lord_n of_o all_o other_o being_n that_o at_o his_o word_n the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n and_o all_o thing_n in_o they_o be_v make_v and_o be_v uphold_v that_o he_o be_v good_a wise_a just_a true_a benign_a or_o merciful_a etc._n etc._n beside_o this_o instruction_n what_o god_n be_v it_o teach_v we_o what_o we_o be_v viz._n sinful_a wretched_a fall_v creature_n that_o can_v have_v no_o good_a or_o happiness_n in_o our_o self_n it_o inform_v we_o how_o we_o shall_v behave_v ourselves_o towards_o god_n viz._n as_o dependent_a thing_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v love_v he_o obey_v he_o fear_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o his_o will_n trust_v he_o or_o believe_v he_o etc._n etc._n and_o how_o we_o shall_v carry_v it_o to_o one_o another_o viz._n to_o do_v as_o we_o will_v be_v do_v by_o that_o be_v every_o one_o to_o confer_v as_o he_o be_v capable_a towards_o another_o happiness_n have_v propose_v thing_n to_o the_o understanding_n second_o it_o add_v the_o persuasive_a part_n to_o the_o will_n move_v we_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o suitable_o in_o the_o act_n of_o our_o will_n to_o such_o truth_n know_v by_o set_v before_o we_o good_a or_o evil_a profit_n or_o disprofit_v pleasure_n or_o displeasure_n seemliness_n or_o unseemliness_n accompany_v or_o consequent_a on_o our_o orderly_a or_o disorderly_a behaviour_n now_o these_o thing_n propose_v and_o urge_v in_o these_o book_n as_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o they_o appear_v to_o be_v of_o god_n as_o they_o come_v with_o evidence_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n such_o as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o a_o considerate_a man_n and_o be_v see_v proper_a and_o convenient_a for_o the_o creature_n will_v to_o comply_v with_o thing_n beseem_v the_o all-perfect_a be_v to_o teach_v and_o command_v convenient_a and_o profitable_a for_o the_o creature_n to_o learn_v and_o obey_v which_o if_o we_o consider_v with_o ourselves_o and_o compare_v with_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o book_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v the_o very_a same_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o that_o we_o call_v natural_a or_o rational_a religion_n which_o be_v knowable_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o all_o mankind_n but_o that_o these_o same_o thing_n may_v and_o how_o far_o they_o may_v be_v call_v revelation_n will_v appear_v by_o consider_v the_o time_n and_o circumstance_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o delivery_n thus_o if_o when_o man_n have_v give_v up_o themselves_o chief_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o sensual_a object_n and_o bend_v their_o will_n to_o the_o disorderly_a satisfaction_n of_o their_o bodily_a appetite_n neglect_v the_o due_a consideration_n of_o their_o author_n and_o the_o end_n of_o their_o be_v begin_v to_o fancy_n god_n too_o much_o like_o themselves_o have_v low_o mean_a gross_a conception_n of_o he_o and_o too_o high_a conceit_n of_o creature_n confound_v the_o property_n of_o god_n with_o those_o of_o his_o work_n give_v divine_a honour_n to_o man_n or_o any_o thing_n they_o fancy_v excellent_a or_o useful_a make_v bodily_a representation_n of_o god_n and_o as_o some_o represent_v he_o by_o one_o thing_n some_o by_o another_o their_o various_a and_o disagree_a image_n can_v not_o be_v reconcile_v so_o as_o to_o be_v take_v all_o so_o different_a for_o image_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o be_v but_o they_o begin_v to_o fancy_v as_o many_o god_n as_o their_o differ_a conceit_n have_v make_v image_n so_o that_o divine_a nature_n be_v mistake_v even_o as_o to_o number_v uncertain_a without_o end_n and_o even_o those_o who_o by_o long_a instruction_n have_v be_v bring_v again_o to_o the_o belief_n and_o worship_n of_o but_o one_o god_n have_v so_o far_o mistake_v his_o will_n as_o to_o fancy_v their_o good_a behaviour_n to_o he_o consist_v in_o external_a ceremony_n suppose_v that_o he_o will_v be_v affect_v with_o the_o slay_v of_o beast_n and_o please_v with_o a_o custom_n of_o little_a observance_n as_o wear_v of_o odd_a fashion_a garment_n keep_v of_o certain_a day_n use_v divers_a gesture_n etc._n etc._n when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o neglect_v justice_n judgement_n mercy_n truth_n goodness_n etc._n etc._n grow_v corrupt_a and_o unreasonable_a in_o their_o action_n even_o to_o one_o another_o have_v bring_v themselves_o into_o divers_a present_a misery_n and_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o future_a unhappiness_n to_o themselves_o after_o this_o life_n and_o to_o their_o posterity_n yea_o live_v as_o if_o they_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o future_a life_n if_o then_o in_o such_o time_n of_o ignorance_n and_o corruption_n god_n send_v or_o particular_o instruct_v and_o send_v some_o one_o or_o more_o to_o the_o rest_n express_o to_o teach_v the_o truth_n and_o command_v his_o will_n here_o be_v a_o revelation_n and_o a_o time_n for_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o show_v itself_o in_o supply_v the_o necessity_n of_o blind_a miserable_a sinner_n when_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o profitable_a for_o man_n or_o become_v god_n than_o such_o gracious_a discovery_n but_o if_o these_o man_n also_o declare_v some_o thing_n that_o can_v not_o be_v otherwise_o know_v to_o they_o than_o by_o divine_a inspiration_n as_o certain_a future_a event_n if_o there_o accompany_v they_o a_o supernatural_a power_n effect_v thing_n can_v not_o otherwise_o at_o least_o by_o they_o be_v effect_v here_o be_v enough_o to_o be_v call_v divine_a revelation_n and_o miracle_n and_o there_o can_v no_o more_o scruple_n remain_v if_o we_o can_v but_o be_v persuade_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o history_n of_o the_o bible_n itself_o be_v true_a which_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v consisider_v and_o in_o order_n to_o which_o i_o think_v it_o not_o unnecessary_a to_o lay_v down_o some_o general_a consideration_n about_o faith_n as_o follow_v faith_n be_v a_o assent_n to_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o truth_n on_o the_o word_n of_o another_o which_o we_o ourselves_o do_v it_o know_v or_o see_v according_a to_o that_o complete_a definition_n thereof_o heb._n 11.1_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v or_o know_v for_o knowledge_n leave_v no_o room_n for_o faith_n any_o more_o than_o it_o do_v for_o hope_n which_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o what_o we_o only_o believe_v will_v be_v faith_n be_v its_o only_a basis_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d faith_n be_v the_o foundation_n or_o ground_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o for_o where_o we_o have_v no_o faith_n of_o the_o real_a futurity_n of_o a_o thing_n there_o hope_n have_v no_o ground_n but_o faith_n if_o it_o have_v its_o due_a circumstance_n it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o convictive_a argument_n and_o though_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n be_v so_o different_a that_o we_o can_v no_o long_o proper_o say_v we_o believe_v a_o thing_n when_o once_o we_o can_v say_v we_o know_v it_o yet_o faith_n if_o right_o be_v as_o near_o to_o knowledge_n as_o that_o which_o be_v not_o knowledge_n can_v be_v and_o far_o from_o that_o doubtful_a supposition_n call_v opinion_n that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v or_o assent_v to_o as_o a_o truth_n on_o another_o word_n be_v either_o first_o a_o assertion_n or_o affirmation_n that_o such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v be_v or_o will_v be_v or_o second_o a_o promise_n when_o the_o person_n on_o who_o word_n we_o rely_v for_o the_o real_a futurity_n of_o the_o thing_n make_v we_o expect_v it_o from_o he_o as_o the_o cause_n now_o that_o faith_n may_v be_v as_o it_o ought_v a_o assent_n indeed_o to_o a_o truth_n though_o we_o do_v know_v it_o and_o not_o the_o believe_v a_o lie_n these_o thing_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v certain_a in_o first_o that_o the_o person_n that_o have_v assert_v or_o promise_v the_o thing_n we_o be_v to_o take_v for_o a_o truth_n can_v know_v it_o or_o be_v not_o liable_a himself_o to_o be_v deceive_v or_o can_v or_o will_v be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n second_o that_o he_o be_v trusty_a or_o one_o that_o will_v not_o deceive_v we_o as_o to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o power_n of_o the_o person_n that_o we_o may_v be_v sure_o he_o can_v or_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n or_o can_v or_o will_v be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o we_o must_v see_v that_o the_o thing_n be_v in_o itself_o knowable_a or_o that_o it_o may_v possible_o be_v a_o truth_n for_o that_o which_o i_o see_v absurd_a contradictory_n or_o absolute_o impossible_a to_o be_v suppose_v i_o can_v never_o well_o believe_v on_o any_o one_o word_n nor_o can_v i_o do_v so_o will_v it_o be_v of_o any_o use_n to_o i_o whatever_o i_o be_o to_o believe_v must_v at_o least_o seem_v possible_a to_o be_v a_o truth_n for_o nothing_o else_o can_v challenge_v my_o faith_n or_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d
a_o more_o particular_a and_o express_a more_o clear_a and_o convince_a manifestation_n of_o god_n will_n a_o second_o witness_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n confirm_v what_o be_v testify_v by_o the_o natural_a light_n of_o reason_n which_o alone_o be_v enough_o to_o leave_v all_o without_o excuse_n who_o do_v not_o hearken_v to_o its_o dictate_v and_o sufficient_a to_o lead_v all_o to_o the_o way_n of_o obedience_n be_v it_o hearken_v unto_o but_o revelation_n be_v add_v dictate_v and_o enforce_v in_o a_o manner_n plain_a and_o clear_a enough_o for_o any_o capacity_n whatever_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o man_n to_o believe_v and_o do_v in_o order_n to_o happiness_n be_v enough_o to_o inform_v and_o convince_v any_o of_o their_o duty_n that_o do_v not_o strong_o resist_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o which_o matter_n let_v we_o take_v these_o consideration_n as_o god_n be_v the_o fountain_n and_o cause_n of_o all_o truth_n so_o he_o be_v the_o giver_n or_o discoverer_n of_o all_o truth_n that_o come_v within_o the_o reach_n of_o create_a understanding_n but_o he_o do_v not_o make_v know_v thing_n to_o his_o creature_n always_o the_o same_o way_n he_o have_v give_v we_o sense_n and_o reason_n by_o which_o with_o his_o general_a and_o common_a assistance_n we_o most_o common_o come_v to_o know_v thing_n for_o some_o time_n unknown_a to_o we_o but_o whensoever_o it_o please_v god_n to_o discover_v some_o truth_n in_o a_o express_a particular_a or_o extraordinary_a manner_n than_o there_o be_v that_o which_o we_o call_v divine_a revelation_n now_o this_o revelation_n may_v be_v consider_v two_o way_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o thing_n make_v know_v and_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o manner_n or_o measure_n of_o the_o manifestation_n but_o before_o we_o come_v to_o consider_v it_o these_o way_n let_v it_o be_v note_v that_o as_o we_o have_v say_v revelation_n be_v some_o truth_n discover_v or_o make_v know_v to_o the_o creature_n so_o we_o at_o the_o same_o must_v necessary_o suppose_v it_o a_o truth_n knowable_a to_o the_o create_a understanding_n for_o to_o suppose_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o our_o understanding_n to_o be_v reveal_v to_o we_o be_v to_o suppose_v a_o revelation_n and_o yet_o no_o revelation_n whatever_o be_v make_v know_v to_o we_o we_o know_v and_o what_o we_o know_v be_v not_o above_o our_o knowledge_n the_o capacity_n of_o man_n understanding_n we_o ready_o believe_v may_v be_v enlarge_v so_o that_o he_o may_v hereafter_o know_v what_o at_o present_a he_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o but_o till_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v such_o or_o such_o a_o truth_n or_o at_o least_o see_v it_o knowable_a it_o can_v be_v no_o revelation_n to_o he_o as_o for_o instance_n none_o can_v pretend_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n be_v reveal_v while_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v inconceivable_a that_o all_o the_o property_n wherein_o the_o nature_n and_o essence_n of_o bread_n consist_v shall_v remain_v and_o yet_o the_o bread_n be_v change_v into_o flesh_n be_v that_o which_o be_v unintelligible_a and_o not_o a_o revelation_n nor_o can_v they_o well_o say_v that_o though_o the_o manner_n how_o this_o unseen_a change_n can_v be_v be_v not_o reveal_v yet_o that_o it_o be_v indeed_o change_v into_o flesh_n and_o yet_o more_o strange_a the_o flesh_n of_o christ_n be_v reveal_v for_o how_o this_o change_n can_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v make_v and_o that_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v make_v be_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n or_o at_o least_o as_o unintelligible_a nay_o such_o a_o suppose_a change_n be_v a_o contradiction_n and_o a_o contradiction_n can_v with_o the_o least_o reason_n of_o all_o be_v suppose_v a_o revelation_n for_o man_n be_v not_o only_o unable_a to_o know_v how_o it_o can_v be_v but_o be_v able_a to_o know_v yea_o clear_o see_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v with_o as_o good_a a_o pretence_n may_v a_o man_n say_v that_o though_o to_o any_o man_n understanding_n two_o and_o one_o make_v three_o yet_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o he_o that_o in_o god_n understanding_n two_o and_o one_o be_v but_o one_o or_o be_v nine_o or_o what_o you_o please_v but_o as_o to_o divine_a revelation_n it_o may_v be_v as_o i_o say_v consider_v either_o as_o to_o the_o thing_n reveal_v or_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o revelation_n as_o to_o the_o thing_n reveal_v it_o may_v be_v either_o that_o which_o be_v or_o can_v be_v know_v no_o other_o way_n viz._n a_o truth_n god_n have_v reserve_v to_o such_o his_o peculiar_a teach_v or_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v without_o revelation_n but_o not_o so_o clear_o easy_o or_o soon_o and_o in_o both_o it_o may_v be_v of_o a_o truth_n past_a present_a or_o to_o come_v as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o revelation_n a_o truth_n may_v be_v communicate_v either_o immediate_o to_o the_o understanding_n suppose_v only_o that_o it_o be_v god_n special_a will_n that_o i_o or_o he_o thus_o immediate_o know_v such_o or_o such_o a_o truth_n we_o know_v not_o before_o or_o yet_o to_o the_o understanding_n mediate_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o some_o superior_a intelligent_a creature_n that_o god_n first_o make_v know_v the_o thing_n or_o yet_o still_o more_o mediate_o a_o truth_n may_v be_v make_v know_v in_o way_n of_o revelation_n even_o by_o our_o very_a sense_n by_o mean_n of_o some_o bodily_a object_n as_o a_o voice_n vision_n or_o the_o like_a again_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o revelation_n it_o may_v be_v more_o general_a or_o particular_a more_o partial_a or_o full_a or_o in_o other_o word_n few_o or_o more_o truth_n may_v be_v thus_o make_v know_v at_o the_o same_o time_n now_o that_o god_n can_v and_o may_v in_o a_o particular_a and_o express_a manner_n make_v a_o truth_n know_v to_o his_o creature_n or_o to_o one_o and_o another_o and_o yet_o not_o to_o the_o three_o or_o to_o every_o one_o that_o he_o may_v give_v a_o revelation_n to_o some_o immediate_o and_o command_v they_o to_o tell_v it_o other_o none_o but_o those_o that_o disbelieve_v the_o power_n goodness_n and_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n can_v deny_v it_o can_v rational_o be_v suppose_v but_o that_o the_o author_n of_o truth_n can_v make_v a_o truth_n know_v he_o who_o have_v make_v creature_n sensible_a and_o capable_a of_o reason_v and_o find_v out_o truth_n by_o way_n of_o induction_n and_o argument_n may_v if_o he_o please_v sometime_o give_v man_n the_o knowledge_n of_o some_o truth_n a_o near_a and_o easy_a way_n or_o cause_v they_o to_o understand_v truth_n not_o knowable_a by_o sense_n and_o reason_n alone_o and_o this_o immediate_o to_o who_o he_o please_v and_o to_o other_o by_o they_o creature_n that_o can_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o many_o thing_n by_o their_o own_o industry_n or_o application_n of_o thought_n may_v either_o know_v the_o same_o thing_n or_o thing_n they_o will_v never_o have_v find_v out_o so_o by_o a_o special_a instruction_n as_o a_o man_n unassisted_a by_o a_o master_n may_v find_v out_o many_o thing_n in_o art_n but_o by_o the_o instruction_n of_o a_o skilful_a artist_n he_o may_v come_v to_o know_v the_o same_o and_o more_o and_o in_o far_o less_o time_n than_o he_o can_v have_v know_v without_o such_o a_o teacher_n now_o it_o can_v be_v think_v unbecoming_a the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n or_o unsuitable_a or_o unnecessary_a for_o the_o present_a condition_n of_o mankind_n if_o we_o consider_v it_o that_o god_n shall_v have_v have_v some_o special_a scholar_n of_o his_o own_o particular_a instruct_n and_o have_v command_v they_o to_o teach_v other_o man_n in_o thing_n most_o profitable_a and_o necessary_a to_o they_o or_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v send_v some_o particular_a messenger_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n to_o teach_v his_o will_n to_o those_o that_o through_o their_o own_o negligence_n or_o other_o hindrance_n know_v it_o not_o or_o to_o teach_v it_o more_o clear_o and_o full_o to_o those_o that_o know_v it_o but_o in_o part_n and_o to_o urge_v it_o upon_o all_o that_o be_v negligent_a to_o do_v it_o that_o god_n may_v do_v thus_o i_o think_v be_v now_o undoubted_a that_o he_o have_v do_v so_o seem_v to_o i_o the_o only_a thing_n need_v far_a to_o be_v prove_v to_o any_o rational_a man._n and_o that_o we_o may_v rational_o be_v persuade_v that_o god_n have_v thus_o instruct_v or_o send_v some_o particular_a man_n either_o to_o teach_v other_o or_o urge_v they_o to_o do_v their_o know_a duty_n let_v we_o take_v these_o consideration_n it_o be_v most_o evident_a to_o all_o those_o who_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o action_n of_o mankind_n convey_v by_o the_o most_o unquestionable_a tradition_n from_o generation_n to_o generation_n that_o now_o and_o then_o in_o the_o age_n of_o this_o world_n there_o have_v be_v some_o
have_v any_o evident_a argument_n to_o persuade_v the_o do_n or_o not_o do_v of_o it_o but_o because_o god_n command_v that_o which_o be_v not_o evident_o a_o natural_a duty_n but_o some_o express_a command_n god_n may_v please_v to_o give_v the_o creature_n without_o give_v he_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o such_o a_o thing_n also_o god_n may_v oblige_v his_o creature_n to_o if_o he_o please_v only_o for_o a_o time_n but_o those_o duty_n that_o result_v from_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o our_o be_v god_n creature_n as_o love_n reverence_n trust_v dependence_n etc._n etc._n be_v unchangeable_a while_n god_n be_v god_n and_o the_o creature_n be_v creature_n whether_o god_n express_o command_v they_o or_o no._n but_o if_o god_n shall_v express_o command_v his_o creature_n a_o thing_n and_o yet_o not_o give_v the_o creature_n the_o reason_n of_o it_o as_o good_a to_o the_o creature_n it_o must_v nevertheless_o necessary_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v good_a and_o must_v so_o far_o at_o least_o 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a_o sufficient_a argument_n so_o whatever_o i_o be_o persuade_v to_o do_v must_v at_o least_o seem_v a_o good_n as_o truth_n alone_o be_v the_o object_n of_o knowledge_n so_o shall_v it_o be_v of_o faith_n nothing_o can_v well_o be_v believe_v but_o what_o may_v come_v to_o be_v know_v second_o i_o must_v see_v that_o the_o thing_n be_v not_o only_o knowable_a and_o possible_a in_o itself_o but_o also_o knowable_a or_o possible_a to_o the_o person_n on_o who_o word_n i_o believe_v it_o which_o i_o may_v do_v by_o consider_v well_o the_o person_n and_o his_o circumstance_n as_o to_o the_o trust_n of_o the_o person_n who_o word_n i_o assent_v to_o i_o may_v be_v satisfy_v that_o he_o will_v not_o deceive_v i_o if_o first_o i_o see_v he_o can_v propose_v not_o at_o least_o seem_a good_a end_n in_o so_o do_v or_o second_o if_o i_o see_v he_o can_v not_o suppose_v it_o possible_a to_o attain_v his_o end_n if_o it_o be_v to_o deceive_v i_o for_o no_o one_o propose_v to_o themselves_o the_o 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and_o here_o particular_o to_o the_o historical_a part_n thereof_o without_o any_o far_a help_n and_o as_o they_o appear_v by_o thus_o regular_o consider_v they_o so_o let_v they_o be_v esteem_v but_o i_o shall_v name_v for_o example_n the_o chief_a of_o they_o and_o that_o brief_o in_o which_o book_n as_o i_o have_v before_o hint_v be_v observable_a a_o drift_n or_o design_n all_o along_o against_o wickedness_n and_o deceit_n a_o recommendation_n and_o encouragement_n of_o goodness_n truth_n and_o all_o virtue_n which_o can_v hardly_o be_v think_v so_o to_o concur_v in_o so_o many_o writer_n write_v at_o such_o different_a time_n can_v they_o be_v think_v to_o agree_v in_o a_o design_n to_o deceive_v mankind_n or_o to_o propose_v any_o seem_a good_a end_n in_o so_o do_v first_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n contain_v a_o narrative_a of_o such_o thing_n as_o can_v not_o be_v do_v without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o mankind_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v mere_a fiction_n the_o thing_n which_o he_o write_v or_o whoever_o write_v they_o as_o his_o own_o knowledge_n he_o can_v not_o easy_o be_v deceive_v in_o nor_o can_v he_o be_v think_v to_o have_v see_v any_o possibility_n of_o deceive_a mankind_n so_o gross_o as_o he_o must_v be_v say_v to_o have_v do_v if_o his_o write_n be_v no_o true_a history_n it_o be_v so_o easy_a a_o matter_n for_o the_o then_o present_a or_o immediate_o succeed_v age_n to_o detect_v the_o fallacy_n but_o they_o have_v not_o so_o do_v but_o concur_v with_o he_o to_o deliver_v they_o down_o to_o posterity_n a_o history_n of_o famous_a and_o public_a action_n for_o so_o many_o year_n if_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v do_v can_v never_o be_v suppose_v to_o gain_v belief_n as_o a_o true_a history_n and_o be_v so_o general_o receive_v and_o deliver_v down_o for_o truth_n from_o age_n to_o age_n as_o these_o book_n have_v be_v nor_o can_v the_o design_n he_o seem_v to_o aim_v at_o viz._n the_o instruct_v the_o israelite_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o service_n of_o the_o one_o true_a god_n with_o the_o promote_a of_o all_o virtue_n and_o duty_n to_o man_n run_v so_o smooth_o along_o with_o so_o apparent_o wicked_a and_o unprofitable_a a_o design_n as_o the_o deceive_a posterity_n with_o a_o fiction_n instead_o of_o a_o true_a story_n as_o to_o the_o thing_n do_v before_o his_o time_n which_o he_o speak_v of_o but_o brief_o in_o order_n to_o his_o design_n they_o may_v possible_o be_v make_v know_v to_o he_o by_o revelation_n though_o i_o confess_v i_o see_v no_o ground_n for_o such_o a_o belief_n or_o of_o what_o use_v it_o will_v be_v much_o less_o of_o any_o necessity_n he_o shall_v so_o receive_v they_o any_o more_o than_o the_o thing_n he_o see_v do_v when_o he_o may_v receive_v they_o by_o either_o oral_n or_o write_v tradition_n but_o that_o moses_n be_v send_v of_o god_n to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v the_o israelite_n and_o whosoever_o will_v learn_v of_o they_o can_v be_v discredit_v if_o those_o miraculous_a thing_n be_v do_v which_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o hebrew_n and_o many_o other_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o as_o the_o wonder_n in_o egypt_n the_o passage_n through_o the_o red_a sea_n and_o especial_o the_o give_v the_o law_n viz._n the_o ten_o word_n express_o by_o a_o voice_n from_o mount_n sinai_n which_o that_o numerous_a people_n can_v not_o easy_o concur_v to_o deliver_v down_o to_o posterity_n to_o deceive_v their_o child_n witness_v those_o law_n to_o be_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n give_v of_o god_n though_o they_o be_v themselves_o so_o inclinable_a to_o break_v they_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o law_n so_o give_v nor_o be_v the_o other_o prophet_n less_o to_o be_v credit_v in_o their_o narrative_n or_o whoever_o write_v their_o story_n or_o the_o book_n under_o their_o name_n that_o such_o and_o such_o man_n come_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n deliver_v instruction_n reproof_n warning_n etc._n etc._n to_o the_o people_n can_v not_o be_v a_o mistake_n nor_o can_v they_o impose_v upon_o man_n in_o those_o miracle_n they_o be_v sometime_o say_v to_o do_v much_o less_o in_o the_o prediction_n of_o future_a event_n even_o of_o particular_a person_n by_o name_n tell_v the_o counsel_n of_o distant_a enemy_n and_o even_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o future_a action_n of_o some_o who_o heart_n have_v not_o yet_o conceive_v the_o thought_n of_o they_o give_v also_o the_o infallible_a test_n to_o know_v a_o false_a prophet_n by_o viz._n if_o what_o he_o say_v come_v not_o to_o pass_v which_o prediction_n be_v such_o as_o can_v be_v make_v by_o none_o without_o particular_a divine_a revelation_n which_o
needs_o all_o perish_v but_o they_o have_v not_o only_o be_v negligent_a in_o endeavour_v the_o information_n and_o reformation_n of_o all_o mankind_n but_o have_v be_v even_o stumbling-block_n not_o only_o by_o teach_v for_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n the_o unreasonable_a tradition_n of_o man_n but_o even_o by_o their_o wicked_a life_n and_o uncharitable_a action_n yet_o god_n have_v not_o leave_v himself_o without_o a_o witness_n in_o all_o nation_n but_o his_o goodness_n have_v be_v a_o argument_n to_o persuade_v to_o obedience_n some_o of_o those_o who_o have_v see_v the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o external_n power_n and_o godhead_n the_o light_n of_o reason_n have_v be_v universal_a to_o all_o mankind_n and_o those_o who_o have_v act_v according_a to_o that_o light_n where_o through_o the_o fault_n of_o other_o no_o more_o have_v be_v give_v doubtless_o no_v more_o will_v be_v require_v nor_o dare_v we_o deny_v but_o that_o god_n may_v have_v sometime_o act_v gracious_o by_o his_o spirit_n where_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v want_v so_o that_o many_o i_o be_o persuade_v will_v come_v from_o the_o east_n and_o from_o the_o west_n and_o sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o many_o christian_n be_v exclude_v in_o who_o heart_n perhaps_o have_v be_v more_o of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o man_n than_o in_o many_o of_o those_o christian_n so_o ready_a to_o condemn_v they_o who_o i_o doubt_v be_v more_o likely_a to_o be_v themselves_o shut_v out_o i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v well_o say_v of_o the_o christian_a and_o christianity_n in_o this_o matter_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o jew_n and_o circumcision_n rom._n 2.29_o he_o be_v not_o a_o christian_n which_o be_v one_o outward_o neither_o be_v that_o christianity_n which_o consist_v in_o outward_a thing_n but_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n who_o be_v one_o inward_o and_o christianity_n or_o the_o religion_n that_o christ_n teach_v be_v that_o of_o the_o heart_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o in_o the_o letter_n who_o praise_n be_v not_o of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n the_o fruit_n of_o which_o christian_n spirit_n be_v love_n joy_n peace_n long-suffering_a gentleness_n goodness_n faith_n meekness_n temperance_n against_o such_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o these_o virtue_n there_o be_v no_o law_n gal._n 5.22_o but_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o visible_a christian_n be_v much_o because_o unto_o they_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o where_o much_o be_v give_v much_o will_v be_v require_v the_o bare_a believe_a christ_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n yea_o the_o faith_n of_o those_o who_o believe_v most_o concern_v his_o person_n will_v not_o be_v find_v enough_o or_o a_o save_v faith_n but_o the_o believe_a his_o doctrine_n so_o as_o to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n be_v that_o which_o will_v give_v a_o title_n to_o the_o promise_n of_o admission_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n matth._n 7.21_o 40._o to_o persuade_v to_o repentance_n or_o a_o turn_n from_o a_o life_n of_o sin_n to_o a_o life_n of_o obedience_n to_o god_n we_o find_v the_o chief_a end_n and_o scope_n not_o only_o of_o the_o gospel_n but_o of_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o book_n the_o divine_a providence_n have_v gracious_o give_v and_o preserve_v as_o a_o mean_n to_o that_o end_n many_o have_v undertake_v to_o prove_v these_o book_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o they_o have_v not_o all_o go_v the_o right_a way_n to_o do_v it_o some_o think_v they_o do_v not_o enough_o unless_o they_o can_v persuade_v we_o that_o every_o word_n in_o they_o be_v give_v by_o immediate_a inspiration_n but_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o such_o a_o belief_n if_o a_o considerate_a person_n be_v capable_a of_o have_v it_o that_o they_o 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atheist_n and_o deist_n as_o for_o instance_n there_o be_v some_o little_a difficulty_n in_o the_o historical_a part_n which_o be_v better_a attribute_v to_o some_o mistake_n in_o the_o writer_n or_o coppy_a than_o to_o god_n some_o few_o thing_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o seem_v dissonant_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v better_a thought_n to_o be_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o writer_n than_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n some_o reckon_v by_o name_n so_o many_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v they_o the_o word_n of_o god_n first_o before_o they_o have_v well_o consider_v what_o they_o contain_v but_o i_o think_v we_o shall_v begin_v there_o and_o see_v what_o we_o find_v write_v in_o they_o for_o we_o can_v well_o assert_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v of_o god_n till_o we_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o talk_v of_o believe_v this_o or_o that_o to_o be_v a_o revelation_n or_o the_o word_n 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