanding_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o all_o its_o spiritual_a operation_n than_o those_o who_o be_v more_o wise_a and_o skilful_a in_o discern_v the_o force_n of_o external_n argument_n and_o motive_n of_o credibility_n it_o must_v therefore_o of_o necessity_n be_v grant_v that_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o faith_n consist_v in_o those_o thing_n whereof_o the_o evidence_n be_v equal_o obvious_a unto_o all_o sort_n of_o believer_n 2._o whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o assent_n of_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 usual_o affirm_v to_o be_v accompany_v with_o more_o assurance_n than_o any_o assent_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o science_n upon_o the_o most_o demonstrative_a principle_n they_o who_o affirm_v this_o do_v not_o consider_v faith_n as_o it_o be_v in_o this_o or_o that_o individual_a person_n or_o in_o all_o that_o do_v sincere_o believe_v but_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o essence_n and_o what_o it_o be_v meet_v and_o able_a to_o produce_v and_o the_o schoolman_n do_v distinguish_v between_o a_o certainty_n or_o assurance_n of_o evidence_n and_o a_o assurance_n of_o adherence_n in_o the_o latter_a they_o say_v the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n do_v exceed_v that_o of_o science_n but_o it_o be_v less_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o former_a but_o it_o be_v not_o easy_o to_o be_v conceive_v how_o the_o certainty_n of_o adherence_n shall_v exceed_v the_o certainty_n of_o evidence_n with_o respect_n unto_o any_o object_n whatsoever_o that_o which_o seem_v to_o render_v a_o difference_n in_o this_o case_n be_v that_o the_o evidence_n which_o we_o have_v in_o thing_n scientifical_a be_v speculative_a and_o affect_v the_o mind_n only_o but_o the_o evidence_n which_o we_o have_v by_o faith_n effectual_o work_v on_o the_o will_n also_o because_o of_o the_o goodness_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v believe_v and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o whole_a soul_n do_v more_o firm_o adhere_v unto_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n upon_o that_o evidence_n which_o it_o have_v of_o they_o than_o unto_o other_o thing_n whereof_o it_o have_v clear_a evidence_n wherein_o the_o will_n and_o the_o affection_n be_v little_a or_o not_o at_o all_o concern_v and_o bonaventure_n give_v a_o reason_n of_o no_o small_a weight_n why_o faith_n be_v more_o certain_a than_o science_n not_o with_o the_o certainty_n of_o speculation_n but_o of_o adherence_n quoniam_fw-la fideles_fw-la christiani_n nec_fw-la argumentis_fw-la nec_fw-la tormentis_fw-la nec_fw-la blandimentis_fw-la adduci_fw-la possunt_fw-la vel_fw-la inclinari_fw-la ut_fw-la veritatem_fw-la quam_fw-la credunt_fw-la vel_fw-la ore_fw-la tenus_fw-la negent_fw-la quod_fw-la nemo_fw-la peritus_fw-la alicujus_fw-la scientiae_fw-la faceret_fw-la si_fw-la acerrimis_fw-la tormentis_fw-la cogeretur_fw-la scientiam_fw-la svam_fw-la de_fw-la conclusione_n aliqua_fw-la geometrica_fw-la vel_fw-la arithmetica_fw-la retractare_fw-la stultus_fw-la enim_fw-la &_o ridiculus_fw-la esset_fw-la geometra_fw-la qui_fw-la pro_fw-la sua_fw-la scientia_fw-la in_o controversiis_fw-la geometricis_fw-la mortem_fw-la anderet_fw-la subire_fw-la nisi_fw-la in_o quantum_fw-la dictat_fw-la fides_n non_fw-la esse_fw-la mentiendum_fw-la and_o whatever_o may_v be_v say_v of_o this_o distinction_n i_o think_v it_o can_v modest_o be_v deny_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a assurance_n in_o faith_n than_o any_o be_v in_o scientifical_a conclusion_n until_o as_o many_o good_a and_o wise_a man_n will_v part_v with_o all_o their_o worldly_a concernment_n and_o their_o life_n by_o the_o most_o exquisite_a torture_n in_o the_o confirmation_n of_o any_o truth_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v mere_o on_o the_o ground_n of_o reason_n act_v in_o humane_a science_n as_o have_v so_o do_v on_o the_o certainty_n which_o they_o have_v by_o faith_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n for_o in_o bear_v testimony_n hereunto_o have_v innumerable_a multitude_n of_o the_o best_a the_o holy_a and_o the_o wise_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n cheerful_o and_o joyful_o sacrifice_v all_o their_o temporal_a and_o adventure_v all_o their_o eternal_a concernment_n for_o they_o do_v it_o under_o a_o full_a satisfaction_n that_o in_o part_v with_o all_o temporary_a thing_n they_o shall_v be_v eternal_o bless_v or_o eternal_o miserable_a according_a as_o their_o persuasion_n in_o faith_n prove_v true_a or_o false_a wherefore_o unto_o the_o firmitude_n and_o constancy_n which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n three_o thing_n do_v concur_v 1._o that_o this_o ability_n of_o assent_n upon_o testimony_n be_v the_o high_a and_o most_o noble_a power_n or_o faculty_n of_o our_o rational_a soul_n and_o therefore_o where_o it_o have_v the_o high_a evidence_n whereof_o it_o be_v capable_a which_o it_o have_v in_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n it_o give_v we_o the_o high_a certainty_n or_o assurance_n whereof_o in_o this_o world_n we_o be_v capable_a 2._o unto_o the_o assent_n of_o divine_a faith_n there_o be_v require_v a_o especial_a internal_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o render_v it_o of_o another_o nature_n than_o any_o mere_a natural_a act_n and_o operation_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o assurance_n of_o it_o may_v not_o proper_o be_v say_v to_o exceed_v the_o assurance_n of_o science_n in_o degree_n it_o be_v only_o because_o it_o be_v of_o a_o more_o excellent_a kind_n and_o so_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o comparison_n unto_o it_o as_o to_o degree_n 3._o that_o the_o revelation_n which_o god_n make_v of_o himself_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n by_o his_o word_n be_v more_o excellent_a and_o accompany_v with_o great_a evidence_n of_o his_o infinite_o glorious_a property_n wherein_o alone_o the_o mind_n can_v find_v absolute_a rest_n and_o satisfaction_n which_o be_v its_o assurance_n than_o any_o other_o discovery_n of_o truth_n of_o what_o sort_n soever_o be_v capable_a of_o neither_o be_v the_o assurance_n of_o the_o mind_n absolute_o perfect_a in_o any_o thing_n beneath_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n wherefore_o the_o soul_n by_o faith_n make_v the_o near_a approach_n whereof_o in_o this_o life_n it_o be_v capable_a unto_o the_o eternal_a spring_n of_o be_v truth_n and_o goodness_n it_o have_v the_o high_a rest_n satisfaction_n and_o assurance_n therein_o that_o in_o this_o life_n it_o can_v attain_v unto_o 3._o it_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o those_o that_o will_v deny_v either_o of_o those_o two_o thing_n or_o will_v so_o separate_v between_o they_o as_o to_o exclude_v the_o necessity_n of_o either_o unto_o the_o duty_n of_o believe_v namely_o the_o internal_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n enable_v they_o to_o believe_v and_o the_o external_a work_n of_o the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n give_v evidence_n in_o and_o by_o the_o scripture_n unto_o its_o own_o divine_a original_a do_v endeavour_n to_o expel_v all_o true_a divine_a faith_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o substitute_v a_o probable_a persuasion_n in_o the_o room_n thereof_o for_o a_o close_a unto_o this_o discourse_n which_o have_v now_o be_v draw_v forth_o unto_o a_o great_a length_n than_o be_v at_o first_o intend_v i_o shall_v consider_v some_o objection_n that_o be_v usual_o plead_v in_o opposition_n unto_o the_o truth_n assert_v and_o vindicate_v it_o be_v therefore_o object_v in_o the_o first_o