strength_n of_o faith_n but_o ordinary_o to_o the_o very_o be_v of_o faith_n and_o churches_n 20._o not_o that_o the_o present_a possession_n of_o scripture_n be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o the_o present_a be_v of_o a_o church_n not_o that_o it_o be_v so_o absolute_a necessary_a to_o every_o man_n salvation_n that_o he_o read_v or_o know_v this_o scripture_n himself_o but_o that_o it_o either_o be_v at_o present_a or_o have_v be_v former_o in_o the_o church_n that_o some_o know_v it_o may_v teach_v it_o to_o other_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o most_o person_n and_o church_n and_o necessary_a to_o the_o well-being_a of_o all_o 21._o though_o negative_a unbelief_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n may_v stand_v with_o salvation_n yet_o positive_a and_o universal_a i_o think_v can_v or_o though_o tradition_n may_v save_v where_o scripture_n be_v not_o know_v yet_o he_o that_o read_v or_o hear_v the_o scripture_n and_o will_v not_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v the_o 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from_o god_n that_o the_o sense_n apprehension_n of_o their_o object_n right_o state_v be_v certain_a as_o well_o as_o this_o jesus_n christ_n be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n etc._n etc._n though_o a_o saint_n or_o angel_n be_v a_o fit_a messenger_n to_o reveal_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o any_o man_n may_v be_v a_o messenger_n to_o reveal_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o flesh_n a_o ungodly_a man_n if_o he_o have_v better_a eye_n and_o ear_n may_v be_v a_o better_a messenger_n or_o witness_n of_o that_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o he_o see_v and_o hear_v than_o a_o godly_a man_n that_o be_v blind_a or_o deaf_a especial_o in_o case_n wherein_o that_o ungodly_a man_n have_v no_o provocation_n to_o speak_v false_o and_o most_o of_o all_o if_o his_o testimony_n be_v against_o himself_o i_o take_v that_o revelation_n whereby_o i_o know_v
these_o frail_a noisome_a disease_a lump_n of_o flesh_n or_o dirt_n that_o now_o we_o carry_v about_o we_o so_o far_o shall_v our_o sense_n of_o see_v and_o hear_v exceed_v these_o we_o now_o possess_v for_o the_o change_n of_o the_o sense_n must_v be_v conceive_v proportionable_a to_o the_o change_n of_o the_o body_n and_o doubtless_o as_o god_n advance_v our_o sense_n and_o enlarge_v our_o capacity_n so_o will_v he_o advance_v the_o happiness_n of_o those_o sense_n and_o fill_v up_o with_o himself_o all_o that_o capacity_n body_n and_o certain_o the_o body_n shall_v not_o be_v raise_v up_o and_o continue_v if_o it_o shall_v not_o share_v of_o the_o glory_n for_o as_o it_o have_v share_v in_o the_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n so_o shall_v it_o also_o do_v in_o the_o blessedness_n and_o as_o christ_n buy_v the_o whole_a man_n so_o shall_v the_o whole_a partake_v of_o the_o everlasting_a benefit_n of_o the_o purchase_n the_o same_o difference_n be_v to_o be_v allow_v for_o the_o tongue_n praise_v for_o though_o perhaps_o that_o which_o we_o now_o call_v the_o tongue_n the_o voice_n or_o language_n shall_v not_o then_o be_v yet_o with_o the_o forementioned_a unconceivable_a change_n it_o may_v continue_v certain_a it_o be_v it_o shall_v be_v the_o everlasting_a work_n of_o those_o bless_a saint_n to_o stand_v before_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o the_o lamb_n and_o to_o praise_v he_o for_o ever_o and_o ever_o as_o their_o eye_n and_o heart_n shall_v be_v fill_v with_o his_o knowledge_n with_o his_o glory_n and_o with_o his_o love_n so_o shall_v their_o mouth_n be_v fill_v with_o his_o praise_n go_v on_o therefore_o oh_o you_o saint_n while_o you_o be_v on_o earth_n in_o that_o divine_a duty_n learn_v oh_o learn_v that_o saint-beseeming_a work_n for_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o saint_n his_o praise_n be_v comely_a pray_v but_o still_o praise_n 147.1_o hear_v and_o read_v but_o still_o praise_n praise_v he_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o people_n for_o it_o shall_v be_v your_o eternal_a work_n praise_v he_o while_o his_o enemy_n deride_v and_o abuse_v you_o you_o shall_v praise_v he_o while_o they_o shall_v bewail_v it_o and_o admire_v you_o oh_o bless_a employment_n to_o sound_v forth_o for_o ever_o thou_o be_v worthy_a o_o lord_n to_o receive_v honour_n glory_n and_o power_n revel_v 4.11_o and_o worthy_a be_v the_o lamb_n who_o be_v slay_v to_o receive_v power_n and_o riches_n and_o wisdom_n and_o strength_n and_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o blessing_n for_o he_o have_v redeem_a we_o to_o god_n by_o his_o blood_n out_o of_o every_o kindred_n and_o tongue_n and_o people_n and_o nation_n and_o have_v make_v we_o unto_o our_o god_n king_n and_o priest_n revel_v 5.12_o 9_o 10._o alleluja_n salvation_n and_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o power_n unto_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n praise_v our_o god_n all_o you_o his_o servant_n and_o you_o that_o fear_v he_o small_a and_o great_a alleluja_n for_o the_o lord_n god_n omnipotent_a reign_v revel_v 19.1_o 5_o 6._o oh_o christian_n this_o be_v the_o bless_a rest_n a_o rest_n without_o rest_n for_o they_o rest_v not_o day_n and_o night_n say_v holy_a holy_a holy_a lord_n god_n almighty_a which_o be_v and_o be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v revel_v 4.8_o sing_v forth_o his_o praise_n now_o you_o saint_n it_o be_v a_o work_n our_o master_n christ_n have_v teach_v we_o and_o you_o shall_v for_o ever_o sing_v before_o he_o the_o song_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o song_n of_o the_o lamb_n great_a and_o marvellous_a be_v thy_o work_n lord_n god_n almighty_a just_a and_o true_a be_v thy_o way_n thou_o king_n of_o saint_n revel_v 15.3_o sect_n vi_o soul._n and_o if_o the_o body_n shall_v be_v thus_o employ_v oh_o how_o shall_v the_o soul_n be_v take_v up_o as_o its_o power_n and_o capacity_n be_v great_a so_o its_o action_n strong_a and_o its_o enjoyment_n sweet_a as_o the_o bodily_a sense_n have_v their_o proper_a aptitude_n and_o action_n whereby_o they_o receive_v and_o enjoy_v their_o object_n so_o do_v the_o soul_n in_o its_o own_o action_n enjoy_v its_o own_o object_n by_o know_v by_o think_v and_o remember_v by_o love_v and_o by_o delightful_a joy_v this_o be_v the_o soul_n enjoy_v by_o these_o eye_n it_o see_v and_o by_o these_o arm_n it_o embrace_v if_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o disciple_n with_o christ_n on_o earth_n much_o more_o that_o behold_v he_o in_o his_o glory_n bless_a be_v the_o eye_n that_o see_v the_o thing_n that_o you_o see_v and_o the_o ear_n that_o hear_v the_o thing_n that_o you_o hear_v for_o many_o prince_n and_o great_a one_o have_v desire_v and_o hope_v to_o see_v the_o thing_n that_o you_o see_v and_o have_v not_o see_v they_o etc._n etc._n mat._n 13.16_o 17._o knowledge_n knowledge_n of_o itself_o be_v very_o desirable_a even_o the_o knowledge_n of_o some_o evil_n though_o not_o the_o evil_n itself_o as_o far_o as_o the_o rational_a soul_n exceed_v the_o sensitive_a so_o far_o the_o delight_n of_o a_o philosopher_n in_o discover_v the_o secret_n of_o nature_n and_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o science_n exceed_v the_o delight_n of_o the_o glutton_n the_o drunkard_n the_o unclean_a and_o of_o all_o voluptuous_a sensualist_n whatsoever_o so_o excellent_a be_v all_o truth_n what_o then_o be_v their_o delight_n who_o know_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n what_o will_v i_o not_o give_v so_o that_o all_o the_o uncertain_a questionable_a principle_n in_o logic_n natural_a philosophy_n metaphysic_n and_o medicine_n be_v but_o certain_a in_o themselves_o and_o to_o i_o and_o that_o my_o dull_a obscure_a notion_n of_o they_o be_v but_o quick_a and_o clear_a oh_o what_o then_o shall_v i_o not_o either_o perform_v or_o part_n with_o to_o enjoy_v a_o clear_a and_o true_a apprehension_n of_o the_o most_o true_a god_n how_o noble_a a_o faculty_n faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v this_o understanding_n it_o can_v compass_v the_o earth_n it_o can_v measure_v the_o sun_n moon_n star_n and_o heaven_n it_o can_v foreknow_v each_o eclipse_n to_o a_o minute_n many_o year_n before_o yea_o but_o this_o be_v the_o top_n of_o all_o its_o excellency_n it_o can_v know_v god_n who_o be_v infinite_a who_o make_v all_o these_o a_o little_a here_o and_o more_o much_o more_o hereafter_o oh_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n he_o have_v create_v the_o understanding_n with_o a_o natural_a bias_n and_o inclination_n to_o truth_n as_o its_o object_n and_o to_o the_o prime_a truth_n as_o its_o prime_a object_n and_o lest_o we_o shall_v turn_v aside_o to_o any_o creature_n he_o have_v keep_v this_o as_o his_o own_o divine_a prerogative_n not_o communicable_a to_o any_o creature_n viz._n to_o be_v the_o prime_a truth_n and_o though_o i_o think_v not_o as_o truth_n some_o do_v that_o there_o be_v so_o near_o a_o close_a between_o the_o understanding_n and_o truth_n as_o may_v produce_v a_o proper_a union_n or_o identity_n yet_o doubtless_o it_o be_v no_o such_o cold_a touch_n or_o disdainful_a embrace_n as_o be_v between_o these_o gross_a earthly_a heterogeneal_n the_o true_a studious_a contemplative_a man_n know_v this_o to_o be_v true_a who_o feel_v as_o sweet_a embrace_n between_o his_o intellect_n and_o truth_n and_o far_o more_o than_o ever_o the_o quick_a sense_n do_v in_o possess_v its_o desire_a object_n but_o the_o true_a studious_a contemplative_a christian_a know_v it_o much_o more_o who_o sometime_o have_v feel_v more_o sweet_a embrace_n between_o his_o soul_n and_o jesus_n christ_n than_o all_o inferior_a truth_n can_v afford_v i_o know_v some_o christian_n be_v keep_v short_a this_o way_n especial_o the_o careless_a in_o their_o watch_n and_o walk_v and_o those_o that_o be_v ignorant_a or_o negligent_a in_o the_o daily_a act_n of_o faith_n who_o look_v when_o god_n cast_v in_o joy_n while_o they_o lie_v idle_a and_o labour_v not_o to_o fetch_v they_o in_o by_o believe_v but_o for_o other_o i_o appeal_v to_o the_o most_o of_o they_o christian_a do_v thou_o not_o sometime_o when_o after_o long_o gaze_v heaven-ward_n thou_o have_v get_v a_o glimpse_n of_o christ_n do_v thou_o not_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v with_o paul_n in_o the_o three_o heaven_n whether_o in_o the_o body_n or_o out_o and_o to_o have_v see_v what_o be_v unutterable_a be_v thou_o not_o with_o peter_z almost_o beyond_o thyself_o ready_a to_o say_v master_n it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v here_o oh_o that_o i_o may_v dwell_v in_o this_o mount_n oh_o that_o i_o may_v ever_o see_v what_o i_o now_o see_v do_v thou_o never_o look_v so_o long_o upon_o the_o sun_n of_o god_n till_o thy_o eye_n be_v dazzle_v with_o his_o astonish_a glory_n and_o do_v not_o the_o splendour_n of_o it_o make_v all_o thing_n below_o seem_v black_a and_o dark_a to_o thou_o when_o thou_o look_v down_o again_o especial_o in_o thy_o day_n
contrary_a with_o thou_o or_o if_o no_o such_o work_n be_v find_v within_o thou_o but_o thy_o soul_n be_v a_o stranger_n to_o all_o this_o and_o thy_o conscience_n tell_v thou_o it_o be_v none_o of_o thy_o case_n the_o lord_n have_v mercy_n on_o thy_o soul_n and_o open_v thy_o eye_n and_o do_v this_o great_a work_n upon_o thou_o and_o by_o his_o mighty_a power_n overcome_v thy_o resistance_n for_o he_o in_o the_o case_n thou_o be_v in_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n what_o ever_o thy_o deceive_a heart_n may_v think_v or_o how_o strong_a soever_o thy_o false_a hope_n be_v or_o though_o now_o a_o little_a while_o thou_o flatter_v thy_o soul_n in_o confidence_n and_o security_n yet_o will_v thou_o short_o find_v to_o thy_o cost_n except_o thy_o through_o conversion_n do_v prevent_v it_o that_o thou_o be_v none_o of_o these_o people_n of_o god_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o saint_n belong_v not_o to_o thou_o thy_o die_a hour_n draw_v near_o apace_o and_o so_o do_v that_o great_a day_n of_o separation_n when_o god_n will_v make_v a_o everlasting_a difference_n between_o his_o people_n and_o his_o enemy_n then_o woe_n and_o for_o ever_o woe_n to_o thou_o if_o thou_o be_v find_v in_o the_o state_n that_o thou_o be_v now_o in_o thy_o own_o tongue_n will_v then_o proclaim_v thy_o woe_n with_o a_o thousand_o time_n more_o dolour_n and_o vehemence_n then_o i_o can_v possible_o do_v it_o now_o 32.29_o o_o that_o thou_o be_v wise_a to_o consider_v this_o and_o that_o thou_o will_v remember_v thy_o latter_a end_n that_o yet_o while_o thy_o soul_n be_v in_o thy_o body_n and_o a_o price_n in_o thy_o hand_n and_o day_n light_n and_o opportunity_n and_o hope_v before_o thou_o thy_o ear_n may_v be_v open_a to_o instruction_n and_o thy_o heart_n may_v yield_v to_o the_o persuasion_n of_o god_n and_o thou_o may_v bend_v all_o the_o power_n of_o thy_o soul_n about_o this_o great_a work_n that_o so_o thou_o may_v rest_v among_o his_o people_n and_o enjoy_v the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v you_o who_o these_o people_n of_o god_n be_v sect_n vii_o 7._o and_o why_o they_o be_v call_v the_o people_n of_o god_n god_n you_o may_v easy_o from_o what_o be_v say_v discern_v the_o reason_n 1._o they_o be_v the_o people_n who_o he_o have_v choose_v to_o himself_o from_o eternity_n election_n 2._o and_o who_o christ_n have_v redeem_v with_o a_o absolute_a intent_n of_o save_v they_o redemption_n which_o can_v be_v say_v of_o any_o other_o 3._o who_o he_o have_v also_o renew_v by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n he_o and_o make_v they_o in_o some_o sort_n like_o to_o himself_o stamp_v his_o own_o image_n on_o they_o 1.16_o and_o make_v they_o holy_a as_o he_o be_v holy_a 4._o they_o be_v those_o who_o he_o embrace_v with_o a_o peculiar_a love_n love_n and_o do_v again_o love_v he_o above_o all_o 5._o they_o be_v enter_v into_o a_o strict_a and_o mutual_a covenant_n covenant_v wherein_o it_o be_v agree_v for_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o to_o be_v his_o people_n 6._o they_o be_v bring_v into_o near_a relation_n to_o he_o relation_n even_o to_o be_v his_o servant_n his_o son_n and_o the_o member_n and_o spouse_n of_o his_o son_n 7._o and_o last_o cohabitation_n they_o must_v live_v with_o he_o for_o ever_o and_o be_v perfect_o bless_v in_o enjoy_v his_o love_n and_o behold_v his_o glory_n and_o i_o think_v these_o be_v reason_n sufficient_a why_o they_o particular_o shall_v be_v call_v his_o people_n the_o conclusion_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v explain_v to_o you_o the_o subject_n of_o my_o text_n and_o show_v you_o dark_o and_o in_o part_n what_o this_o rest_n be_v and_o brief_o who_o be_v this_o people_n of_o god_n o_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v now_o open_v your_o eye_n and_o your_o heart_n to_o discern_v and_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o glory_n reveal_v that_o he_o will_v take_v off_o your_o heart_n from_o these_o dunghill_n delight_n and_o ravish_v they_o with_o the_o view_v of_o these_o everlasting_a pleasure_n that_o he_o will_v bring_v you_o into_o the_o state_n of_o this_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a people_n for_o who_o alone_o this_o rest_n remain_v that_o you_o will_v exact_o try_v yourselves_o by_o the_o forego_n description_n that_o no_o soul_n of_o you_o may_v be_v so_o damnable_o delude_v as_o to_o take_v your_o natural_a or_o acquire_v part_n for_o the_o character_n of_o a_o saint_n o_o happy_a and_o thrice_o happy_a you_o if_o these_o sermon_n may_v have_v such_o success_n with_o your_o soul_n that_o so_o you_o may_v die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o your_o last_o end_n may_v be_v like_o he_o for_o this_o bless_a issue_n as_o i_o here_o glad_o wait_v upon_o you_o in_o preach_v so_o will_v i_o also_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n in_o pray_v finis_fw-la the_o saint_n everlasting_a rest._n the_o second_o part._n contain_v the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o certain_a futurity_n of_o our_o rest._n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n promise_v that_o rest_n to_o we_o be_v the_o perfect_a infallible_a word_n and_o law_n of_o god_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 2_o pet._n 1.21_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o till_o heaven_n and_o earth_n pass_v one_o jot_n or_o one_o title_n shall_v in_o no_o wise_a pass_n from_o the_o law_n till_o all_o be_v fulfil_v mat._n 5.18_o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o 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 luk._n 16.29_o 31._o ego_fw-la solis_fw-la iis_fw-la scripturarum_fw-la libris_fw-la qui_fw-la jam_fw-la canonici_fw-la appellantur_fw-la didici_fw-la hunc_fw-la timorem_fw-la honoremque_fw-la defer_v ut_fw-la nullum_fw-la eorum_fw-la authorum_fw-la scribendo_fw-la aliquid_fw-la errasse_fw-la firmissimè_fw-la credam_fw-la aug._n ep._n 9_o ad_fw-la hieron_n major_a est_fw-la huius_fw-la scripturae_fw-la authoritas_fw-la quam_fw-la omnis_fw-la humani_fw-la ingenii_fw-la perspicacitas_fw-la august_n li._n 15._o super_fw-la genes_n ad_fw-la litter_n london_n print_v by_o rob._n white_n for_o t._n vnderhill_n and_o f._n titan_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o great_a woodstreet_n and_o at_o the_o three_o dagger_n in_o fleetstreet_n 1649._o to_o my_o dear_o belove_a friend_n the_o inhabitant_n of_o bridgnorth_n both_o magistrate_n and_o people_n richard_n baxter_n devote_v this_o part_n of_o this_o treatise_n in_o testimony_n of_o his_o unfeigned_a love_n to_o they_o who_o be_v the_o first_o to_o who_o he_o be_v send_v as_o fix_v to_o publish_v the_o gospel_n and_o in_o thankfulness_n to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n who_o there_o privilege_v and_o protect_v he_o humble_o beseech_v the_o god_n of_o mercy_n both_o to_o save_v they_o from_o that_o spirit_n of_o pride_n separation_n and_o levity_n which_o have_v long_o be_v work_v among_o they_o and_o also_o to_o awake_v they_o thorough_o from_o their_o negligence_n and_o security_n by_o his_o late_a heavy_a judgement_n on_o they_o and_o that_o as_o the_o flame_n of_o war_n have_v consume_v their_o house_n so_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v consume_v the_o sin_n that_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o by_o those_o flame_n they_o may_v be_v effectual_o warn_v to_o prevent_v the_o everlasting_a flame_n and_o that_o their_o new-built_a house_n may_v have_v newborn_a inhabitant_n and_o that_o the_o next_o time_n god_n shall_v search_v and_o try_v they_o he_o may_v not_o find_v one_o house_n among_o they_o where_o his_o word_n be_v not_o daily_o study_v and_o obey_v and_o where_o they_o do_v not_o fervent_o call_v upon_o his_o name_n to_o the_o reader_n it_o be_v far_o from_o my_o thought_n when_o i_o first_o begin_v it_o to_o have_v so_o enlarge_v this_o as_o to_o be_v a_o part_n entire_a most_o of_o it_o drop_v from_o my_o pen_n beside_o my_o first_o purpose_n have_v i_o intend_v to_o say_v so_o much_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n i_o shall_v have_v stay_v till_o i_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o a_o library_n that_o i_o may_v have_v furnish_v it_o better_o with_o humane_a testimony_n which_o i_o here_o insist_v on_o as_o so_o necessary_a though_o our_o history_n of_o the_o first_o and_o second_o century_n be_v lamentable_o imperfect_a yet_o much_o for_o the_o end_n here_o mention_v may_v be_v produce_v i_o will_v not_o have_v young_a student_n begin_v with_o the_o large_a volume_n of_o late_a father_n but_o i_o can_v wish_v they_o will_v read_v betimes_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o three_o first_o century_n especial_o those_o that_o argue_v for_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o mix_v matter_n of_o fact_n with_o their_o
give_v they_o such_o rejoice_n in_o it_o 5.5_o and_o yet_o never_o bestow_v it_o on_o they_o it_o can_v be_v nay_o do_v he_o give_v they_o the_o earnest_n of_o the_o inheritance_n eph._n 1.14_o and_o seal_v they_o with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n eph._n 1.13_o and_o yet_o will_v he_o deny_v the_o full_a possession_n these_o absurdity_n may_v not_o be_v charge_v on_o a_o ordinary_a man_n much_o less_o on_o the_o faithful_a and_o righteous_a god_n sect_n vi_o 6._o six_o already_o and_o last_o the_o scripture_n mention_v particular_o and_o by_o name_n those_o who_o have_v enter_v into_o this_o rest._n as_o henoch_n who_o be_v take_v up_o to_o god_n so_o abraham_n lazarus_n the_o thief_n that_o be_v crucify_v with_o christ_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o rest_n for_o these_o sure_o there_o be_v a_o rest_n for_o all_o believer_n chap._n ii_o motive_n to_o study_v and_o preach_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n 1._o sect_n i._o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v where_o the_o scripture_n be_v believe_v to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n viz._n the_o certain_a futurity_n of_o the_o saint_n rest._n and_o for_o pagan_n and_o infidel_n who_o believe_v not_o scripture_n it_o be_v beside_o the_o intention_n of_o this_o discourse_n to_o endeavour_v their_o conviction_n i_o be_o endeavour_v the_o consolation_n and_o edification_n of_o saint_n and_o not_o the_o information_n and_o conversion_n of_o pagan_n yet_o do_v i_o acknowledge_v the_o subject_n exceed_v necessary_a even_o to_o the_o saint_n themselves_o for_o satan_n assault_n be_v oft_o make_v at_o the_o foundation_n and_o if_o he_o can_v persuade_v they_o to_o question_v the_o verity_n of_o scripture_n they_o will_v soon_o cast_v away_o their_o hope_n of_o heaven_n but_o if_o i_o shall_v here_o enter_v upon_o that_o task_n to_o prove_v scripture_n to_o be_v the_o infallible_a word_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v make_v too_o broad_a a_o digression_n and_o set_v upon_o a_o work_n as_o large_a as_o the_o main_a for_o who_o sake_n i_o shall_v undertake_v it_o neither_o be_o i_o insensible_a of_o how_o great_a difficulty_n it_o will_v prove_v to_o manage_v it_o satisfactory_o and_o how_o much_o more_o than_o my_o ability_n be_v thereto_o requisite_a yet_o lest_o the_o tempt_a christian_n shall_v have_v no_o relief_n nor_o any_o argument_n at_o hand_n against_o the_o temptation_n i_o shall_v adventure_v upon_o a_o confirm_a argument_n or_o two_o but_o i_o shall_v premise_v first_o a_o word_n of_o entreaty_n to_o my_o brethren_n of_o the_o ministry_n to_o preach_v this_o a_o little_a more_o to_o their_o people_n ☜_o and_o that_o not_o any_o body_n but_o some_o of_o the_o choice_a who_o god_n have_v especial_o furnish_v for_o such_o a_o task_n will_v be_v please_v in_o a_o full_a treatise_n to_o undertake_v it_o to_o which_o end_n i_o give_v they_o some_o of_o the_o reason_n of_o my_o request_n entreat_v the_o lord_n to_o enable_v and_o persuade_v some_o of_o they_o to_o the_o work_n 1._o i_o desire_v they_o to_o consider_v whether_o any_o thing_n yet_o publish_v be_v near_o complete_a or_o such_o as_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o subject_n require_v whether_o much_o more_o may_v not_o be_v say_v and_o be_v convince_a necessary_a to_o be_v say_v then_o be_v yet_o say_v by_o any_o that_o have_v write_v on_o this_o subject_n 2._o whether_o if_o christian_n who_o have_v opportunity_n do_v their_o duty_n will_v it_o not_o be_v a_o singular_a part_n of_o their_o work_n to_o endeavour_v the_o thing_n conversion_n of_o pagan_n and_o infidel_n and_o as_o i_o say_v before_o without_o some_o argument_n to_o demonstrate_v to_o they_o the_o verity_n of_o scripture_n how_o be_v we_o furnish_v for_o such_o a_o work_n or_o what_o have_v we_o to_o say_v but_o naked_a affirmation_n yea_o how_o can_v we_o maintain_v the_o credit_n of_o christianity_n if_o we_o be_v put_v to_o dispute_v the_o case_n with_o a_o unbeliever_n 3._o whether_o the_o assertion_n of_o some_o of_o our_o divine_n that_o a_o natural_a man_n without_o the_o extraordinary_a 57_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n can_v be_v persuade_v of_o the_o verity_n of_o scripture_n notwithstanding_o all_o argument_n that_o can_v be_v produce_v be_v not_o very_a derogatory_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n and_o do_v not_o justify_v the_o world_n in_o their_o unbelief_n for_o it_o be_v not_o their_o sin_n to_o deny_v assent_n to_o that_o which_o have_v not_o sufficient_a evidence_n as_o if_o we_o confess_v to_o they_o we_o have_v not_o argument_n to_o convince_v you_o but_o you_o must_v be_v convince_v by_o the_o spirit_n without_o argument_n as_o if_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o deal_v with_o we_o as_o rational_a creature_n and_o do_v persuade_v without_o argument_n and_o not_o by_o it_o as_o if_o many_o wicked_a man_n do_v not_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n yet_o i_o confess_v there_o be_v great_a difference_n betwixt_o natural_a and_o spiritual_a belief_n 4._o be_v not_o this_o the_o groundwork_n of_o the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o very_a christ._n foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o therefore_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v timely_a and_o sound_o lay_v and_o frequent_o and_o clear_o teach_v etc._n 5._o be_v not_o faith_n a_o rational_a act_n of_o a_o rational_a creature_n and_o so_o the_o understanding_n proceed_v discursive_o in_o its_o production_n and_o be_v not_o that_o the_o strong_a faith_n which_o have_v the_o strong_a reason_n to_o prove_v the_o testimony_n to_o be_v valid_a upon_o which_o it_o rest_v and_o the_o clear_a apprehension_n and_o use_n of_o those_o reason_n and_o the_o true_a faith_n which_o have_v the_o true_a reason_n true_o apprehend_v and_o use_v and_o must_v not_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_n be_v a_o weak_a or_o false_a faith_n which_o receive_v the_o verity_n and_o validity_n of_o the_o testimony_n from_o weak_a or_o false_a ground_n though_o the_o testimony_n of_o itself_o be_v the_o true_a in_o the_o world_n our_o divine_n use_v to_o say_v concern_v love_n to_o christ_n that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o degree_n of_o fervour_n so_o much_o as_o by_o the_o ground_n and_o motive_n so_o that_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v love_v christ_n upon_o the_o same_o reason_n as_o a_o turk_n love_v mahomet_n it_o be_v no_o true_a love_n if_o he_o love_v he_o upon_o false_a ground_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o false_a love_n and_o if_o upon_o common_a ground_n it_o can_v be_v but_o a_o common_a love_n and_o be_v it_o not_o then_o as_o clear_v that_o to_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n upon_o the_o ground_n that_o a_o turk_n believe_v in_o mahomet_n or_o to_o believe_v scripture_n upon_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o the_o turk_n believe_v the_o alcoran_n be_v no_o true_a faith_n suppose_v that_o both_o have_v the_o like_a verity_n of_o their_o reason_n 6._o be_v the_o generality_n of_o christian_n able_a to_o give_v any_o better_a than_o some_o such_o common_a reason_n to_o prove_v the_o verity_n of_o scripture_n nay_o be_v the_o more_o exercise_v understanding_n sort_n of_o christian_n able_a by_o sound_a argument_n to_o make_v it_o good_a if_o a_o enemy_n or_o a_o temptation_n put_v they_o to_o it_o nay_o be_v the_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o minister_n in_o england_n able_a to_o do_v this_o let_v they_o that_o have_v try_v judge_v 7._o can_v the_o superstructure_n be_v firm_a where_o the_o foundation_n be_v sandy_a and_o can_v our_o affection_n and_o action_n be_v sound_a and_o strong_a when_o our_o belief_n of_o scripture_n be_v unsound_a or_o infirm_a sure_o this_o faith_n will_v have_v influence_n into_o all_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o coldness_n in_o duty_n weakness_n in_o grace_n boldness_n in_o sin_v and_o unwillingness_n to_o die_v etc._n etc._n that_o our_o faith_n be_v either_o unsound_a or_o infirm_a in_o this_o point_n few_o christian_n among_o we_o for_o aught_o i_o find_v have_v any_o better_a than_o the_o popish_a implicit_a faith_n in_o this_o point_n 64._o nor_o any_o better_a argument_n than_o the_o papist_n have_v to_o prove_v scripture_n the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o have_v receive_v it_o by_o tradition_n godly_a minister_n and_o christian_n tell_v they_o so_o it_o be_v impious_a to_o doubt_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o they_o believe_v it_o and_o this_o worm_n lie_v at_o the_o root_n cause_v the_o languish_a and_o decay_n of_o the_o whole_a yet_o be_v it_o usual_o undiscerned_a 204._o for_o the_o root_n lie_v secret_a under_o ground_n but_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o judge_n that_o though_o the_o most_o complain_v of_o their_o uncertainty_n of_o salvation_n through_o want_n of_o assurance_n of_o their_o own_o interest_n and_o of_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o apply_v act_n of_o faith_n yet_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o all_o
what_o we_o believe_v both_o these_o be_v again_o divine_a or_o humane_a 3._o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o believe_v as_o probable_a another_o thing_n to_o believe_v it_o as_o certain_a 4._o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v true_a conditional_o another_o to_o believe_v it_o absolute_o 5._o we_o must_v distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o bare_a assent_n of_o the_o understanding_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o axiom_n when_o it_o be_v only_o silence_v by_o force_n of_o argument_n which_o will_v be_v strong_a or_o weak_a as_o the_o argument_n seem_v more_o or_o less_o demonstrative_a and_o second_o that_o deep_a apprehension_n and_o firm_a assent_n which_o proceed_v from_o a_o well_o establish_v confirm_a faith_n back_v by_o experience_n 6._o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o axiom_n another_o to_o taste_v and_o choose_v the_o good_a contain_v in_o it_o which_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o will._n sect_n ii_o 2._o the_o use_v i_o shall_v make_v of_o these_o distinction_n be_v to_o open_v the_o way_n to_o these_o follow_a position_n which_o will_v resolve_v the_o great_a question_n on_o foot_n how_o far_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o write_a word_n be_v of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o whether_o this_o foundation_n have_v be_v always_o the_o same_o pos._n 1._o the_o object_n of_o belief_n be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v or_o a_o divine_a testimony_n where_o two_o thing_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a first_o the_o matter_n second_o the_o revelation_n 2._o all_o this_o reveal_v will_n be_v necessary_a perfectionem_fw-la to_o the_o complete_n of_o our_o faith_n praecepti_fw-la and_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o believe_v it_o but_o it_o be_v only_o the_o substance_n and_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o thing_n necessary_o suppose_v to_o the_o know_v and_o keep_v of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o the_o be_v of_o faith_n and_o to_o salvation_n a_o man_n may_v be_v save_v though_o he_o shall_v not_o believe_v many_o thing_n which_o yet_o he_o be_v bind_v by_o god_n to_o believe_v 3._o yet_o this_o must_v be_v only_o through_o ignorance_n of_o the_o divineness_n of_o the_o testimony_n for_o a_o flat_a unbelief_n of_o the_o small_a truth_n when_o we_o know_v the_o testimony_n to_o be_v of_o god_n will_v not_o stand_v with_o the_o be_v of_o true_a faith_n nor_o with_o salvation_n for_o reason_n lay_v this_o ground_n that_o god_n can_v speak_v nothing_o but_o truth_n and_o faith_n proceed_v upon_o that_o supposition_n 4._o this_o doctrine_n so_o absolute_o necessary_a have_v not_o be_v ever_o from_o the_o beginning_n the_o same_o but_o have_v differ_v according_a to_o the_o different_a covenant_n and_o administration_n that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v now_o so_o necessary_a be_v not_o so_o before_o the_o fall_n and_o that_o which_o be_v so_o necessary_a since_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o so_o before_o his_o come_n then_o they_o may_v be_v save_v in_o believe_v in_o the_o messiah_n to_o come_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n but_o now_o it_o be_v of_o necessity_n to_o believe_v that_o this_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n be_v he_o and_o that_o we_o look_v not_o for_o another_o i_o prove_v it_o thus_o that_o which_o be_v not_o reveal_v can_v be_v no_o object_n for_o faith_n much_o less_o so_o necessary_a but_o christ_n be_v not_o reveal_v before_o the_o fall_n nor_o this_o jesus_n reveal_v to_o be_v he_o before_o his_o come_n therefore_o these_o be_v not_o of_o necessity_n to_o be_v believe_v or_o as_o some_o metaphorical_o speak_v they_o be_v then_o to_o fundamental_a doctrine_n perhaps_o also_o some_o thing_n will_v be_v find_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o we_o which_o be_v not_o so_o to_o indian_n and_o turk_n 5._o god_n have_v make_v this_o substance_n of_o scripture-doctrine_n to_o be_v thus_o necessary_a aliud_fw-la primary_o and_o for_o itself_o 6._o that_o it_o be_v reveal_v be_v also_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n but_o secondary_o and_o for_o the_o doctrine_n sake_n as_o a_o mean_n without_o which_o believe_v be_v neither_o possible_a nor_o a_o duty_n and_o though_o where_o there_o be_v no_o revelation_n faith_n be_v not_o necessary_a as_o a_o duty_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v necessary_a i_o think_v as_o a_o mean_n that_o be_v our_o natural_a misery_n may_v be_v such_o as_o can_v no_o other_o way_n be_v cure_v but_o this_o concern_v not_o we_o that_o have_v hear_v of_o christ_n 7._o nature_n creature_n and_o providence_n be_v no_o sufficient_a revelation_n of_o this_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n 8._o it_o be_v necessary_a not_o only_o that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v reveal_v but_o also_o that_o it_o be_v reveal_v with_o ground_n or_o argument_n rational_o sufficient_a to_o evince_v the_o verity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n or_o the_o divineness_n of_o the_o testimony_n that_o from_o it_o we_o may_v conclude_v the_o former_a 9_o the_o revelation_n of_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o first_o immediate_a delivery_n from_o god_n or_o second_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o way_n of_o its_o come_n down_o to_o we_o it_o be_v deliver_v by_o god_n immediate_o either_o by_o writing_n as_o the_o two_o table_n or_o by_o inform_v angel_n who_o may_v be_v his_o messenger_n or_o by_o inspire_v some_o choice_n particular_a man_n so_o that_o few_o in_o the_o world_n have_v receive_v it_o from_o god_n at_o the_o first_o hand_n 10._o the_o only_a way_n of_o revelation_n that_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v be_v now_o leave_v be_v scripture_n and_o tradition_n for_o though_o god_n have_v not_o tie_v himself_o from_o revelation_n by_o the_o spirit_n yet_o he_o have_v cease_v they_o and_o perfect_v his_o scripture_n revelation_n so_o that_o the_o spirit_n only_o reveal_v what_o be_v reveal_v already_o in_o the_o word_n by_o illuminate_v we_o to_o understand_v it_o 11._o the_o more_o immediate_a the_o revelation_n caeteris_fw-la paribus_fw-la the_o more_o sure_a and_o the_o more_o succession_n of_o hand_n it_o pass_v through_o the_o more_o uncertain_a especial_o in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n 12._o when_o we_o receive_v from_o man_n by_o tradition_n the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n as_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n there_o be_v less_o danger_n of_o corruption_n then_o when_o they_o deliver_v we_o that_o doctrine_n in_o their_o own_o word_n because_o here_o take_v liberty_n to_o vary_v the_o expression_n it_o will_v represent_v the_o truth_n more_o uncertain_o and_o in_o more_o various_a shape_n 13._o therefore_o have_v god_n be_v please_v when_o he_o cease_v immediate_a revelation_n to_o leave_v his_o will_n write_v in_o a_o form_n of_o word_n which_o shall_v be_v his_o stand_a law_n and_o a_o rule_n to_o try_v all_o other_o man_n expression_n by_o 14._o in_o all_o the_o forementioned_a respect_n therefore_o the_o write_a word_n do_v excel_v the_o unwritten_a tradition_n of_o the_o same_o doctrine_n 15._o yet_o unwritten_a tradition_n or_o any_o sure_a way_n of_o reveal_v this_o doctrine_n may_v suffice_v to_o save_v he_o who_o thereby_o be_v bring_v to_o believe_v as_o if_o there_o be_v any_o among_o the_o abaâ—sines_n of_o ethiopia_n the_o coply_n in_o egypt_n or_o elsewhere_o that_o have_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o covenant_n deliver_v they_o by_o unwritten_a tradition_n or_o by_o other_o write_n if_o hereby_o they_o come_v to_o believe_v they_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o so_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n run_v giving_z salvation_n to_o all_o that_o believe_v by_o what_o mean_v soever_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o it_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o true_a believer_n in_o those_o part_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n where_o the_o scripture_n be_v whole_o hide_v from_o the_o vulgar_a if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o part_n 16._o yet_o where_o the_o write_a word_n be_v want_v salvation_n must_v needs_o be_v more_o difficult_a and_o more_o rare_a and_o faith_n more_o feeble_a and_o man_n conversation_n worse_o order_v because_o they_o want_v that_o clear_a revelation_n that_o sure_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n which_o may_v make_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n more_o easy_a 17._o when_o tradition_n arise_v no_o high_a or_o come_v original_o but_o from_o this_o write_a word_n and_o not_o from_o the_o verbal_a testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n before_o the_o word_n be_v write_v there_o that_o tradition_n be_v but_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o not_o a_o distinct_a way_n of_o reveal_v 18._o such_o be_v most_o of_o the_o tradition_n for_o aught_o i_o can_v learn_v that_o be_v now_o afoot_a in_o the_o world_n for_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n but_o not_o for_o matter_n of_o fact_n 17._o therefore_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o only_o necessary_a to_o the_o well-being_a of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o
officer_n and_o order_n of_o church_n be_v to_o we_o as_o law_n still_o bind_v with_o those_o limitation_n as_o positives_n only_o which_o give_v way_n to_o great_a 43._o the_o ground_n of_o this_o position_n be_v because_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n to_o send_v man_n to_o a_o work_n and_o promise_v to_o be_v with_o they_o and_o yet_o to_o forsake_v they_o and_o suffer_v they_o to_o err_v in_o the_o build_n of_o that_o house_n which_o must_v endure_v till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n 44._o yet_o if_o any_o of_o these_o commissioner_n do_v err_v in_o their_o own_o particular_a conversation_n or_o in_o matter_n without_o the_o extent_n of_o their_o commission_n 12.13_o this_o may_v consist_v with_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n god_n have_v not_o promise_v they_o infallibility_n and_o perfection_n the_o disgrace_n be_v their_o own_o but_o if_o they_o shall_v miscarry_v in_o that_o wherein_o they_o be_v send_v to_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o other_o the_o church_n will_v then_o have_v a_o imperfect_a rule_n and_o the_o dishonour_n will_v redound_v to_o god_n 45._o yet_o i_o find_v not_o that_o ever_o god_n authorize_v any_o mere_a man_n to_o be_v a_o lawgiver_n to_o the_o church_n in_o substantial_o but_o only_o to_o deliver_v the_o law_n which_o he_o have_v give_v to_o interpret_v they_o and_o to_o determine_v circumstantial_n not_o by_o he_o determine_v 46._o where_o god_n ow_v man_n doctrine_n and_o example_n by_o miracle_n they_o be_v to_o be_v take_v as_o infallible_o divine_a much_o more_o when_o commission_n promise_v and_o miracle_n do_v concur_v which_o confirm_v the_o apostle_n example_n for_o currant_n 47._o so_o that_o if_o any_o of_o the_o â—ings_n or_o prophet_n have_v give_v law_n and_o form_v the_o church_n as_o moses_n they_o have_v not_o be_v bind_v because_o without_o the_o say_a commission_n or_o if_o any_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v by_o word_n or_o action_n arrogate_v a_o apostolical_a privilege_n 48._o there_o be_v no_o verity_n about_o god_n or_o the_o chief_a happiness_n of_o man_n write_v in_o nature_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v write_v in_o scripture_n 49._o so_o that_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v in_o these_o several_a respect_n be_v the_o object_n both_o of_o knowledge_n and_o of_o faith_n 50._o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o perfect_a a_o transcript_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o reason_n be_v much_o more_o to_o be_v credit_v in_o its_o supernatural_a revelation_n 51._o the_o probability_n of_o most_o thing_n and_o the_o possibility_n of_o all_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n may_v well_o be_v discern_v by_o reason_n itself_o which_o make_v their_o existence_n or_o futurity_n the_o more_o easy_a to_o be_v believe_v 52._o yet_o before_o this_o existence_n or_o futurity_n of_o any_o thing_n beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o reason_n can_v be_v sound_o believe_v the_o testimony_n must_v be_v know_v to_o be_v true_o divine_a 53._o yet_o a_o belief_n of_o scripture_n doctrine_n as_o probable_a do_v usual_o go_v before_o a_o belief_n of_o certainty_n and_o be_v a_o good_a preparative_n thereto_o 54._o the_o direct_a express_a sense_n must_v be_v believe_v direct_o and_o absolute_o as_o infallible_a and_o the_o consequence_n where_o they_o may_v be_v clear_o and_o certain_o raise_v but_o where_o there_o be_v danger_n of_o err_v in_o raise_v consequence_n the_o assent_n can_v be_v but_o weak_a and_o conditional_a 55._o a_o consequence_n raise_v from_o scripture_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o immediate_a sense_n can_v be_v call_v any_o part_n of_o scripture_n 56._o where_o one_o of_o the_o premise_n be_v in_o nature_n and_o the_o other_o only_o in_o scripture_n there_o the_o conclusion_n be_v mix_v partly_o know_v and_o partly_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o those_o premise_n be_v know_v but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n be_v as_o i_o say_v apprehend_v by_o a_o mix_a act._n such_o be_v a_o christian_n conclude_v himself_o to_o be_v justify_v and_o sanctify_v etc._n etc._n 57_o where_o through_o weakness_n we_o be_v unable_a to_o discern_v the_o consequence_n there_o be_v enough_o in_o the_o express_a direct_a sense_n for_o salvation_n 58._o where_o the_o sense_n be_v not_o unstood_v there_o the_o belief_n can_v be_v but_o implicit_a 59_o where_o the_o sense_n be_v partly_o understand_v but_o with_o some_o doubt_v the_o belief_n can_v be_v but_o conditional_o explicit_a that_o be_v we_o believe_v it_o if_o it_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n 60._o fundamental_o must_v be_v believe_v explicit_o and_o absolute_o chap._n four_o the_o first_o argument_n to_o prove_v scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n sect_n four_o 1._o have_v thus_o show_v you_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o how_o far_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o what_o be_v the_o excellency_n necessity_n and_o authority_n of_o they_o 3.16_o i_o shall_v now_o add_v three_o or_o four_o argument_n to_o help_v your_o faith_n which_o i_o hope_v will_v not_o only_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v divine_a testimony_n to_o the_o substance_n of_o doctrine_n though_o that_o be_v a_o useful_a work_n against_o our_o unbelief_n but_o also_o that_o they_o be_v the_o very_a write_v law_n of_o god_n and_o a_o perfect_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o duty_n my_o argument_n shall_v be_v but_o few_o because_o i_o handle_v it_o but_o on_o the_o by_o and_o those_o such_o as_o i_o find_v little_a of_o in_o other_o writing_n lest_o i_o shall_v waste_v time_n in_o do_v what_o be_v do_v to_o my_o hand_n 1._o those_o writing_n and_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o many_o &_o real_a 443._o miracle_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o god_n and_o consequent_o of_o undoubted_a truth_n but_o the_o book_n and_o doctrine_n of_o canonical_a scripture_n be_v so_o confirm_v therefore_o etc._n etc._n against_o the_o major_a proposition_n nothing_o of_o any_o moment_n can_v be_v say_v for_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n apparent_a enough_o to_o nature_n that_o none_o but_o god_n can_v work_v real_a miracle_n or_o at_o lest_o none_o but_o those_o who_o he_o do_v especial_o enable_v thereto_o and_o it_o be_v as_o manifest_v that_o the_o righteous_a and_o faithful_a god_n will_v not_o give_v this_o power_n for_o a_o seal_n to_o any_o falsehood_n or_o deceit_n the_o usual_a objection_n be_v these_o first_o antichrist_n shall_v come_v with_o lie_v wonder_n answ._n they_o be_v no_o true_a 20._o miracle_n as_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o thess._n 2.9_o lie_v in_o seal_v to_o a_o lie_a doctrine_n so_o also_o in_o be_v but_o seem_v and_o counterfeit_a miracle_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v to_o those_o of_o pharaoh_n magician_n and_o all_o other_o sorcerer_n and_o witch_n and_o those_o that_o may_v be_v wrought_v by_o satan_n himself_o they_o may_v be_v wonder_n but_o not_o miracle_n object_n 2._o god_n may_v enable_v false_a prophet_n to_o work_v miracle_n to_o try_v the_o world_n without_o any_o derogation_n to_o his_o faithfulness_n answ._n no_o for_o divine_a power_n be_v proper_o the_o attendant_n of_o divine_a revelation_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v annex_v to_o diabolical_a delusion_n it_o will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a excuse_n to_o the_o world_n for_o their_o believe_v those_o delusion_n and_o if_o miracle_n shall_v not_o be_v a_o sufficient_a seal_n to_o prove_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o witness_n to_o be_v divine_a then_o be_v there_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n sufficient_a and_o so_o our_o faith_n will_v be_v quite_o overthrow_v object_n but_o however_o miracle_n will_v no_o more_o prove_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n than_o they_o will_v prove_v moses_n elias_n or_o elisha_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o they_o wrought_v miracle_n as_o well_o as_o christ._n answ._n miracle_n be_v god_n seal_v not_o to_o extol_v the_o person_n that_o be_v instrumental_a nor_o for_o his_o glory_n but_o to_o extol_v god_n and_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n god_n do_v not_o entrust_v any_o creature_n with_o this_o seal_n so_o absolute_o as_o that_o they_o may_v use_v it_o when_o and_o in_o what_o case_n they_o please_v if_o moses_n or_o elias_n have_v affirm_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n they_o can_v never_o have_v confirm_v that_o affirmation_n with_o a_o miracle_n for_o god_n will_v not_o have_v seal_v to_o a_o lie_n christ_n power_n of_o work_a miracle_n do_v not_o immediate_o prove_v he_o to_o be_v the_o christ._n but_o it_o immediate_o prove_v his_o testimony_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o that_o testimony_n speak_v his_o nature_n and_o office_n so_o that_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n in_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v not_o to_o aâ—â—est_v to_o their_o own_o greatness_n but_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n concern_v christ._n
whatsoever_o any_o man_n affirm_v to_o i_o and_o work_v a_o real_a miracle_n to_o confirm_v it_o i_o must_v needs_o take_v myself_o bind_v 〈◊〉_d believe_v he_o object_n but_o what_o if_o some_o one_o shall_v work_v miracle_n to_o confirm_v a_o doctrine_n contrary_n to_o scripture_n will_v you_o believe_v it_o do_v not_o paul_n say_v if_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n teach_v any_o other_o gospel_n let_v he_o be_v accurse_v answ._n i_o be_o sure_a god_n will_v never_o give_v any_o false_a teacher_n the_o power_n of_o confirm_v his_o doctrine_n by_o miracle_n else_o god_n shall_v subscribe_v his_o name_n to_o contradiction_n the_o appearance_n of_o a_o angel_n be_v no_o miracle_n though_o a_o wonder_n second_o but_o the_o main_a assault_n i_o know_v will_v be_v make_v against_o the_o minor_a proposition_n of_o the_o argument_n and_o so_o the_o question_n will_v be_v de_fw-fr facto_fw-la whether_o ever_o such_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v or_o no_o i_o shall_v grant_v that_o we_o must_v not_o here_o argue_v circular_o to_o prove_v the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v of_o god_n by_o the_o miracle_n and_o then_o the_o miracle_n to_o have_v be_v wrought_v by_o the_o divine_a testimony_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o so_o round_o but_o yet_o to_o use_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o history_n of_o scripture_n as_o a_o humane_a testimony_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v no_o circular_a argue_v sect_n ii_o 2._o towards_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o minor_a therefore_o i_o shall_v first_o lay_v these_o ground_n position_n that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o certainty_n in_o some_o humane_a testimony_n that_o may_v exclude_v all_o doubt_n or_o cause_n of_o doubt_v or_o there_o be_v some_o testimony_n immediate_o humane_a which_o yet_o may_v true_o be_v say_v to_o be_v divine_a position_n that_o such_o testimony_n we_o have_v of_o the_o 3._o miracle_n mention_v in_o scripture_n if_o these_o two_o be_v clear_v the_o minor_a will_v stand_v firm_a and_o the_o main_a work_n here_o will_v be_v do_v first_o i_o will_v therefore_o show_v you_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o certainty_n in_o some_o humane_a testimony_n both_o experience_n and_o reason_n will_v confirm_v this_o first_o i_o will_v desire_v any_o rational_a man_n to_o tell_v i_o whether_o he_o that_o never_o be_v at_o london_n at_o paris_n or_o at_o rome_n may_v not_o be_v certain_a by_o a_o humane_a faith_n that_o there_o be_v such_o city_n for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o think_v it_o as_o certain_a to_o i_o nay_o more_o certain_a than_o that_o which_o i_o see_v and_o i_o shall_v soon_o question_v my_o own_o sight_n alone_o than_o the_o eye_n and_o credit_n of_o so_o many_o thousand_o in_o such_o a_o case_n and_o i_o think_v the_o sceptic_n argument_n against_o the_o certainty_n of_o sense_n to_o be_v as_o strong_a as_o any_o that_o can_v be_v bring_v against_o the_o certainty_n of_o such_o a_o testimony_n be_v it_o not_o somewhat_o more_o than_o probable_a think_v you_o to_o the_o multitude_n that_o never_o see_v either_o parliament_n or_o king_n that_o yet_o there_o be_v such_o a_o assembly_n and_o such_o a_o person_n may_v we_o not_o be_v full_o certain_a that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o king_n james_n as_o queen_n elizabeth_z as_o queen_n marry_o etc._n etc._n here_o in_o england_n yea_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o william_n the_o conqueror_n may_v we_o not_o be_v certain_a also_o that_o he_o conquer_v england_n with_o many_o other_o of_o his_o action_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o julius_n caesar_n of_o alexander_n the_o great_a etc._n etc._n sure_o those_o that_o charge_v all_o humane_a testimony_n with_o uncertainty_n do_v hold_v their_o land_n then_o upon_o a_o uncertain_a tenure_n second_o it_o may_v be_v prove_v also_o by_o reason_n for_o if_o 1._o the_o first_o testifier_n may_v infallible_o know_v it_o and_o 2._o also_o by_o a_o infallible_a mean_n transmit_v it_o to_o posterity_n and_o 3._o have_v no_o intent_n to_o deceive_v than_o their_o testimony_n may_v be_v a_o infallible_a testimony_n but_o all_o these_o three_o may_v be_v easy_o prove_v i_o have_v think_v to_o have_v lay_v down_o here_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o a_o certain_a humane_a testimony_n may_v be_v discern_v from_o a_o uncertain_a but_o you_o may_v easy_o gather_v they_o from_o what_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o these_o three_o position_n for_o the_o first_o i_o suppose_v none_o will_v question_v whether_o the_o first_o testifier_n may_v infallible_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o testify_v if_o they_o shall_v let_v they_o consider_v first_o if_o it_o be_v not_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n much_o less_o abstruse_a and_o difficult_a point_n but_o only_a matter_n of_o fact_n then_o it_o be_v beyond_o doubt_n it_o may_v be_v certain_o know_v second_o if_o it_o be_v those_o also_o who_o do_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o handle_v who_o do_v testify_v it_o three_o if_o their_o sense_n be_v sound_a and_o perfect_a within_o reach_n of_o the_o object_n and_o have_v no_o deceive_v medium_n four_o which_o may_v be_v discern_v 1._o if_o the_o witness_n be_v a_o multitude_n for_o than_o it_o may_v be_v know_v they_o be_v not_o blind_a or_o deaf_a except_o they_o have_v be_v cull_v out_o of_o some_o hospital_n especial_o when_o all_o present_a do_v both_o see_v and_o hear_v they_o 2._o when_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v open_o in_o the_o daylight_n 3._o when_o it_o be_v do_v frequent_o and_o near_o at_o hand_n for_o then_o there_o will_v be_v full_a opportunity_n to_o discover_v any_o deceit_n so_o that_o in_o these_o case_n it_o be_v doubtless_o sense_n be_v infallible_a and_o consequent_o those_o that_o see_v and_o hear_v be_v most_o certain_a witness_n 2._o next_o let_v we_o see_v whether_o we_o may_v be_v certain_a that_o any_o testimony_n be_v sincere_a without_o a_o purpose_n to_o deceive_v we_o and_o i_o take_v that_o for_o undoubted_a in_o the_o follow_a case_n 1._o where_o the_o party_n be_v of_o ingenuity_n and_o honesty_n 2._o and_o it_o be_v apparent_a he_o drive_v on_o no_o design_n of_o his_o own_o nor_o can_v expect_v any_o advantage_n in_o the_o world_n 3._o nay_o of_o his_o testimony_n will_v certain_o undo_v he_o in_o the_o world_n and_o prove_v the_o overthrow_n of_o his_o ease_n honour_n estate_n and_o life_n 5._o and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o multitude_n that_o do_v thus_o testify_v how_o can_v they_o do_v it_o with_o a_o intent_n to_o deceive_v 6._o and_o if_o their_o several_a testimony_n do_v agree_v 7._o and_o if_o the_o very_a enemy_n deny_v not_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n but_o only_o refer_v it_o to_o other_o cause_n then_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o deceit_n as_o i_o shall_v further_o anon_o evince_v when_o i_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o question_n three_o we_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v infallible_a mean_n of_o transmit_v such_o testimony_n down_o to_o posterity_n without_o deprave_v any_o thing_n substantial_a and_o then_o it_o well_o remain_v a_o undoubted_a 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world_n their_o state_n and_o life_n as_o well_o as_o it_o do_v the_o first_o testifier_n 11._o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o disperse_v of_o the_o copy_n of_o these_o record_v all_o over_o the_o world_n that_o the_o cancel_v and_o abolish_n they_o be_v a_o thing_n impossible_a 12._o if_o the_o very_a history_n of_o the_o enemy_n do_v never_o affirm_v any_o universal_a abolish_n and_o consume_v of_o they_o 13._o if_o all_o these_o disperse_a copy_n through_o the_o world_n do_v perfect_o agree_v in_o every_o thing_n material_a 14._o if_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o such_o moment_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o preserver_n neither_o to_o add_v nor_o diminish_v that_o they_o think_v their_o eternal_a salvation_n do_v lie_v upon_o it_o 15._o if_o the_o history_n of_o their_o enemy_n do_v general_o mention_v their_o attest_v these_o record_n to_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o life_n and_o that_o successive_o in_o every_o age_n 16._o if_o these_o record_n and_o attestation_n be_v yet_o visible_a to_o the_o world_n and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o form_n as_o none_o can_v counterfeit_v 17._o if_o the_o enemy_n that_o live_v near_o or_o in_o those_o time_n when_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v do_v 1._o write_v nothing_o against_o they_o of_o any_o moment_n 2._o but_o oppose_v they_o with_o fire_n and_o sword_n in_o stead_n of_o argument_n 3._o nay_o if_o they_o acknowledge_v the_o fact_n but_o deny_v the_o cause_n prevail_v only_o 18._o and_o if_o all_o the_o enemy_n be_v incompetent_a witness_n 1._o witness_v to_o the_o negative_a of_o which_o they_o can_v have_v no_o certainty_n 2._o and_o carry_v on_o with_o apparent_a malice_n and_o prejudice_n 3._o and_o have_v all_o worldly_a advantage_n attend_v their_o cause_n 4_o and_o be_v general_o man_n unconscionable_a and_o impious_a 19_o if_o all_o these_o enemy_n have_v all_o these_o worldly_a advantage_n can_v neither_o by_o argument_n nor_o violence_n hinder_v people_n from_o believe_v these_o famous_a and_o palpable_a matter_n of_o fact_n in_o the_o very_a age_n wherein_o they_o be_v do_v when_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n may_v most_o easy_o be_v discover_v but_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o beholder_n be_v force_v to_o assent_v 20._o if_o multitude_n of_o the_o most_o ingenuous_a and_o violent_a enemy_n have_v in_o every_o age_n from_o the_o very_a act_n of_o these_o thing_n to_o this_o day_n be_v force_v to_o yield_v and_o turn_v as_o zealous_a defender_n of_o these_o record_n and_o their_o doctrine_n as_o ever_o they_o be_v opposer_n of_o they_o before_o 21._o if_o all_o these_o convert_v do_v confess_v upon_o their_o come_n in_o that_o it_o be_v ignorance_n or_o prejudice_n or_o worldly_a respect_n that_o make_v they_o oppose_v so_o much_o before_o 22._o if_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n that_o can_v burn_v the_o body_n of_o the_o witness_n that_o can_v overthrow_v kingdom_n and_o change_v their_o law_n can_v never_o yet_o reverse_v or_o abolish_v these_o record_n 23._o nay_o if_o some_o 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and_o show_v you_o first_o that_o the_o witness_n of_o scripture-miracle_n can_v and_o do_v infallible_o know_v the_o truth_n which_o they_o testify_v second_o that_o they_o have_v no_o intent_n to_o deceive_v the_o world_n and_o three_o that_o it_o have_v be_v bring_v down_o to_o posterity_n by_o a_o way_n so_o infallible_a that_o there_o remain_v no_o doubt_n whether_o our_o record_n be_v authentic_a for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o think_v will_v be_v most_o easy_o acknowledge_v man_n be_v natural_o so_o confident_a of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o their_o own_o sense_n that_o sure_o they_o will_v not_o suspect_v the_o sense_n of_o other_o but_o if_o they_o shall_v let_v they_o apply_v here_o what_o be_v say_v before_o to_o put_v they_o out_o of_o doubt_n 86._o first_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n which_o may_v be_v easy_o discern_v second_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o who_o bear_v witness_v to_o it_o be_v present_a yea_o continual_a companion_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o multitude_n of_o christian_n be_v eye-witness_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n three_o these_o be_v man_n neither_o blind_a nor_o deaf_a but_o of_o as_o sound_v and_o perfect_a sense_n as_o we_o four_o this_o be_v apparent_a first_o because_o they_o be_v great_a multitude_n even_o that_o be_v present_a and_o therefore_o can_v not_o all_o be_v blind_a if_o they_o have_v how_o do_v they_o walk_v about_o five_o these_o miracle_n be_v not_o do_v by_o night_n nor_o in_o a_o corner_n but_o in_o the_o open_a light_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o people_n six_o they_o be_v not_o once_o or_o twice_o only_o perform_v but_o very_o oft_o of_o several_a kind_n by_o several_a person_n even_o prophet_n and_o christ_n himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n in_o many_o generation_n so_o that_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o deceit_n 166._o it_o may_v have_v be_v easy_o discover_v seven_o and_o last_o it_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o vigilant_a and_o subtle_a enemy_n who_o be_v able_a and_o ready_a enough_o to_o have_v evince_v the_o deceit_n so_o that_o it_o remain_v certain_a that_o the_o first_o eye_n witness_n themselves_o be_v not_o deceive_v 2._o let_v we_o next_o consider_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o also_o as_o certain_a that_o they_o never_o intend_v the_o deceive_a of_o the_o world_n first_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o be_v neither_o fool_n nor_o knave_n 〈◊〉_d but_o man_n of_o ingenuity_n and_o extraordinary_a honesty_n there_o need_v no_o more_o to_o prove_v this_o then_o their_o own_o write_n so_o full_a of_o enmity_n against_o all_o kind_n of_o viciousness_n so_o full_a of_o conscientious_a zeal_n and_o heavenly_a affection_n yet_o be_v this_o their_o honesty_n also_o attest_v by_o their_o enemy_n sure_o the_o very_a remnant_n of_o natural_a honesty_n be_v a_o divine_a offspring_n and_o do_v produce_v also_o certain_a effect_n according_a to_o their_o strength_n and_o nature_n god_n have_v plant_v and_o continue_v they_o in_o man_n for_o the_o use_n of_o 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the_o world_n do_v not_o their_o master_n tell_v they_o when_o he_o send_v they_o out_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v persecute_v of_o all_o for_o his_o sake_n and_o the_o gospel_n do_v they_o not_o find_v it_o true_a and_o therefore_o expect_v the_o like_o themselves_o paul_n know_v that_o in_o every_o city_n bond_n and_o affliction_n do_v abide_v he_o and_o they_o lay_v it_o down_o as_o a_o grant_v rule_n that_o he_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n must_v suffer_v persecution_n now_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v whether_o a_o man_n self_n his_o state_n his_o liberty_n his_o life_n be_v not_o natural_o so_o near_o and_o dear_a to_o all_o that_o they_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o throw_v it_o away_o mere_o to_o deceive_v and_o cozen_v the_o world_n all_o that_o i_o know_v can_v be_v object_v be_v that_o they_o
of_o poor_a fisherman_n tentmaker_n and_o such_o like_a must_v write_v the_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n must_v dive_v into_o the_o spiritual_a mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n must_v silence_v the_o wise_a and_o disputer_n of_o the_o world_n and_o must_v be_v the_o man_n that_o must_v bring_v in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v doubless_v as_o god_n send_v david_n a_o unarmed_a boy_n with_o a_o sling_n and_o a_o stone_n against_o a_o arm_a giant_n be_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o victory_n be_v from_o himself_o so_o his_o send_v these_o unlearned_a man_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o subdue_v the_o world_n be_v to_o convince_v both_o the_o present_a and_o future_a generation_n that_o it_o be_v god_n and_o not_o man_n that_o do_v the_o work_n 4._o also_o the_o course_n they_o take_v in_o silence_v the_o learned_a adversary_n do_v show_v we_o how_o little_a use_n they_o make_v of_o these_o humane_a help_n they_o dispute_v not_o with_o they_o by_o the_o precept_n 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of_o excellency_n when_o indeed_o it_o discover_v they_o the_o more_o certain_o to_o be_v of_o god_n because_o there_o be_v in_o they_o so_o little_a of_o man_n they_o may_v as_o well_o say_v if_o david_n have_v be_v send_v against_o goliath_n from_o god_n he_o will_v sure_o have_v be_v the_o most_o complete_a soldier_n and_o most_o complete_o arm_v the_o word_n be_v but_o the_o dish_n to_o serve_v up_o the_o sense_n in_o god_n be_v content_a that_o the_o word_n shall_v not_o only_o have_v in_o they_o a_o savour_n of_o humanity_n but_o of_o much_o infirmity_n so_o that_o the_o work_n of_o convince_a the_o world_n may_v be_v further_v thereby_o and_o i_o very_o think_v that_o this_o be_v god_n great_a design_n in_o permit_v these_o precious_a spirit_n of_o divine_a truth_n to_o run_v in_o the_o vein_n of_o infirm_a language_n that_o so_o man_n may_v be_v convince_v in_o all_o succeed_a age_n that_o scripture_n be_v no_o device_n of_o humane_a policy_n if_o the_o apostle_n have_v be_v learned_a and_o subtle_a man_n we_o shall_v soon_o have_v suspect_v their_o finger_n in_o the_o contrivance_n yea_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o in_o such_o as_o paul_n that_o have_v some_o humane_a learning_n yet_o god_n will_v not_o have_v they_o make_v much_o use_n of_o it_o lest_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n shall_v seem_v to_o lie_v in_o the_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n and_o lest_o the_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v seem_v to_o be_v more_o from_o the_o ability_n of_o the_o preacher_n then_o from_o the_o arm_n of_o god_n beside_o all_o this_o it_o may_v much_o persuade_v we_o that_o the_o apostle_n never_o contrive_v the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v by_o their_o sudden_a and_o not_o premeditate_v set_v upon_o the_o work_n they_o know_v not_o whether_o they_o shall_v go_v nor_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v when_o he_o call_v one_o from_o his_o fish_n and_o another_o from_o his_o custom_n they_o know_v not_o what_o course_n christ_n will_v take_v with_o himself_o or_o they_o no_o not_o a_o little_a before_o he_o leave_v they_o nay_o they_o must_v not_o know_v their_o employment_n till_o he_o be_v take_v from_o they_o and_o even_o then_o be_v it_o reveal_v to_o they_o by_o parcel_n and_o degree_n and_o that_o without_o any_o study_n or_o invention_n of_o their_o own_o even_o after_o the_o come_n down_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n peter_n do_v not_o well_o under_o stand_n that_o the_o gentile_n must_v be_v call_v 10._o all_o which_o ignorance_n of_o his_o apostle_n and_o suddenness_n of_o revelation_n i_o think_v be_v purposely_o contrive_v by_o christ_n to_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o contriver_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v 4._o sect_n iv_o 2._o let_v we_o next_o then_o consider_v how_o far_o short_a the_o learned_a philosopher_n have_v come_v of_o this_o they_o that_o have_v spend_v all_o their_o day_n in_o most_o painful_a study_n have_v the_o strong_a natural_a endowment_n for_o to_o enable_v they_o and_o the_o learned_a teacher_n the_o excellent_a library_n the_o bountiful_a encouragement_n and_o countenance_n of_o prince_n to_o further_o they_o and_o yet_o after_o all_o this_o be_v very_a novice_n in_o all_o spiritual_a thing_n they_o can_v tell_v what_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v nor_o where_o that_o happiness_n shall_v be_v enjoy_v nor_o when_o nor_o how_o long_o nor_o what_o be_v the_o certain_a mean_n to_o attain_v it_o nor_o who_o they_o be_v that_o shall_v possess_v it_o they_o know_v nothing_o how_o the_o world_n be_v make_v nor_o how_o it_o shall_v end_v nor_o know_v they_o the_o god_n who_o do_v create_v and_o do_v sustain_v it_o but_o for_o the_o most_o of_o they_o they_o multiply_v feighn_v deity_n but_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o open_v this_o more_o full_o anon_o under_o the_o last_o argument_n chap._n vi_o the_o three_o argument_n 3._o sect_n i._o 1._o my_o three_o argument_n whereby_o i_o prove_v the_o 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thou_o rise_v off_o thy_o knee_n when_o thou_o open_v thy_o bible_n or_o other_o book_n let_v it_o be_v with_o this_o hope_n to_o meet_v with_o some_o passage_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o some_o such_o blessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o it_o as_o may_v raise_v thy_o affection_n near_a heaven_n and_o give_v thou_o a_o full_a taste_n thereof_o when_o thou_o be_v set_v thy_o foot_n out_o at_o thy_o door_n to_o go_v to_o the_o public_a ordinance_n and_o worship_n say_v i_o hope_v to_o meet_v with_o somewhat_o from_o god_n that_o may_v raise_v my_o affection_n before_o i_o return_v i_o hope_v the_o spirit_n will_v give_v i_o the_o meeting_n and_o sweeten_v my_o heart_n with_o those_o celestial_a delight_n i_o hope_v that_o christ_n will_v appear_v to_o i_o in_o that_o way_n and_o shine_v about_o i_o with_o light_n from_o heaven_n and_o let_v i_o hear_v his_o instruct_n and_o revive_v voice_n and_o causa_fw-la the_o scale_n to_o fall_v from_o my_o eye_n that_o i_o may_v see_v more_o of_o 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soul_n of_o its_o approach_a rest._n as_o all_o providence_n and_o creature_n be_v mean_n to_o our_o rest_n so_o do_v they_o point_v we_o to_o that_o as_o their_o end_n every_o creature_n have_v the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o final_a rest_n write_v upon_o it_o which_o a_o considerate_a believer_n may_v as_o true_o discern_v as_o he_o can_v read_v upon_o a_o post_n or_o hand_n in_o a_o cross_a way_n the_o name_n of_o the_o town_n or_o city_n which_o it_o point_v to_o this_o spiritual_a use_n of_o creature_n and_o providence_n be_v god_n great_a end_n in_o bestow_v they_o on_o man_n and_o he_o that_o overlook_v this_o end_n must_v needs_o rob_v god_n of_o his_o chief_a praise_n and_o deny_v he_o the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o thanks_o the_o relation_n that_o our_o present_a mercy_n have_v to_o our_o great_a eternal_a mercy_n be_v the_o very_a quintessence_n and_o spirit_n of_o all_o these_o mercy_n therefore_o do_v they_o loose_v the_o very_a spirit_n of_o their_o mercy_n and_o take_v nothing_o but_o the_o husk_n and_o bran_n who_o do_v overlook_v this_o relation_n and_o draw_v not_o forth_o the_o sweetness_n of_o it_o in_o their_o contemplation_n god_n sweet_a deal_n with_o we_o at_o the_o present_a will_v not_o be_v half_a so_o sweet_a as_o they_o be_v if_o they_o do_v not_o intimate_v some_o further_a sweetness_n as_o ourselves_o have_v a_o fleshly_a and_o a_o spiritual_a substance_n so_o have_v our_o mercy_n a_o fleshly_a and_o spiritual_a use_n and_o be_v fit_v to_o the_o nourish_a of_o both_o our_o part_n he_o that_o receive_v the_o carnal_a part_n and_o no_o more_o may_v have_v his_o body_n comfort_v by_o they_o but_o not_o his_o soul._n it_o be_v not_o all_o one_o to_o receive_v six_o penny_n mere_o as_o six_o penny_n and_o to_o receive_v it_o in_o earnest_n of_o a_o thousand_o pound_n though_o the_o sum_n be_v the_o same_o yet_o i_o trow_v the_o relation_n make_v a_o wide_a difference_n thou_o take_v but_o the_o bear_v earnest_a and_o overlooke_v the_o main_a sum_n when_o thou_o receive_v thy_o mercy_n and_o forget_v thy_o crown_n o_o therefore_o that_o christian_n be_v skill_v in_o this_o art_n you_o can_v open_v your_o bibles_n and_o read_v there_o of_o god_n and_o of_o glory_n o_o learn_v to_o open_v the_o creature_n and_o to_o open_v the_o several_a passage_n of_o providence_n and_o to_o read_v of_o god_n and_o glory_n there_o certain_o by_o such_o a_o skilful_a industrious_a improvement_n we_o may_v have_v a_o full_a taste_n of_o christ_n and_o heaven_n in_o every_o bit_n of_o bread_n that_o we_o eat_v and_o in_o every_o draught_n of_o beer_n that_o we_o drink_v than_o most_o man_n have_v in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n if_o thou_o prosper_v in_o the_o world_n and_o thy_o labour_n succeed_v let_v it_o make_v thou_o more_o sensible_a of_o thy_o perpetual_a prosperity_n if_o thou_o be_v weary_a of_o thy_o labour_n let_v it_o make_v thy_o thought_n of_o rest_n more_o sweet_a if_o thing_n go_v cross_a &_o 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