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
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 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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 who_o not_o only_o converse_v with_o jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v eye_n witness_n of_o his_o majesty_n behold_v his_o glory_n the_o glory_n as_o of_o the_o only_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n john_n 1._o 14._o which_o they_o give_v in_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n 1_o john_n 1._o 1._o but_o also_o hear_v a_o miraculous_a testimony_n give_v unto_o he_o immediate_o from_o god_n in_o heaven_n ver_fw-la 17._o 18._o this_o give_v they_o indeed_o sufficient_a assurance_n but_o whereinto_o shall_v they_o resolve_v their_o faith_n who_o hear_v not_o this_o testimony_n why_o they_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a that_o be_v a_o most_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n that_o be_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v sufficient_a of_o itself_o to_o secure_v their_o faith_n in_o this_o matter_n especial_o as_o confirm_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n whereby_o the_o church_n come_v to_o be_v build_v in_o its_o faith_n on_o the_o 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
place_n that_o the_o plea_n hitherto_o insist_v on_o can_v be_v manage_v without_o great_a disadvantage_n to_o christian_a religion_n for_o if_o we_o take_v away_o the_o rational_a ground_n on_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v true_a and_o divine_a and_o the_o whole_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v lay_v on_o thing_n not_o only_o deride_v by_o man_n of_o atheistical_a spirit_n but_o in_o themselves_o such_o as_o can_v be_v discern_v by_o any_o but_o such_o as_o do_v believe_v on_o what_o ground_n can_v we_o proceed_v to_o convince_v a_o unbeliever_n answer_v 1_o by_o the_o way_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o prove_v and_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v true_a and_o divine_a another_o to_o prove_v and_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n or_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o alone_o be_v propose_v unto_o consideration_n a_o doctrine_n true_a and_o divine_a may_v be_v write_v in_o and_o propose_v unto_o we_o by_o write_n that_o be_v not_o divine_o and_o infallible_o inspire_v and_o so_o may_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v but_o not_o without_o the_o unspeakable_a disadvantage_n of_o the_o church_n and_o there_o be_v sundry_a argument_n which_o forcible_o and_o effectual_o prove_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o have_v be_v true_a and_o divine_a which_o be_v not_o of_o any_o efficacy_n to_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n though_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n whatever_o do_v prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v equal_o prove_v the_o divine_a truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n 2._o there_o be_v two_o way_n of_o convince_a unbeliever_n the_o one_o insist_v on_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o follower_n the_o other_o by_o some_o learned_a man_n since_o their_o day_n the_o way_n principal_o insist_v on_o by_o the_o apostle_n be_v by_o preach_v the_o word_n itself_o unto_o they_o in_o the_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o the_o power_n whereof_o manifest_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o it_o they_o be_v convince_v and_o fall_v down_o acknowledge_v god_n to_o be_v in_o it_o of_o a_o truth_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 4_o 5._o ch_z 14._o 25_o 26._o it_o be_v likely_a that_o in_o this_o their_o proposal_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o doctrine_n and_o truth_n contain_v in_o it_o unto_o unbeliever_n that_o those_o of_o atheistical_a spirit_n will_v both_o deride_v they_o and_o it_o and_o so_o indeed_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v many_o esteem_v themselves_o to_o be_v babbler_n and_o their_o doctrine_n to_o be_v errant_a folly_n but_o yet_o they_o desist_v not_o from_o pursue_v their_o work_n in_o the_o same_o way_n whereunto_o god_n give_v success_n the_o other_o way_n be_v to_o prove_v unto_o unbeliever_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a and_o divine_a by_o rational_a argument_n wherein_o some_o learned_a person_n have_v labour_v especial_o in_o these_o last_o age_n to_o very_o good_a purpose_n and_o certain_o their_o labour_n be_v great_o to_o be_v commend_v whilst_o they_o attend_v unto_o these_o rule_n 1._o that_o they_o produce_v no_o argument_n but_o such_o as_o be_v cogent_a and_o not_o liable_a unto_o just_a exception_n for_o if_o to_o manifest_v their_o own_o skill_n or_o learning_n they_o plead_v such_o reason_n as_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o answer_n and_o solution_n they_o exceed_o prejudice_v the_o truth_n by_o subject_v it_o unto_o dubious_a disputation_n whereas_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v clear_a firm_a and_o sacred_a 2._o that_o they_o do_v not_o pretend_v their_o rational_a ground_n and_o argument_n to_o be_v the_o sole_a foundation_n that_o faith_n have_v to_o rest_v upon_o or_o which_o it_o be_v resolve_v into_o for_o this_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o set_v up_o a_o opinion_n instead_o of_o faith_n supernatural_a and_o divine_a accept_v but_o of_o these_o two_o limitation_n and_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o rational_a ground_n and_o argument_n intend_v may_v be_v rational_o plead_v and_o aught_o so_o to_o be_v unto_o the_o conviction_n of_o gainsayer_n for_o no_o man_n do_v so_o plead_v the_o self-evidencing_a power_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o to_o deny_v that_o the_o use_v of_o other_o external_a motive_n and_o argument_n be_v necessary_a to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o atheist_n as_o also_o unto_o the_o further_a establishment_n of_o they_o who_o do_v believe_v these_o thing_n be_v subordinate_a and_o no_o way_n inconsistent_a the_o truth_n be_v if_o we_o will_v attend_v unto_o our_o own_o and_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n the_o way_n whereby_o we_o come_v to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n ordinary_o be_v this_o and_o no_o other_o god_n have_v first_o give_v his_o word_n as_o the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n have_v appoint_v the_o ministry_n of_o man_n at_o first_o extraordinary_a afterward_o ordinary_a to_o propose_v unto_o we_o the_o doctrine_n truth_n precept_n promise_n and_o threaten_n contain_v therein_o together_o with_o this_o proposition_n of_o they_o they_o be_v appoint_v to_o declare_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o from_o themselves_o nor_o of_o their_o own_o invention_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o and_o this_o be_v do_v various_o unto_o some_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o this_o ministry_n thus_o come_v or_o be_v thus_o propose_v preach_v or_o declare_v whilst_o they_o be_v in_o a_o condition_n not_o only_o utter_o unacquainted_a with_o the_o mystery_n of_o it_o but_o fill_v with_o contrary_a apprehension_n and_o consequent_o prejudices_fw-la against_o it_o thus_o it_o come_v of_o old_a unto_o the_o pagan_a world_n and_o must_v do_v so_o unto_o such_o person_n and_o nation_n as_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o same_o state_n with_o they_o unto_o these_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o produce_v the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o will_v evidence_n itself_o unto_o they_o so_o to_o be_v for_o this_o have_v be_v to_o despise_v the_o wisdom_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o their_o own_o ministry_n but_o they_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o unto_o they_o ground_v themselves_o on_o the_o divine_a revelation_n contain_v therein_o and_o this_o proposition_n of_o the_o truth_n or_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o leave_v of_o god_n to_o work_v itself_o into_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n by_o the_o suitableness_n of_o it_o thereunto_o but_o be_v his_o own_o institution_n for_o their_o illumination_n and_o conversion_n he_o accompany_v it_o with_o divine_a power_n and_o make_v it_o effectual_a unto_o the_o end_v design_v rom._n 1._o 16._o and_o the_o event_n hereof_o among_o mankind_n be_v that_o by_o some_o this_o new_a doctrine_n be_v deride_v and_o scorn_v by_o other_o who_o heart_n god_n open_v to_o attend_v unto_o it_o it_o be_v embrace_v and_o submit_v unto_o among_o those_o who_o after_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v bear_v as_o they_o say_v within_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o church_n the_o same_o doctrine_n be_v various_o instill_v into_o person_n according_a unto_o the_o several_a duty_n and_o concern_v of_o other_o to_o instruct_v they_o principal_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v ordain_v of_o god_n unto_o that_o end_n whereon_o the_o church_n be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n those_o of_o both_o sort_n unto_o who_o the_o doctrine_n mention_v be_v preach_v or_o propose_v be_v direct_v unto_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o sacred_a repository_n thereof_o for_o they_o be_v tell_v that_o these_o thing_n come_v by_o revelation_n from_o god_n and_o that_o revelation_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o bible_n which_o be_v his_o word_n upon_o this_o proposal_n with_o enquiry_n into_o it_o and_o consideration_n of_o it_o god_n cooperate_a by_o his_o spirit_n there_o be_v that_o evidence_n of_o its_o divine_a original_a communicate_v unto_o their_o mind_n through_o its_o power_n and_o efficacy_n with_o the_o character_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o holiness_n implant_v on_o it_o which_o they_o be_v now_o enable_v to_o discern_v that_o they_o believe_v it_o and_o rest_n in_o it_o as_o the_o immediate_a word_n of_o god_n thus_o be_v it_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o sychar_n with_o respect_n unto_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n john_n 4._o 42._o this_o be_v the_o way_n whereby_o man_n ordinary_o be_v bring_v to_o believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n rom._n 10._o 14_o 15._o and_o that_o neither_o by_o external_a argument_n or_o motive_n which_o no_o one_o soul_n be_v ever_o convert_v unto_o god_n by_o nor_o by_o any_o mere_a naked_a proposal_n and_o offer_n of_o the_o book_n unto_o they_o