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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n believe_v divine_a revelation_n 2,369 5 9.5965 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A25439 Animadversions on a late book entituled, The reasonableness of Christianity as delivered in the Scriptures 1697 (1697) Wing A3191; ESTC R11192 66,692 112

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hereafter_o have_v more_o occasion_n to_o consider_v he_o that_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n have_v eternal_a life_n if_o what_o be_v there_o require_v to_o be_v believe_v be_v single_o of_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o salvation_n than_o it_o must_v be_v so_o as_o it_o be_v there_o propose_v without_o any_o far_a explication_n of_o it_o because_o there_o be_v no_o explication_n propose_v to_o be_v believe_v upon_o the_o like_a promise_n from_o whence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o bare_a proposition_n be_v alone_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v without_o any_o other_o interpretation_n if_o any_o at_o all_o may_v be_v admit_v than_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o particular_a humour_n of_o man_n the_o unhappy_a consequence_n of_o which_o will_v be_v endless_a wrangling_n and_o distraction_n for_o which_o reason_n it_o seem_v evident_a that_o all_o the_o fundamental_a part_n of_o faith_n can_v be_v comprehend_v in_o those_o text_n alone_o which_o be_v declare_v 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cease_v or_o else_o that_o they_o do_v not_o design_n any_o doctrine_n in_o they_o to_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v but_o if_o none_o of_o these_o can_v with_o any_o tolerable_a reason_n be_v pretend_v there_o can_v be_v little_a excuse_n for_o our_o not_o admit_v they_o as_o necessary_a and_o fundamental_a part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o moreover_o aught_o to_o make_v we_o very_o cautious_a how_o we_o reject_v they_o because_o if_o we_o deny_v such_o a_o authority_n to_o the_o epistle_n as_o require_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o believe_v any_o of_o the_o doctrine_n as_o therein_o contain_v we_o shall_v have_v no_o very_o strong_a argument_n remain_v whereby_o to_o defend_v those_o of_o the_o gospel_n which_o have_v only_o the_o authority_n of_o inspiration_n confirm_v by_o miracle_n so_o that_o they_o must_v unavoidable_o stand_v or_o fall_v together_o for_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o both_o be_v the_o same_o and_o the_o same_o divine_a authority_n stamp_v upon_o both_o we_o can_v deny_v that_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o belief_n must_v be_v equal_o take_v from_o they_o both_o where_o the_o matter_n be_v of_o the_o same_o importance_n and_o this_o will_v necessary_o lead_v we_o to_o these_o conclusion_n first_o that_o whatsoever_o we_o be_v firm_o assure_v be_v reveal_v by_o god_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v it_o upon_o his_o veracity_n since_o he_o neither_o can_v or_o will_v reveal_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v undeniable_o true_a second_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v make_v by_o this_o revelation_n a_o fundamental_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o without_o great_a hazard_n of_o our_o salvation_n three_o and_o last_o for_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o any_o article_n of_o faith_n we_o must_v not_o judge_v of_o it_o from_o some_o particular_a place_n but_o from_o the_o universal_a consent_n and_o harmony_n of_o revelation_n and_o now_o since_o the_o epistle_n must_v be_v grant_v to_o be_v a_o particular_a revelation_n i_o will_v ask_v to_o what_o end_v there_o shall_v be_v this_o revelation_n and_o several_a doctrine_n therein_o deliver_v which_o concern_v both_o our_o faith_n and_o practice_n if_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n for_o they_o in_o order_n to_o salvation_n 14.37_o 1_o cor._n 14.37_o why_o shall_v the_o inspire_a writer_n give_v any_o instruction_n to_o a_o church_n for_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n if_o yet_o without_o the_o least_o hazard_n of_o salvation_n they_o may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o for_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v consistent_a with_o the_o end_n or_o nature_n of_o revelation_n which_o under_o the_o christian_a dispensation_n be_v design_v only_o for_o the_o eternal_a advantage_n of_o mankind_n that_o no_o part_n of_o it_o deliver_v in_o the_o epistle_n which_o be_v all_o of_o they_o of_o divine_a revelation_n shall_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o that_o end_n and_o that_o those_o who_o have_v the_o name_n and_o benefit_n of_o christian_n shall_v not_o be_v indispensable_o oblige_v to_o form_v their_o faith_n or_o govern_v their_o practice_n according_a to_o its_o direction_n certain_o any_o one_o that_o read_v and_o consider_v the_o epistle_n impartial_o must_v judge_v that_o the_o author_n do_v design_n some_o part_n of_o they_o at_o least_o for_o rule_n to_o guide_v man_n in_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n without_o the_o observance_n of_o which_o those_o to_o who_o they_o shall_v be_v know_v can_v not_o be_v save_v for_o if_o all_o the_o instruction_n in_o the_o epistle_n may_v be_v safe_o disregard_v than_o their_o inspiration_n be_v in_o vain_a since_o if_o man_n may_v be_v as_o easy_o save_v without_o they_o the_o revelation_n must_v be_v confess_v to_o be_v superfluous_a if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o doctrine_n be_v only_o write_v for_o the_o use_n of_o particular_a church_n yet_o that_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v which_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o will_v prove_v nothing_o unless_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o general_a direction_n design_v which_o be_v of_o the_o same_o importance_n to_o all_o christian_n now_o that_o they_o can_v be_v of_o to_o any_o particular_a church_n then_o for_o certain_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n by_o the_o member_n of_o a_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n must_v be_v so_o now_o and_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n if_o it_o be_v demand_v that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o fundamental_o in_o the_o epistle_n as_o we_o contend_v for_o we_o shall_v draw_v out_o a_o scheme_n of_o they_o just_o so_o many_o and_o no_o more_o that_o be_v to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o salvation_n and_o which_o will_v equal_o oblige_v all_o mankind_n though_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o satisfy_v this_o demand_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o our_o
revelation_n than_o any_o of_o the_o other_o apostle_n for_o he_o be_v neither_o instruct_v by_o christ_n himself_o while_o on_o earth_n as_o not_o be_v his_o disciple_n nor_o have_v he_o any_o account_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o teach_v from_o those_o apostle_n who_o have_v constant_o hear_v he_o but_o he_o receive_v all_o his_o instruction_n immediate_o from_o heaven_n as_o he_o himself_o have_v tell_v we_o in_o the_o first_o chap._n of_o gal._n 11_o and_o 12._o ver._n but_o i_o certify_v you_o brethren_n that_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v preach_v of_o i_o be_v not_o after_o man_n for_o i_o neither_o receive_v it_o of_o man_n neither_o be_v i_o teach_v it_o but_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o his_o doctrine_n be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o what_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n himself_o and_o that_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o write_v as_o himself_o testify_v of_o they_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 14.37_o be_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n i._n e._n be_v of_o as_o great_a necessity_n to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n as_o any_o other_o part_n of_o revelation_n which_o can_v in_o the_o least_o be_v doubt_v if_o we_o also_o consider_v that_o man_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o that_o gospel_n which_o st._n paul_n teach_v at_o the_o last_o day_n as_o he_o assure_v we_o in_o rom._n 2.16_o in_o the_o day_n when_o god_n shall_v judge_v the_o secret_n of_o man_n by_o jesus_n christ_n according_a to_o my_o gospel_n which_o gospel_n he_o must_v mean_v that_o epistle_n to_o be_v part_n of_o for_o he_o have_v teach_v those_o at_o rome_n no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o this_o epistle_n for_o he_o never_o have_v be_v there_o when_o this_o be_v write_v nor_o do_v we_o know_v that_o he_o have_v send_v they_o any_o epistle_n before_o it_o but_o beside_o the_o doctrine_n which_o st._n paul_n have_v deliver_v in_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o he_o have_v before_o teach_v to_o other_o as_o be_v plain_a from_o his_o own_o word_n to_o the_o elder_n of_o ephesus_n act._n 20.27_o that_o he_o have_v not_o shun_v to_o declare_v unto_o they_o all_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n which_o he_o will_v not_o have_v say_v if_o he_o have_v a_o commission_n to_o make_v any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n by_o other_o which_o be_v not_o reveal_v to_o they_o through_o his_o ministry_n so_o that_o as_o both_o what_o he_o teach_v and_o write_v in_o his_o epistle_n be_v the_o same_o doctrine_n so_o be_v they_o both_o equal_o obligatory_a but_o last_o there_o be_v this_o more_o remarkable_a of_o st._n paul_n that_o he_o be_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o first_o that_o have_v preach_v the_o gospel_n among_o they_o and_o therefore_o what_o he_o teach_v can_v be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n to_o they_o especial_o till_o the_o gospel_n be_v write_v which_o none_o of_o they_o be_v till_o some_o time_n after_o he_o have_v begin_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n among_o the_o gentile_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o as_o what_o he_o teach_v be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n to_o they_o before_o they_o can_v have_v the_o gospel_n so_o neither_o will_v his_o doctrine_n after_o the_o publish_n the_o gospel_n be_v less_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v since_o their_o authority_n will_v be_v much_o rather_o increase_v than_o lessen_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o so_o great_a a_o foundation_n as_o the_o gospel_n to_o support_v they_o what_o i_o have_v here_o say_v of_o st._n paul_n be_v not_o with_o a_o design_n to_o lessen_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o other_o epistle_n for_o they_o be_v all_o inspire_a by_o the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n and_o be_v therefore_o equal_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v but_o only_o as_o we_o have_v a_o great_a number_n of_o his_o transmit_v to_o we_o than_o of_o all_o the_o other_o apostle_n so_o i_o think_v it_o most_o necessary_a to_o show_v that_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v they_o to_o salvation_n be_v as_o great_a as_o can_v possible_o be_v produce_v for_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o thus_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v make_v it_o full_o evident_a that_o the_o apostle_n have_v a_o sufficient_a commission_n from_o god_n to_o make_v those_o doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v in_o their_o epistle_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n and_o that_o they_o do_v declare_v some_o of_o their_o doctrine_n to_o be_v of_o this_o nature_n i_o shall_v come_v now_o in_o a_o little_a time_n to_o prove_v and_o three_o the_o end_n and_o reason_n for_o which_o the_o epistle_n be_v write_v will_v make_v this_o more_o full_o appear_v for_o to_o make_v any_o thing_n more_o firm_o believe_v and_o assent_v to_o there_o be_v not_o only_o require_v a_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o its_o be_v reveal_v but_o also_o of_o the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v reveal_v now_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o worthy_a of_o god_n and_o more_o beneficial_a to_o man_n than_o the_o reveal_n the_o condition_n which_o he_o have_v make_v necessary_a for_o our_o obtain_n happiness_n and_o this_o be_v full_o do_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o as_o the_o condition_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v before_o we_o can_v perform_v they_o so_o god_n have_v take_v sufficient_a care_n to_o give_v we_o a_o full_a revelation_n of_o they_o first_o in_o a_o large_a history_n of_o the_o method_n that_o christ_n make_v use_v of_o for_o the_o purchase_v our_o redemption_n and_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o his_o mission_n and_o doctrine_n and_o second_o in_o a_o more_o full_a and_o clear_a manifestation_n by_o the_o come_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v require_v of_o we_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o this_o he_o entrust_v to_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v to_o that_o end_n both_o divine_o inspire_v and_o have_v the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n commit_v to_o they_o to_o establish_v and_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v no_o very_o great_a absurdity_n to_o affirm_v that_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n be_v not_o full_o and_o clear_o contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n indeed_o 189._o indeed_o tota_n religio_fw-la christiana_n omne_fw-la illius_fw-la dogmata_fw-la fidei_fw-la &_o praecepta_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la ad_fw-la salutem_fw-la necessaria_fw-la quatuor_fw-la evangeliis_fw-la imo_fw-la unico_fw-la mathaei_n evangelio_n continentur_fw-la neque_fw-la ex_fw-la epistolis_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la imo_fw-la nec_fw-la apostoli_fw-la pauli_n ullum_fw-la dogma_fw-la ad_fw-la salutem_fw-la creditu_fw-la necessarium_fw-la proferetur_fw-la quod_fw-la non_fw-la antea_fw-la in_o evangelio_n clare_v expressum_fw-la exstat_fw-la ausim_fw-la itaeque_fw-la dicere_fw-la etiamsi_fw-la sola_fw-la quatuor_fw-la exstarent_fw-la evangelian_a os_fw-la perfectum_fw-la habituros_fw-la canonem_fw-la seu_fw-la regulam_fw-la fidei_fw-la ac_fw-la morum_fw-la p._n 189._o limborch_n in_o his_o conference_n with_o a_o learned_a jew_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr veritate_fw-la religionis_fw-la christianae_n seem_v to_o have_v grant_v more_o than_o he_o have_v authority_n for_o in_o assert_v that_o all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o four_o evangelist_n or_o even_o in_o st._n matthew_n only_o and_o that_o none_o of_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n or_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n contain_v any_o doctrine_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n which_o be_v not_o clear_o and_o express_o set_v down_o before_o in_o the_o gospel_n etc._n etc._n whether_o all_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v before_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o gospel_n be_v indeed_o make_v by_o some_o a_o matter_n of_o dispute_n but_o that_o many_o of_o they_o be_v not_o there_o so_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a as_o in_o the_o epistle_n be_v none_o for_o it_o may_v be_v very_o just_o question_v if_o the_o epistle_n have_v not_o be_v write_v whether_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v remain_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o several_a thing_n in_o the_o gospel_n particular_o as_o to_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o i_o much_o doubt_n whether_o we_o shall_v so_o unanimous_o have_v believe_v that_o christ_n death_n be_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o our_o sin_n or_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o resurrection_n alone_o we_o shall_v all_o be_v raise_v again_o at_o the_o last_o day_n from_o the_o alone_a declaration_n of_o the_o gospel_n since_o neither_o of_o these_o can_v be_v so_o clear_o prove_v from_o the_o gospel_n as_o from_o the_o epistle_n the_o latter_a of_o which_o be_v i_o think_v no_o where_o mention_v in_o
the_o gospel_n and_o can_v direct_o be_v prove_v from_o they_o so_o that_o all_o our_o belief_n of_o it_o must_v have_v be_v by_o far-fetched_a inference_n which_o very_o probable_o we_o shall_v never_o have_v think_v of_o have_v not_o the_o epistle_n be_v write_v this_o forementioned_a concession_n of_o limborch_n seem_v occasion_v by_o the_o jew_n be_v assert_v that_o all_o their_o religion_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o five_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o the_o observation_n or_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o believe_v any_o of_o the_o rest_n as_o part_v of_o their_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o thereupon_o he_o prefer_v their_o religion_n before_o the_o christian_a as_o be_v much_o more_o easy_o understand_v because_o contain_v in_o a_o much_o lesser_a compass_n but_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o limborch_n be_v under_o no_o necessity_n in_o order_n to_o prove_v the_o christian_a superior_a to_o the_o jewish_a religion_n on_o the_o account_n of_o its_o brevity_n to_o confine_v all_o the_o article_n of_o christianity_n to_o one_o or_o all_o the_o gospel_n for_o he_o may_v very_o fair_o have_v deny_v that_o assertion_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o it_o be_v only_o one_o sect_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o of_o the_o sadducee_n who_o be_v of_o that_o opinion_n and_o who_o give_v such_o preference_n to_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n the_o pharisee_n the_o more_o numerous_a sect_n pay_v the_o same_o respect_n to_o all_o the_o other_o inspire_a write_n and_o prophecy_n and_o place_v their_o religion_n as_o much_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o as_o in_o those_o deliver_v by_o moses_n and_o indeed_o if_o no_o other_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v for_o canonical_a or_o part_n of_o the_o jewish_a revelation_n they_o must_v have_v but_o a_o very_a small_a esteem_n for_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v their_o expect_a messiah_n in_o which_o a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o religion_n that_o wherein_o their_o faith_n be_v concern_v aught_o to_o consist_v for_o the_o believe_a that_o the_o messiah_n will_v come_v be_v declare_v by_o 176._o by_o porta_n mosis_fw-la p._n 176._o maimonides_n to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o fundamental_o of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n but_o if_o it_o be_v limborch_n design_n in_o this_o place_n as_o indeed_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o our_o religion_n by_o contract_v all_o the_o article_n of_o it_o into_o a_o very_a narrow_a compass_n that_o they_o may_v be_v more_o easy_o know_v i_o think_v that_o this_o do_v not_o much_o advance_v that_o end_n for_o it_o seem_v more_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n too_o that_o all_o the_o part_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o practice_n shall_v be_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o large_a and_o plain_a term_n imaginable_a to_o take_v off_o all_o occasion_n of_o error_n and_o mistake_v which_o man_n will_v almost_o unavoidable_o fall_v into_o if_o all_o matter_n of_o belief_n and_o practice_n be_v deliver_v like_o the_o heathen_a oracle_n of_o old_a in_o a_o short_a and_o consequent_o obscure_a form_n indeed_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o summary_n of_o all_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o may_v be_v easy_o remember_v by_o every_o capacity_n but_o it_o be_v as_o necessary_a also_o to_o prevent_v all_o dispute_n concern_v the_o mean_v of_o every_o particular_a article_n that_o we_o shall_v have_v recourse_n to_o a_o large_a full_a and_o infallible_a explanation_n of_o they_o such_o as_o be_v all_o the_o part_n of_o divine_a revelation_n but_o that_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o full_o and_o clear_o contain_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v seem_v plain_a upon_o many_o account_n 1._o for_o first_o if_o in_o the_o gospel_n or_o particular_o in_o st._n matthew_n be_v contain_v the_o whole_a rule_n of_o faith_n than_o the_o doctrine_n therein_o teach_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o sufficient_a rule_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o but_o if_o they_o be_v not_o so_o to_o they_o they_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v so_o to_o any_o other_o but_o that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o to_o they_o before_o the_o come_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n seem_v plain_a from_o their_o misunderstanding_n the_o reason_n of_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n they_o think_v it_o be_v to_o reinstate_v the_o jew_n in_o their_o temporal_a grandeur_n and_o glory_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o that_o question_n they_o put_v to_o our_o saviour_n lord_n will_v thou_o at_o this_o time_n restore_v the_o kingdom_n to_o israel_n but_o beside_o those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n i_o have_v many_o thing_n to_o say_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o can_v hear_v they_o now_o necessary_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v other_o doctrine_n yet_o to_o be_v know_v beside_o those_o he_o have_v already_o teach_v they_o 2._o the_o gospel_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n historical_n and_o contain_v a_o account_n of_o our_o saviour_n miraculous_a birth_n the_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v to_o confirm_v his_o mission_n from_o god_n his_o suffering_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n etc._n etc._n be_v intersper_v with_o many_o excellent_a precept_n but_o contain_v but_o few_o however_o not_o all_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n 3._o our_o saviour_n general_o deliver_v himself_o very_o mystical_o especial_o about_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v himself_o and_o leave_v man_n rather_o to_o draw_v conclusion_n from_o his_o action_n for_o their_o belief_n of_o he_o than_o from_o any_o clear_a manifestation_n of_o himself_o so_o that_o no_o adequate_a rule_n of_o faith_n can_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o history_n of_o he_o 4._o the_o inspire_a penman_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v only_o to_o draw_v up_o the_o history_n without_o their_o own_o remark_n upon_o it_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o in_o that_o to_o tell_v we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v any_o far_a than_o our_o saviour_n have_v already_o do_v through_o the_o course_n of_o his_o ministry_n and_o therefore_o our_o faith_n be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o gospel_n only_a for_o though_o st._n john_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o gospel_n give_v we_o large_a proof_n of_o christ_n divinity_n than_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o introduce_v our_o saviour_n with_o such_o name_n and_o title_n as_o be_v usual_o by_o the_o 3._o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d philo._n lib._n de_fw-fr som._n and_o in_o another_o place_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d lib._n de_fw-fr agric._n '_o o_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d lib._n de_fw-fr som._n in_o some_o place_n he_o call_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o plotinus_n have_v also_o do_v en._n 5._o lib._n 5._o c._n 3._o jew_n appropriate_v to_o their_o expect_a messiah_n and_o by_o which_o both_o they_o and_o the_o platonist_n mean_v a_o divine_a person_n and_o which_o they_o be_v at_o that_o time_n common_o know_v to_o signify_v yet_o he_o have_v not_o there_o deliver_v any_o adequate_a rule_n of_o faith_n five_o and_o last_o the_o promise_n which_o our_o bless_a saviour_n make_v to_o his_o disciple_n to_o send_v they_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o instruct_v they_o far_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o believe_v concern_v he_o and_o to_o guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n which_o can_v signify_v bring_v all_o thing_n to_o their_o remembrance_n but_o teach_v they_o all_o thing_n joh._n 14.26_o plain_o intimate_v that_o there_o be_v something_o more_o require_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v which_o himself_o have_v not_o full_o declare_v to_o they_o and_o we_o no_o where_n find_v nor_o have_v we_o any_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o the_o disciple_n themselves_o who_o be_v constant_o with_o our_o saviour_n have_v any_o full_a and_o distinct_a notion_n of_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v concern_v he_o till_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o all_o that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o teach_v in_o his_o own_o person_n or_o what_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n only_a can_v be_v make_v any_o adequate_a rule_n of_o faith_n but_o however_o shall_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n yet_o still_o it_o may_v be_v just_o question_v whether_o the_o epistle_n also_o together_o with_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o part_v of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o whether_o the_o explanation_n and_o illustration_n contain_v in_o the_o epistle_n of_o doctrine_n more_o imperfect_o set_v down_o in_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o equal_o to_o be_v believe_v with_o the_o evangelical_n write_n and_o therefore_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v admit_v that_o all_o or_o most_o of_o the_o truth_n deliver_v in_o the_o epistle_n be_v only_a
explanation_n of_o something_o before_o reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n yet_o since_o the_o author_n of_o they_o be_v divine_o inspire_v they_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o part_v of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o the_o gospel_n themselves_o since_o a_o infallible_a divine_a explanation_n of_o a_o doctrine_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v as_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o so_o that_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o this_o be_v one_o end_n of_o write_v the_o epistle_n to_o set_v those_o thing_n in_o a_o clear_a light_n which_o be_v before_o teach_v by_o our_o saviour_n yet_o this_o will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o invalidate_v their_o authority_n or_o render_v they_o less_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v for_o thus_o far_o ibid._n far_o verum_fw-la tanta_fw-la est_fw-la erga_fw-la genus_fw-la hominum_fw-la benignitas_fw-la divina_fw-la ut_fw-la quae_fw-la in_o evangeliis_fw-la plene_fw-la ac_fw-la perfect_v tradita_fw-la sunt_fw-la etiam_fw-la in_o apostolorum_fw-la epistolis_fw-la saepius_fw-la repeti_fw-la &_o à_fw-la variis_fw-la objectionibus_fw-la vindicari_fw-la ad_fw-la majorem_fw-la fidelium_fw-la in_o fide_fw-la confirmationem_fw-la ac_fw-la constantiam_fw-la singulari_fw-la providentia_fw-la voluerit_fw-la ibid._n limborch_n seem_v to_o have_v grant_v that_o though_o all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v full_o and_o perfect_o deliver_v in_o the_o gospel_n yet_o god_n have_v so_o much_o express_v his_o goodness_n towards_o mankind_n as_o to_o take_v care_n by_o a_o particular_a providence_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v very_o often_o repeat_v in_o the_o epistle_n that_o they_o may_v be_v free_v from_o all_o objection_n to_o the_o great_a strengthen_n and_o confirm_v believer_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o thus_o it_o seem_v very_o evident_a for_o many_o reason_n that_o the_o gospel_n alone_o be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o faith_n nor_o will_v the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n together_o with_o the_o gospel_n afford_v we_o a_o full_a and_o clear_a scheme_n of_o whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v for_o these_o also_o be_v chief_o historical_a and_o contain_v a_o account_n of_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o the_o miracle_n that_o be_v do_v by_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o convert_v they_o make_v to_o christianity_n and_o where_o they_o preach_v but_o we_o have_v not_o there_o any_o full_a and_o large_a account_n of_o their_o doctrine_n we_o be_v indeed_o tell_v that_o they_o preach_v faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n 20.21_o act._n 20.21_o and_o repentance_n towards_o god_n but_o few_o or_o no_o particular_n of_o those_o duty_n or_o how_o far_o they_o extend_v which_o seem_v on_o purpose_n reserve_v for_o the_o epistle_n where_o they_o be_v more_o full_o treat_v of_o but_o it_o be_v urge_v that_o if_o the_o apostle_n creed_n be_v a_o summary_n of_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o if_o all_o the_o article_n of_o that_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n than_o it_o be_v in_o they_o alone_o that_o we_o be_v to_o look_v for_o fundamental_o to_o this_o it_o may_v be_v answer_v that_o it_o can_v indeed_o hardly_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o we_o may_v draw_v most_o of_o the_o article_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n from_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o these_o be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o only_a fundamental_o unless_o we_o also_o firm_o believe_v the_o natural_a consequence_n and_o conclusion_n from_o they_o and_o the_o frequent_a explanation_n of_o they_o which_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o other_o part_n of_o revelation_n to_o instance_n only_o in_o the_o first_o article_n i_o believe_v in_o god_n the_o father_n almighty_n maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n now_o we_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v confine_v by_o this_o to_o the_o believe_v just_a so_o much_o of_o he_o and_o no_o more_o for_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o these_o word_n whatsoever_o be_v imply_v in_o they_o and_o whatsoever_o else_o the_o scripture_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o concern_v he_o and_o the_o like_a rule_n must_v be_v observe_v in_o all_o the_o other_o article_n and_o beside_o this_o be_v just_o believe_v to_o be_v the_o first_o fundamental_a of_o all_o reveal_v religion_n which_o be_v suppose_v in_o our_o creed_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v there_o lay_v down_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n must_v be_v believe_v as_o such_o and_o upon_o this_o it_o be_v that_o the_o creed_n be_v build_v so_o that_o as_o we_o must_v believe_v that_o summary_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o be_v take_v from_o revelation_n so_o also_o that_o the_o only_a true_a explanation_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v there_o for_o necessary_a deduction_n from_o such_o truth_n be_v as_o much_o fundamental_o as_o the_o principle_n from_o which_o they_o be_v draw_v so_o that_o we_o can_v in_o a_o true_a since_o believe_v all_o the_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n unless_o we_o also_o be_v persuade_v that_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o contain_v a_o full_a and_o express_a explanation_n of_o they_o be_v necessary_a part_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o our_o author_n urge_v that_o if_o all_o 297._o p._n 297._o or_o most_o of_o the_o truth_n declare_v in_o the_o epistle_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o believe_v as_o fundamental_a article_n what_o then_o become_v of_o those_o christian_n that_o be_v fall_v asleep_a as_o st._n paul_n witness_v in_o the_o 1_o cor._n many_o be_v before_o those_o thing_n in_o the_o epistle_n be_v reveal_v to_o they_o most_o of_o the_o epistle_n not_o be_v write_v till_o above_o twenty_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n and_o some_o after_o thirty_o to_o this_o we_o may_v answer_v first_o that_o some_o of_o the_o epistle_n be_v write_v before_o some_o of_o the_o gospel_n particular_o that_o of_o st._n john_n which_o be_v not_o write_v till_o almost_o threescore_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n so_o that_o this_o argument_n will_v exclude_v that_o gospel_n from_o contain_v any_o part_n of_o the_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o the_o epistle_n second_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o a_o great_a many_o of_o the_o epistle_n as_o the_o first_o and_o second_o to_o the_o thessalonian_o which_o be_v write_v soon_o than_o twenty_o year_n after_o christ_n ascension_n as_o also_o the_o first_o and_o second_o to_o the_o corinthian_n to_o the_o galatian_n and_o roman_n be_v all_o write_v before_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v continue_v to_o the_o time_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v first_o at_o rome_n which_o be_v not_o till_o near_o thirty_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n and_o therefore_o that_o history_n which_o take_v in_o all_o that_o time_n can_v be_v think_v to_o be_v of_o great_a authority_n than_o those_o epistle_n which_o be_v write_v much_o soon_o so_o that_o this_o argument_n if_o it_o be_v at_o all_o to_o the_o purpose_n must_v give_v the_o preference_n to_o some_o of_o the_o epistle_n at_o least_o before_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o three_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v but_o that_o many_o christian_n be_v fall_v asleep_o before_o the_o writing_n any_o of_o the_o gospel_n since_o st._n matthew_n gospel_n which_o be_v the_o first_o be_v not_o write_v till_o about_o eleven_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n so_o that_o neither_o can_v this_o argument_n be_v any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o epistle_n and_o therefore_o four_o it_o remain_v that_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o believe_a christian_n that_o be_v convert_v for_o some_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n must_v be_v take_v from_o what_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o if_o what_o they_o then_o teach_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o those_o who_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n 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the_o necessity_n of_o revelation_n the_o condition_n of_o repentance_n good_a work_n etc._n etc._n they_o seem_v to_o carry_v a_o air_n of_o piety_n along_o with_o they_o and_o to_o be_v write_v with_o such_o strength_n of_o judgement_n as_o may_v be_v suppose_v that_o the_o author_n have_v think_v more_o upon_o they_o than_o upon_o any_o other_o part_n of_o that_o treatise_n finis_fw-la postscript_n when_o these_o paper_n be_v just_a come_n abroad_o there_o appear_v a_o second_o vindication_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n by_o the_o author_n of_o it_o i_o be_v under_o apprehension_n that_o some_o argument_n may_v be_v there_o propound_v which_o ought_v to_o be_v consider_v but_o since_o i_o find_v they_o be_v chief_o direct_v against_o mr._n edward_n reflection_n which_o though_o i_o have_v not_o read_v i_o presume_v be_v different_a from_o these_o observation_n by_o the_o passage_n cite_v from_o they_o i_o do_v not_o think_v myself_o concern_v to_o 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